About
North Carolina is a state in the southeastern United States, on the Atlantic coast. Its capital is Raleigh. Visitors tend to know it for two quite different landscapes: the long, narrow barrier islands of the Outer Banks, and the Research Triangle, the region around Raleigh that takes its name from three nearby universities.
What a visit can look like
The state makes a natural trip for travellers who want to split their time between shore and city. The Outer Banks offer beaches and a slower pace, while the Triangle offers a more urban setting with its own character and a steady flow of research and academic life. Because the two areas sit at opposite ends of the state, many people choose one as a base and visit the other as a day trip, or plan a route that links them.
Practical notes
- Where it is: the southeastern United States, facing the Atlantic Ocean.
- Capital: Raleigh, which is also the centre of the Research Triangle.
- Known for: the Outer Banks and the Research Triangle.
- Also called: NC, the Tar Heel State, or the Old North State.
Because the state covers a wide range of places, it is worth deciding early which part you want to see most. A visit focused on the coast and one focused on the city will feel quite different, so checking the season and travel options for the area you choose will help you plan a trip that suits you.
