Fayetteville, NC, is a tourist destination known for its warm southern hospitality and extensive history. It offers a wide range of activities to both tourists and locals.
Given its proximity to Fort Bragg, the city is incredibly proud of its military heritage. Fayetteville is known as “America’s Most Pro-Military Town” and a Military Sanctuary Community, and there are numerous museums and monuments that tell the city’s military history.
However, Fayetteville is more than just a military town. There are great restaurants, children’s museums, playgrounds, farms, stores, and more.
Before your visit, we advise calling the restaurants and attractions to confirm the most recent opening hours.
Let’s explore the best places to visit in Fayetteville, NC.
Things to Do in Fayetteville, NC
1. All American Fencing Academy
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If you’re searching for something, a little different to do while in town, the All American Fencing Academy, located in downtown Fayetteville, is the place to go.
This facility offers beginner classes that begin each month and are open to anyone who has never tried fencing.
It is also an Olympic fencing facility, so you will learn from knowledgeable and exceptionally talented instructors.
This should not be missed by anyone who wants to pick up a fun new sport.
Location: 207 Donaldson St, Fayetteville, NC 28301, United States
2. Cape Fear Botanical Garden
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The magnificent 77-acre Cape Fear Botanical Garden is graced with vistas of the Cross Creek River and the majestic Cape Fear River.
You can find educational exhibits like the “water-wise” gardening show on the botanical garden grounds, which are covered in various themed gardens.
The botanical park has a recreated farmhouse where visitors can see antique farming implements and watch live demonstrations of how to harvest southern crops, including cotton, tobacco, and others.
Wildflowers, ancient oak trees, and native North Carolina flora can all be found in abundance at the botanical gardens.
Numerous trails are spread around the gardens that you can explore to take in the breathtaking vistas, and guided tours are also offered.
Location: 536 N Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301, United States
3. Arsenal Park
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Even though Arsenal Park is one of Fayetteville’s smaller parks, it nonetheless packs a powerful punch because of its magnificent green meadows and hiking pathways.
This is a good option if you’re looking for somewhere to go outside in Fayetteville, especially if you’re traveling with young visitors. The park is small so that you can go there quickly for a stroll at dusk.
Location: 215 Myrover St, Fayetteville, NC 28305, United States
4. Sandhills Family Heritage Center
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You can take a guided tour of the Sandhills Family Legacy Center to discover everything there is to know about the region’s African American heritage.
You will hear historical testimonies from those involved and see antique memorabilia and galleries devoted to telling the story of those who lived through this turbulent time in American history.
The history lesson here will take you from the era of slavery up to the Civil Rights Movement.
The African American community’s contributions to North Carolina’s growth are also covered, and there are galleries devoted to subjects including property ownership, herbal medicine, and religion.
Location: 255 Vass Rd, Spring Lake, NC 28390, United States
5. Contentment Farms
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Why not tour a working farm while you’re in the area? Fayetteville and the surrounding areas are known for their vibrant farming communities.
The Gillis family has owned Contentment Farm for eight generations and has a history of farming in the area dating back to the 1700s.
A self-guided walking tour will take you to all the most important sites at this stunning outdoor museum, and as you explore the farm, you can understand how farming practices have changed here through time.
Location: 2761 Gillis Hill Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306, United States
6. Milton E. Mazarick
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Fayetteville’s Milton E. Mazarick Park, which spans 80 acres of land, is renowned as the place to go if you want to get outside and appreciate nature.
The park’s central Glenville Lake, one of its distinguishing features, is known for its abundance of native species and is a popular place for fishing.
There are pathways surrounding the lake and the enormous park if you like to walk, or you can pack a picnic and take in the many grassy knolls.
The disc golf course, as well as the basketball and volleyball courts, are available for use by anyone wishing to get some exercise.
Location: 1400 Belvedere Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28305, United States
7. Fayetteville Rose Garden
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The Fayetteville Rose Garden was established in the 1970s and is a component of Fayetteville Technical Community College.
The garden features more than 1,000 beautiful rose bushes, and you can stroll around it for free to experience the garden’s vibrant displays and rich rose aromas.
April through the winter is the best time to enjoy the roses in full bloom. In addition to the actual colors, the area also features a beautiful gazebo area, fountains, and other local flowers.
Some horticulturists work here and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the garden, how it was created, and the roses on display.
Location: 2201 Hull Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303, United States
8. 1897 Poe House
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Unsurprisingly, E. A. Poe, a well-known businessman from Fayetteville who resided with his wife Josephine, erected the 1897 Poe House that year.
You can take a tour of the house with an informed docent who will share the history of the home and the neighborhood. The house is now a part of the Cape Fear Historical Complex and has been converted into a museum.
The home is furnished with antiques and souvenirs from the era and is almost unchanged from how it was in the early 20th century.
Location: 206 Bradford Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28305, United States
9. Cameo Art House Theatre
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Recently, the Cameo Art House Theater underwent restoration to return its original appearance from when it first opened in the 1920s.
The cameo now features a variety of movies, including recent blockbusters, classics, and art house movies.
The theater is marketed as an “alternative” art house experience in Fayetteville, so if you want to see a movie while admiring the stunning period details of this building, this is the place to go.
Location: 225 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301, United States
10. Arnette Park
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Arnette Park is one of the city’s most beautiful green spots, covering over 100 acres.
The park has hiking paths, so if you want to enjoy some of North Carolina’s natural beauty, this is a terrific spot to go for an afternoon stroll.
Additionally, there are ball fields nearby, where you can get lucky and see a game, or you can enjoy playgrounds for younger guests.
Here, you can play disc golf, use the basketball courts, and use the volleyball nets.
Location: 2165 Wilmington Hwy, Fayetteville, NC 28306, United States
11. Fayetteville Area Transportation And History Museum
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The African-American community in Fayetteville is highlighted at the Fayetteville Area Transportation and History Museum.
Volunteers from the community who work at the museum are delighted to give you a tour and educate you about local African-American history.
This museum houses various African-American history exhibits and serves as a research facility.
Location: 325 Franklin St, Fayetteville, NC 28301, United States
12. Cape Fear River Boat Rides
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As a licensed member of the United States Coast Guard and owner of Cape Fear River Boat Rides, you can be rest assured that he will take good care of you while you are out on the water.
If you want to explore the stunning Cape Fear River, Freddie provides a variety of excursions that can last anywhere between 2 and 8 hours, depending on how much you want to see.
All trips depart from Riverside Marine at Campbellton Landing, and this is an excellent way to explore the city from the water with a local expert.
Location: 2487 Wilmington Hwy, Fayetteville, NC 28306, United States
13. Airborne And Special Operation Museum
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The goal statement of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, also known as ASOM, is to preserve the memory of the sacrifice made by service members in the special operations forces and airborne personnel.
To that aim, you may anticipate various historical items in this museum, dioramas, audiovisual exhibitions, and other things to pique your interest.
In addition to documentaries that will take you through the history and experiences of individuals who work in service, there is even a motion simulator here that will give you a sense of the work of the All-American Airborne warriors.
Location: 100 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301, United States
14. Campbellton Landing
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Campbellton Landing, situated on the verdant east bank of the stunning Cape Fear River, has a long and storied history.
Although it was initially built in 1762 as a ferry landing for Campbellton Village, it is now a place of entertainment.
The location has a rich history about the history of Fayetteville, and various activities are hosted there throughout the year, including special occasions.
Fishing is another popular activity at the landing, and you are welcome to come here for free fishing at any time of day or night for local species.
If you are an avid angler, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to travel down here because the waterways are alive with Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Catfish, and a whole host of other aquatic species.
Location: 1126 Person St, Fayetteville, NC 28312