While some travelers are attracted to the buzziness of Charlotte, a destination teeming with award-winning restaurants, bars, art galleries, and museums, others prefer to head to the towns outside of the city limits—especially the ones surrounding Lake Norman. Places like Cornelius and Huntersville offer a more laid-back atmosphere complemented by their own roster of things to do, great places to eat, and lots of outdoor space to enjoy.
The latter is a suburban town that’s been growing more popular over the years; both the population and home values continue to steadily increase. Its location along the southernmost shore of Lake Norman is one of the biggest draws for both residents and visitors, but Huntersville also has several other reasons to visit—including a long-running renaissance festival, miles of hiking trails, and a family-friendly amusement park with go-karting, mini-golf, and more.
Whether you’re looking to escape Charlotte for the day or in need of a lakefront getaway, here’s how to plan a trip to Huntersville, North Carolina.
What To Do
Birkdale Village is Huntersville’s largest hub. The mixed-use development is filled with restaurants, big-name brands, and smaller boutiques, so it’s a great place to stretch your legs and spend a few hours doing some retail therapy. Pop in stores like Lily Pulitzer, Southern Tide, and Kendra Scott, then gather ‘round the Plaza for an outdoor movie night.
Outdoor movie nights are held on select Saturdays from April 11 to October 10 at 7:30 p.m.
; 8712 Lindholm Dr #202, Huntersville, NC
Another reason to fall in love with Huntersville is its proximity to outdoor recreation. Case in point: Quest Nature Center and the Carolina Raptor Center, both of which are located inside the Latta Nature Preserve. Start your visit at Quest, where you explore the various exhibits and grab a map to keep on hand as you head out to hike around the area (there are 16 miles of trails to tackle). Or, you can walk along The Raptor Trail, a 0.75-mile route and zoo showcasing over 30 species of birds—from eagles and hawks to owls and falcons.
; 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 ; 6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Weather permitting, a visit to Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, is par for the course when in Huntersville. If you don’t have your own boat to take out on the water, there are several rental and tour companies offering various experiences, from pontoons to paddleboards. You can also stick to the shore at Ramsey Creek Beach, just a 17-minute drive from Huntersville.
; 18441 Nantz Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
For the past 30-plus years, the Carolina Renaissance Festival has been bringing thousands of festival-goers to Huntersville to take part in the recreation of a 16th-century European marketplace. For 2026, the festival will run on Saturdays and Sundays from October 3 through November 22. The open-air experience is set on 25 acres and includes cottages, castles, pubs, live music, theater, artisan demonstrations, and arts and crafts. Dressing up is certainly welcome, and you can rent a costume outside the festival gates.
; 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
If you need an activity that will keep everyone in your party entertained, bring the crew to Frankie’s Fun Park. The amusement park has three mini golf courses, 24 bowling lanes, adrenaline-pumping rides, laser tag, and an arcade, plus an on-site restaurant where you can refuel throughout the day.
; 10621 Bryton Corporate Center Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078
Where To Eat And Drink
Start your morning in Huntersville at The Neighborhood Café, a family-owned and operated restaurant housed in a historic building. Breakfast house specialties include a burrito bowl, breakfast enchiladas, and shrimp and grits, but the menu also features all the classics: pancakes, omelets, benedicts, and French toast.
; 100 Huntersville-Concord Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
The Charlotte Pinky’s Westside Grill location was spotted a few times on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, with Guy Fieri eating the corn dog shrimp, the Viking corndog, Greg’s pickles, and the Triple “G” Burger. You can also order his selections at the Huntersville location. Just come hungry; the aforementioned burger is made with three 5-ounce patties.
; 9818 Gilead Rd STE 101B, Huntersville, NC 28078
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse is another restaurant with several locations across the area. The Huntersville outpost, however, has 112 beers on tap and a menu consisting of something for everyone. Start with the hand-battered chicken tenders before moving on to the honey jalapeño pizza, grouper tacos, or Carolina barbecue sandwich.
; 16609 Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
After paddling on Lake Norman or hiking around Latta Nature Preserve, you’ll likely be ready for a refreshing beverage from Primal Brewery. The Huntersville flagship location has been open since 2014, serving up a rotating list of IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also have non-alcoholic beers, as well as seltzers, ciders, and wine.
; 16432 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Where To Stay
While there are a few different chain hotels in Huntersville, the more unique and luxurious properties are either to the south, in Charlotte proper, or in Davidson, about a 15-minute drive north. Davidson Village Inn is a cozy boutique hotel that puts you right in the heart of the college town. By booking one of the 18 rooms, you’ll be able to enjoy a complimentary breakfast (coffee, locally made baked goods, fruit, eggs, cereal, yogurt, etc) and a variety of top-tier in-room amenities, like L’Occitane bath products and Comphy Company linens.
; 117 Depot St, Davidson, NC 28036
Another option is to go big and stay somewhere super swanky, like The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. One of the top hotels in the Queen City, the recently renovated property is located near Truist Field and the Spectrum Center, and it’s outfitted with all sorts of high-end features. Not only do guests get amazing views of downtown Charlotte, but there’s also a bi-level penthouse spa, a dessert bar, and an elegant cocktail bar.
; 201 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202