If you’re looking for a fun city break, then you’re gonna want to check out downtown Asheville. This neighborhood is where all the fun activities and attractions are based, and offers visitors a chance to glimpse into the soul of this trendy city and see what it’s all about. In this guide, we’re sharing the top things to do in Downtown Asheville. We spent two nights in Downtown Asheville and were so happy to do nothing else but explore the wonder of its core streets. Here’s what we got up to…

1. Battery Park Book Exchange + Champagne Bar

“What new world am I about to walk into?” is the general thrill that comes with picking up a new book. At the Battery Park Book Exchange + Champagne Bar, that thrill comes with walking in the front door into a new world: Champagne tasting inside a bookstore!

It’s a speakeasy vibe with a dusting of French sophistication. Located in a historic building inside Grove Arcade, the first mall in Asheville and one of the city’s most iconic venues, this is the place to go to find fun finds in the pages and hidden gem literature. Black curtains drape the windows, live bluegrass in the corner warms you up, and surrounding you is a vast array of new and old books to peruse while you sip on a glass of fine champagne.

Tasting flights are the norm here, but be prepared for the champagne price tag. We opted for a sparkling wine cocktail and Syrah instead, paired with a charcuterie board with local goat’s cheese.

2. Go shopping in Downtown Asheville

We’re not really shopping people, especially in places that don’t have a grounded, relatable spirit. But since Asheville is brimming with independent shops, a grounded mountain energy, and a spirit of fun centered around entertainment and good food. I was happy wandering up and down the streets for hours.

I was very surprised at how much the downtown Asheville shopping scene had to offer. There are several main streets in Asheville with an interesting store every couple of steps. There are actually 200+ locally owned stores and boutiques.

It’s a very walkable downtown area with the main shopping streets being Patton Avenue, Wall St, Battery Park Ave, Lexington Avenue, Broadway, and Biltmore Avenue. What I loved about shopping in Downtown Asheville was discovering the different vibes each street had. One of my favorites was Lexington Avenue, where yuppy hip crossed with punk grunge in a way that works. Here are a few of the stores I loved.

Element Tree Essentials

Element Tree Essentials was my favorite store in Asheville. I could have spent hours in here and bought one of everything. Instead, I opted for their signature hand lotion candles and a creativity spell jar for Savannah’s Christmas present.

Asheville Bee Charmer

Do you love bees? Get buzzing over to the Asheville Bee Charmer store (2 locations downtown). They work with beekeepers across Western North Carolina and the world to curate a selection of delicious 100% pure, raw honey. Down the back is a honey tasting bar, where Bee-ristas take you on a sweet and spicy tasting adventure around the world, from local sourwood honey to firecracker hot. Your taste buds will be buzzing, Beelicious!

Did you know that it’s best to purchase local honey? Not only does it support the local economy, BUT it also supports your own body. Since bees are local pollinators, the raw honey produced from them can help your body adapt to the environment, build up immunity, and help ease those seasonal allergies!

Asheville Emporium

I know sometimes you want to avoid souvenir-type shops for fear of entering tacky-ville, but the Asheville Emporium has a surprising number of cool local gifts. The perfect kind of travel souvenirs. They also have a section at the back where they print their own T-shirts, so cool to see that set up.

The Grove Arcade

The Grove Arcade, where the aforementioned Battery Park Book Exchange + Champagne Bar is located, is located in an elegant historical building and is Downtown Asheville’s most popular mall for shopping and eating out. It’s the most beautiful building in Asheville, and is one of the reasons why the city is often referred to as the “Paris of the South” because it resembles one of Paris’s famous covered passages. You’ll find a variety of retail stores, eateries, our fave champagne bar mentioned above, and a daily artists market for local crafters.

Asheville Chocolate & French Broad Chocolate Lounge

Swoon, chocolate lovers. Asheville is filled with scrumptious local, hand-crafted chocolate. Check out the following chocolate places:

• Asheville Chocolate: offering small batch truffles and gelato made by hand in-store. You can even watch them make it while you wait!

• The Chocolate Fetish: Since 1986, they have been wowing Asheville with award-winning truffles and European style chocolates.
• French Broad Chocolate Lounge: Located in an unmistakable celestial blue building, this extremely popular emporium has artisanal, organic chocolates and pastries, and signature sipping chocolates. Their factory just north of Asheville offers tours of their bean-to-bar chocolate-making process

Malaprops Bookstore

Another bookstore worth checking out is Malaprops, an independent bookstore and cafe that has a carefully curated selection of books for adults, children, and young adults. The café at the back has locally roasted coffee and some delicious pastries.

Asheville City Market

If you happen to be visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the weekly farmer’s market in Asheville. It’s open every Saturday morning from 9:00am – 12:00pm from April to December, and 10:00am – 1:00pm from January to March. The market occupies North Market Street between Woodfin and Walnut streets, and features stalls from over 1,000 farms and growers in the Appalachian region.

DOWNTOWN TOURS:

1. Discover Downtown Asheville’s noteworthy landmarks and architectural gems on this 2.5-hour guided tour of Asheville by electric bike, including downtown and greenways. Learn more here, and here is a 3-hour option.
2. A guided walking tour with a local guide focused on the city’s history, architecture, and culture. See more here.

3. Participate in an Art Class

On a previous visit, the girls participated in an art class, which is a fantastic thing to do in Asheville with kids. Not only does this allow you to experience art through a hands-on experience, but you also get to keep your handmade craft as a souvenir. Asheville is all about the Arts, so this is a great way to get to know the culture on a deeper level.

You will find various places in Downtown Asheville for art classes. The FiredUp Lounge has pottery/ceramics and painting classes and workshops. Looking for black-owned businesses in Asheville? Check out this guide from my friend Nadeen from The Sophisticated Life.

4. Walk over to the River Arts District

UPDATE: Finally, after Hurricane Helene, more than 70% of businesses and artists have returned to this area that was 80% wiped out! Yay. Because it’s awesome!

Speaking of arts, why not explore Asheville’s artsy neighborhood? It took me a while to warm up to The River Arts District because we’re not typically the art museum type of people. But as we soon discovered, this goes beyond the stuffy, quiet halls of a museum. This is a living, breathing local art space that invites interaction, sparks curiosity, and feeds creative inspiration.

Or at least it was, until much of this neighborhood was destroyed by floods caused by Hurricane Helene in January 2025. We hope that these creative spaces are able to rebuild, as the vibe here was incredible – it was all about community, keeping it local, and celebrating art in all forms. We know it will return, which is why we’re keeping this in our downtown Asheville guide – some things are open! From locally ground coffee shops to urban wine, farm-to-table restaurants, and community-built skate parks, creativity has always been the focus of the River Arts District in Downtown Asheville.

In its various media and forms, art adorns the walls, murals form the backsplashes to bars, and graffiti wraps around the revitalized warehouses and brick buildings of the region. This is not just one or two buildings dedicated to celebrating local artisans and a vibrant community spirit, but blocks of it that run alongside the French Broad River.

The district is divided into hubs that take up a block or two. Each hub is identified by a color, which is on the signs (and map) for each corresponding area. Within each hub, you’ll find studios, galleries, places to eat and drink, and live music venues.

The green and blue hubs have been badly damaged by the storm, but the orange, red, and purple blocks still have businesses operating.

READ OUR FULL GUIDE to the River Arts District in Asheville

5. Visit the Asheville Museum of Science

On Patton Street in Downtown Asheville, you’ll find the Asheville Museum of Science, a popular attraction to go to with kids. We visited on a previous trip, and the girls loved feeling the full force of a wild storm in the Hurricane Simulator and exploring the cool crystals on display. Small enough to not bore the parents, and big enough to entertain the kids, the Asheville Science Museum is a good place to spend an hour or so – it’s more suited to the younger children!

6. Asheville Art Museum

We didn’t go as we’re not big art museum people, but many people have recommended the Asheville Art Museum to us. It contains a large collection of American art from the 20th & 21st centuries.

7. Asheville Pinball Museum

Another fun place in Asheville to go with kids is the Pinball Museum, which is another blast from the past. Upon entering, you’ll discover rows of over 70 vintage pinball machines, each one a colorful work of art. The museum is kind of like a children’s museum, with an interactive and hands-on approach, allowing you to actually play the machines, which makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

8. Enjoy the best coffee in Asheville

So, our coffee tasting experiences weren’t as mind-blowing as we’d expected (as Aussies, we are coffee snobs), and Asheville is often highly regarded for its coffee scene. Until our last day, when we found two stellar cups of coffee that we thought were worth sharing.

Summit Coffee Co

Ah, a real cup of coffee. I lingered over the first sip as it filled me up with coffee love warmth. Summit Coffee Co in the Grove Arcade will be your go-to coffee spot in Asheville. You can trust coffee that is responsibly sourced and roasted in small batches in their certified organic facility.

We visited the funky location in the River Arts District, but this location was sadly damaged in the hurricane and now has a coffee truck there instead.

High Five Coffee

Your first sip of Counter Culture roasted coffee will tell you that High Five Coffee’s barista’s have to pass tests before serving you up your favorite brew. Thank goodness we found High Five Coffee before leaving Asheville. You’ll find three locations in Asheville.

9. Check out the local craft beers of Asheville’s beer scene

It seems like there are more Asheville breweries than there are Dublin pubs! In fact, there’s one brewery for every 50,000 people in Asheville! Every couple of feet, you’ll discover another one dedicated to showcasing the flavors of the Appalachian region. The beer scene is really the main reason to come here.

The good news is that many of them are family-friendly. More good news – they have a lot of cideries as well for those gluten-free drinkers. We didn’t visit as many on this trip, but we have previously. South Slope is a revitalized hip warehouse district and is where you’ll find many of the downtown Asheville breweries, as well as a growing number of restaurants and shops. Brewery crawls are easy here! This is one of Asheville’s best neighborhoods.

Asheville Brewing Company

With a covered outdoor space and delicious pizzas, Asheville Brewing is a casual place to drop in, especially if traveling with kids. The gluten-free pizza here was probably the best we’ve had.

Burial Brewing Co. South Slope Taproom

A legend in the North Carolina brewing world, Burial Beer is a must-stop on your Asheville brewery tour. We love the Raleigh location – especially their very cool Point Break mural. And here they have one featuring Sloth from the Goonies. Well, just look at the Sloth mural they have in their Asheville location. You’ll find a great outdoor space with heaters and a cool kombi van to sit in.

Hire-Wire Brewing

Another one of the more established breweries in Asheville is Hire-Wire Brewing, which now has locations in Durham and Knoxville. They love to brew traditional styles, and beer they want to drink!

Green Man Brewery

Green Man is just a touch outside of downtown Asheville, but offers a terrific selection of beers that are true to style in a cool building, relaxing atmosphere, and great setup for outdoor seating (and indoors)!

BREWERY TOURS:
1. Discover which breweries are worth the hype on this Asheville brewery tour, which takes you to craft breweries with behind-the-scenes access and ample pours at each. Click here to learn more.

2. Cycle (on an e-bike) to five of Asheville’s most popular microbreweries, enjoying a drink (or two) at each location. Click here to learn more.

The Crow & Quill Speakeasy Bar

We walked through the nondescript green door of the Crow & Quill with the light above it of what looked like an abandoned building. It creaked open, and we were greeted by a modern gothic looking bar tender. I felt like I had stepped into the shadowy underworld of Ketterdam from Shadow and Bone.

The dimly lit room was filled with antique furniture, art on the walls, and an elaborate array of whiskeys from around the world and other spirits such as rums, mezcals, and gins (700 in total). They are known for their expertly created craft cocktails. Proof of vaccination is required. The Crow and Quill is a uniquely cool Asheville Speakeasy Bar.

Jack of the Wood

We walked past the windows of Jack of the Wood and saw the Irish band playing in the corner, and knew it was a place we wanted to come back to. Anything to give us a taste of Dublin, our once home for a year that we miss so much!

Well, we returned the next evening on a Sunday when the amps were turned off, and the city was almost empty! We pulled up a seat at the bar and enjoyed a drink anyway. No Guinness for me as I’m avoiding gluten – but let’s face it, no bar in the world can quite do Guinness like they do in Dublin. But we enjoyed a local craft brew, a delicious cider from Urban Orchard Cidery that tasted just like Thanksgiving, and a chat with the bartender.

10. Eat at some of the best restaurants in Downtown Asheville

The fine dining and foodie scene in Asheville is another reason to come here – it landed at number 1 in our list of North Carolina’s best foodie destinations. Many of the restaurants offer farm-to-table cuisine, which, of course, you would, when your produce is grown right next door in the Appalachians! We love how Asheville has lots of independent restaurants, too. It feels like every penny you spend here goes to the local community and small businesses that work hard to offer something unique and special. Here are some of our favorite restaurants…

The Rhu

Like the meal I had only days before at The Local in Boone, NC, I wanted complete silence when eating my gluten-free biscuit so that I could savor the delicious flavors.

The Rhu knows how to make a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit. The cafe, bakery, and pantry also have sandwiches, bagels, chocolate croissants, pastries, and their own loaves of bread.

Early Girl Eatery

Early Girl Eatery was our delicious brunch stop on the first day. This is the Asheville farm-to-table experience you’d expect from the area, with meals made from scratch and ingredients sourced from the highest quality in the region. You’ll find breakfast bowls, omelets, biscuits, and southern breakfasts. Lots of GF options on the menu too!

Not to be missed is the crisp-fried Heirloom Grit Cake Stack piled with mushrooms, red pepper, squash, and a southern tomato sauce. Kalyra enjoyed a spicy chicken sandwich.

Excellent service as well. Our order ticket was lost in the kitchen, and so our food was delayed. We understand this happens, and so we weren’t bothered by it. But as it was not up to the standard Early Girl wants, they discounted our check. They did not know who we were either. Secret shopping is generally how we do things. I was very impressed with this customer care.

The Med

Looking for breakfast in downtown Asheville, the locals love? Pull up a stool at the diner counter and enjoy watching the cooks expertly take care of an endless line of waiting tickets at this iconic Asheville Diner, the Med. And apparently it was quiet! I enjoyed watching their teamwork and easy-going nature. I saw plate after plate of omelets, French toast, pancakes, country ham and eggs, homemade hash browns, and biscuits. They have modern breakfast items like bowls and fancy grits.

I loved my flavorful breakfast hash bowl: potatoes topped with sausage, parmesan, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and over-easy eggs. The Med is open for lunch, also. But keep in mind it’s one of the most popular downtown Asheville restaurants.

Chai Pani

Chai Pani is where you go for your delicious Indian Street food that has been raved about from the Washington Post to Fox News! The brightly colored walls and murals are the perfect match to the vibrant flavor diversity of its dishes, from thalis to uttapam, street burgers, and snacks.

I’m not an Indian street food expert, but I have taste buds enough to say it’s worthy of the accolades. My gluten-free version of the sloppy joe was delicious.

Suwana’s Thai Orchid

Since we lived in Bangkok for six months, we can label a dish authentic Thai with one tantalizing taste. Even the simple décor and restaurant space at Suwana’s Thai Orchid made me feel like I was back in Thailand.

You’ll find all your Thai favorites on the menu: noodle dishes, rice bowls, classic stir fries and curries, spring rolls, dumplings, and my favorite, mango sticky rice.

11. Walk the Urban Trail

If you only have a short time in downtown Asheville, you can take in many of these attractions by walking the Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile trail through the streets of downtown that passes some of the most historic landmarks. There are about 30 stops on the trail, as well as public sculptures and art installations. Check out the Urban Trail map here.

Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown

If you’re looking for hotels in downtown Asheville, Hotel Indigo Downtown Asheville is where location meets gorgeous mountain vibes. Hotel Indigo is within walking distance to all the Downtown Asheville restaurants, shops, music venues, and experiences, including the popular South Slope Brewing District for trendy breweries and a local vibe. It also keeps Asheville’s artistry spirit in mind with its decor and has local artwork on the walls of its communal spaces.

We like accommodation options that help to tell the story of the region we are visiting, and this boutique Asheville hotel does that with its ideal location, engaging service (with insider tips), and local flavors in both art and food. You can read more in our Hotel Indigo Downtown Asheville Review.

Why we love Downtown Asheville

Asheville is the commercial hub of Western North Carolina and is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Pisgah National Forest. Downtown Asheville has a funky, bohemian vibe showcased in its local selection of shops, restaurants, rooftop bars, cafes, art galleries, and street performers.

Being in Downtown Asheville felt like I had stepped into the world. Sometimes I felt like I was in Newtown (a suburb of Sydney, Australia), at other times in San Francisco, then in a moment I was transported to London, Dublin, and Thailand.

How can you not love a city that reflects the cultural diversity of our planet and brings to the surface some of your best travel memories? It wraps you up in a warm blanket of comfort, assurance, joy, and a feeling that everything is okay in the world.

It’s now one of my favorite outdoor adventure towns in the USA, and, at only four hours’ drive from our home in Raleigh, I can’t wait to keep returning. Our daughters took to it straight away as well, which is a great sign, especially when you have a teen in the family! There are no expectations in Asheville for you to be anything but yourself. Although a laid-back spirit and love for life will help you feel a part of the community.

What I love about Asheville is that it’s a destination focused on LOCAL. You won’t find a chain anywhere in the city center. Even better is that Asheville’s local theme is focused on health, wellness, connection to Mother Earth, farm-to-table, and outdoor adventure.

This makes it incredibly unique. Many of the experiences below I have not seen anywhere before, and that’s why I’ll continue to talk about this city long after I’ve gone. I’ll just stop talking now and show you.

Places to Visit Near Asheville

Check out the following posts for more inspiration and things to do in the Asheville region.

• Top Places To Go in the North Carolina Mountains (Western NC)
• Welcome to the Largest Home in America: Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
• Asheville NC: Rock climbing, breweries and stunning waterfalls
• Slip Into Serenity With These 8 Things To Do In Lake Lure, NC
• Lake Junaluska, North Carolina Mountains – a retreat for the spiritually minded
• Climb 499 Steps To The Top of Chimney Rock, NC for Incredible Views!

You turn the corner of your rustic agriturismo in Tuscany, a farm stay that overlooks a countryside oasis whilst sipping glasses of some of the best wine you’ve ever tasted, made on the land you’re standing on. Pour me a glass and let me sit on this pool chaise for the next two days, please! 

Welcome to Tuscany, a land that whispers tales of history, romance, and pure rustic beauty. The scene I painted before you is of Agriturismo Tenuta di Mensanello, a farm stay accommodation in the heart of Tuscany, in the foothills of Siena. But this is no ordinary accommodation. In this guide, we’re sharing why Agriturismo is the ultimate way for families to embrace the soul of Tuscany.

What is Agriturismo in Tuscany?

At its core, Agriturismo is a term that beautifully blends together agriculture and tourism. It’s a concept that marries the charm of a working farm with the comfort and hospitality of a vacation stay. Basically, an agriturismo is a farm stay in Italy that is located on a small, independently owned working farm.

Imagine waking up to the symphony of birdsong, venturing out to pick fresh figs, and then later savoring a sumptuous meal prepared with ingredients harvested right from the farm. 

This is the essence of agriturismo in Tuscany. It was created and partly funded by the government in 1985 in order to help connect tourists with the beating heart of the country. This also helped the farming industry, which was falling apart since the end of World War II, when farmers started moving into cities. 

Since it’s partly a government initiative, the participating agriturismos must be working farms, with a few regulations to follow, such as a stay on a Tuscan farm can be of great value. Prices are very reasonable since the law states that the time devoted to agriturismo must be less than the time used in their agricultural activity. And the annual gross production value of their agriculture must always be greater than that of agritourism. Agritourism is a rapidly growing travel trend across the world, but has been thriving in Tuscany for years.

Why choose Agriturismo in Tuscany for Families?

The allure of agriturismo lies in its authenticity, matched with affordability. Families are drawn to these enchanting retreats because they offer a unique opportunity to unplug from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature, history, and each other.

It’s a hands-on experience that allows children to see where their food comes from, learn about sustainable farming, and create lasting memories amidst breathtaking landscapes. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to give back to small, local businesses, which is how we love to travel. We also loved getting to know the owners of the agritourismo and their staff, who typically live in the nearby small villages. 

Everything you need is on the property – from comfortable rooms to great food and cultural activities. In Europe, kids can get sick of churches pretty quickly, so a farm stay gives them a different cultural experience they’ll connect to more. And since Tuscany is a fantastic wine region, you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving, AND you can even leave with souvenirs – a bottle of wine or extra virgin olive oil and other local produce. 

It was the perfect chance for our family to take a break from a busy 5-week European summer trip and enjoy cooking classes together and a quieter approach to travel memories.

The typical Tuscany Agriturismo Experience

Agriturismo stays vary, but they often include comfortable accommodations, access to the farm’s amenities, and a chance to engage in farm-related activities. From grape harvesting to cheese-making, families can immerse themselves in traditional agricultural practices. These stays often include delectable farm-to-table dining, where ingredients are lovingly nurtured and thoughtfully prepared.

Whether you’re staying on a working farm or in a countryside inn, you’ll usually find the farmhouse accommodation clean and comfortable, though probably basic. 

Breakfast is often included, and a home-cooked dinner) may be included. Kitchenettes are often available for you to cook up your own feast. You get to decide how each day looks, whether you want to relax on the farm and indulge in the activities they have available, or venture out to the nearby small Tuscan villages and cities, or do a bit of both, like we did.

Finding The Best Agriturismo

When choosing an agriturismo in Tuscany, consider the location, amenities, and activities that align with your family’s interests. Look for farms that offer a range of experiences, whether it’s a cooking class, wine tasting, or exploring nearby towns. You may even find agriturismos that offer horseback riding, mountain biking, and other more adventurous activities.

The charm of each agriturismo lies in its unique personality, so take time to research and find the one that resonates with you. Write a list of what you want to experience at a Tuscan farm stay and use those filters when searching for the perfect one. 

For us, we were looking for a farm stay experience that included a cooking class (Savannah’s bucket list), wine tasting, beautiful views, farm-to-table dining, and one that was affordable. 

As many farms may be isolated from towns or only near small towns with limited amenities, it’s important to research the dining facilities. Some of them were quite expensive, which I knew would blow our budget. Our farm stay was decently priced.

Finding one with a swimming pool was a bonus, and once I saw it, I knew I didn’t want an agriturismo stay without a pool. It’s a perfect farm stay addition for families to give kids a break. 

For this trip, I wasn’t too fussed on the accommodation and was okay with it being more rustic if it meant a better price. In the future, I’d love to experience a more luxurious agriturismo experience with a spa.

To find an agriturismo stay, use the following booking sites. Be sure to use filters to search for your ideal farm stay.

• Use Booking.com to research. I like the security of their cancellation policy. Our Tuscan farm stay is listed here.
• Hotels.com is great, as you can select agritourismo in the filters
• You can also find them on Airbnb via the farm stay filter!

It’s best to book several months in advance, especially during high season. There wasn’t a lot of availability when I started looking about two months before our trip to Tuscany. We were very happy with our choice (more on that below). Here are some of the other Tuscan farm stays I had bookmarked as possible:

• Villa Nottola, a former noble residence in the countryside of Montepulciano, is also the namesake of the winery. It offers a sun terrace with a swimming pool.
• Offering a sun terrace with panoramic view over the surrounding hills, Agriturismo Il Casalino is set in a 19th-century farmhouse with olive trees and vineyards in Pienza.
• Located in Montepulciano, Agriturismo Podere Fucile provides accommodation with free WiFi, barbecue facilities, pool with a view.
• The family-run agriturismo Podere Casa al Vento in Sant’Albino is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, 5 km from Montepulciano.
• Featuring an outdoor pool with sun loungers and parasols, Agriturismo Il Poggiarello is set in a typical Tuscan country house near Siena.

How long to stay at a Tuscan farm stay?

How long have you got? It really depends on what you want to do on the property, how much you want to relax, and how much of Tuscany you want to see. We stayed for two nights, and I wish it were longer. Three nights would have been better, but I think 4-5 nights is optional. Since we enjoyed Siena so much, I would have loved more time to explore some other places in Tuscany.

But, if you can only fit in two like us, you’re still going to have an incredible time! We also stayed three nights in Florence, which is the capital of Tuscany.

Our Tuscan Farm Stay at Agriturismo Tenuta Di Mensanello

Our journey led us to the captivating Agriturismo Tenuta di Mensanello, a farming estate nestled in the Tuscan countryside. It’s located only an hour south of Florence in the famous Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy.

It was also only 30 minutes to Siena, another famous Medieval City on a hill that was once Florence’s rival (and just as equally beautiful). We arrived via rental car from Rome (about 3 hours) into the historic village, which is a collection of a small group of stone houses, villas, and farmhouses surrounded by 300 hectares of cultivated fields, vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills.

Mensanello Estate has been a family farm for three generations and is currently managed by Neri, the grandson of Ada and Alessandro, who began the farm. 

From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in the warmth of authentic Italian hospitality and knew we had chosen the right farm stay. We met Neir and his partner Annarita (who also helps manage the farm) over dinner, and they were warm and friendly, and excited about how they could innovate for a better future for guests. 

I chose Tenuta Mensanello because it was family-owned and run, and it offered a wide variety of programs, including a cooking class with the family, wine tastings, and tours of the farm.

It also had an affordable farm-to-table restaurant, a swimming pool, and they made their own wine, olive oil, meat from semi-wild-bred pigs, other spirits, AND their own beer! In my research, I didn’t find another place that offered as much variety and value. Staying at Tenuta Mensanello was one of the highlights of our Italian vacation.

Check in Experience at Mensanello

The host at check-in was warm and friendly as we checked in. He told us more about the farm and showed us the local products in the store that the farm produced, from grappa to limoncello, red and white wines, and olive oil. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t pre-book a wine tasting experience before arrival, as I wasn’t sure of our timings. It was too late to organize it once we arrived – the perfect thing to do after a long drive from Rome. But he was very accommodating, and he booked a wine tasting experience for us to have during our dinner. 

And, after telling us more about the wine, we picked up a bottle of Chardonnay to take to the room with us. He then walked us down to our farmhouse cottage, pointing out parts of the farm as we went and showing us where to park and where we could do laundry!

The Farmhouse Cottage Accommodation

The accommodations at Tenuta Di Mensanello are a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern comforts. We stayed in an apartment (Nocciola) in the quaint farmhouse cottage with beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards from our small deck. The rooms were cozy and inviting, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation after a day of exploration. Now, as I mentioned, they were rustic with sparse amenities and furnishings. I actually liked the rustic appeal.

We didn’t spend much time in the room, so it didn’t bother us. The beds were comfortable, and there was a fridge and a small kitchen if you wanted it. There was also a private bathroom. This is typical for agritorusmo stays. There wasn’t any air conditioning, but we had fans, which was fine for us as we don’t like AC much! 

Tenuta di Mansenello has a range of accommodation from self-equipped apartments that can host up to 6 people, bed and breakfast rooms inside the buildings of the historic village, and an ancient farmhouse with four apartments located about 600 meters from the village.

Swimming Pool Serenity

Of course, the first thing we did after checking in was head down to the swimming pool. It gets pretty hot in Tuscany, and we’d been sitting in the car for far too many hours. The glistening swimming pool offered respite. 

We spent some time swimming, lounging poolside, and soaking in the serenity of the Tuscan landscape and the sounds of silence. Well, when we stopped splashing and talking.

Pre-Dinner Drinks with Views

As the estate is on top of a hill, there are plenty of places to enjoy the beautiful countryside views with a glass of wine. After a relaxing afternoon on the property, Craig and I snuck away to enjoy a pre-dinner drink on a cute little rooftop patio. We had our bottle of the estate’s chardonnay and beer brewed at Mensanello. The farm brews different kinds of artisan beer using local water, barley that they grow themselves, malt, and natural ingredients. 

Craig really enjoyed the light and refreshing flavor and loved that it was not too high in alcohol content. I took a sip and enjoyed it. I am gluten-free, but found in Europe I could have some here and there and not be bothered. In the USA, it’s a different story; as soon as I returned home, I got bothered by the smallest amounts. I really enjoyed the Chardonnay. Typically, I’m a white wine drinker, but Italian white is not something I’m a big fan of, especially their chardonnays.

However, the Chardonnay from Tenuta was outstanding. I did not find another white to match it on the rest of our trip; and I tried multiple whites from all five countries we visited, including French chardonnay. I’m very disappointed I did not bring some bottles home with me. 

There’s also another lovely section with wine barrels under the shady trees on the other side of the pool, where we enjoyed a glass of wine the following evening before our cooking class.

Farm-to-Table Delights

Where we saved on accommodation, we splurged on good food and wine. This is Tuscany after all. Your connection to the tranquility of the countryside, with views all around, continues on the covered verandah of the restaurant. I was delighted to walk ten steps from our room to this wonderful terrace for a farm-to-table dining experience. 

The menu at the restaurant changes based on the season, so your meals are made from fresh local produce. Since Mensanello pasture raises its own pigs, we couldn’t start our meal without a charcuterie board of cold cuts and local cheeses. It was some of the best cured meats I’ve ever had (ordered the following night as well).

You can also expect freshly baked bread with the estate’s own olive oil to dip it in. I wish I could have had this! The olive oil is great! Service was warm and friendly, with accommodations made for my gluten sensitivities and suggestions offered. For mains we enjoyed pasta, strip steak, and a selection of Tuscan meats – chicken, ribs, and sausage. As we learned on our Tuscan food and wine tour in Florence, Tuscan cuisine is heavy on meats and bread, not pasta like you’ll find in other regions of Italy. 

But don’t worry if you’re a pasta lover, as it’s on the menu! But enjoy a little Tuscan-style food while here. Florentine steak will most likely be on the menu! And all good Italian meals end with tiramisu – Savannah licked her tiramisu bowl clean. And for adults, all good meals in Italy end with a digestif – hey, it’s good for your stomach!

Mensanello makes their own limoncello and grappa. That’s a hard pass on the grappa for me, but yes, thank you to the limoncello. Again, I wish I had bought a bottle of that home with me too! Lunch is served in the restaurant upon request. And dinner and breakfast are also open to the public. Breakfast was also a lovely buffet spread of Italian meats, cheeses, and home-cooked cakes and pastries. Craig and the girls enjoyed filling up on this feast each morning.

As I don’t typically eat breakfast, and I’m gluten-free, so I can’t justify spending on buffet breakfasts, I was happy enough to hear their stories while sipping on a black coffee! Breakfast is an additional €10 per person. Breakfast is included for the bed and breakfast-style rooms. But not for those staying in an apartment or the villa. Here are other restaurants in Tuscany you may want to visit.

Wine Tasting at Mensanello Estate

As mentioned, you can do a separate wine tasting experience on the farm, OR combine it with dinner, which is what we did (on both nights – this is a big reason for visiting Tuscany!)

We enjoyed the experience of tasting four (healthy pourings) of the IGT and DOCG wines made on the estate, from rosé to merlot. The wine tasting session introduced us to the nuances of Tuscan wines, a journey of the senses that left us enchanted.

It was by far some of the best wine I’ve ever had. And while this region is known for its Sangiovese, what really had me talking for the rest of the night was the smooth, luxurious Ada, the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Fontediaccia Merlot was also outstanding, and we brought home a bottle of Sangiovese that is patiently waiting for a special occasion on my bar shelf!

Cooking Class on the Terrace

Savannah had Italian cooking class high on her Europe bucket list. I knew there was probably no better place to do it than in the Tuscan countryside. Our two-hour cooking class was on the terrace with Tenuta’s chef, Sabrina, and sommelier, Giuseppe, who ensured our glass was full the entire time and for dinner after. 

Guided by skilled chefs, we learned the art of crafting handmade pasta and the secrets behind perfecting a traditional tomato sauce. Sabrina spoke limited English, but Guiseppe was fluent and translated each step of the cooking process. They were both a lot of fun and informative about Tuscan food and culture. 

Sabrina taught us how to prepare bruschetta, homemade pasta, ragu sauce, and tiramisu. There were gluten-free versions of each for me, including the tiramisu, which I was thrilled about. And we were given the recipes for all of them to take home.

In the process, we learned just how easy – but also difficult it is to make pasta. So much of it relies on the humidity levels in the air. If that’s not right, there is no helping your pasta. Sabrina had to take it into the kitchen to straighten it out near the end! But we’re all very keen now to try making it at home and are all set to buy a pasta machine. 

Giuseppe’s warm personality made us feel like we were old friends. Like the wine tasting during our meal the evening before, Guiseppe explained each of the four wines as he poured them. He was accommodating as to when we wanted to eat the food we cooked, holding it for us to enjoy an hour later when the restaurant opened. Before our dinner was served, we filled up on another charcuterie board – that meat is too succulent to not eat twice. 

Again, wine tasting was paired with the beautiful meal that we cooked ourselves. Savannah was adamant that hers was the best tiramisu. I was grateful I had my own gluten-free version to enjoy this time. Then our server brought out a treat to wrap up the meal. Vin Santo with cantucci, a typical Tuscan cookie with almonds, also known as biscotti. The Vin Santo (made on the property) is a sweet wine. 

The cantucci is very hard, so you have to dip it in the Vin Santo, which softens it. Separately, both aren’t very good, but together, it’s a delicious way to end a meal. Considering the cooking class included the lesson, wine tasting, and the food to eat, it was of incredible value and a highlight of our European trip.

Apart from the cooking classes, Mensanello also offers extra-virgin olive oil and wine tasting experiences, agro-trekking and farm tours, picnics in the countryside, and seasonal activities. Once you’ve booked for your accommodation at Mensanello, email them to book your cooking classes and other activities in advance.

Exploring Nearby Treasures in Tuscany

Tenuta Di Mensanello’s strategic location made it an ideal base for exploring the gems of Tuscany. Mensanello is just a few steps from the town on the hill, Colle Val d’Elsa, and the Via Francigena, which is an ancient road and pilgrimage route from Canterbury in England, through France, Switzerland, to Rome, and then to Apulia, Italy.

Today, it is a popular route for hikers and cyclists who want to experience the history and culture of Europe. I was quite content to not leave the farmhouse during our stay, but Annarita convinced us it was worth going to Siena for half a day. Not only does she help manage the farm, but she is also a tour guide in nearby Siena and gave us lots of insider tips. 

I’m glad we went, as it was a beautiful Tuscan city to explore, especially the Siena Duomo, which has to be one of my favorite churches ever. The other town in Tuscany I heard so much about – but didn’t get a chance to visit – is San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also only 30 mins from Mensanello. See these other places to visit in Tuscany and these Chianti towns worth exploring, and restaurants in Tuscany to enjoy. We’ve made the planning easy for you with our 14-day Italian itinerary.

Final Thoughts on Our Farmstay in Tuscany

Our agriturismo experience at Tenuta Di Mensanello was a symphony of flavors, emotions, and connections. As we said “arrivederci” to this haven, we carried with us not just memories, but a deeper understanding of the land, its people, and the beauty of slow-paced living.

If you’re seeking a truly immersive family getaway, where the past meets the present and nature welcomes you with open arms, look no further than an agriturismo stay in Tuscany. We recommend Tenuta di Mensanello and would return for longer in a heartbeat!  It’s a journey that promises to touch your heart and awaken your senses, creating memories that will linger long after you’ve returned home.

More Florence Travel Tips

• Explore Florence’s Treasures: Guided Walking Tour Feat. David & The Duomo
• How to Spend a Day in Oltrarno, Florence’s Coolest Neighborhood!
• A Tuscan Food & Wine Tour in Florence (the Perfect Dinner Experience)
• Amazing Things to Do in Florence, Italy (Insider’s tips)

In this guide, I’ve shared some of the things we enjoyed doing on our visit, so if you’re not sure what to do in Coral Bay, here are some tips to help you out.

1. Visit Bill’s Bay Beach (Main Beach)

Bill’s Bay is a huge, sweeping bay protected by the Ningaloo Reef, making it a snorkelling and swimming paradise. The water is that calm, clear turquoise blue (much like Sandy Bay and Turquoise Bay), where large fish swim around your ankles in the shallows; we even saw a few rays close to shore. And it was here we would come for a morning snorkel, or we would start snorkelling at the point and let the current carry us back to Bill’s Bay.

The great thing about Bill’s Bay is how kid-friendly it is. Kalyra felt comfortable snorkeling and swimming off the beach as the water level only ever really went waist-deep. If we weren’t snorkeling, we were relaxing on the soft white sand whilst the kids played, or I’d take an afternoon run and finish off here with a refreshing dip.

It’s also a great place to pack up a picnic and head to one of the beach shelters, which have clean picnic benches overlooking the coastline.

2. Have breakfast at Coral Resort Bakery

Located on Robinson Street is Coral Resort Bakery, which is the best bakery in town. It has everything, from sandwiches to fresh bread, to pies and sausage rolls. It’s the perfect place to pick up a light lunch or breakfast pastry.

3. Rent a kayak or SUP

One of the best ways to take in the coastal views of Coral Bay is to get out on the water, but you don’t need to go out too far to enjoy it. If you head to Main Beach, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Ningaloo Kayak Adventures and explore the coast for yourself. They also have glass-bottom canoes and snorkel gear for rent, too.

4. Hit the walking trails

Coral Bay is also a great place to put on your hiking shoes and head out on a coastal walk. You can walk to Paradise Beach along the rocky shores, whilst stopping to take a look in the rock pools, or head up onto the Coral Bay Walk Way trail, which is the most popular hike. It’s a 2km walk that runs along the entire coast. If you take a walk around sunset, then you might even see some turtles nesting on the beach.

5. Go Quad Biking in the sand dunes

It wasn’t all relaxation and snorkels. I took Kalyra on her first quad biking adventure with Quadtrek, and it was the best quad biking track I’ve ridden yet. The incredible coastal scenery, we rode up and down big sand dunes, drove over to Mauds landing, spotted turtles off “Turtle Cliffs,” and even went snorkelling at Five Fingers Reef.

Kalyra couldn’t stop talking about how much fun this was! It’s a must-do when in town.

6. Go snorkelling at Oyster Bridge

Oyster Bridge is a 20-minute drive out of town and can only be reached by Four Wheel Drive, the sand is soft, and the road is windy.

Luckily, our friends let us ride with them in their hardcore four-wheel drive, and once there, we were rewarded with our own little snorkelling lagoon. We adults, took turns snorkeling the lagoon whilst the kids enjoyed sandboarding down the dunes.

7. Go swimming with Manta Rays

Whilst I did quad biking, Caz and Kalyra had a mummy and daughter date and went swimming with the Manta Rays in Ningaloo Reef Marine Park with Coral Bay Eco Tours. This is one of the main reasons to visit the town.

The tour takes you out onto the Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to a place where manta rays visit pretty much all year round. These gentle giants are harmless and used to humans in their warm turquoise waters. That being said, it’s important not to touch them.

8. Go on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

There are so many boat tours you can take out on the Ningaloo Reef, and if you’re into scuba diving, then there are plenty of options you can take. But for those of us who prefer to keep our feet dry, there’s always the glass-bottom boat tour. This full-day tour takes you out to the Ningaloo Reef, where you can see the coral gardens through a glass floor in the boat.

You still get to see a thriving community of marine life, including sea turtles and reef sharks, if you’re lucky, but without getting in the water. You may also spot manta rays and dugongs. This is a great option for travellers with kids. They also run all year round, so if you miss whale shark or humpback whale season, you can still take a boat tour.

9. Swim with Whale Sharks

Manta rays are not the only “swimming with wildlife” experience you can have in Coral Bay. Ningaloo Reef is also home to another gentle giant of the ocean – whale sharks. During March to June, Ningaloo Reef’s coral spawns each year, which brings in a lot of plankton and krill, whale sharks’ favourite food.

This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to swim along with these beautiful creatures and admire them in their natural habitat, but without disturbing them. Whale sharks may be huge animals (sometimes even up to 12 metres long), but they are also elusive, and whale shark sightings are not easy.

This is why the boat tour companies use a spotter plane to search for them, and you spend a full day on the boat waiting for a chance to swim with them. Visitors are also split into groups to swim with them, so the whale sharks are not disturbed too much. All gear, fins, and snorkel masks are provided.

10. Go on a Humpback Whale Sightseeing Tour

Another boat cruise that is worth doing in Coral Bay is a humpback whale tour, which takes place from June to October, just after the whale sharks leave. This is when the humpback whales are on their annual migration with their newborn baby calves. You might even get to see a playful pod of dolphins joining them. There are some tours that allow you to swim with humpback whales, but this is an additional fee.

11. Check out the Fishing Charters

If you enjoy fishing, then you can charter a fishing boat to take you out to one of the best fishing spots in Western Australia. Try your hand at catching bream, marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and even tuna. Check out Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters for details.

When is the best time to visit Coral Bay?

The best time to visit Coral Bay is when the weather is warm and sunny, but also when the marine life are thriving in the waters. If you want to swim with whale sharks, tours operate from March to June. Humpback whales visit the area from June to October.

From October to February, you can expect the weather to be windy and hot. Also, December and January are during the school holidays, so you can expect there to be crowds this time of year. July and August are also quite busy with international travellers, as this is when schools in Europe close for the summer. The quietest months are June and November.

How do you get to Coral Bay?

Coral Bay is located 1,121.7 km (11 hr 40 min) from Perth via State Route 60 and National Route 1 and 152.3 km (1 hr 33 min) south of Exmouth. The nearest airport is Learmonth Airport, which is a 90-minute drive north of Coral Bay. You can get a direct flight with Qantas from Melbourne to Learmonth Airport. If you are visiting Coral Bay, you will need a car to get there, but once you are there, the town is walkable.

Where to stay in Coral Bay

There are not a lot of accommodation options in Coral Bay, unfortunately, so make sure you book well in advance. We stayed at the Bayview Caravan Park (Ningaloo Coral Bay – Bayview) across the road from Bill’s Bay (Main Beach) because we were staying in a camper, but they also have little lodges and villas, which look quite sweet. Another popular place to stay is the People’s Park, which is right on the beach and offers comfortable apartments and studios. See the map below for more accommodation options in Coral Bay.

Is Coral Bay Worth Visiting

So many other travellers we’d met, and folks on our Facebook page, had been raving about this Aussie holiday town on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, but my first impression was – what’s all the fuss? Prior to arriving in Coral Bay, we had just visited two of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in Western Aus, some of the most beautiful we had seen on our road trip around Australia – Sandy Bay and Turquoise Bay in Exmouth – and the wonders of Karijini National Park.

So the bar had been set at record highs! It didn’t take long for Coral Bay to show us why this was one of Western Australia’s favourite holiday spots. It’s funny what a good night’s sleep and a blue sky can do to brighten up your mood, and a town. Bill’s Bay went from windy and overcast to become this:

I would say that Coral Bay is definitely worth visiting, but only when you have good weather. Many of its attractions require you to visit the outdoors – the beach, the reef, and the beach bars with outdoor terraces. We soon learned that Coral Bay may only have a few shops and a slow pace of life, but this is actually what makes this place special and gives it that addictive vibe. It was a vibe I would soon fall in love with.

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We’ve traversed up and down the coastlines of the East and West coasts of the USA, and we’ve swam and played on many beaches around the world, so we think we know what makes a good beach town! Wrightsville Beach is your optimal beach town. It’s full of boutiques and local shops, fresh seafood in the restaurants, calm waters for swimming, and historic attractions nearby. If you’ve never been before, here’s what you can do in Wrightsville Beach!

By now, you may be ready for a beach getaway, and I can think of no better place to spend a beach day in North Carolina than here. But the beach is not all there is to see, be sure to…

1. Go for a bike ride around the town

You will not regret trading in your four wheels for two. The joy of Wrightsville Beach is the ease and simplicity of life – what better way to experience that than by pedal power? It saves you the hassle of looking for parking spots and traffic.

Wrightsville Beach parking can be challenging during peak times. So why not join the crowds of beaming beachgoers by cycling around? We rented bikes from the Aussie Island Surf Shop, the small blue shack on the corner as you come across the bridge into the main beach street, N Lumina Ave.

2. Have a coffee at SUNdays Surf Café

Head south of the main corner to SUNdays Surf Cafe, located above the surf shop opposite the Oceanic Restaurant at Crystal Pier overlooking the beach. Sitting at the bar here with my coffee and an acai bowl with views of the ocean out the window, and the servers chatting to their local friends, reminded me so much of my home beach town in Australia, and I felt quite nostalgic for it.

I also felt joyful that we’d found our beach tribe. We loved the surf vibe of this café with boards leaning against the wall, surf videos on the TV, and slogans reminding you to embrace the moment.

Over the years, we’ve found their coffee to be quite hit and miss, unfortunately, as we loved it the first time. WE still come here for the smoothies and surfie ambiance. Our current favorite coffee in the Wrightsville Beach area is Drift Coffee, before you cross over the bridge into the beach. They also have great breakfast food!

3. Enjoy beach time at Crystal Pier

Walk over from the SUNdays Surf Café to Crystal Pier at The Oceanic, the old wooden pier stands tall and strong. You can walk out for beautiful views of the beachfront and horizon. This is a great time for you to unwind on the beach.

Go for a swim, collect shells, play in the sand, and read a book. Whatever takes your fancy. Find time during your Wrightsville Beach trip to return here for sundowner drinks on the pier. We absolutely love the restaurant views from here, and prices are quite reasonable given its million-dollar views. The food is also delicious! See more restaurants in Wrightsville Beach to love.

4. Have lunch at Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill

There aren’t that many restaurants in Wrightsville Beach, but one that came most recommended was Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill, so we had to check it out. It’s named after a lifeguard tower, Tower 7, on the Pacific Coast that became a hidden local favorite surf break, much like this legendary place to eat found in Wrightsville. Grab a frozen margarita, a serving of guacamole (delicious), and some fish tacos! The perfect complement to sunny beach days. My veggie tostada was sensational.

5. Walk or bike the Wrightsville Loop

The Loop walk is a 2.5-mile walk (or ride) on Harbor Island, which is situated between the two bridges in town. You can start anywhere on the loop. This scenic trail takes you along the Intracoastal Waterway, Banks Channel, and beautiful salt marshes – perfect for a nice stroll.

My favorite area on this scenic pathway was the section shaded by beautiful oak trees. The Loop passes by The Wrightsville Beach Historic Square and The Wrightsville Beach Arboretum, a small patch of green space to find your Zen.

If you’re interested in exploring the local history of Wrightsville Beach and Harbor Island, the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History offers guided tours along the Loop. Wrightsville Beach Park has outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, beach volleyball pits, and grassy open areas.

Lee’s Nature Park was built on a little peninsula in a marsh. You can hear birds chirping in the park even if you don’t turn in to enjoy the solitude. I recommend cycling along the beach path to the bridge on W. Salisbury St. That way, you can finish at the Lighthouse Beer & Wine and cycle back over the bridge into the beach area.

6. Visit the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

While on the Loop Walk, veer off to the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History that sits on the side of the path. The homes that make up the Historic Square are some of the last survivors of the Great Fire, which roared through the island in 1934.

The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is free and won’t take a lot of time. It offers an interesting insight into the history and growth of this beach town. A lovely volunteer greeted us upon arrival and told us more about the museum, shared with us the model of Wrightsville Beach, and some of the important buildings that line the shore, and how some of them have changed over the years.

It was insightful to wander through the old beach cottage from the 1900s to look at what a beach house back in the day was like. They have definitely changed in comparison to the huge homes that now line the shore.

I enjoyed the swimsuit wall, which gave an insight into how bathing suits have changed over the years. I love looking at photos of older generations to see how similar their lives were to mine now.

Next door is also the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center, which is temporarily closed until later this summer. During the summer months, it has a range of interactive programs to help you learn more about the diverse ecosystems that make up the Wrightsville Beach area. Every Tuesday, they have a touch tank.

7. Enjoy craft beers at Lighthouse Beer and Wine

Time for another stop on your Wrightsville Loop walk! Isn’t this a fun way to experience the local culture? This cute little blue bottle shop shack sits on the right side of the road as you drive over the first bridge into the beach town.

What was once a shop for making surfboards has now become a place to purchase your beverages and enjoy a couple while you wait. As soon as I walked into the Lighthouse Beer and Wine’s cute and natural beer garden with shady trees and wooden seating areas, I knew we had to return here in the peak summer season. THIS is the local vibe I’m talking about.

Artwork adorns the walls, and strangers and friends stand around the campfires in a keg chatting. They have rotating draft beers, wine by the glass, a good selection of NC single beers or six packs from the fridge, and live music.

8. Stay at The Trailborn (formerly Blockade Runner Beach Resort)

The Blockade Runner Beach Resort is where we stayed, and it’s one of the most popular oceanfront hotels. We couldn’t ask for a more perfect beach resort than this. At the start of 2025, it changed ownership and rebranded to Trailborn Surf & Sound. While we have not yet experienced its newness, we feel confident that the same standard of excellence will be there, and guarantee the location is still the greatest!

Trailborn’s location is prime real estate right in the middle of Wrightsville Beach on the narrowest part of the island. That means you are a few steps from the ocean and a few steps to the sound. You can get a room with a view of either side. If you are traveling in a group, why not have one group rent the sound side, and the other the ocean side? That way, you can have drinks with views for sunset AND sunrise.

This 50-year-old boutique hotel has survived several hurricanes and was owned by a North Carolinian family. Its outside retro look belies the beauty that you’ll find on the inside. The Blockade Runner is welcoming guests with a commitment to enhanced safety protocols.

A fun, light tropical décor graces the lobby and rooms, all leading to the views that entice you to cross the gardens and expansive lawn with swinging hammocks and fire pits to step onto the pristine beach. It’s a beautiful space that also has an outdoor pool and bar. It’s perfectly suited to the Wrightsville Beach vibe that says go slow and play – what North Carolina beach vacations are meant to be!

If you’re looking for family beaches in North Carolina to vacation at, we love that our kids are excited to return and swim in the pool, sit around the fire pits, and laze on the hammocks.

The more expensive rooms have true balconies you can sit on. Others have false balconies, but you can slide the balcony doors open and still have the glorious views, without a sitting area. Two wicker chairs tastefully sat at the windows for us to sit and savor the view.

The award-winning East Oceanfront Restaurant – al fresco in warmer months – has fresh local seafood, lobster, wine tastings, comfort food, and the popular Sunday Brunch.

9. Watch the sunset at the South End

Ride your bikes or drive the short distance down to the very south end of Wrightsville Beach. Be prepared for magic. Bring a cooler and snacks if you wish to make it an extra special event. There’s not much else to say, except let the photos inspire you until you arrive for the real thing.

10. Have dinner at Ceviche’s

You will be surprised when you walk in the door to the little yellow bungalow that is Panamanian-inspired local favorite Ceviche’s. The small bar area opens up to another dining area, which opens up to another small dining area and an outside covered patio. The popularity of this restaurant has seen its slow expansion into its adjacent buildings.

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Wrightsville Beach, go here. We fell in love with the first sip of my rum cocktail and bite of my calamari. Hello, Panama, I now want to visit.

What transpired over the remainder of the evening was an explosion of fresh, spicy, and flavorful dishes. My pick was the calamari and the Brussels sprouts. And as a long-time calamari fan, I was thrilled to see it coated in gluten-free flour, making it available for me to eat. The restaurant uses taro flour for their meals, a Panamanian favorite that gives battered food an extra crunch.

Both Craig and I ordered the fish specials of the evening, which were a celebration! I loved the Latin American décor and vibe of this restaurant, and the service was outstanding. Oh, of course, the girls want me to mention their Spanish beignets were their favorite, and Craig and I enjoyed our Ancho Chocolate Pot De Crème dessert.

Yep. This is the Wrightsville dining experience you most want to splurge on. You deserve it.

11. Enjoy a sunrise on Wrightsville Beach

Pick a spot, any spot, on an endless white stretch of sand. You can even watch the sunrise from the balcony, or bed, of your Blockade Runner hotel room, just like we did, check this out…

Pier and photography lovers may wish to head to either Crystal Pier at the southern end or Johnny Mercer’s Pier at the northern end for their sunrise pier shots. Why not enjoy a lingering walk while you watch it rise?

12. Have breakfast at Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar

Health lovers rejoice! Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar is where you’ll find the prettiest, tastiest, and most diverse nutritious smoothie bowls in the country. I thought I knew all smoothie ingredients until we arrived here and discovered the nutritional blue and creamy tocos.

Just like SUNdays, I loved sitting on the rocking chairs as locals came in to order and were greeted by name and caught up on conversations. Craig and I could not resist sharing a serving of the smashed avo toast with feta and sunflower seeds. We suggest you indulge in the same way.

13. Go kayaking the Salt Marshes

We loved kayaking through the salt marshes. Don’t just limit yourself to the ocean activities; the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is a magical place to explore. You can kayak or go stand-up paddleboarding on the many different channels of the waterways.

We recommend taking a guided tour with Wrightsville SUP – a great way to learn how to SUP from experienced instructors, as well as learn more about the delicate and diverse ecosystem. Owner (and our guide for the day), Jarrod, took us on a meandering path through the channels.

We never would have found our way on our own, nor would we have noticed the abundance of oysters, periwinkle snails, osprey, and other birds flying overhead that he pointed out. Out here, you’re far from the busy open sound where boats love to cruise past. The waters of the marsh are too shallow for them to enter.

We had a windy day, so we decided to kayak instead of stand-up paddleboard. When we next visit Wrightsville Beach, we will definitely jump on the paddleboards to enjoy one of our favorite family activities.

You can also rent the paddleboards and kayaks from here if you want to go out on your own. Wrightsville SUP also offers fun things like SUP yoga and nighttime paddles. See more information here.

On our kayaking trip through the salt marshes, Jarrod shared with us the importance of the oysters for filtering the water – we could even see this in action as we paddled by and watched them spitting out the water.

We know how much humans love eating oysters. We definitely do not want to see this delicate creature that keeps this ecosystem so healthy disappear. So, for this Wrightsville Beach trip, we decided to adopt some local oysters as a way of giving back to the communities we travel through.

This cool local initiative is helping to restore 50 million North Carolina native oysters (Crassostrea virginica) by the end of 2020. You can also sponsor some oysters here.

14. Have lunch at Shark Bar and Kitchen

A converted dive bar, Shark Bar and Kitchen, is now a beautifully renovated two-story restaurant and bar that’s ready for your Instagram updates. It offers a casual dining experience highlighting locally and sustainably sourced seafood, meats, and produce.

You can find plenty of seafood, from raw bar options to fish tacos, a daily fresh catch, and fried seafood baskets, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Our black bean burgers with smashed avo and pico de gallo were simple yet flavorful. And those tater tots – may I have another?

15. Enjoy beach time at Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier

About 10 pedals from the Shark Bar is Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, a popular place on the beach for people to play. Johnnie Mercer’s Pier (Wrightsville Beach pier) is the only concrete fishing pier in the state of North Carolina and extends more than 1200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.

It costs $2 per adult and $1 for kids to walk out onto the pier if you want to experience the views of the long stretch of Wrightsville Beach. Here you can have more beach time. Relax. Soak it up. This is what you’ve worked hard for.

This is one of the best beaches in North Carolina for families, so if you have young kids like us, don’t forget all your beach toys!

16. Have dinner at South Beach Grill

South Beach Grill is situated in what was once the first and only bank in Wrightsville Beach. The small bar, as you walk in, was where the drive-through ATM and bank vault used to be. They had extensive renovations after the most recent hurricane blew through here and left its damage mark.

Here you’ll find Southern-inspired, coastal North Carolina dishes that are locally sourced from both land and sea. It’s a local hotspot that is perfect for lunch or dinner and offers sunset views of Banks Channel – soak it up with dinner on the outside covered patio.

Craig enjoyed grilled shrimp tacos, and my meal – the fresh catch of the day over the Bless Your Heart Salad was fresh, light, and flavorful. There are plenty of choices for the kids, also.

17. Visit USS Battleship North Carolina

Over in nearby Wilmington is one of the most historic sites in the region, and it’s only a 10-minute drive from Wrightsville Beach. The USS North Carolina has a permanent home in Wilmington and was one of the first of ten battleships to join the American fleet in WWII.

She was considered the world’s greatest navy ship in her prime, and you can wander through the ship to see the sailors’ and officers’ quarters and mess hall, as well as the vast amount of artillery on the expansive deck. It was a fascinating insight into life aboard a navy vessel, helping us see the difficulties of life cramped below a steamy, smelly deck.

18. Look for the lone mailbox

A unique and quirky attraction in Wrightsville Beach is the lonely mailbox, which lies half-buried in the sand dunes on the north end of Wrightsville Beach. A tradition for both tourists and locals is to leave letters in the mailbox – whether you want to send a letter expressing feelings, write about your trip, or just anonymously share your thoughts, it’s tradition to share an undelivered letter here.

Inside the mailboxes are more than 200 journals and stacks of pens and paper for you to write on; you don’t need to bring your own. This tradition has been going on for over a decade and is a sort of ongoing time capsule. The mailboxes are located by Access #2 (2698 North Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480)

Another more famous mailbox in North Carolina is the Kindred Spirit mailbox on Bird Island (made famous because of the Nicholas Sparks book centered around it).

19. Enjoy a Kohl’s Frozen Custard

You might be thinking an ice cream would go down a treat on a warm summer’s day, but why not try a frozen custard instead? Kohl’s Frozen Custard is a locally owned business that sells sweet treats such as cookies, pies, cakes, and custard sandwiches, but it’s famous for its frozen custard ice cream. They make all their frozen custard fresh and have rotating flavors. Check the website to see what flavors they have when you visit.

20. Go surfing

Wrightsville Beach was listed as one of the best places to go surfing in the USA by National Geographic. If you’ve never been surfing, the WB Surf Camp offers surf lessons and surf camps in the summer, offering lessons for all ages and skill levels. They are also sponsored by surf brands, Quiksilver® and Roxy®. If you already know the ropes, there are plenty of surf rentals along Wrightsville Beach where you can rent a board.

21. Relax in one of the Wrightsville Beach Bars (or close to the beach)

If you’re looking for more bars, here are a few local bars that came recommended to us by locals and other travelers:

• Jerry Allen’s Sports Bar & Grill
• Wrightsville Beach Brewery – This spot is just over the bridge in Wilmington!
• King Neptune Pirate Lounge
• Lager Heads
• Poe’s Tavern

Final thoughts

What makes Wrightsville Beach stand out is its laid-back, slow-paced, community-driven surf culture and lifestyle – AND its stunning location. Wrightsville Beach is situated on a barrier island only 4 miles long and a couple of strides wide. Well, maybe a block or two in some sections. The beachside, of course, meets the Atlantic Ocean and offers you a wild, rugged experience. On the other side lies the tranquility of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway – miles of open sound water and narrow channels bordered by marshes, swamps, and small islands.

And just a 10-minute drive away, you’ll find the Historical Downtown Wilmington District on the Cape Fear River. You can easily incorporate a trip to Wilmington with your visit to Wrightsville Beach if you are staying longer than a few days (and we recommend you do!).

For us, this was not the first time visiting this area, so we did not venture outside of Wrightsville Beach, and it was fantastic. If we couldn’t bike to it or drive only 5 minutes, we weren’t going to experience it.

As mentioned in our guide on Wrightsville Beach vs. Carolina Beach, it’s one of the best beach towns in North Carolina. It’s all about disconnecting to reconnect to simplicity and togetherness. It’s a favorite destination in the USA for older teens to visit with friends.

Next time we visit, we might go on one of the Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours or Sunset Cruise over to Masonboro Island, or a fishing charter, or just do nothing at all and enjoy beach life. One thing we do know, it’s our favorite beach town, and one of our favorite places in North Carolina, period.

More Coastal North Carolina Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for visiting the North Carolina coast? Here are some other helpful guides…

• 1 day itinerary for a Raleigh to Wrightsville Beach Trip
• Blockade Runner Beach Resort Review: The ultimate Wrightsville family accommodation
• 4 Day Vacation to the Brunswick Islands, NC
• Things to do in the Outer Banks
• Beaufort NC: Pirate town of many treasures
• Things to do in Carolina Beach
• Which is better: Carolina Beach vs Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is included in our best USA road trips list and on our list of the best North Carolina beaches!

Video: watch our adventures in Wrightsville Beach

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In short, the Outer Banks is full of a small number of adventure activities, lots of history, water sports, and plenty of culture to keep you from getting bored, but not too much to distract you from quiet moments spent appreciating natural beauty. But if you’re not sure what to do in the Outer Banks, here are some of our favorite attractions and most popular activities!

1. Watch the Sunrise over the Beach

A magical do-not-miss moment on your Outer Banks vacation is sunrise over the beach. An Outer Banks sunrise is my favorite in the US so far. It was gentle, humble, and soft as it painted the sky in pastel pinks and oranges, transforming the water to still glass. And, each morning, a pod of about 20 dolphins swam out the front of the rising sun, one even leaping out of the water with joy. Grab your coffee, plop yourself in the sand, and relax and enjoy one of the best free Outer Banks attractions. Even go for a beach walk, or swim, or a paddle. We had equally beautiful sunrises on the southern end of the NC coast at Ocean Isle, Brunswick Islands.

2. Go Hang Gliding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park

It’s not all surf, sand, and scrumptious seafood in the OBX. All good vacations need a dose of adventure. A chance to step out of your comfort zone and create a story to share forever. Hang gliding in Jockey Ridge State Park is the story you’ve been looking for. The tall dunes of Jockey’s Ridge comprise the tallest natural dune system on the East Coast, ranging from 80 ft. to well over 100 ft. tall, and provide the perfect platform for learning to hang glide. They have plenty of height for beginners, and are soft for landing, and offer beautiful views of Roanoke Sound and the Atlantic Ocean

Kitty Hawk Kites has been providing lessons at this site for over 25 years. Not only is this one of the most fun things to do in the Outer Banks with kids, but it will connect you to some of the history of the area as it was in these parts that the Wright Brothers took the first flight.

I’ll admit, when we walked up to the top of the sand dune and looked down over the area we’d be flying, realizing I wasn’t doing it as a tandem, my stomach started to churn. “What was I thinking?” To showcase bravery to the two strong, independent women we’re raising, I took a deep breath and volunteered to go first, silently repeating the instructions in my mind that we learned at the 30-minute school beforehand.

“Move the bar 2 inches forward to go up, 2 inches back to go down. Hips to the side to turn. Flair – arms and legs outstretched – to land.” Micah, our lovely guide, ran along beside me, holding the ropes in case of an accident and calling out instructions. “We’re walking, we’re running, we’re flying ….”

That short-lived magical feeling of flying didn’t last long before I saw the ground arriving, my sidekick disappearing, and my instincts shouting, “flair, flair flair.” Just in time for a soft sand landing. It was thrilling. Savannah jumped up to go next. Don’t fear, it looks scarier than it is. I don’t think you could hurt yourself. Savannah got excited on one turn, going high up and crashing down – she popped up giggling, excited to share she survived a flight crash. We flew with perfect landings more than we didn’t. Kalyra had a near-perfect execution each time.

Hang gliding was the type of adventure we sought as a family. What was more enjoyable than flying was seeing my girls conquer their fear and move one more step into empowered women living a full life. To further connect to this historic site and flying history, you can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, see the monument, and the visitor center just near here to learn of the historic first flight of Wilbur and Orville Wright.

3. Enjoy Breakfast Views at Freshfit Cafe, Nags Head

If you enjoy a healthy breakfast with stunning views, find your way to Freshfit Cafe overlooking the sound on Nags Head Causeway. It’s tucked away as all hidden secrets should be. Health-conscious eaters will be stoked to find keto and paleo versions of their favorite foods with a range of nutritious smoothies.

Our vegetarian omelet was delicious, and Savannah wanted to go back the next day for more pancakes. What is most beautiful, though, are those views. Grab an outside table and maybe take your paddle boards, as this is the perfect calm waters for them. We just missed dolphins.

4. Learn to Surf at the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is hailed as one of the best places to go surfing in the country. You can bring your own surfboard, or you can learn to surf with a surfing lesson. There is a huge culture around riding the waves here in OBX.

Admittedly, we did not get to check out all the surfing spots in the Outer Banks, nor at the time when the swell was happening, but from our observations on our short OBX trip, Nags Head Pier had the cleanest breaks. It looked like a nice beach for swimming as well. Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills are meant to be the best for surfing and skimboarding with the biggest waves. They were very dumpy and onshore at Kill Devil for us.

Surfing lessons at Corolla Beach

Corolla Beach seemed to be a popular place for surfing lessons. There were several groups out there when we visited, learning on small rolling clean waves. You can choose between private lessons or group lessons. They have beginner lessons and advanced lessons, so it doesn’t matter what your skill level is; anyone can learn to ride the waves here.

5. Go Stand-Up Paddle Boarding at the Outer Banks

Seeking fun things to do in Outer Banks, then be sure to pack your paddleboards (or rent some). It’s one of my favorite outdoor activities, especially with kids. There are endless places to go supping, from the unsteady waters of the ocean to the calmer, sound waterways.

We took ours out at Corolla Beach, which seemed to be calmer, although I fell off my board a couple of times – the first time in a long time. I would have loved to have taken the board out during sunrise, like we watched some keen paddle boarders do every morning.

Paddle to the stairway to the sun – now there is an Outer Banks bucket list experience! Kayaking is just as popular as paddleboarding and can be done in all the same places!

6. Enjoy the Tiki Bar at Mulligan’s Grille

Mulligan’s is set back from the ocean, but high enough to have views of the beach. You also get views over the dunes of Jokey Ridge on the other side. It’s the perfect place to come after your hang gliding lesson. They have indoor and outdoor seating, but we preferred the laid-back vibe of the Tiki Hut, which also serves food. My tuna salad was delicious. As was Craig’s burger. I could have definitely sat there all afternoon at the Tiki Bar wearing my relaxed OBX persona.

7. Visit Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

There are many lighthouses to visit in the Outer Banks. As this was a short visit, we added only one to our list, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at the very southern end of the Outer Banks on Hatteras Island, before Ocracoke. Cape Hatteras is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States at 208 ft.

Its black and white stripes are unmissable, as you would hope its beam to warn nearby sailors, as the waters off the Outer Banks are treacherous. There have been approximately 3,000 shipwrecks in this area, giving it the label of the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras Village is part of the NC Maritime Museum system and showcases the history of the shipwrecks. Blackbeard the pirate loved roaming these parts – some of his treasure is said to be still buried in Beaufort, NC.

You can climb the 248-spiral staircase to the top for views – that’s equivalent to a 12-story building. It was closed when we visited. We wished we had skipped this on our short Outer Banks getaway. As it was a long drive on the national park drive (over an hour each way) and we didn’t really do much to explore the Cape Hatteras Seashore, we would have preferred to spend the day at the beach.

It depends on how much you love lighthouses, if you want to explore more of the seashore, and where you are staying! The Bodie Island Lighthouse and Currituck Beach Lighthouse are other favorites for those visiting the Outer Banks

8. Get your Treats at Donutz on a Stick, Duck

Duck Donuts is a kids’ favorite attraction in the Outer Banks. You can find them in other places around North Carolina, though. What you won’t find is Donutz on a Stick. Thanks to a tip from a This is Raleigh Instagram follower, we heard about this local’s secret. With ice cream and whipped cream piled on top of two warm donuts, our girls were happy we received that tip as one of the best things to do in the Outer Banks with kids.

9. Stroll along the Duck Boardwalk

We did not have a lot of time to walk the entire 0.6 miles of the Duck boardwalk. But it’s one of the popular things to do in Duck. Take your time, enjoy the calmer waters of the sound, and peruse the gift shops you pass by. This is one of the best retail locations in OBX and is a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts.

You will find fun outdoor goodies such as games, toys, flags, boomerangs, and other water sport paraphernalia to take to the beach, as well as essentials like sunglasses, t-shirts, footwear, and beach sportswear.

Near the boardwalk is the Treehouse Coffee Co, which does great coffee and good breakfast food, especially if you love biscuits. They have an outside sitting area under the trees.

10. Eat Innovative Food at NC Coast & Grill, Duck

I recommend starting or ending your Duck boardwalk stroll with lunch at NC Coast Grill & Bar, a new restaurant in Duck. You get superb Currituck Sound views and delicious food described as coastal and Southern with nuances from around the world. Our Mexican poutine and fish street tacos were evidence of that. NC Coast Grill had the most modern and innovative food we had in the Outer Banks. This would be a great sunset spot, too.

Duck is one of the reasons the Outer Banks made our list of best foodie destinations in North Carolina.

11. Enjoy the Outer Banks Beaches

Pick a beach, any beach, and enjoy your day! The beaches in the Outer Banks are all as stunning as each other, and even in the busiest months, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out. Since we moved to Raleigh, we have visited the Outer Banks beaches many times and, to be honest, I think it would be hard to find a bad beach. Here are our favorites:

Jennette’s Pier (Nags Head Beach)

A family favorite for swimming is Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. It’s one of the most popular swimming spots in Nags Head and is also known for pier fishing and an educational experience. After Hurricane Isabel destroyed it in 2003, the oldest fishing pier in OBX was rebuilt into this education complex in 2011. The Aquarium-operated complex features educational classrooms and programs, alternative energy demonstrations, live animal exhibits, meeting facilities, a snack bar and tackle shop.

Avon Pier

I loved the cozy feel of this beach on the south side of the pier. It was different from the other beaches in the Outer Banks, which are one long strip of sand. The pier was colorful too.

Kill Devil Hills Beach

The waves were very dumpy here, which can change every day, but the beach was nice, and the kids had fun dragging each other around on their body boards. I loved the more wilderness feel it had, and as it wasn’t busy, you had a lot of space.

Outer Banks Fishing Pier

I’d say spend the afternoon swimming near the Outer Banks Fishing Pier and then head to Fish Heads Bar for happy hour (see below).

The Currituck Sound

If you want to get away from the big waves and surfers, then head to the Currituck Sound to find beaches with less choppy waves. This is the perfect place to try water sports, such as kayaking, parasailing, SUP, kiteboarding, or riding a Jet Ski.

12. Don’t miss Fish Heads Bar & Grill, Nags Head

We’re not really pier people – Santa Monica kind of ruined that idea for us. However, Fish Heads Bar & Grill at the Outer Banks Fishing Pier won us over. It’s now our favorite pier in the country and is how we think you should do piers. Dump the tacky rides into the ocean and instead pop up some colorful umbrellas and a few tables, a Tiki hut with over 40 craft beers, live music, and 15-cent shrimp! Yes. You read that correctly. Happy Hour 4-6pm every day, join the stream of people arriving on the jetty.

And what a story of how it started: in 2010, Garry, Mary, and Ryan Oliver decided to sell beer on the pier under a pop-up tent with 2 tables. That’s how you turn an idea into something special. Make a night of it. Their food was cheap and good. You won’t get the sunset over the ocean, but you’ll certainly get the colors if you want to make it a longer evening. We say YES, put this on your Outer Banks things to do list!

READ MORE: The best things to do on the North Carolina beaches (includes Fish Heads, Hang gliding, paddleboarding, and the amazing sunrises.

13. Devour Smoothie Bowls at The Spot

You know a place is good when there is a line. Although I don’t like the lining-up part, the delicious Acai bowl at the end makes it all worthwhile. You’re at the beach, be sure to grab yourself a smoothie bowl. It’s the OBX way. You’ll find a wide variety at The Spot, located in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. See more here.

14. Explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore

If you drive down to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, you will be immersed in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This 70-mile stretch of the Outer Banks from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island is the country’s first national seashore.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the first attractions on Hatteras Island. If you love bird watching and beautiful views, you’ll want to walk some of the trails to explore this beautiful area. I wish we dedicated more time to exploring its unique beach communities, historic lighthouses, and endless water-based activities. It is a beautiful area. I’d love to come back here for beach driving, hikes, supping in the quieter waterways, and a beach house rental.

If you like Nicholas Sparks, be sure to take a peek at the Inn at Rodanthe in Rodanthe, which was the setting for the book and movie Nights of the Rodanthe. You can even stay there.

Cape Lookout National Seashore, south of Hatteras, is another incredible place to visit in the Southern Outer Banks. Read more here.

15. Enjoy Craft Beers at Outer Banks Brewing Station

This is not just a place for great craft brew. It also has some of the best food in the Outer Banks, a pretty beer garden with a playground for the kids, and live music! Want to up the ante a little on what makes this a great brewery – the Outer Banks Brewing Station is the first wind-powered brewery in America. Yet another Outer Banks first. We love to celebrate and support all businesses that love and support Mother Nature.

Craig recommends the Lemon Grass Wheat Ale or Hugh Hefeweizen, Kalyra says don’t miss the bacon mussels, and I recommend the local puppy drum with sweet corn risotto, mixed vegetables, and a smoked tomato puree.

16. Sunset at Millers Waterfront Restaurant

To be honest, we were not big fans of the food at Millers Waterfront Restaurant, but we were big fans of the sunset views. If we were to redo it, we’d come here for sunset drinks in the waterfront garden. It’s busy, and eating here is another of the most popular things to do in OBX, and we had to wait for an hour for a table on the outside deck. And we ended up shoved in the corner under the stairs (Harry Potter style).

We know it can’t be helped, and it’s just the luck of the draw, but as the food wasn’t great, I’d just go for the views with drinks instead. The sunset view is spectacular. There will be other spots you can see the sunset in the Outer Banks. This was the only one we experienced.

If you’re looking for a more intimate sunset dinner experience, I love Paper Canoe in Duck. I recently dined there on my Outer Banks wellness break, and it was sensational. Here are more Outer Banks restaurants to love.

17. Rent a Boat Charter

Chartering a boat is a great way to explore the stunning waterways, wetlands, and oceans of the Outer Banks region. Not only is it a great way to see the natural beauty, but you can also take full advantage of the excellent fishing opportunities available.

Whether you’re an experienced angler looking to catch bass or interested in a thrilling adventure with offshore charter boats, the options are plentiful. OBX Pontoon Man, AKA Captain Randy Graham, offers a variety of charters, including pontoon boat rentals for a leisurely day on nearby rivers, or offshore boats for those seeking the bounty of tasty fish and crabs available to catch in deeper waters.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you can also do kayak fishing and kayak tours with Kitty Hawk Kites, and they also do dolphin tours in the summer. The Outer Banks is all about the water, so whether you want to try your hand at fishing or you just want to admire the scenery, make a boat charter an unforgettable part of your Outer Banks adventure.

18. See the Wild Horses of Corolla

Something that is unique to the OBX is the Wild Horses of Corolla Beach. These resilient horses came over to North Carolina with the Spanish colonials and have been left to look after themselves in this region for more than a century. Roaming freely in their natural habitat, the wild horses are a symbol of the region’s rich history and untamed spirit.

You can drive out to see them yourself, or you can take wild horse tours to see them, since the Corolla Beach area needs a 4×4 vehicle to access it – which we don’t all have!

19. Explore Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

If you’re looking for more historical landmarks, don’t miss Fort Raleigh Historic Site on Roanoke Island, which offers a captivating journey into the region’s heritage, from 1550 and the founding of the USA to the Civil War era. As you wander through the grounds, you’ll get a feel for the lives of the people who shaped the Outer Banks, from early settlers to influential figures in American history.

One of the most poignant parts of the site for us was the First Light of Freedom Memorial, which acknowledges the site of the Freedmans Colony, which was part of the National Underground Railroad Network. After the Union’s first military victory of the Civil War, escaped slaves came to Roanoke Island and established the Freedmen’s Colony, where enslaved African Americans could get an education.

It was once home to 3.5K formerly enslaved African Americans and the first community of its kind, making it an important part of the site to visit and learn about this pivotal moment in history.

20. Relax in The Elizabethan Gardens

Another unique place to visit in the Outer Banks is the tranquil Elizabethan Gardens, which are nestled on Roanoke Island. These beautifully landscaped gardens were once used to entertain Queen Elizabeth I on her visits to Outer Banks, and feature vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and stunning water features. It’s a quiet and tranquil setting to relax in, read a book, or have a picnic.

Best Time To Visit Outer Banks of North Carolina

The best time to visit the Outer Banks is in the late spring from April to May, just before the summer, as the weather is nice and you don’t have large crowds. The busiest time to visit the Outer Banks is from June to Mid-August, when families are visiting on their summer vacations. We have visited the Outer Banks in the winter, and while it’s too cold to go swimming, there is still a lot of sightseeing to do, and it’s nice to enjoy this region when there aren’t so many people about.

Things to Know Before You Go to the Outer Banks of North Carolina

The Outer Banks (OBX) is a 130-mile stretch of barrier islands just off the coast of North Carolina, from Corolla in the north to Ocracoke in the South. The Southern part of the Outer Banks is known as the Crystal Coast. It has the ocean on one side and the Sound on the opposite side of the coastline, offering even more opportunity for water activities.

The Outer Banks has become a popular vacation destination thanks to the Netflix series of the same name, which was filmed in South Carolina, but the scenery is remarkably similar. Just so you can get down with the lingo, OBX is the cool term for Outer Banks. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is the home of many firsts in the USA, which only adds to its uniqueness and outstanding value as a beach destination.

• The first English Colony at Roanoke Island. Later known as the Lost Colony, as they all disappeared. I know you’ll want to disappear into the Outer Banks, but we promise you won’t get missing Bermuda Triangle style.

• The first successful flight in motor-driven, heavier-than-air machines by the Wright Brothers. These historical flights took place on the sloping sands of what is now known as Big Kill Devil Hill, located just south of Kitty Hawk.

• The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, encompassing more than 28,000 acres along the Outer Banks, was the first to be established by the US government.

• Richard Etheridge became America’s first black lifesaving station keeper with his appointment to the Pea Island post in 1880. He served as keeper until his death in 1900. He was a former soldier and surfman.

Where to Stay in the Outer Banks

When you visit the Outer Banks for the first time, you may be wondering where the best place is to stay. Where you stay depends on what you want to experience during your visit. This is the best way I can explain it.

• Southern Shores – Nags Head to Cape Hatteras. This is for those who want a more remote, quieter experience with fewer facilities
• Duck to Corolla – For people who want a little more luxury and style amidst small village vibes.
• The main area – Kitty Hawk to Nags Head. We stayed here, and we liked being close to the major Outer Banks attractions and lots of options for eating out.

If we were to stay in the Southern Shores, we’d stay in a vacation rental, so we wouldn’t be so focused on enjoying the local culinary attractions, etc. That kind of OBX vacation would be just for serenity and connection to those you love. Here are a couple of ideas of places we’ve stayed at and can recommend:

• Sanderling Resort in Duck (for those seeking solitude, private beach access, full resort amenities, and a little more upscale. Read our full review of Sanderling Resort.
• Breakwater Inn Cape Hatteras: (comfortable rooms with access to a fun local OBX restaurant on the water. One of the few Hatteras hotel accommodations.
• See other OBX accommodation options here.
• See more vacation rentals we recommend in Outer Banks here, or browse vacation rentals on Airbnb here.

If you’re still looking for your accommodation in the Outer Banks, use the map below to find your perfect vacation rental!

Watch Our Outer Banks Video

More North Carolina Travel Tips

Thinking of visiting other places in North Carolina? Here are some other helpful guides…

• Things to do in Lake Lure – the place for serenity
• Weekend getaway to Wrightsville Beach
• Top places to go in the North Carolina Mountains
• 48 hours in Durham – itinerary and things to do
• Things to do in Manteo and Roanoke Island

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What are you most looking forward to on your visit to the Outer Banks? Tell us in the comments below.

From hiking to sunbathing on the beach, to sipping delicious coffee in quaint coffee shops, to exploring craggy gorges in Kalbarri National Park, here are all the best attractions in Kalbarri to visit.

1. Visit Inner Gorge Kalbarri National Park, WA (Nature’s Window)

When we visited Kalbarri National Park, the heat was unbearable and the flies relentless, so our visit consisted of driving to a few other lookout points that were close to the car park, keeping the kids in the car and tag-teaming our visits, taking it in turns to each run the short 400m track to the lookout to beat the flies, take a quick look at the view, and a sprint back to the car.

Until the last one. It was Nature’s Window, the most famous and photographed spot in Kalbarri National Park. Nature’s Window is one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural attractions. You can walk here from the Loop car park (500 metres), or you can take in the surrounding beauty on the 8km loop trail (recommended in winter months).

The trail was paved path, so we popped the girls on their scooters and sent them on their way. This unique rock formation has been naturally formed in a window shape overlooking the valley of the national park. It’s one of the most popular formations in the park to visit, so I recommend you get there early. Now that the kids are older, and can hike 15 miles no problem, we would love to return and do this hike WITH fly nets! OR in the cooler winter months.

2. Check Out Z Bend River Trail

The Z Bend River Trail is a 2.4 km return hike that descends steeply down into the gorge, which is noted for its striking orange rock colours and jagged layers. There is a lookout of Z Bend, which overhangs above a sharp bend in the Murchison River. If you don’t want to hike into the gorge, you can view the Z Bend from this viewing spot, which is only a 600-metre walk from the parking area.

If you do want to hike into the gorge, come prepared with sturdy boots and a can-do attitude! It’s a reasonably challenging trail with a few ladder climbs and rock scrambling. There’s not much elevation gain, but a few obstacles to tackle.

3. Head to Ross Graham Lookout and Hawk’s Head

The Ross Graham Lookout and Hawk’s Head are two unmissable overlooks where you’ll find expansive views over the Murchison River Gorges. The Ross Graham Lookout has a picnic shelter and toilet facilities, and you can walk from the car park down to the river’s edge for a swim and a cool down. It’s a great place to take the children if you have kids with you. Late July is when you’ll see spectacular wildflowers in bloom.

4. Walk the Kalbarri Skywalk

In 2020, the Kalbarri Skywalk opened and quickly became one of the top attractions in Kalbarri National Park. Two cantilevered viewing platforms hang in mid-air 100 metres above the gorge, giving you a thrilling floating experience above the Murchison River gorge. Inspired by the region’s Aboriginal heritage and beauty, several local indigenous artists have created interpretive artwork as an important part of the Skywalk experience.

5. Hike Along the Kalbarri National Park Coastal Cliffs

I love national parks that have diversity. Kalbarri National Park offers the inner gorges, but also has a coastal section. It wasn’t as hot being on the coast, and having that cool breeze meant the flies weren’t as bad. They were still gross, but the wind kept them away. The coastline is stunning.

Kalbarri’s Coastal Cliffs extend 13km South into the boundaries of the national park. Here, you’ll find sheer coastal cliffs 100 metres above the roaring ocean waves. Keep a lookout for migrating humpback whales between the months of June and November. We experienced most of the 8km coastal walk in sections, driving from point to point, and then walking to the various lookout points along the way.

6. Check out Natural Bridge and Island Rock, Kalbarri

Island Rock broke off from the shoreline some time ago and is now only a lone sea stack. Many say it reminds them of the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, but I personally think nothing can compare to the Twelve Apostles. Still, it’s quite a magnificent feat of nature.

Natural Bridge offers stunning views and is a good vantage point to spot whales on their annual whale migration, as well as dolphins and other wildlife. There is a 1.2km section of boardwalk on the Bigurda Trail that connects Natural Bridge and Island Rock.

7. Visit Eagle Gorge Lookout

Eagle Gorge lookout is another place for incredible coastal views and can be accessed by the Bigurda Trail. It’s a great place to see some of the wedge-tailed eagles that nest in the gorge. There is a steep rocky path down to a secluded beach. Pot Alley also has a short track down to a beach and views of the expansive, rugged gorges.

8. Walk the Mushroom Rock Nature Trail

The 2.1 km loop Mushroom Rock Nature Trail takes you back 400 million years to Gondwanaland through coastal health, rocky outcrops with ocean views, and past strange rock formations.

It connects Rainbow Valley and Mushroom Rock, and apart from the gorgeous scenery, you may see kangaroos bouncing around. Red Bluff Beach is popular for swimming and fishing, and spectacular sunsets. Another hiking track you may want to take is from Pederick Lookout to Red Bluff Beach.

9. Wander around Kalbarri Town

Kalbarri town is definitely worth a visit. The town itself is quiet, with only a few streets, but it’s beautiful. It sits on the edge of the snaking Murchison River, being a backdrop to the mountains behind. It’s the first part of green you see after coming out of the Top End, so your eyes will feast on the prettiness.

10. Visit Gorges Cafe

There’s not many places to eat in Kalbarri, but that’s ok, because the Gorges Cafe is good enough! It had the best coffee we’d had since Broome, and it’s the best cafe in Kalbarri, hands down! You don’t get good coffee in Karijini, so a trip to Gorges was well worth it. It helped us make the day more relaxing.

11. Go abseiling with Kalbarri Abseil

If you’re looking for more adventurous things to do in Kalbarri, then consider abseiling! Kalbarri Abseil are an abseil company who have been running abseiling trips in Kalbarri and cater to beginner to intermediate abseilers. The abseiling takes place in the Z Bend Gorge in Kalbarri National Park, where you will begin by hiking to the site and then receive training and instructions from the knowledgeable guides. The walls range from 4 meters to 35 meters, so if you’re new to the sport don’t worry as you can practice on the lower walls first.

12. Go surfing at Jakes Point

If you’re a surfer, you’ll love Jake’s Point (Jacques Point), a famous surf break. The beach has been recognised as a National Surfing Reserve and is where some of the best surfers tackle the waves. It’s not a beach for beginners, though, as waves can range from two feet above.

Even if you don’t surf, it’s a great place to watch the pros at work from the sand dunes. Another great beach to visit is Chinaman’s Beach, the sunsets are magical.

13. Feed the pelicans

One of the best free things you can do in Kalbarri is to take part in the pelican feeding at the Kalbarri Foreshore (opposite Murchison Caravan Park) every morning from 8.45am. It’s free to do, but they do ask for a gold coin donation to help cover the cost of the fish. You can learn about the pelicans from knowledgeable and passionate volunteers.

14. Take a sunset cruise

For a different perspective of the Kalbarri Coast, consider taking a sunset tour. The cruise leaves from the Kalbarri Marine Facility and takes you along the bay to look up at the Kalbarri National Park Coastal Cliffs, Red Bluff, the Mushroom Rock Walk Trail, Pot Alley Beach, Jakes Point, and Eagle Gorge.

You may even spot a bottlenose dolphin or two swimming along beside you. Bring your camera, as the views from the boat are unbelievable, especially at sunset.

15. Take a Quad-Biking Tour

Adventure lovers will love to take a Quad Bike Safari through the national park and along Wagoe Beach. The quad biking tours allow you to see the scenery up close without the need for hiking, drive off-road, and explore the Australian bush.

16. Visit the Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon)

Although you can’t swim in the lake, Pink Lake is a natural wonder to behold. Located near to Port Gregory (about 30 minutes from Kalbarri) this natural wonder is a vast scene of pink sea, which is caused by a natural algae that changes the pigment to a red color, making the lake a pinkish purple color.

The shade of the lake differs depending on the time of year you visit it, and during the summer the lake can pretty much dry up and look more like a salt flat, so it’s best to manage your expectations before visiting. The best chance to see the pink hues is in the winter in early morning when the water is at its fullest and the sunlight is soft.

17. Snorkel in the Blue Holes

Just a short distance from the town of Kalbarri are a series of rock pools, known locally as blue holes. These blue holes are perfect spots for snorkelling as they provide a home for coral to thrive, which attracts hundreds of tiny fish and marine life. I recommend you visit in the morning as the swells can be choppy from midday.

Where to stay in Kalbarri, WA

Kalbarri is a small town and doesn’t have a huge amount of resorts, but it does have a few good ones. Here are some recommendations for accommodation options…

Kalbarri Edge Resort

a solar-heated pool and barbecue facilities set in tropical gardens, Kalbarri Edge Resort is just a 5-minute walk from the Murchison River. Previous guests love it for its awesome pool facilities, large suites, and location.

Kalbarri Palm Resort

Kalbarri Palm Resort features 2 pools, a hot tub, and a tennis court, all set on extensive gardens and located at the point where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean. It’s a 10-minute walk to the beach, and the rooms have kitchenettes. Previous guests loved the friendly staff, spacious suites, and location. It’s excellent value for money.

Riverview Holliday Villas

Offering self-contained apartments with a kitchen and a balcony, Riverview Holliday villas are just 650 feet from the Murchison River. It has an outdoor pool area and 3 hot tubs. Previous guests love the clean, modern rooms, swimming pools, and location.

Is Kalbarri worth visiting?

The main reason to visit Kalbarri is for the spectacular landscapes of Kalbarri National Park. The park is located on the lower reaches of the Murchison River Gorge, where over 400 million years of water flow from the Murchison River has carved gorgeous deep red and white striped gorges that stretch 80km towards the Indian Ocean. It’s a landscape you won’t find anywhere else on the Coral Coast, and so it’s absolutely worth visiting.

When is the best time to visit Kabarri?

The best time to visit Kalbarri is in the shoulder months of April and May, and September and October, or the winter months (June to August). This is just before and after the winter season, and is when the weather is at its most moderate and comfortable for hiking.

We highly recommend avoiding the summer months. We visited this time of year in late October, and the heat and the flies were relentless. It put a huge damper on our trip. The temperatures in Kalbarri National Park are no joke. It’s best not to do any strenuous hiking during the summer months when temperatures in the gorge can soar to 50 degrees Celsius.

We visited it was already stinking hot! I wish I were able to fully appreciate Kalbarri when we visited, but after nearly 15 years of experience of traveling with children, I can tell you the thing that will cause the biggest meltdowns is heat – and it just wasn’t on our side. We have a post with tips on traveling in the heat with kids to help you.

We highly recommend you take fly nets into Kalbarri National Park and pack plenty of sunscreen and drinking water. We discovered a few months later, when we experienced even worse flies at Uluru, that they make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide helped you map out some things to do in Kalbarri to add to your itinerary. Admittedly, when we visited, it was at a time when I was tired and jaded. We’d not long explored the magnificent Karijini National Park and it’s hard to experience wows that can compare to such pristine beauty.

There was also the problem of tired and wingey children, really hot weather, crazy wind, and insane flies, and I had no coping mechanisms left. But Kalbarri still left a mark, and I can look back and reflect on how scenic and beautiful it is.

Hopefully, when you visit, you don’t feel the same level of stress that I did. Be sure to visit the Pinnacles while in the Coral Coast, especially if your plan is to drive up to Coral Bay and Exmouth too.

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It’s your chance to walk among the film sets, to see how props and action moments were made, get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of your favorite scenes, and see original costumes worn by cast members. If you thought Harry Potter only existed in the chapters of a book and on the big screens of movies, think again.

The Harry Potter experience lets you get to go behind the scenes, at the place where the films were made, Warner Bros Studios London. The Making of Harry Potter studio tour is a fascinating insight into the technology and whole team effort that goes into creating blockbuster movies while maintaining the integrity of the story from which they came. This is not a theme park; this is an immersive look into the way that Warner Bros bought this magical story to life.

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about taking a Harry Potter Warner Bros studio tour in London, from getting tickets, what you can see and do, and some cool interactive experiences.

Where are the Harry Potter London Studios?

The Harry Potter Studios are located in the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden (just outside Watford), 20 miles Northwest of Central London. It makes for a fantastic day trip from London (or half day), and you can get there by either train or bus.

If you are staying in London, get the London Underground to Hendon Central on the Northern Line. Then, catch the Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter bus from directly outside the station.

If you are not traveling from Central London, you can get the Southern Railway service to Watford Station. You can also get direct train services to Watford from both London Euston (20-minute journey) and Birmingham New Street (1 hour journey). As part of your ticket, there is a shuttle bus from Watford Junction to the Studio Tour. It takes about 15 minutes, and they run at least every 30 minutes.

Don’t fear if you are not on a direct line when getting the London Underground – getting around London is easy. Just allow for extra time. You can use Google Maps or the TFL Go app to help you plan your route.

We caught the TFL Rail (Transport for London) out to the Harry Potter Studios from Shepherd’s Bush Station. You can use your Oyster card/contactless card if traveling through London zones 1-9. 

What is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter?

The Making of Harry Potter is a self-guided tour that takes you through two soundstages and a backlot filled with original sets, props, costumes, animatronic creatures, and special effects from the movies. It takes you around the actual location in which many of the scenes in Harry Potter’s seven-movie franchise were filmed.

For more than a decade, talented men and women and childhood stars filled this studio to give life to the magic of the books we all love so much in our real worlds.

Magic is not the only thing stirred up at these studios. It’s one of the largest studios in the UK and is the location for many films, including the Fantastic Beasts series, Paddington, Mission Impossible, and Batman.

When filming finished in 2010, thousands of artifacts, props, costumes, and more were left behind, so in order to preserve and showcase them and bring the filmmaking magic to Harry Potter fans around the world, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter was created.

Doors opened on the 31^{st of} March 2012 to thousands of wannabe wizards and witches from around the world, and it has since become one of the best attractions in London. There are many Harry Potter film locations all over the UK, but they filmed most of the last movies in the series in the lots at the Warner Bros Studio in London. Over the years, Warner Bros have extended the studio tour and added more iconic film sets and props.

The Hogwarts Express, the Forbidden Forest, Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse, Gringotts, the Courtyard Fountains, the exterior of The Burrow, and so much more have been added since its humble beginnings. Not only can you visit the film sets and see some of the movie props, but you can also drink butterbeer, interact with some of the magic, and purchase your favorite Harry Potter Merchandise.

All About Warner Bros Studio Tickets!

How much does the Harry Potter Studio Tour Cost?

As of June 2026, The Harry Potter Studio tour costs:

• Adult – £51.19
• Child – £41.13
• Under 4s – free

We booked about 3 weeks in advance once we had our itinerary set for our trip to London, and it had few options left. And we traveled off-season and right at the end of the pandemic. If you’re traveling during the summer, I’d book months in advance if you can!

There also may be special exhibitions during your tour, and you can prebook a guidebook (£9.95), priority parking if you’re driving (£10.00), or a digital guide (£5.25) at the time of purchasing tickets.

You can also now add on various afternoon tea packages – how very English – and tickets with dinner or breakfast included! There’s also a ticket with a souvenir gift, though it’s quite pricey…

Where do you buy tickets?

You can only buy tickets online – you CANNOT purchase them at the gates! You should buy your tickets from the official website, as ticket scams have been known to happen.

Note: Tickets are timed entry, which keeps visitor numbers lower. I’d make sure you turn up on time, so you don’t miss your entry. We arrived about an hour early, so we stopped in at Bake Wise for a coffee in Watford while we waited to get the bus from the station. They won’t let you into the studios if you are early, so you’ll just be waiting in the car park!

What if there are no tickets available?

Wipe your tears, Muggles! Wizards don’t cry; they get to work finding a solution. Wave that wand. The luck you seek may be found hidden with a tour group company.

The tour group ticketing system is a little different, so you may get lucky with some spare tickets. It’s a good last-minute option. It will mean you’ll be venturing with a group, and it may be slightly more expensive. Some of them may even include transport.

The Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour Highlights

Okay, now let’s start the magic! You’ll begin by seeing the tiny cupboard under the stairs and a room full of posters for each of the movies, some life-sized figures of Hagrid and the other characters, before moving into a small room for a special effects introduction.

In true Harry Potter style, the walls above will have moving figures of people sharing their stories and feelings about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guides will then take you to a theater to watch a small trailer about the movies. Then the self-guided tour begins when the doors slide open, and the smoke slowly unveils the Great Hall.

The Great Hall

I was expecting to gasp upon first sight of the Great Hall, but for some reason, it didn’t capture my imagination as much. When we visited, the Great Hall was set up to be in the style of Order of the Phoenix, so perhaps its darker version didn’t feel so enchanting. And also, there is no stunning arched ceiling as they created that using visual effects.

But there is a teacher’s table at the tip of the room where the Hogwarts professors sat, two tables on the side set for dinner, and costumes of students from each Hogwarts House.

I gasped more, walking into the Great Hall in Christ Church in Oxford, which is said to be what the Hogwarts Great Hall was modeled on. Plus, all the tables were set out in Christ Church, which made it feel more real.

As you walk out of the Great Hall and into the interior sets at Harry Potter London studios, you’ll see informational displays of the production team as well as costumes from the Yule Tide Ball and its beautiful ice sculpture.

The Great Hall is often decorated during the holidays. You should try to time your visit for Halloween or Christmas to see the magic like it is in the movies, with hanging candles from the ceiling and gigantic Christmas trees!

Interior Sets

It’s only walking through the interior sets of the Gryffindor Boys Dormitory, the Common Room, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s Hut, The Burrow, and the Potions Classroom that you realize how much attention to detail there was in the making of these films. You’ll also be surprised at how small the rooms are!

Give yourself enough time to pay attention to all the props and details of each room that include costumes and display panels with interesting information.

Dumbledore’s office especially had so much to look at with shelves filled with astronomical devices, telescopes, and star charts; the Memory Cabinet filled with more than 800 tiny vials; hundreds of books (actually British telephone books) bound in leather; forty-eight portraits of former headmasters hanging from the walls; and, of course, the sorting hat!

My digital guide pointed out things in each room not to miss, with a story attached to it. In between the interior sets, you’ll find displays sharing many of the magical things from the movies, like the wands, horcruxes, and the animals of the Wizarding World.

At Hagrid’s Hut, you can see the clever tricks filmmakers used to make Hagrid seem much larger than other characters. There’s an interactive area where you can sit in the chairs and test it yourself.

Quidditch

Without a doubt, my favorite Harry Potter movie moment was seeing Quidditch come to life in the first movie. It was exactly how I envisioned it in my mind, only way more exciting! This Quidditch display will show you how they made it happen.

Younger children will enjoy stepping up to the broomstick at the Quidditch area to command it to rise up to their hand. Now it’s your turn to fly the broomstick!

The Green Screen Experience

Fly on over to the green screen experience. I did not think I’d participate, but once I walked up with Savannah to offer her encouragement, I couldn’t help but jump in for a witchy photo with her! And because it turned out so cool, I had to purchase it. I tell you, I must have drunk a “buy everything, it’s just too much fun” potion walking into the studios.

Savannah went one step further and rode the broomstick around London. We opted for just the photo package instead of the video one. You will receive a link to download the digital versions of the photos, too, which I thought was great.

There weren’t any lines when we arrived at the Green Screen Experience. I wouldn’t line up for a long time to do this. But, since tickets are timed entry, I don’t think the lines will be that long. But then again, some people may linger all day here!

Also, around this area are many displays sharing how the visual and special effects team created the magic and wizardry of this world we love so much, including the flying car and the whomping willow tree!

Dark Arts and The Ministry of Magic

The joy of wandering through the sets of the good magic will soon be overshadowed by the darkness. Starting with the Death Eaters Meeting at Malfoy Manor, you’ll gaze upon the recreated scene of Charity Burbage’s catastrophic end with Nagini the snake. Use your Digital Guide to see how it all comes to life on the screen.

I loved seeing and learning about the Ministry of Magic in this section as well. The elaborate red and green tiled building was based on a 19th-century building in London. It was one of the largest sets constructed for the films and required hundreds of extras for the films shot there. Many of the actors said it was one of their favorite scenes to film – especially because many of the extras were their crew member friends!

I also found the Professor Umbridge Display fascinating as I learned that as she gained more power at the Ministry of Magic throughout the films, her wardrobe became progressively pinker. All these tiny details. I can’t wait to spot when I re-watch the movies.

The Forbidden Forest

Time for a tentative walk through the dark and eerie Forbidden Forest. This was Kalyra’s favorite set at the Harry Potter Studios. It’s a misty land of nineteen towering trees, twisted roots, and giant spiders.

Press a button, and they’ll fall from the sky, and a life-sized Aragog with its hairy legs spanning 18ft will creep out of the tree roots behind you. Younger kids may find this scary.

While I found it super cool, it didn’t scare me. Not after our ride on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Studios Orlando. The ride broke down right when we were upside down with those giant spiders dangling over our faces!

In the Forbidden Forest, there is also a full-sized model of Hippogriff Buckbeak, which first appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Platform 9¾

While they filmed most of the scenes for Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross Station in London, the crew recreated part of the platform on a sound stage here for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

The train interior scenes take place inside the train here with blue and green screens for special effects like the hopping chocolate frogs and flying Dementors!

Be sure to get your photo here with the cart running into the wall. The one at Kings Cross station is also very cool (Get there early to avoid the lines!)

Now you’re finished the first sound stage tour and are halfway through the Making of Harry Potter experience. Now for a break.

The Backlot Café

Now it’s time for another magical experience that all witches and wizards can’t wait for – Butterbeer. If you have never tried a butter beer, it tastes just like it does in the book – a cross between cream soda and butterscotch! Your first taste will be exactly as it’s described in the book.

I was slightly disappointed they did not have frozen butterbeer like they do at Universal Resort, Orlando. I could sit and drink that all day long.

Located halfway through the studio Tour is the Backlot Café. The café has standard café food – burgers, hot dogs, and chili cheese fries – with plenty of gluten-free options!

As I have gluten free requirements, I was impressed with how they managed this at the café. The first question they ask is if anyone has dietary considerations, and they take care of that straight away, making sure to cook your food in its own separate place.

The prices are going to hurt for sure, and there is indoor and outdoor seating here, and you have views of the Privet Drive and magical vehicles.

The Backlot: Privet Drive and Magical Vehicles

Before you enter Studio 2, you can explore some of the exterior sets from the films, including Number Four Privet Drive, the home of the Dursleys; the iconic Hogwarts Bridge created for Prisoner of Azkaban; and the purple double-decker Knight Bus.

You can jump in the Ford Anglia and Hagrid’s Motorbike for some fun family photos!

Creature Effects

If you loved the creatures from the Wizarding World, you will love the Creature Effects room.

Discover how they created Dobby the House-Elf; the many features of the various Goblins, mandrakes, the Basilisk; the animatronic features of Buckbeak and Aragog; and the makeup effects used to create the terrifying face of the Dark Lord. You can even become Dobby and make him dance!

Gringotts and the Vaults

One of my favorite sections of the Making of the Harry Potter tour was the vaults of Gringotts Bank. First, you walk through majestic Gringotts Bank, complete with goblin bank tellers. If you’ve done the Gringotts’ ride at Universal Studios in Orlando, you may walk through here quite quickly, as they are the same.

Most fascinating in the vaults is learning how they used 38,000 pieces of rubberized treasure to create the scene for the multiplying cups in Lestrange Vault. You can take your photo here in a spot that creates an optical illusion of you lost in the middle of the cups!

Next to here is the set for the Dragon Escape sequence of the final film. Be prepared for a fire-breathing dragon to charge at you through the smoke!

Diagon Alley

I wasn’t as excited about Diagon Alley in Harry Potter World, London. I know Diagon Alley at Universal Studios in Orlando is not the real thing, but boy, did it feel more magical, especially with all the shops open and the fire-breathing dragon at the end of it.

But Harry Potter movie fans will love how this is the real Diagon Alley used in the latter films, complete with quirky shops and slated buildings. Again, you’ll be surprised at how small it is and how dark!

Hogwarts Castle Model Room

There is no better way to finish a tour of the Harry Potter Studios than at the model of Hogwarts Castle. You’ll learn how they built this 1:24 scale model based on production designer Stuart Craig’s initial concept sketch.

They filmed the model with enhanced digital effects to create an unbelievably real Hogwarts Castle that all Muggles, witches, and wizards long to attend. Take your time to walk around and pay attention to the incredibly tiny details perfectly hand-sculpted to scale.

On our visit, there was a special lighting exhibit of the Weasley Twins’ fireworks exploding onto the side of Hogwarts. You can see that in our Reel (+all the other cool things mentioned!).

Seeing Hogwarts Castle was the part of the tour where tears pricked my eyes, just like it did when walking into Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure in Orlando. I think it symbolizes the power of magic, belief, imagination, and allowing yourself the grace to create what you see and feel inside of you as a gift for the world.

It blows my mind what J.K Rowling has created with the Harry Potter Realm simply because she chose to scribble a few notes down on a napkin during a time of significant hardship. She followed that trail and looked at what she brought to all of us – a story of magic, friendship, courage, and possibility.

Has there ever been a more popular story? Over twenty years later, it’s still drawing in fanatical muggles of all ages from all around the world. We all just want to feel a little of that magic from within the realness of our Muggle Land.

The Studio Shop

You end your tour (of course) in the Studio Shop. You can’t access it without a ticket. The merchandise store is quite big and organized into sections for each house and other things like Dark Magic! Whatever you want, this store has: jewelry, clothes, posters, trinkets, knick-knacks, housewares, books, games, and more.

I loved the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tour so much that I bought the T-Shirt. I couldn’t help but pick up the black singlet top with spells written all over the back. I feel very magical when I wear it. The girls also picked up something to remember the experience by, and I also purchased a Harry Potter souvenir book, which you can order online when purchasing your tickets.

The Harry Potter Digital Guide

At Harry Potter World London, you can rent a digital guide, which is a multimedia device with headphones that you wear around your neck. The device shares fascinating facts about the sets, props, and costumes on the tour via audio, video, and picture galleries.

It features behind-the-scenes footage, stories, and interviews with those involved in the production – cast and crew. I was the only one in our group who purchased the self-guided multimedia digital guide. Craig and the girls were content to wander around looking at all the sets.

The digital guide enhanced the experience for me, and I think it’s a worthy upgrade. I learned a lot, including how the original director pushed back HARD against the Americanization of the films i.e., making Hermione American or adding in cheerleaders for Quidditch. He was adamant that the movies keep the British integrity of the books. And for that, we honor him. Hogwarts does not need cheerleaders or Starbucks!

For most of the sets, there will be a clip from the relevant movie scene so you can see how that set came to life on the screen while standing in front of it. You can hire them digital guides upon arrival in the lobby (or you can pre-book).

FOR KIDS: Activity Passport

While our teen did not want the activity passport, Savannah and I had loads of fun filling it out. It’s a fun souvenir to take home and is completely free.

The Activity Passport is a small booklet with a few trivia and puzzles, which we didn’t do as we were too caught up in the set magic. There are several stations set up throughout the tour for you to stamp your booklet.

Souvenir Guidebook

After the magical experience on the studio tour, I couldn’t help but purchase the Making of the Harry Potter Souvenir Guidebook.

It’s full of fun facts, in-depth information about the film’s stories and behind-the-scenes stories and secrets, and beautiful photography. I think it’s worth it for true Harry Potter fans as a memory-evoking souvenir. You can pre-book your Souvenir Guidebook when you purchase your tickets.

FAQs About the Harry Potter Studios Tour

Is the Harry Potter Studio tour in London worth it?

The Harry Potter Studio tour at Warner Bros is expensive. BUT, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, or you can appreciate a good movie set, then I think it’s totally worth it, especially if you are visiting London with kids, or love the books and movies yourself.

If I compare it to other attractions I’ve done around the world, the price is good for what you get. There is no price on magic! It’s one of London’s best attractions for a reason, so I would allow room in your budget for it.

All of us LOVED it. Kalyra (our 14-year-old) was thrilled when we told the girls we were going to London because it meant she could finally go to the studios – a dream of hers for years. (It made her London for teens list!)

Craig hasn’t seen all of the movies, nor read any of the books, yet he thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Savannah (10 yrs) has only read a few of the books and is starting to become more of a devoted fan. She decked herself out with Ravenclaw gear after visiting the Studios.

Harry Potter World London (as some call it) is a fantastic way to allow Muggle children to feel magic and help them discover what can happen when you dream big. That alone is worth the ticket price. Next, I’ll share a few Harry Potter World tour extras that may enhance the magic. It’s one of the reasons we chose London as a favorite European destination for teenagers.

Where to stay near the Harry Potter Studios?

I am guessing you are a tourist spending time in London. I don’t recommend you stay in Watford near Warner Bros, there is not much there! You can easily stay in Central London near the other popular London attractions you intend to visit. As mentioned above, it’s easy to get around London.

We stayed at the fantastic 4-star Hilton Kensington. It was right near Shepherd’s Bush Station, which is on one of the train lines that takes you to Watford Junction. It only took us an hour to get there and involved one easy train change. We stayed here for two nights as guests of the hotel.

The hot buffet breakfast was fantastic, had lots of options, and was a perfect start to the day. I loved the kids’ breakfast section they had – the girls especially with the doughnuts available!

The location of the hotel was excellent. It’s only a two-minute walk to Shepherd’s Bush tube station and five minutes in the other direction to Holland Park Tube, both on the red Central line.

Close by is the stunning Holland Park and Kyoto Gardens ( a London park hidden secret), and Westfields Shopping Center is across the road – this is the largest shopping center in Europe with more than 265 shops and 50 restaurants. On the Southern terrace closest to the hotel is a cluster of 17 restaurants, which is where we stopped for great Thai one evening.

Video: Harry Potter Studios Tour in London

See the magic come to life in the video below!

More London Travel Tips

• Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to London
• Is the London Eye Worth it?
• The best views in London
• Great Pubs in London for travelers
• How to spend an enjoyable day in Camden Town
• Best Places to Visit in London
• The Perfect 3 Day London Itinerary Guide

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Rockhampton makes its name from its beef production, being the largest bull breeding town in Australia, but it’s also known for its natural beauty. Being on the banks of the Fitzroy River and being the gateway to the Keppel Bay Islands National Park, there are plenty of natural sites to see and explore here. But if you’re not sure what to do in Rockhampton, then keep reading to learn about the most unmissable attractions and activities.

1. Check out the Capricorn Caves

I’m not someone who’s big on caves, after all. How different can they be? Well, it all depends on the stories that lie deep within the cavernous walls or in the shallows of a murky waterway. The Capricorn Caves are a family-owned cave on the edge of Mount Etna Caves National Park, owned by Ann and Ken Augusteyn. They were keen to bring back some of the travel excitement in their life and went looking for an opportunity – something new to get them away from teaching and plumbing jobs and their Brisbane home.

Their story reminded me a lot of mine and Craig’s. They discovered Capricorn Caves in 1988 and decided to buy it. Ken would sketch out the plans he had for the caves in his living room every evening, which, over 25 years, has been brought to life. Capricorn Caves were originally discovered by John Olsen back in 1882, and our guide, David, told us the story of his discovery and his two-year journey exploring and mapping out the caves, sludging through bat poo and creepy critters up to his knees with only a candle to guide his way.

We learned that Olsen had a persistent draft problem, which would blow out his candle and force him to crawl back out the entrance using a rope tied to his waist to guide him in the pitch black. Once back outside, he would light his candle again and go back in. Now that is real passion.

The bat poo later proved to be quite lucrative and miners moved in to heave out bags of the guano, but they were kicked out by Olsen for blowing a tunnel through the caves to gain access to a cavern, and Olsen wanted to keep the cave pristine. Now there is only one man-made tunnel in the cave, the rest is natural. This man-made tunnel gives us access to the Cathedral, one of the highlights of the caves tour. It’s a place where many choose to get married and where opera concerts are held every year.

The acoustics in this cave rival those of the Sydney Opera House and we sat on the pews and listened to Jeff Buckley’s Alleluia. A fun part of the tour was walking over the swinging bridge in the dry, subtropical rainforest. The bridge takes you to a narrow zig-zag passage with lighted candles, which gives you a tiny glimpse into what Olsen’s adventures were like.

After the Cathedral tour, we ventured down into a cave to see the archaeological digging spot. The Queensland Museum has a site there where they are digging up fossilized remains of various megafauna spewed up by their owls and preserved by the bat poo. We were then able to go into a small room and look at some of these under the microscope.

It was a brilliant science lesson for Kalyra. She LOVED it and had no idea we were checking off a whole heap of outcomes for her Science curriculum – learning the way it should be. Capricorn Caves is a fantastic place to visit and not only offers cave tours, but adventure caving experiences, school camps, rock climbing, abseiling, high ropes, and accommodation by way of camping, caravanning, and cabins. You’re out in the bush, so serenity is yours to enjoy.

2. Visit the Koorana Croc Farm

It’s hard to grab the attention of a six-year-old and a two-year-old, but the Capricorn Caves and Koorana Croc Farm in Rockhampton did a good job of it. If only all my homeschooling lessons could be this good! The guides at Koorana Croc Farm did an amazing job of capturing my attention, too. I was a little unsure, as I’ve visited croc farms before and was a bit ho-hum.

The first sign that I liked both of these experiences was that both businesses were created and run by families. The stories behind them were incredible and I loved to hear how they overcame adversity to create a thriving business and valuable experience for any traveller. It’s hard to imagine a crocodile farm falling under the banner of conservation, but I understood it as soon as our guide, Adam, explained how the farm was born and how it does help protect the crocs.

Adam is the son of John and Lillian Lever, who started the croc farm in 1981. It’s an approved farm, operating under the Australian Government’s strategic conservation program. Years ago, the government received a harsh realization of the effects of crocodile hunting. Kakadu National Park, an area of almost 20,000 square kilometres, which was once teeming with crocs, had fewer than 3,000 crocs. As Adam said, “Imagine a country half the size of Switzerland that only had 3,000 people.” 

So the government banned croc hunting, and the black market sprang up, which did not help the crocs’ plight. In an effort to join them instead of beating them, the government allowed commercial farming. So now the croc numbers in Kakadu are up around the 10,000 mark and increasing in healthy numbers. It makes you think about commercialism conservation and how it can, in fact, save a species. Crocs are a hugely important part of nature’s balance.

Koorana Croc Farm helped to give me a deeper appreciation and respect of the saltwater croc. The saltie has evolved and thrived since prehistoric times. The Lever family treated them with a lot of love and awe. Adam climbed over the fence to stand next to, and feed, a ginormous 5 metre croc. He spoke to it gently, called it over to his side, and coaxed it to stand up and smile for our cameras – a trick he’s worked on for years to perfect.

He wanted to show us that they are not the aggressive monsters that we humans like to think they are. And they’re not, they’re just doing their crocodile thing. As long as they do it far from where I am, and pigs and cows are their only dinner, I’m happy.

Although Kalyra refused to hold the baby croc despite its teeth being taped up. Savannah jumped straight in there with me and needed gentle reminding not to squeeze baby crocs leg too tight! Both my daughters now have some awe and respect for the croc, and I’m pretty sure they won’t be going near river banks.

I won’t say I feel more at ease being in croc country for the next 5 months. Complacency can be the killer. But, at least I now know a little more about the beast, where they hang out, and how to not take any chances. Oh, and when you visit Koorana, be sure to check out their famous “croc pie” for lunch.

3. Visit The Great Keppel Island

For those who want to visit the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the nearby Great Keppel Island is the perfect place to do that. Accessible from Rockhampton, this tropical paradise is a haven for snorkelling enthusiasts who want to witness the vibrant underwater world and colourful coral reefs of the GBR. When taking Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns, you will find yourself stuffed into a boat with hundreds of other people, but here in Rockhampton, you’ll find much fewer crowds, adding to its allure. The island itself is worth exploring. You can go kayaking, camping, bush walking, or sunbathe on the pristine beaches.

4. Get cultured at Rockhampton Museum of Art

For those looking for more cultural things to do in Rockhampton City, head to the Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA). This vibrant cultural hub serves as a natural meeting place where creativity and community come together. RMOA is a space that inspires, engages, and enriches visitors through art. It has a diverse range of exhibitions and events, plus it’s Queensland’s largest art space, so you’ll be bound to find a piece of artwork you love in this place.

5. See the animals at Rockhampton Zoo

If you need ideas for things to do in Rockhampton with kids, then you can’t beat Rockhampton Zoo. This zoo showcases a diverse range of exotic animals such as meerkats, chimpanzees, and tigers, as well as native Australian animals such as koalas and kangaroos. As you explore the sprawling 10-acre zoo, you’ll be delighted by the close encounters with up to 100 animals and 30-species. You can also meet the friendly otters and play with the meerkats. Or if you’re feeling brave, you can hold a snake!

6. Walk the Treetop Walk in Mount Archer National Park

If you’re visiting Rockhampton, don’t miss out on a chance to walk the treetop boardwalk at Mount Archer National Park. The Nurim Circuit is a 500-meter, elevated boardwalk that extends 25 meters off the side of Mount Archer and offers an exhilarating adventure through the treetops. As you traverse the boardwalk, you’ll be surrounded by lush forest and treated to stunning panoramic views of the park and beyond. There are also plenty of other trails and bush walks you can take in the surrounding national park, if you want a longer experience in the great outdoors.

7. Discover Archer Park Rail Museum

If you’re interested in the history of rail-based transportation, check out the Archer Park Rail Museum. Set inside a heritage-listed former railway station, this transport museum showcases the development and evolution of railways in Rockhampton and central Queensland. From the restored Purrey Steam Tram to the fascinating collection of historical artifacts, Archer Park Rail Museum provides a glimpse into the past and allows visitors to connect with the region’s heritage.

8. Relax in Kershaw Gardens or Rockhampton Botanic Gardens

To discover more of Rockhampton’s natural beauty, head to one of the botanic gardens. Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are two botanic gardens in the city that are worth exploring. Kershaw Gardens, stretching along the Bruce Highway, offers a serene oasis filled with picturesque parklands, paved walking paths, and wheelchair access. It provides the perfect setting for a peaceful stroll or a delightful picnic with family and friends.

Meanwhile, the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, one of Queensland’s oldest public gardens, invites you to explore its lush greenery and captivating displays of Australian native plants. Walk around the captivating Japanese Garden or stand on the water’s edge of Murray Lagoon; there are plenty of places to relax and unwind in the park. With free entry and long opening hours, these gardens offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature from the heart of Rockhampton.

9. Travel back in time at Rockhampton Heritage Village

Another historical attraction in Rockhampton not to miss is the Rockhampton Heritage Village. This hidden gem invites visitors to step back in time and experience 10 hectares of bushland, where the township museum boasts a collection of meticulously preserved buildings, cottages, vintage cars, tractors, fire engines, a fire station, and horse-drawn vehicles. From the 1850s to the 1950s, you’ll discover what life before electricity was like, and gain a deeper appreciation for the pioneers who shaped the region.

10. Learn to throw a Boomerang at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre

The Dreamtime Cultural Centre is an indigenous arts and education centre that offers a unique and immersive insight into the rich heritage of Australia’s First Nations people. Explore the 12 hectares of classic Australian bushland that surrounds the centre, engage with experienced staff who offer guided tours, and learn from interactive exhibits. You can learn to throw a boomerang as well as traditional dance performances. The Dreamtime Cultural Centre is the place to be to gain a cultural understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Rockhampton.

11. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

For something more leisurely, consider taking a sunset river cruise along the majestic Fitzroy River and witness the breathtaking beauty of the setting sun against the city skyline. As you relax on the boat, savor a drink from the licensed bar and enjoy complimentary nibbles, adding a touch of luxury to your journey. You can book your river cruise experience with River Cruises CQ.

12. Have lunch at the Great Western Hotel

Being the Beef Capital of Australia, no trip to Rockhampton would be complete without stopping off somewhere to get a juicy steak. The Great Western Hotel is a historic Australian pub that offers more than just a meal; it’s a historic institution. The hotel dates back to 1862 and has kept much of its original charm. You can indulge in mouthwatering dishes at the steakhouse, where you can savor the finest cuts of beef cooked to perfection, whilst enjoying the live entertainment.

Where to stay in Rockhampton

We stayed at the Coolwaters Holiday Village at Kinka Beach. It’s located halfway between Yeppoon and Emu Park, near Rockhampton. We were so busy touring, we did not get a lot of time to experience the enormous 5-slide waterpark. The girls loved it when we did, and we enjoyed our stay here. It’s a huge park, and the cabin we stayed in was very comfortable and spacious. We recommend taking a morning coastal drive up to Yeppoon after your stay; it’s very pretty. For accommodation closer to Rockhampton, check the following map, or see vacation rentals here.

Final thoughts

With its diverse range of attractions, stunning landscapes, and fascinating museums, Rockhampton has plenty to offer. We hope this guide helped you decide on what to do in Rockhampton City and gave you some inspiration for how to plan your itinerary.

Other Southern Great Barrier Reef Travel Guides

• Sandstone Wilderness Itinerary
• Reasons To Visit the Town of 1770 and Agnes Water
• Don’t be baffled by Baffle Creek in Queensland
• Things to Do in Carnarvon Gorge National Park
• Things to do at Cape Hillsborough, Mackay – kangaroos on the beach
• Eungella National Park – wild platypus
• The gorgeous Finch Hatton Gorge

Then I learned that the Mall of America® (MOA) is much more than just a mall; it’s a retail space and entertainment venue with a whole host of attractions, from theme parks to aquariums to museums. If you’re wondering what to do at Mall of America® and what attractions to check out, this guide is for you! We’ve shared some of our favorite activities in the iconic mall so you can add a few attractions to your itinerary.

Things to do at the Mall of America®

The girls screamed and cartwheeled across the lounge room floor for five minutes when they learned about all the fun attractions at Mall of America®. It’s not just shopping and restaurants; there are plenty of attractions in Mall of America to keep all members of your family entertained. Take your pick from theme parks to aquariums, flyovers and high ropes courses. There are also signature experiences on offer, like Behind-the-Scenes at SeaLife and local culinary dishes at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. Let’s learn more about these Mall of America attractions.

1. Ride Roller Coasters at Nickelodeon Universe®

In the middle of MOA are seven acres of theme park fun. Nickelodeon Universe, the most famous amusement park at the Mall of America®, has 35 rides, which include thrilling roller coasters and rides for younger children. It also spans an 8.5-acre space, which makes it the largest indoor theme park in the USA! It’s also where you’ll find the Shellrazer, which is the steepest indoor roller coaster in the world with a 121.5-degree drop!

The theme park is surrounded by landscaped gardens and a high atrium, helping you to feel like you are outside, but it still has a very Nickelodeon theme to it, with rides named after your favorite Nickelodeon characters. I have two favorite memories from our time at Nickelodeon Universe:

Fairly Odd Coaster

We all jumped into the cart of the Fairly Odd Coaster, thinking it would be a tame ride similar to the Wild Mouse. On the first drop, we spun quickly around and all screamed. Cautious Savannah’s face fell and turned white. My screams were mixed with bellows of laughter for the rest of the ride. On the morning that we were leaving, Savannah decided to give the Fairly Odd Coaster another go and loved it, requesting to stay in the Mall for longer so she could keep riding it.

SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge Roller Coaster

Kalyra and I first went on the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster together. It has a 90-degree, slow, steep climb up. Kalyra was scared, so in an effort to take her mind off it, I suggested we sing a song on the way up. Failing any other song coming into my head, I belted out a rendition of Mary Had a Little Lamb. We laughed so hard that we barely noticed we’d already begun the dip of the 90-degree drop on the other side!

We stayed on and went around one more time. This time, I found a Pink song from my brain to sing. All up, Kalyra went on this ride several times by herself.

A few of the other rides the girls loved were the Backyardigans Swingalong, the Pepsi Orange Streak, and the Splat-O–Sphere.

We also loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock flying ride.

There are different packages you can purchase depending on how many days you spend in the mall.

2. Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course

This high rope obstacle course and zip line are located within the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and are one of the most thrilling things to do in MOA. The Ghostly Gangplank Ropes Course begins with the Barnacle Blast Zip Line, the longest indoor zip line in the USA, which travels across the length of Nickelodeon Universe theme park. Then you’re let loose to play on the three levels of the ropes course.

We do these rope courses a lot when we travel, and this one was a fun one and pretty high up. It took a while to ease into it and stop shaking. Just breathe deep and try not to look down. The harness has you!

Our funniest moment was when Savannah schooled us in how to walk the 56 ft high plank. I was actually going to chicken out, but she strode out in front of us, walked out to the edge of the plank, looked down and out over the theme park, and then wiggled her butt. She then strode back with a confident victory smile. How could you not follow that? I stood at the end of the plank and wiggled my butt, too. Craig and Kalyra followed suit. I hope that you will do the same when you visit.

The obstacle course ends with the Anchor Drop and Spiral Slides back to the bottom. Once you reach the bottom, you can walk back up the stairs to do it again – as many times as you like. We had to pull the girls out after about the 10th time.

3. FlyOver America

FlyOver America is a 4D simulation ride. It uses the latest technology to simulate a hang gliding flight with a bird’s eye view of the most awe-inspiring sights over the US (and Canada, during a limited time engagement). We loved flying over America and identifying the places we had already visited on our America Unplugged trip, and those we were still excited to visit. Be prepared for a fully immersive experience with this extreme attraction. I loved smelling the pine trees as we flew over them and experiencing the mist of Niagara Falls. Savannah says the FlyOver was her favorite thing to do in the Mall of America.

4. Signature MOA Experience – Go Behind the Scenes at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium

Yep, there’s even an aquarium at the Mall of America, which is home to over 10,000 living sea creatures, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks. You can explore various underwater worlds through exhibits such as the tunnels of Shark Cove, the ray lagoon, the rainbow reef, and the mysteries of the rainforest.

Don’t miss the Seahorse Kingdom and Jellyfish Discovery. Not only are they wildly pretty, but our girls found them the most fascinating and learned a lot about them from our guides – one of the educational things to do at the Mall of America.

SEA LIFE Aquarium at Mall of America offers several signature experiences, one being a 45-minute guided Behind-the-Scenes Tour. The tour takes you above the tunnels and into the laboratory to learn how they maintain and care for the water, tanks, and sea creatures, including those who are sick or injured.

Don’t forget to take your underwater selfie at the Rainbow Reef.

5. Crayola Experience and Store

Are you ready for some art lessons? As I am not gifted and talented in this area, I search for art experiences when we travel to ensure I’m incorporating that into our roadschooling curriculum. Thank you, Crayola Experience, on the third floor of the Mall of America. You could spend a couple of hours in here drawing, painting, coloring, and even designing your own crayon labels.

The Crayola experience is divided into 25 art stations, each exploring unique ways to use crayons to create art. We especially loved the art drip. You stick a crayon in a machine that melts it as it spins around, so the melted crayon sprays over the page and hardens into a circular design. It was groovy and gave the girls an insight into different artistic forms and media. The Crayola experience is the only place in the world where the magic of Crayola comes alive.

6. Play Mini Golf at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf

Moose Mountain Adventure Golf is an 18-hole miniature golf course designed with original and whimsical themes. The course promises a delightful adventure for families with courses suitable for children and challenging enough to make it interesting, but not feel impossible.

7. Escape from an Escape Room at The Escape Game

The Escape Game offers an immersive 60-minute adventure, featuring a selection of five captivating themes that challenge teams to solve puzzles and uncover clues in order to escape. With themes ranging from prison break to Gold Rush themes to exploring space and participating in a heist, each game promises an exhilarating and mysterious experience.

Feel the thrill of solving the mystery and escaping the room before the clocks run out, and ignite your sense of curiosity and problem-solving. Whether with family, friends, or as a couple, The Escape Game is an unforgettable adventure.

8. Watch a movie at the Cinema

Of course, one of the top rainy day activities in the Mall of America is to catch a blockbuster movie at the Cinema. B&B Theatres is the cinema in the Mall of America and has the only ScreenX (a 270-degree screen) in Minnesota, so if you’re really into your movies, then be sure to catch a film here. They also have heated, reclining seats in some theaters…

9. Laugh at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy

Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, located on Level 4 of the Mall of America, is the place to be if you want to laugh at the sets of the nation’s top touring comedians. The venue has established itself as Minnesota’s home for laughs, showcasing live stand-up comedy that promises uproarious evenings filled with laughter. Attending a show at this renowned comedy club is a must for anyone seeking an evening of side-splitting humor and entertainment.

10. Challenge Your Friends to Laser Tag at Tactical Urban Combat

Experience the thrill of Tactical Urban Combat‘s laser tag, an adventure offering a unique blend of excitement and strategy. With multiple battle arenas and the promise of intense 5 vs. 5 laser tag battles, this attraction is not to be missed. Tactical Urban Combat delivers an adrenaline-pumping Call of Duty-like laser tag experience, making it fun for all the family.

11. Visit The LEGO Store

Families who shop together stay together, right? With over 520 retail stores, you could be shopping forever. Want another great reason to shop at the Mall of America? There is no tax in Minnesota on shoes and clothing! We’re not big shoppers, so we didn’t utilize this as much as we could.

One shop we visited a lot was the LEGO store. It’s not only a cool shop, but a place to rest for us grown-ups while the kids immerse themselves in the store. It’s also just outside the theme park entrance, so a great “meeting point” in case anyone gets lost. They have a sitting area outside with a LEGO work station, which we utilized many times for rest breaks.

You can also step inside the store for some LEGO shopping – there’s a pick-a-brick wall with 180 different LEGO elements to choose from. Be sure to marvel at the LEGO sculptures on the roof of the LEGO building. The robot one is solid LEGO on the inside, except for a metal spine!

Food at the Mall of America

From gourmet restaurants to casual cafes, there is plenty of food in the Mall of America to satisfy everyone’s tastes and budgets. We experienced the following restaurants at the Mall of America.

12. Signature Experience: FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar

For a signature dining experience at Mall of America, head to FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar inside the Radisson Blu, one of the Mall of America hotels. FireLake is an upmarket casual restaurant that specializes in regional dishes using locally sourced produce. It’s a true Minnesota-inspired experience, and it’s a wonderful addition to the dining scene at the Mall of America.

FireLake Grill was our favorite dining experience at the Mall of America. We didn’t even feel like we were in the Mall.

I loved getting to taste the locally wild-caught walleye with wild rice. Both are sourced from the local Indian tribes, who are the only ones with permission to commercially fish.

13. Hard Rock Café

Hard Rock Café is one of the few chain restaurants we enjoy visiting. We’re rock fans, so it makes sense. Plus, they have gluten-free options for their food, and their burgers are delicious and reasonably priced. You can do a memorabilia tour at the Hard Rock Cafe in the Mall of America, Bloomington. Let the server know you’d like to do one, and they’ll find someone to take you around and share the significance of various pieces.

Of course, at the Hard Rock Café in the Mall of America, Minnesota, you are going to see memorabilia from local pop royalty, Prince. A glassed cabinet, including his Purple Rain suit, is dedicated to him in the hallway leading to the restaurant.

We had lunch at the Hard Rock Café on our first day visiting the Mall of America. I suggest sitting out on the patio for relaxing views over the theme park with roller coasters zipping past overhead.

And if you’re looking for bars at the Mall of America, parents with older kids could easily sit here and relax with a drink while their kids have fun in the theme park. We were fortunate to eat dinner at Hard Rock on a Friday evening as they have a local acoustic band, Monkeys in the Zoo, live on stage.

They sang several Prince songs, which were perfect after visiting Paisley Park and experiencing Prince the Tour.

14. The Fair on 4

If you love arcade games, another one of the fun things to do at Mall of America is head up to The Fair on 4, on the 4th floor of Mall of America, for dinner, beers, and some car racing fun. It brought back memories of my time as a youth playing arcade games, especially on vacations with newfound friends.

I especially loved the basketball throwing game and bowling. I used to play in a shooting position for netball, which is a similar game to the one we play in Australia. It was fun to slip back into that role and get almost every ball I shot through the net. I’ve still got it!

15. Culinary on North

We dined at the Culinary on North restaurant area on Level 3, Central Parkway, which is essentially a lovely food court at the Mall of America. There is also the South Street Dining area on Level 3. You will find your typical food court chains. We ate at Shake Shack – since visiting New York, we have become fans of Shake Shack. It’s our fast food go-to. I particularly love the coffee milkshakes.

Thai Express for delicious Pad See Ew. It was gluten-free, which is not typical for this dish, so I was excited.

16. Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee is the winner for best coffee in the Mall of America. Caribou is a chain, BUT it’s a local chain, and the coffee is good. They can be found in various locations around the Mall of America; we loved that there was one right outside the lobby of the Radisson Blu Mall of America, making it our first stop each day.

Hotels near Mall of America

You have over 50 hotels near Mall of America MN, with two hotels connected to Mall of America (Radisson Blu and JW Marriott).  Most of the hotels in Bloomington, MN, near the Mall of America offer a free shuttle service to and from the mall.

Fun facts about the Mall of America

1. Mall of America is the largest retail shopping mall in the US.
2. How big is the Mall of America? 32 Boeing 747’s could fit inside the Mall, and 258 Statues of Liberty could lie inside the Mall.
3. Mall of America is committed to green design. For example, no central heating is used in the public areas, only solar energy and body heat. For a state that gets a lot of snow, this is super impressive.
4. 70°F (21°C) is the constant temperature inside the Mall of America year-round; it’s the perfect winter vacation.
5. 30,000 live plants and 400 live trees climb as high as 35 feet tall in Nickelodeon Universe.
6. Mall of America is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, attracting more than 40 million visitors annually, more than twice as many people as the world’s largest amusement park, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
7. 4 out of 10 visitors to the Mall of America are tourists.
8. 350+ events are held at the Mall each year – I told you there were plenty of things to do at the Mall of America!

Tips for visiting the Mall of America

• Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (21+) in the Mall on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. until close. While most 15-year-olds would hate this rule, I think it’s a fantastic way to keep everyone safe and reduce potential problems.
• Mall of America is easy to get to with a light rail from Minneapolis and St Paul, and the International airport (12 minutes away). Ditch the boring airport lounge for long layovers and spend a few hours in the Mall.
• Mall of America has teamed up with Uber to make getting to and from the Mall of America easier with five specific pickup or drop-off zones.
• Download the Mall of America app for maps, stores, and money-saving deals. There’s a digital concierge to answer your questions. For those who like more traditional methods, there’s a Mall of America visitor guide and directories all through the Mall to help you get around.

• Stay longer and enjoy the attractions and experiences the greater Bloomington area, and nearby Minneapolis and St Paul have to offer.
• For a list of stores at the Mall of America click here!
• The address for the Mall of America is: 60 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
• For current opening hours at the Mall of America, and directions to the Mall of America, click here!
• Save more money – The Big Ticket Adventure Pass is a 3-day bundled attraction pass that gives 30% savings on top attractions in the Mall of America and the Twin Cities. The Bloomington Attraction pass includes Nickelodeon Universe®, SEA LIFE® Minnesota Aquarium, FlyOver America, Crayola Experience, and the Minnesota Zoo (including IMAX experience). Purchase the pass online. You’ll receive a pass via email or text, which you show to the attraction’s attendant for admission.

Final thoughts

We spent five days in Bloomington, Minnesota, three of which were full days in the mall, where we did not step outside to do anything else. Everything we needed was in the mall, including our accommodation, and we had a wonderful vacation there. We hope this guide on things to do at the Mall of America with kids helped you plan your itinerary.

Video: Our Visit to the Mall of America

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