Things to do in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- The city is the birthplace of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, which was founded there in 1937.
- Winston-Salem was the site of the first regional planning commission in the United States, established in 1918.
- It is nicknamed the 'Camel City' due to its long-standing history as a center for tobacco manufacturing.
- The city was formed by the 1913 merger of the industrial town of Winston and the Moravian settlement of Salem.
About Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem, historically defined by the fusion of the industrial Winston and the religious Moravian settlement of Salem, serves as the economic heart of the North Carolina Piedmont Triad. The city maintains its colonial roots through the well-preserved [422743] Old Salem Museum & Gardens, while also showcasing the refined legacy of the R.J. Reynolds family at the [36393] Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Beyond its cultural corridors, the city offers expansive green spaces like [41624] Reynolda Gardens-Wake Forest and regional entertainment hubs such as [141001] Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. This unique dual identity shapes both its urban architecture and its commitment to local heritage.
Highlights of Winston-Salem, North Carolina
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Experience 18th-century Moravian life through live demonstrations and meticulously maintained historic architecture.
Museums
Explore an extensive collection of American art housed within the former estate of Katharine Smith Reynolds.
Historical places
Tour the site of the original 1753 Moravian settlement, which features restored structures and trails along the Muddy Creek.
Parks
Walk through expansive formal gardens and glass-house conservatories originally designed for the Reynolds estate.
Venues
Watch collegiate football games and major regional sporting events at this primary stadium facility.
Venues
Visit a legendary venue famous for its long history of hosting grassroots stock car racing events.
Parks
Enjoy recreational walking paths and mature landscape features in one of the city's oldest community parks.
Top things to do in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
The 52 highest-rated places in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Hanging Rock State Park is a 9,000-acre park in the Sauratown Mountains featuring over 20 miles of hiking trails. It is...
2
Parks
Pilot Mountain State Park is defined by Big Pinnacle, a prominent quartzite monadnock rising 1,400 feet above the surrou...
3
Parks
Tanglewood Park is a 1,100-acre public recreational facility located on the former estate of the William Neal Reynolds f...
4
Venues
Bowman Gray Stadium is the oldest weekly-racing NASCAR-sanctioned track in the United States, originating in 1949. Locat...
5
Parks
Fourth of July Park is a central recreational hub in Kernersville, North Carolina, featuring diverse amenities across it...
6
Parks
Bailey Park is a 1.6-acre urban green space located in the heart of Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter. It serves as a c...
7
Parks
Reynolda Gardens covers 129 acres of the original 1,067-acre estate established by Katharine and R.J. Reynolds in 1917....
8
Historical places
Historic Bethabara Park preserves the site of the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina, established in 1753. The...
9
Parks
Hanes Park is a central recreational hub in Winston-Salem featuring extensive tennis facilities, baseball fields, and mo...
10
Parks
Bolton Park is a municipal recreation hub in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known for its extensive athletic facilities...
11
Parks
Washington Park is a neighborhood municipal park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known for its extensive network of wa...
12
Museums
Reynolda House Museum of American Art is the preserved 1917 country estate of Katharine Smith Reynolds and R.J. Reynolds...
13
Parks
Miller Park is a historic community green space spanning approximately 23 acres in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The pa...
14
Parks
Horizons Park is a 49-acre public recreation area located in Germanton, North Carolina, managed by the Forsyth County Pa...
15
Museums
Körner's Folly is a 22-room Victorian mansion built in 1880 by artist and decorator Jule Gilmer Körner. The structure is...
16
Parks
C.G. Hill Memorial Park is a 103-acre recreational space in Forsyth County, North Carolina, known for preserving the rur...
17
Amusement parks
Adventure Landing Winston-Salem is a family-oriented entertainment center located on South Stratford Road. The facility...
18
Parks
Moratock Park is a historic site in Danbury, North Carolina, centered around the ruins of the Moratock Iron Furnace, whi...
19
Parks
Shallowford Square serves as the primary municipal gathering space and outdoor event venue for the town of Lewisville, N...
20
Parks
Hathaway Park is a neighborhood recreational facility located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, centered around a playgr...
21
Parks
Kernersville Lake Park is a 125-acre municipal recreational area centered around a 30-acre lake. The park features a ded...
22
Parks
Shore-Styers Mill Park is a 118-acre nature preserve in Yadkin County, North Carolina, centered around the restored hist...
23
Museums
24
Parks
Yadkin County Park is a recreational facility located in Yadkinville, North Carolina, serving as a primary hub for local...
25
Parks
26
Venues
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Parks
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Parks
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Venues
30
Parks
Around Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Winston-Salem, North Carolina on the map
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Plan your visit to Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Spring (April to May) and Fall (late September to October) offer mild temperatures ideal for touring outdoor historic sites and walking trails.
2-3 days, sufficient to explore the historic districts, art museums, and major park systems.
A personal vehicle is the most practical way to navigate the city, as public transit is limited and many attractions are spread out.
Stay in the Downtown or West End neighborhoods for proximity to historic districts, dining, and central cultural institutions.
Mid-range; the city offers a variety of affordable historical sites alongside moderately priced dining and lodging options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 52 curated attractions in and around Winston-Salem, North Carolina, ranked by traveller ratings.
Hanging Rock State Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Winston-Salem, North Carolina right now.
The largest category is parks, with 24 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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