It may be the nation's second-largest financial center, but you don't need big bucks to experience all this amazing city has to offer. From affordable Charlotte hotels to budget-friendly attractions, all the excitement and wonder of the cosmopolitan "Queen City" is right at your fingertips:
Carowinds. With an amazing 112 activity-packed acres of fun, including a 20-acre water park, dozens of rides, shows and attractions, a 12-acre kids' paradise and the 55-acre Camp Wilderness Resort, you could spend days exploring this family-friendly amusement behemoth. While the $30+ daily pass may seem steep, Carowinds offers "WOW Passes" for about the same price ($50+) that give you unlimited access to the park for the entire summer. So if you're in town for a week or two, you could go back as much as you'd like at no additional cost.
Carolina Raptor Center.
Spend an exciting day with birds of prey, as you take a self-guided tour and experience over 22 different species of raptors on the center's nearly one-mile-long nature trail. It's all nestled inside of the beautiful Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, on the banks of Mountain Island Lake. Admission is just $8 for adults and kids 5 and younger are free. U.S. National Whitewater Center. Just 10 minutes from Uptown, near several affordable Charlotte hotels is the world's premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center. From whitewater rafting and kayaking to mountain biking, hiking, zip lines and more, this place boasts 300+ acres of woodland, perfect for thrill-seekers, athletes, or folks who just want to kick back and relax on the scenic Catawba River's edge. You can even grab a bite at the River's Edge Bar & Grill. The best bargain is the AllSports Pass, which gives you an entire day of unlimited access to all of the following activities: Family Rafting, Adventure Rafting, Rodeo Rafting, Climbing (Green Routes only), Climb 2 Zip, Mountain Biking, Flatwater Kayaking (Self Guided), Flatwater Kayaking (Guided), Eco Caching, and Mega Zipline. For less than $50 dollars for adults and less than $30 for kids, it's one of the best ways to spend the day in Charlotte.
Billy Graham Library. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a history buff or just a casual visitor, this family-friendly facility offers state-of-the-art exhibits, media-rich displays and films. It includes the Graham family home place, as well as a bookstore. There's even a dairy bar where you can relax and enjoy sandwiches, salads, ice cream, cookies, beverages, and other treats. Admission is free.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Boasting 110 acres of formal gardens, this oasis is west of most Charlotte hotels - just outside the town of Belmont. The world-class garden sits on nearly 400 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie. With its 13,500-square-foot visitor pavilion topped with a magnificent stained-glass dome, 10 acres of manicured, themed gardens, 12 tranquil fountains, the scenic Woodland trail, an orchid conservatory and more, it's no wonder it was named one of the nation's 20 Great Gardens in HGTV's popular book, Flower Gardening. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Children ages 4 and younger are free.
Amber Crest Custom Winery. Sign up for a class at this unique winery and become a wine maker for a day. Not only do they make their own handcrafted wines, they can teach you how to make your own commercial-quality wine in their "Winemaker for a Day" program, where you create, bottle, cork and custom label your own microbatch of wine. Just want to learn a little more about wine? They also offer fun, casual and informative classes starting at around $20.
The Dirt Track Racing School. Spend the day getting down and dirty at this exciting racetrack located in Gastonia, about 25 minutes from Uptown Charlotte. Here you can hit the dirt for less than $200 a session. (Be sure to check online for discount coupons.) No matter what your level of experience, racers and racing fans alike get the chance to drive three different types of racecars: an open-wheel Modified, a Late Model or a Sprint Car. Classes do not require any prior racing knowledge - and it's sure to be a memorable experience.
It's easy to enjoy all that this great city has to offer, without breaking the bank during your visit. If you need more ideas, be sure to visit Marriott's concierge desk or talk to the staff at your Charlotte hotels.
Discover the Queen City on a Budget - Charlotte Hotels & Attractions