What to do in Highlands, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Highlands

Types of activities

Where to stay

Highlands travel guide

Wonderful autumn colors in Slovakia nature. Pure landscape photography of Sulov rocks during the golden hour. Sulovske skaly

Dam turn into a nice waterfall. Side road waterfall u can see from the parking lot.

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Really nice covered bridge and a beautiful drive on Hwy 64 near Highlands, NC

Stream meandering through the mountains
#green

Highlands Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Highlands has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Highlands, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Highlands with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Highlands

Highlands is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Highlands, and make it a breeze to explore Highlands and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Highlands to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Highlands, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Highlands.

Highlands attractions

Highlands has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Highlands to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Highlands.

Looking for things to do in Highlands can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Highlands or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Highlands attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Highlands

Number of things to do	3
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Clayton: Chattooga River Rafting on Class III Rapids: £107
Top 5 things to do	Clayton: Chattooga River Rafting on Class III Rapids Chattooga: Chattooga River Rafting with Lunch Carolina Waterfalls and Highlands Private VIP Boutique Tour
Half-day tours
With kids	Clayton: Chattooga River Rafting on Class III Rapids Chattooga: Chattooga River Rafting with Lunch

What to do in Highlands

Popular places to visit

Dry Falls

Explore the great outdoors at Dry Falls and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Highlands. Discover the area's entertainment venues or seek out its hiking trails.

Small, yet lovely roadside waterfall - drive under it! Such a sweet discovery.

Bridal Veil Falls

Explore the great outdoors at Bridal Veil Falls and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Highlands. Discover the area's entertainment venues or seek out its golf courses.

Whiteside Mountain

Explore the great outdoors at Whiteside Mountain and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Highlands. Discover the area's waterfalls and seek out the hiking trails.

Sunset over Spey Valley Golf and Country Club

Highlands Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Highlands at Highlands Country Club. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Cullasaja Falls

Explore the great outdoors at Cullasaja Falls and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Highlands. Discover the area's waterfalls and seek out the hiking trails.

Glen Falls

Explore the great outdoors at Glen Falls and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Highlands. In the area, take in the entertainment venues and waterfalls.

The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts

You can get tickets for a performance at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts on your trip to Highlands. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Jackson Hole Gem Mine

Find out about the history of Highlands when you take a trip to Jackson Hole Gem Mine. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

If Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Highlands.

Explore areas of Highlands

Panoramic view at the lake and forest in a fall

Mirror Lake

While Mirror Lake may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Highlands Country Club and Bridal Veil Falls.

Sunlight dapples the vista from the Big View Scenic Overlook along Highway 64 between Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina in Nantahala National Forest. Whiteside Mountain is to the right.

Highlands Hills

Though Highlands Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bridal Veil Falls and Highlands Country Club.

Aerial view of Highlands, with the downtown area and surrounding forest

Downtown Highlands

When in Downtown Highlands, you can plan a visit to Highlands Country Club and Bridal Veil Falls, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Breathtaking view of Studlagil basalt canyon, Iceland, Europe.

Highlands Falls

Highlands Falls might not have many top sights, but Whiteside Mountain and Old Edwards Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lake Sequoyah

While Lake Sequoyah may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls.

Wildwood Mountain

Wildwood Mountain might not have many top sights, but Old Edwards Club and Whiteside Mountain are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Highlands

A woman trail running along a rocky ridge in Grandfather Mountain State Park, Linville, North Carolina.

Scaly Mountain

Frequently asked questions

Is Highlands worth visiting?

One of the most popular things to do in Highlands is explore Bridal Veil Falls. Check this leading sight off your agenda, then discover more of this area's golfing and walking trails.

How do I spend a day in Highlands?

Begin your day with a visit to Bridal Veil Falls and Cullasaja Falls. Then, check out other areas of Highlands for tasty eats and some shopping.

What is the top tourist attraction in Highlands?

The top tourist attraction in Highlands is Bridal Veil Falls, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing agenda.

Is three days enough to stay in Highlands?

Three days will be enough time to tick off many city highlights, like Bridal Veil Falls, Cullasaja Falls and Glen Falls. The average stay in Highlands is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Cherokee isn't far away.

Is Highlands a walkable city?

Some top sights in Highlands, such as Bridal Veil Falls and Glen Falls, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kms (1 mile) from central Highlands is Mirror Lake and Highlands Hills is 2 kms (1 mile) away.

What are some activities to do in Highlands with kids?

If you are after activities and attractions for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Highlands with kids.

What to do in Highlands for adults?

Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Highlands. Whether you're into art, history, outdoor adventures or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Highlands?

One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Highlands is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Whiteside Mountain is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.