Hostels in North Carolina

North Carolina is a state on the southeastern seaboard of the United States of America. It is bordered by Tennessee to the west, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, Virginia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Its capital is Raleigh; some other cities include Greensboro, Durham, and Charlotte.

North Carolina’s coastal region is mainly sand dunes, long spits of always-shifting land, and white sand beaches. The Outer Banks are a popular holiday destination for many Americans. Inland, the defining landscape is the gently mountainous Piedmont region and, further west, the Appalachian Mountains. The widely-acclaimed Appalachian Trail runs through the western part of the state; there are plenty of other hiking and walking trails across the state.

The beaches of North Carolina are quite popular, especially in the summer months. There is plenty of colonial and antebellum history to be found in North Carolina, particularly in Durham and Charlotte.

North Carolina is accessible by air, train, or interstate highway. The main airport serving the state is Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with flights from the Caribbean, Canada, Central America, and Europe. Amtrak trains run between most major cities, but it is typically easier in the US to rent a car. Travellers unfamiliar with the States should keep in mind that travel times between cities can be close to 3 or 4+ hours by car; longer by bus or train. Planning to stay at a hostel in one city may not be anywhere near your intended attraction or hike.

Along with South Carolina, North Carolina was part of the thirteen colonies as the Province of Carolina; they formally separated in 1729 and North Carolina became a state in 1789. North Carolina was on the Confederate side in the Civil War, having officially seceded from the Union in May 1861.

Budget accommodation in the US is generally found in the way of motels or chain hotels, rather than hostels. Americans are not used to the European-style hostels, especially away from the major metropolitan centres of New York, LA, and Miami. In North Carolina, your best bet for inexpensive accommodation is by searching for home stays. However, if you are planning on staying near the mountains, in or near Asheville, there are several hostels in and around the city. Guesthouses and farmsteads are not a usual type of accommodation, but in the quaint beach towns you will find attractive b&bs or boutique inns.

With such a wide range of activities, North Carolina has a lot to offer visitors. Once you have your hostel accommodation sorted, you can explore the hiking trails, beaches, and nightlife + cultural attractions in Durham, Charlotte, Asheville, or a city of your choice.

Handwritten by local expert for North Carolina hostels Jakob Lombardi