Find cheap flights to Charlotte

Get a taste of that unmistakable southern charm that Charlotte has to offer. From historic streets to breathtaking architecture, Charlotte offers everything from pleasant weather to a range of fun activities. The best time to visit Charlotte is March through May or September through November. These seasons are less crowded, so hotel rates are more affordable too. While you might be tempted to book flights to Charlotte in the summer, you will encounter the busiest time of year from June to August. Local attractions offer extended hours to bring in tourists, and the temperatures are quite hot at this time of the year. By visiting in early fall, you get mild temperatures and affordable flights to Charlotte too. Winters are pleasant, with Charlotte rarely seeing snow. In fact, winter temperatures average 50 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you visit during the winter, you will avoid the crowds, and hotel rates are at their lowest.

Car Rental

While Charlotte transportation options are plentiful, the best way to get around is by renting a car. The city transit system is minimally connected, so you will spend more time waiting or walking than riding public transportation. Renting a car is the most cost-effective solution because you can stop and explore as you wish. Uptown is laid out in a grid, which makes navigation simple. I-485 and I-277 will be your most used interstates to get around.

Taxis

Taxis are available from the city as well, and they are regulated by the city. There is a drop charge of $2.50 USD, and you are charged for every one-fifth of a mile at $0.50 during rush hours, and $0.50 USD per minute spent in traffic.

Light Rail

The LYNX Blue Line light rail commutes from Uptown to Mecklenburg County. It stops at all the main uptown destinations, and the trains run every 7 to 10 minutes on the weekdays and 20 – 30 minutes during weekends. Fares are $2.20 USD for one-way tickets and $6.60 USD for a day pass. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes and you can transfer to a CATS bus.

Buses

CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) operates throughout Charlotte. Most leave the Uptown Transportation Center and head toward suburbs. They are not the most efficient means for travel, and cost $2.20 USD one-way, while $3 USD is for express buses and $0.90 USD for shuttles. A one-leg trip takes 45 minutes, while a two-leg trip can be as long as 2 hours.

Things to do and places of interest in Charlotte

Charlotte offers a plethora of attractions. During peak travel season, most attractions have extended hours.

Food

Taste real southern cuisine by visiting local restaurants in Charlotte. A few good starting points include 300 East, Bentley’s on 27th, and Landmark Diner.

Sights

You absolutely must get a taste of history while in a city like Charlotte. Some museums to see include the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Nature Museum, the Schiele Museum of Natural History, and the Reed Goldmine State Historic Park. There is also the Mint Museum and Discovery Place that are ideal for families traveling with young kids.

Amusement

The Carowinds is a 100-acre amusement park located just 15 miles out of Charlotte. There are dozens of rides and attractions and you could easily spend a day here without getting bored or covering everything!

Engage in Activities of Your Choice

Charlotte offers everything from boating on Lake Norman to fishing, auto racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and golf.

Shopping

Stop in at the Charlotte Regional Farmers’ Market, the International Collectibles and Antique Show, and Carolina Place Mall.

Night Fun

Visit Crave Dessert Bar for upscale sweet treats, Double Door Inn for music and brews, and Ri Ra for some Irish pub fun.

Tips and tricks for visiting Charlotte

Beware of Road Names

Charlotte roads can be complicated. While Uptown is a grid, the rest of Charlotte will have names for streets. Most roads are one road, but the name changes several times. Therefore, beware that the path you are on may change names, but you may still go in the right direction.

Be Prepared for Traffic

During peak travel times, you will see plenty of traffic. Also, when there are motorsports events, parking and traffic near the Speedway become difficult.

Haunted Houses

Charlotte has numerous haunted houses, so if you are visiting close to Halloween, you can get a kick (or scream) out of the haunted house tours and events!

Breweries

Charlotte is home to several breweries, but notable ones to visit include Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Sugar Creek Brewery, and Triple C Brewery.