The Latest From Carolina Traveler

Looking for some fun water attractions in North Carolina and South Carolina to make the most of your Summer Break? Check out these top water thrills in the Carolinas, along with a few other one-of-a-kind family-friendly adventures:

🏖️ Crazy waterslides and lazy rivers await at White Lake Water Park in Elizabethtown, one of the best places to find affordable water attractions in North Carolina

🎣 Dock and dine at local favorite Lake Hartwell, the #3 best lake in the Carolinas

⛵ Go tubing to a secret swimming hole in the western NC mountains and take on coastal water attractions in NC and SC

🐝 Stay dry when you smoke out a live bee colony on this one-of-a-kind beekeeping experience in Unionville

🌮 Check out our new page with up-to-date contests and giveaways for VIP subscribers, including tickets to the Gorge Zipline, Green River Adventures, Charlotte food festivals, and the most epic LEGO event for kids in the state!

🌄 Sign up now to become a Carolina Traveler VIP subscriber and get first dibs on family-friendly fun, land-based and water attractions in North Carolina and South Carolina, and unique seasonal itineraries. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, we're always giving away tickets and prizes to Carolina VIP subscribers and members of our Carolina Traveler Facebook group.

White Lake Water Park is one of the best water attractions in North Carolina

Check out this view from atop the 50 ft. double twister water slide!

Endless Summer Fun at White Lake Water Park

White Lake Water Park in Elizabethtown, NC, is one of our ultimate summer destinations for enjoying water attractions in North Carolina! Dive into excitement with thrilling water slides, a relaxing lazy river, and a wave pool that promises endless fun. Little ones will delight in the splash pad, while the adventurous can conquer the daring Riptide Racer. Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM seven days a week, this family-friendly park offers something for everyone.

You'll be just as excited about the pricing for admission. White Lake Water Park is one of the most affordable water attractions in North Carolina:

  • $22 (guests over 4 ft. tall; 1/2 price admission after 3 PM)
  • $12 (guests under 4 ft. tall; 1/2 price admission after 3 PM)
  • $8.34 (10 laps of go-karts)
  • Full-day tiki hut rentals ($100 for large, $70 for medium, $40 for small)

Discover more about the wonders of White Lake by exploring our other articles on fun things to do in the area:

Lake Hartwell boasts many power-boat related water attractions in South Carolina

A paradise for power-boaters, Lake Hartwell is located near the border of South Carolina and Georgia

Visit The #3 Best Lake In The Carolinas

Lake Hartwell, SC, is a summer paradise offering a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Start your adventure with Lake Hartwell Boat Tours or bring your own to explore the expansive waters. The US Army Corps of Engineers, which operates Lake  Hartwell, shares that it is common for individual slalom courses to be set up for daily use on the lake, without a permit. You may spot the Clemson University waterski team shredding on a beautiful summer day!

Hiking and biking trails around the lake provide scenic views and a chance to connect with nature. For an extended stay, choose from several lakeside campgrounds or cozy cabins. Nearby restaurants like The Galley Restaurant at Portman Marina offer delicious meals with stunning lake views.

Don't miss the mysterious Ghost Island, a must-visit for the adventurous. To get there from Oconee Point Campground, launch your boat and head southeast towards the center of the lake. Keep an eye out for the island's distinctive trees and rocky shores. Embark on this thrilling journey and uncover the secrets of Ghost Island. Learn more details on this haunted island in the middle of Lake Hartwell.

For more water attractions in North Carolina and South Carolina, check out #4-10 below — you're sure to find some epic outdoor date ideas, as well!

Twins going tubing on the Oconaluftee River

Tubing to a secret swimming hole is fun for all ages!

Have You Experienced The Top Water Attractions In North Carolina And South Carolina?

Discover the best water attractions in North Carolina and South Carolina, offering a range of thrills to suit every budget. For $25 and under, embark on a thrilling canoe trip through the gator-infested waters of Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, SC. For a refreshing escape, take a tubing trip down the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, NC, and uncover a secret swimming hole hidden amidst the natural beauty.

For those seeking mid-range adventures, indulge in surf fishing at the dog-friendly Huntington Beach State Park, SC, for just $75 and under. Feel the excitement of reeling in a big catch against the backdrop of pristine beaches. Alternatively, immerse yourself in tranquility with a mindful meditation and yoga hike to a waterfall in Marion, NC. Let the soothing sounds of cascading water enhance your meditative experience.

For ultimate water thrills, consider splurging on unforgettable experiences. Ride a helicopter above shipwrecks in Manteo, NC, for a bird’s-eye view of maritime history, or experience the exhilarating hoverboard fun in Avon, NC, soaring above the water like a true adventurer.

Click here to plan your perfect aquatic adventure, explore our favorite water attractions in NC and SC for 2024.

People attending a beekeeping experience in Unionville NC

You'll bee amazed at how fun, informative, and safe this experience is!

Smoke Out A Live Bee Colony In Unionville NC

Discover the enchanting Airbnb beekeeping experience in Unionville, NC! Nestled in the serene countryside, this unique adventure offers guests a hands-on opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of bees. Under the guidance of experienced beekeepers, you'll don protective gear and step into the buzzing apiary, learning about bee biology, hive management, and honey production. Witness the intricate workings of a hive up close and even sample fresh, golden honey straight from the comb.

This immersive experience not only educates but also connects you with nature in a profound way. Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a memorable and educational outing. Interested in more animal thrills in NC and SC? Check out some of our readers' favorite picks:

Current VIP giveaways for Carolina Traveler subscribers

Some things AREN'T too good to be true!

Win Free Tickets When You Become A Carolina Traveler VIP Subscriber

Attention VIP subscribers: You're in for a treat! VIP subscribers are eligible for FREE tickets whenever they become available, while supplies last. Keep an eye on your email for instructions on how to claim them. To ensure you receive our notifications, please mark us as a trusted email address to prevent us from landing in your spam or promotions folders. Keep us coming to your inbox for all the latest updates and exclusive offers!

Our current giveaways include:

  • August 10-11, 2024 Brick Fest Live! – Charlotte, NC – 2 Free tickets available per VIP subscriber. Tickets valued at $19.99/each
  • August 24- Tacos ‘N Taps– Ballantyne, NC- 2 Free tickets available per VIP subscriber. Tickets valued at $39/each
  • VIP only drawing for Green River Adventures Lower Green River Kayaking for 2 people – Valued at $49/each

Become a VIP Subscriber now to be eligible for our upcoming late summer/fall giveaways:

  • VIP only drawing for The Gorge Zipline in Saluda, NC  for 2 people – valued at $129/each
  • Charlotte Wine & Food Festival – September 28- 2 Free tickets available per VIP subscriber. Tickets valued at $39/each
  • Brick Fest Live Charleston, SC – October 12-13 – 2 Free tickets available per VIP subscriber – Tickets valued at $19/each
  • Charlotte Whiskey Wine & Fire – November 2 – 2 Free tickets available per VIP subscriber – Tickets valued at $59/each

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