20 Best Things to Do in Greensboro, NC (for First-Timers!)

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Are you looking for the best things to do in Greensboro NC? This guide has you covered!

This guide will detail some of the top Greensboro attractions and landmarks and give tips on how to visit each (and why you should)! 

Are you planning your trip to Greensboro last minute?

If you’re traveling to Greensboro last minute, you want to ensure you have lodging ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks in town!

Best Hotels in Greensboro:

  1. Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro
  2. Grandover Resort Golf and Spa
  3. Holiday Inn Greensboro Coliseum, an IHG Hotel

🚗  Looking for the best way to get around NC? Click here to check rental car rates for North Carolina

It mixes historical sites with cultural places and everything in between, making it an ideal Greensboro travel guide for first-time visitors. This underrated North Carolina city is definitely worth the weekend trip!

Do you have any ideas for what to do in Greensboro, NC? Let us know your tips in the comments. Thanks!

Best things to do in Greensboro NC
Best things to do in Greensboro NC

Best Things to Do in Greensboro

1. Antique Market Place

If you are one for unique and interesting possessions, the Antique Market Place is for you! Find one-of-a-kind items you will not find anywhere else and get creative!

It’s always important to have statement pieces, and what better place to look than the Antique Market Place?!

The place was formerly known as Elm Street Market Place when it was established in 1995 and then later changed to Antique Market Place when they moved in 2001.

Help out a local business and beautify your style even more simultaneously! With its rustic and ordinary feel, you can immerse yourself in a place that feels like it’s right out of a book – a fairytale of sorts! 

Address: 6428 Burnt Poplar Rd, Greensboro, NC 27409

2. Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden

Greensboro Beautiful Inc. is a nonprofit organization that works on preserving and flourishing the ecology of the community. Volunteers always come and help out at these places.

The Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden is one of the areas in which they work. The garden is open to visitors and the goal is to create such an environment where people feel peaceful and free!

They also have various ecological programs you can take part in such as ‘Community Cleanup’ and ‘Plant a Tree’ days.

Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden - Amanda Reyes - Shutterstock
Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden – Amanda Reyes – Shutterstock

You can also support the place along with its cause by donating money.

Remember, every little bit helps and we all have to contribute to preserving and benefiting our planet! If you simply want to visit, check their page for constant updates as the hours vary throughout the year.

It is open year-round though, so you can check it out whenever you’d like whether it is in the fall or spring

Address: 1105 Hobbs Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410

3. Crafted 

With a skater-like vibe, down at Crafted, you can have some great food while enjoying an interesting and friendly atmosphere!

When in Greensboro and looking for a place to grab a bite, check out Crafted.

Grab a friend or two and have an amazing meal! There are also catering services available, so if you’re looking for food for an event, choose Crafted.

Their hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30am-9:00pm, Friday to Saturday, 11:30am-10:00pm, and Sunday, 11:30am-9:00pm.

Address: 220 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401

4. Greensboro Natural Science Center

Greensboro Natural Science Center is definitely for those who want to explore wildlife and learn new things!

This is especially ideal for families as there are activities for children and also some that adults might want to partake in as well.

Once you visit, prepare to see omniSphere shows, ride carousels, and do ‘SkyWild’! At the Greensboro Natural Science Center, you can also feel free to host events as well.

Greensboro Science Center
Greensboro Science Center

They are open year-round from 9 am-5 pm (except during Winter Wonderlights when it closes at 4 pm).

Admissions are free for GSC members, $19.50 for adults (ages 14-64), $18.50 for seniors (65+), $17.50 for children (3-13), and free for children under 2 years old. 

Address: 4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455

5. Elsewhere Living Art Museum

The Elsewhere Living Art Museum is an open space both visually and mentally. Built from a three-story thrift store, there are over 58 years of material ready to be showcased to the public.

It’s an educational experience for all those who want to see a totally different kind of artform and be completely free and themselves!

You can either visit the museum, go to one of their events, have dinner, see the artists’ collections, or have a creative retreat! Whatever the case may be, Elsewhere Living Art Museum is open to all!

Check their website for updates about their events and ways you can participate. 

Address: 606 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406

6. Gateway Gardens

The Gateway Gardens is the largest project ever undertaken in the 50-year history of Greensboro.

They are open year-round and admissions are free! It is the beautiful entryway into Greensboro and is a playful and interactive garden!

So if you’re looking for something to do when in Greensboro, visit the Gateway Gardens and embrace the surrounding nature!

Gateway Gardens - Amanda Reyes - Shutterstock
Gateway Gardens – Amanda Reyes – Shutterstock

The garden’s hours are: 8 am-5 pm from January to February, 8 am-7 pm from March to April, 8 am-8 pm from May to August, 8 am-7 pm from September to October, and 8 am-5 pm from November to December.

So before you plan your visit, remember to recheck the hours and visit their website for any updates on events and so on. 

Address: 2800 E Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27401

7. Tate Street Coffee House

The Tate Street Coffee House has been waking up the town of Greensboro since 1993.

Of course, they’re most well-known for their coffee and breakfast foods like bagels, pastries, and muffins.

However, they do have an assortment of desserts and lunch options to choose from as well!

Also, if you want to be a part of a chill and interesting environment, join on Thursday nights and Saturday and Sunday mornings for live jazz and Irish music on Sunday afternoons!

Another cool component of this cafe is that if you want to showcase any kind of art of yours, you can reach out to them and see what you can do to promote your work in the cafe! 

The coffee shop is open weekdays from 6:30 am-6 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 7 am-6 pm. 

Address: 334 Tate St, Greensboro, NC 27403

8. Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

Are you looking for a fun activity to do together as a family in Greensboro? If yes, you can visit the Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park where everyone of all ages will enjoy the slides!

Some of the more popular rides are the Daredevil Drop, Bombs Away, and the Riptide Racer!

If you want something with a little less of an adrenaline rush and more kid-friendly, you can hang out by the Shipwreck Cove or Splash Island!

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park
Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

There are also a number of kiddie slides for the little ones and, of course, life jackets are available and absolutely necessary.

If you want to buy tickets, you can buy the tickets and season passes online. If you’re traveling with a group of 15 or more, make sure to check out their group sales as it will be much cheaper that way. 

Address: 3910 S Holden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406

9. Bog Garden in Benjamin Park

If you’re looking for a place to have your next event, or perhaps you’re looking for somewhere beautiful for your wedding venue, whatever the reason, Bog Garden in Benjamin Park is there to satisfy your every need!

Maybe you don’t have anything special going on and you just want to be somewhere where you can relax.

Bog Garden at Benjamin Park via Melinda Young Stuart (Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Bog Garden at Benjamin Park via Melinda Young Stuart (Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Bog Garden is there for you for that as well. You can enjoy the sounds of Serenity Falls and enjoy the view of the many wildlife living there, especially plants and birds.

They are open from November to February, 8 am-5 pm, March to April, 8 am-7 pm, May to August, 8 am-8 pm, September to October, 8 am-7 pm. 

Address: 1101 Hobbs Rd, Greensboro, NC 27408

10. Guilford Courthouse

If you’re a history geek, the Guilford Courthouse is the place for you if you are in Greensboro. You can learn about the soldiers, commanders, and all those affected by the Battle of Guilford.

The battle was two and a half hours long and took place six years into the American Revolution.

This battle was extremely important and strategic as it would change the course of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park - EWY Media - Shutterstock
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park – EWY Media – Shutterstock

For hours and seasons, visit their page and stay up to date on their tours and events.

It’s interesting how a major part of what laid the grounds of America we know and love today is in Greensboro! 

Address: 2332 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410

11. Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum

In this day in age, it’s very difficult to get children engaged in activities that will help develop their brains.

Today, most children are very much interested in technology devices and such which keep them from growing as individuals.

However, centers to help children explore their intelligent, creative, and physical potential do exist and are ready to help!

Greensboro Children's Museum via Govʻt Heritage Library (Flickr CC BY 2.0)
Greensboro Children’s Museum via Govʻt Heritage Library (Flickr CC BY 2.0)

The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum is definitely one of those centers that aspire to make a change among the younger generations.

If you’re interested in helping your child discover their inner potential, visit their website for more information on the programs and their days, along with hours and prices. 

Address: 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401

12. Greensboro Historical Museum

Another one for the history geeks!

It’s extremely important for each and every individual to be acquainted with the history of their town or city as it explains their surroundings in the present in a more efficient manner and allows them to understand a bit of themselves as individuals as well.

Understanding and studying the past helps you realize who you are and who you came from.

It opens up to possibilities and gives you a sense of satisfaction and appreciation for the series of events that led up to your existence.

Greensboro Historical Museum via Chad Davis (Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0)
Greensboro Historical Museum via Chad Davis (Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0)

At the Greensboro Historical Museum, you get the opportunity to learn about the history of the town, from the beginning until today, and even if you’re not a local, it’s really interesting information and worth learning about.

For more information about prices and hours, visit their website. 

Address: 130 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27401

13. Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing

For a quick drink and a fun place to hang out with friends, check out the Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing.

The south is famous for its slow and calm lifestyle, and, down at Greensboro, they are not an exception!

For specific hours and prices, check their website and stay up to date with whatever is going on before visiting. They also have a space for events so if you’re planning something, take the Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing into consideration.

Prices as of right now are from $400 to $600 (only for parties and meetings). Events from Sunday-Thursday are $400, and from Friday and Saturday are $600.

Address: 345 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401

14. International Civil Rights Center & Museum

Racism and discrimination have made their way to be embedded in American history throughout time. Americans have seen a lot in regards to discrimination and violations of basic human rights.

Although history is a major part of the pain and suffering Americans have seen and continue to see today, it is also important to never forget that history as it made us Americans who we are today.

International Civil Rights Center & Museum - KAD Photo - Shutterstock
International Civil Rights Center & Museum – KAD Photo – Shutterstock

At the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, you can see the different ways that civil rights progressed in the United States of America.

They are open from 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Mondays to Saturdays. Also, check their website for updates on different events they host as well.

Address: 134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401

15. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

From breakfasts to lunches, whenever your heart desires comfort food, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles is there for you! When in Greensboro, make sure to have a meal at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles.

With their wide selection of menu options, they really do satisfy all their customers despite the fact that everyone has varying palettes.

If you are planning on heading on over, make a reservation just to be safe.

Chicken and waffles
Chicken and waffles

They also have catering services so if you see that you like the food (which you will), you can book them for an event you’re hosting! You can also order as well. 

Address: 301 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Greensboro, NC 27406

16. Weatherspoon Art Museum

At the Weatherspoon Art Museum, explore various kinds and perspectives of art.

Its mission is to preserve and develop contemporary art which will connect multiple communities together, both on and off-campus and create a place where art is open to interpretation by all!

The Weatherspoon Art Museum aims at making a place somewhere where the appreciation of art to positively impact lives is fostered.

If you are planning your visit, you can go anytime during work hours or check to see when the exhibitions are going to be held (available on their website) and go then!

Their days and hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am-8 pm. They are closed on Sundays and holidays.

Address: 1005 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC 27412

17. Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

The talent of Greensboro is alive and well, and is evident in the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market! The City Market is made up of musicians, farmers, craftsmen, patrons, and culinary talents.

This Farmers Market, going strong since 1874, brings all the culture of North Carolina out and in the open for people to see, appreciate, and love!

The place is a collection of tastes, smells, and sights that make not only the town of Greensboro, but the entire state of North Carolina stand out!

Delicious North Carolina strawberries
Delicious North Carolina strawberries

The market meets every Saturday year-round, and seasonally on Wednesdays too. Check their website for up-to-date information 

Address: 501 Yanceyville St, Greensboro, NC 27405

18. Ambleside Gallery

Art is extremely subjective, yes, but it is something that speaks to everyone’s soul despite race, ethnicity, or religion. No matter what part of the planet you were born in, you can still feel art, it talks to everyone’s souls.

The Ambleside Gallery is home to works of unique and interesting beauty.

The gallery has been up and booming for thirty-seven years, providing both the locals and visitors an interesting place to stop by where they can appreciate art and spend some time with friends or family in a peaceful and one-of-a-kind environment. 

Address: 528 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406

19. The Greensboro Arboretum

If you want to spend some time in an area where you’ll be both educated about a topic that’s perhaps new to you or you just want somewhere peaceful to hang out in, the Greensboro Arboretum is for you!

Throw on a nice dress or shirt and grab a good book and head on down to The Greensboro Arboretum to feel one with the earth!

They’re open year-round and admissions are completely free.

What to do in Greensboro
What to do in Greensboro

Their hours are 8 am-5 pm from November to February, 8 am-7 pm from March to April, 8 am-8 pm from May to August, and 8 am-7 pm from September to October.

Address: 401 Ashland Dr, Greensboro, NC 27403

20. Woods of Terror

Are you a fan of horror movies? What about things that get your adrenaline going? If you are and you just happen to be in Greensboro or you’re just planning on visiting, visit the Woods of Terror!

Some of their attractions include Night Stalkers, Chaos 3D, Industrial Nightmare, and Slaughterhouse. For admission prices, please check their website as the prices may vary depending on the day.

However, most prices do range from $30 to $80 and you can buy the tickets online. Their hours are from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, 6:30 pm-11:00 pm, and 7:30 pm-10:30 pm.

Address: 5601 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27455

Where to Stay in Greensboro

If youʻre looking for a great place to stay during your trip to Greensboro, these are fantastic options for your trip!

Did we miss any amazing things to do in Greensboro NC? Let us know your favorite Greensboro landmarks and places in the comments!

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