To those outside the Carolinas, the city of Greensboro is almost under the radar. It’s not part of the Research Triangle to the east, and it’s hours from the coast. It doesn’t have the same appeal as the mountains of Western North Carolina, and it’s not quite as well-connected as Charlotte. But don’t count Greensboro as your next vacation destination just yet.
The third most-populous city in the state is a dynamic hub of activity that appeals to all manner of visitors—whether you’re interested in history (it played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement), family-friendly museums, or the numerous green spaces found throughout its neighborhoods. Read on to discover our picks for the best things to do in Greensboro, North Carolina.
What to Do
Spend a Morning at the Farmers’ Market
One of the best ways to discover a new city is to visit its farmers' market. Not only will you be supporting the local community, but you’ll also get an inside look at the culture of the area. The Greensboro Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays and seasonally (April through mid-October on Wednesdays). Swing by to pick up some fresh flowers and produce, or meet the talent behind a variety of handcrafted items.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R26ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R46ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframegsofarmersmarket.org; 501 Yanceyville St, Greensboro, NC 27405
Immerse Yourself in Nature
Greensboro might be a city, but there’s no shortage of places to find a bit of peace and quiet among nature. Head to the Greensboro Arboretum to explore its 17 acres of plant collections, display gardens, and various structural features—or go for a walk along the elevated boardwalk in Bog Garden. The latter is also a good spot for those interested in birdwatching.
greensborobeautiful.org/gardens/arboretum; 3299 Starmount Dr, Greensboro, NC 27403
greensborobeautiful.org/gardens/bog-garden; 1101 Hobbs Rd, Greensboro, NC 27408
Learn All About Greensboro’s History
History is a core part of Greensboro’s identity, and there are a number of places you can go to learn more about the city’s past chapters. One of the permanent exhibits at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum is the F. W. Woolworth's Lunch Counter—the original lunch counter where “the Greensboro A&T Four” (Frank McCain, Joseph McNeil, David Richmond, and Ezell Blair, Jr., now Jibreel Khazan) conducted their sit-in on February 1, 1960, sparking a series of additional non-violent protests across the U.S.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeThe Greensboro History Museum’s collections include items owned by first lady Dolley Madison and artifacts from theGreensboro Grasshoppers baseball franchise. Visitors can also opt to join the Greensboro African American History Walking Tour, which highlights historic sites throughout the city that are pivotal to the Black experience.
sitinmovement.org; 134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401
greensborohistory.org; 130 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27401
trianglewalkingtours.com
Have a Night Out at Carolina Theatre
First opened in 1927, the Carolina Theatre (then billed as the “Showplace of the Carolinas”) is a performing arts space that hosts concerts, speakers, plays, and ballets, among other performances. Ahead of your trip, check the event schedule to see if anything piques your interest or aligns with your dates in Greensboro.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2lekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4lekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframecarolinatheatre.com; 310 S. Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Bring the Kids to the Greensboro Science Center
Searching for a fun, educational activity that also keeps you out of the sun (for the most part)? Look no further than the Greensboro Science Center. Part museum, part zoo, part aquarium, the family-friendly facility has exhibits about dinosaurs, a stingray touch tank, and a hands-on farmyard.
greensboroscience.org; 4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
Escape the Heat at a Water Park
When the North Carolina heat firmly sets in, there’s only one place to go in Greensboro: Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe. The water park has something for everyone—from high-speed slides and a wave pool to a relaxing lazy river and kid-only water slides. Be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time to save a few dollars on passes.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2sekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4sekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeemeraldpointe.com; 3910 S Holden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406
Where to Eat and Drink
Get Your Fill of Southern Comfort Food
If you’re craving fried chicken, candied yams, turnip greens, or any other classic Southern dish you grew up eating, you have to go to Stephanie’s Restaurant II. The eatery has been a Greensboro staple for years, and its loyal customers recognize it as one of the best places for soul food in the area.
stephaniesnc.com; 2507 Randleman Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406
Have a Taco Dinner
You’ve got a plethora of taco options at Crafted - The Art of the Taco, a casual restaurant from Greensboro chef Kris Fuller. The menu features unique takes on the taco—like the “Honky Tonk,” made with Nashville chicken, and the “Big Truck,” a pulled pork and and mac and cheese combo.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R34ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R54ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeeatatcrafted.com/gso-main; 220 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Eat Lunch in Lindley Park
You’ll often see or hear Lindley Park Filling Station described as a “neighborhood gem.” Housed in a former gas station and tucked in the walking-friendly Lindley Park area, the restaurant excels in the art of simple, delicious fare—serving up entrees such as reuben sandwiches, elevated burgers, and hearty salads.
lindleyfillingstation.com; 2201 Walker Ave, Greensboro, NC 27403
Grab Cocktails at an Award-Winning Restaurant
A 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant, Machete is one of those places most travelers have on their “must try” list when visiting Greensboro. The Fisher Park restaurant describes its approach as having “Southern roots while embracing global influences,” and you can expect plates of king crab fried rice, duck wings, and sea bass—all accompanied by an amusing house cocktail menu. If you like fresh flavors, go for the “Baby You Can Chive My Car.”
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R3bekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5bekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframemachetegso.com; 600 C Battleground Ave, Greensboro, NC 27401
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
To keep up your energy as you tour around Greensboro, you might need a little bit of sugar—preferably in the form of a slice of cake or a cookie sandwich. You’ll find both at Maxie B’s, a bakery and dessert cafe with roots going back to 1985.
maxieb.com; 2403 Battleground Ave, Greensboro, NC 27408
Where to Stay
Spend the Night at a Historic Bed and Breakfast
There are only a few still-operating sites in North Carolina that were featured in the Green Book—a travel guide for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era—and The Historic Magnolia House is one of them. The hotel was visited by the likes of Jackie Robinson, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong, and the names of the four guest rooms are named in honor of former guests.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R3jekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5jekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframehistoricmagnoliahouse.org; 442 Gorrell St, Greensboro, NC 27406
Go for Old-School Elegance
The O.Henry Hotel, built in 1919, is definitely one of the best hotels in Greensboro. The rooms are traditional without being too dark, and the guest experience is accented by afternoon tea in O.Henry’s Social Lobby and live jazz music and vintage craft cocktails on Thursday nights and select Saturdays.
ohenryhotel.com; 624 Green Valley Rd, Greensboro, NC 27408
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