Greensboro travel guide
Greensboro Tourism | Greensboro Guide
You're Going to Love Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina is known for its historical battles during the Revolutionary War and its location near the Great Smoky Mountains, which offer many outdoor recreational trails for visitors.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Greensboro
1. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
This park offers information and summer re-enactments of famous Revolutionary War battles that were fought in Greensboro.
2. Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden
This well-manicured public space is a popular place for wedding photography due to its many sculptures, flower arrangements, and scenic bridges.
3. Weatherspoon Art Museum
This free museum at the University of North Carolina showcases many modern works of art from the local community.
4. Greensboro Science Center
Included in this building is an aquarium, science museum, and zoo.
5. Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
Visit this 100-year-old performing arts space that regularly hosts music, dance, and theatrical events.
What to do in Greensboro
1. Greensboro Science Center: Discover Plenty of Family Fun
Thanks to the Research Triangle, North Carolina is one of the US' most science-oriented states. Located on Lawndale Drive, a little to the north of the city proper, the Science Center is the Tar Heel state's number one museum for science fans. With a heavy emphasis on biology, it hosts a huge collection of marine and land animals, from Chilean tarantulas to blue poison dart frogs, but there's also SKYWILD - a treetop adventure park, as well as exhibits dedicated to weather, dinosaurs, and health.
2. North Carolina State Capitol: The Heart of the Tar Heel State
This is where everything gets done in Raleigh. The Capitol is an elegant building at the heart of the city which dates back to 1840. It might not host the legislature any more (that's moved opposite the Natural History Museum), but it's still where the Governor works. These days, the Capitol Tour provides a vivid peek into how the state's government functioned for over 100 years and also includes a meticulous reconstruction of how the State Library would have looked in 1856.
3. Weatherspoon Art Museum: A Modern Art Masterpiece
Located within the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, the Weatherspoon Art Museum is a cultural treasure that no fans of the visual arts should miss. It first opened its doors in 1941 and has developed into a huge collection of modern works by big names like Rauschenberg, de Kooning, Bourgeois, Calder, and Warhol. Basically a showcase of the best American art of the past century, the museum also hosts a schedule of informative talks and workshops, helping to get to know the artists and their works in intimate detail.
4. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park: A Revolutionary War Revelation
A must-visit for anyone with an interest in the War of American Independence, this national monument commemorates the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, which took place here in 1781, kickstarting America's triumph in its war against the British. Situated a few miles north of downtown Greensboro, the park is more than just a memorial (although the visitor center lets you discover the conflict in minute detail). It's also home to 2.5 miles of historic trails, while you can join bike tours to follow the ebb and flow of the seminal battle.
5. Greensboro Historical Museum: An Engaging Window into Greensboro's Civic Past
Moving into the center of Greensboro, the Historical Museum can be found on Summit Avenue and is always worth a visit. Housed in a beautiful ex-Presbyterian church, the museum itself is an architectural attraction, but what's inside is fascinating. See the marvelous miniature rooms created by local craftsman Otto Zenke as well as historic firearms collections and exhibits dedicated to local literary hero O. Henry, whose short stories are often read out at enjoyable events within the museum grounds.
6. North Carolina Museum of Art: A Cornucopia of Visual Delights
Tucked away in western Raleigh near the University, the NC Museum of Art first opened its doors in 1956. Since then, it has accumulated a fantastic collection which spans all of the world's continents and more than 5,000 years of history. Highlights include bronzes by Rodin and a fantastic collection of Dutch and Flemish masters, but there's something for all art lovers here. And the museum's amphitheater is also a wonderful summer concert venue, so make a day of it with a unique fusion of art and music.
1. Greensboro Science Center: Discover Plenty of Family Fun
Thanks to the Research Triangle, North Carolina is one of the US' most science-oriented states. Located on Lawndale Drive, a little to the north of the city proper, the Science Center is the Tar Heel state's number one museum for science fans. With a heavy emphasis on biology, it hosts a huge collection of marine and land animals, from Chilean tarantulas to blue poison dart frogs, but there's also SKYWILD - a treetop adventure park, as well as exhibits dedicated to weather, dinosaurs, and health.
2. North Carolina State Capitol: The Heart of the Tar Heel State
This is where everything gets done in Raleigh. The Capitol is an elegant building at the heart of the city which dates back to 1840. It might not host the legislature any more (that's moved opposite the Natural History Museum), but it's still where the Governor works. These days, the Capitol Tour provides a vivid peek into how the state's government functioned for over 100 years and also includes a meticulous reconstruction of how the State Library would have looked in 1856.
3. Weatherspoon Art Museum: A Modern Art Masterpiece
Located within the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, the Weatherspoon Art Museum is a cultural treasure that no fans of the visual arts should miss. It first opened its doors in 1941 and has developed into a huge collection of modern works by big names like Rauschenberg, de Kooning, Bourgeois, Calder, and Warhol. Basically a showcase of the best American art of the past century, the museum also hosts a schedule of informative talks and workshops, helping to get to know the artists and their works in intimate detail.
4. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park: A Revolutionary War Revelation
A must-visit for anyone with an interest in the War of American Independence, this national monument commemorates the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, which took place here in 1781, kickstarting America's triumph in its war against the British. Situated a few miles north of downtown Greensboro, the park is more than just a memorial (although the visitor center lets you discover the conflict in minute detail). It's also home to 2.5 miles of historic trails, while you can join bike tours to follow the ebb and flow of the seminal battle.
5. Greensboro Historical Museum: An Engaging Window into Greensboro's Civic Past
Moving into the center of Greensboro, the Historical Museum can be found on Summit Avenue and is always worth a visit. Housed in a beautiful ex-Presbyterian church, the museum itself is an architectural attraction, but what's inside is fascinating. See the marvelous miniature rooms created by local craftsman Otto Zenke as well as historic firearms collections and exhibits dedicated to local literary hero O. Henry, whose short stories are often read out at enjoyable events within the museum grounds.
6. North Carolina Museum of Art: A Cornucopia of Visual Delights
Tucked away in western Raleigh near the University, the NC Museum of Art first opened its doors in 1956. Since then, it has accumulated a fantastic collection which spans all of the world's continents and more than 5,000 years of history. Highlights include bronzes by Rodin and a fantastic collection of Dutch and Flemish masters, but there's something for all art lovers here. And the museum's amphitheater is also a wonderful summer concert venue, so make a day of it with a unique fusion of art and music.
1. Greensboro Science Center: Discover Plenty of Family Fun
Thanks to the Research Triangle, North Carolina is one of the US' most science-oriented states. Located on Lawndale Drive, a little to the north of the city proper, the Science Center is the Tar Heel state's number one museum for science fans. With a heavy emphasis on biology, it hosts a huge collection of marine and land animals, from Chilean tarantulas to blue poison dart frogs, but there's also SKYWILD - a treetop adventure park, as well as exhibits dedicated to weather, dinosaurs, and health.
2. North Carolina State Capitol: The Heart of the Tar Heel State
This is where everything gets done in Raleigh. The Capitol is an elegant building at the heart of the city which dates back to 1840. It might not host the legislature any more (that's moved opposite the Natural History Museum), but it's still where the Governor works. These days, the Capitol Tour provides a vivid peek into how the state's government functioned for over 100 years and also includes a meticulous reconstruction of how the State Library would have looked in 1856.
Where to Eat in Greensboro
Stamey's Barbecue serves a basic menu of southern dishes and BBQ, and was once visited by former US President George W Bush. A meal for two costs $30.
When to visit Greensboro
The best time to visit is between July and October, when the weather affords visitors many cultural festivals, concerts, and outdoor sport opportunities.
How to Get to Greensboro
Plane
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is located 12 miles outside of Greensboro city center. Visitors can then transfer by public bus PT1, taxi, or private car to Greensboro.
Train
Amtrak offers routes to J. Douglas Galyon Depot in Greensboro from other East Coast destinations such as Washington D.C., New York City, and New Orleans. A one-way ticket from Washington D.C. costs $90 and takes 8-10 hours.
Car
Take route I-40W from Raleigh, North Carolina to reach Greensboro in just over an hour's drive.
Bus
Greyhound and La Cubana both have routes from East Coast cities to Greensboro. A one-way ticket from Washington D.C. costs $120 and takes eight hours.
Airlines serving Greensboro
Where to stay in Greensboro
Center City Park - this park is a popular meeting point and regularly hosts free concerts, food trucks, move screenings, and cultural celebrations.
Popular Neighborhoods in Greensboro
College Hill - this section of downtown is dominated by students attending the local University of North Carolina.
Winston-Salem - this area is situated in the Piedmont Triad between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains and is known for its dedication to the fine arts and technological research.
Where to stay in popular areas of Greensboro
Most booked hotels in Greensboro
How to Get Around Greensboro
Public Transportation
Greensboro Transit Authority and the Higher Education Area Transit offer bus routes throughout Greensboro and neighboring cities. A single ride ticket costs $1.50.
Taxi
Taxi rates start at $2.80 and will cost around $15 for a ride through the city center.
Car
Enterprise, Avis, and Budget offer daily rental vehicles starting at $20 a day.
Best car rental deals in Greensboro
Intermediate
5 adults, 3 Bags
C$ 70/day
Economy
2 adults, 2 Bags
C$ 72/day
The Cost of Living in Greensboro
Shopping Streets
South Elm Street downtown has many boutique stores selling antiques, clothing, jewelry, and art. Four Seasons Town Centre is the biggest traditional shopping mall.
Groceries and Other
Super G Mart and Bestway are the two biggest food markets. A dozen eggs costs $2.70.