3 Fun Things to Do in the Sandhills of North Carolina if It’s Your First Visit
Oct 5, 2022 at 8:00 AM in Things to Do by
The Sandhills of North Carolina are known for their sandy soil (as you could probably guess by the name), pine trees, unique wildlife and cottage architecture. The region offers travelers lots of outdoor adventure, as well as plenty of golf, and a vibe that’s totally unlike what you’ll find anywhere else in the South. Pinehurst and Fayetteville are the primary cities within the area, but there are also smaller towns to discover within this rural region.
If this is your first time in the area, there are a few can’t-miss activities to add to your itinerary, so that you get a full taste of the Sandhills.
1. Play a round of golf.
No, really! Even if you’re not a fan of the sport, Pinehurst is known as the Home of American Golf for good reason. Visit the fairways and, if you’ve never given golf a try, take a lesson or two. You might just discover that this is the sport for you. At worst, you’ve spent a few pleasant, peaceful hours admiring the scenery. You have a broad selection of golf clubs and resorts to pick from.
2. Explore the Sandhills’ historic appeal.
The Sandhills hold a lot of history. You can start exploring it in the Village of Pinehurst, which was originally built in the late 1800s as a tuberculosis health resort and designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (and if you’re not up to speed on your famous architects, just know that Olmstead is the guy responsible for some of the most memorable places in America, such as Central Park).
After you’ve explored Pinehurst, visit downtown Southern Pines, which also offers historic structures on its Broad Street, such as the 19th-century train station, or Cameron, with its historical district dating to the mid-1800s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Prefer your history with a literary slant? Visit the former home of James Boyd, the Weymouth Center.
Photo courtesy of https://weymouthcenter.org/
3. Take in the nature.
There are more ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the Sandhills beyond simply squeezing in a round of golf. At Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, you can explore nearly 900 acres of the area’s unique landscape, filled with native flora and fauna.
Carvers Creek State Park is also a popular option, with a combination of nature and history. There’s a Rockefeller vacation home and historic gristmill within the park, as well as hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker!
Photo courtesy of https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/carvers-creek-...
Need More?
Need more ideas on what to do and see while you're in the Sandhills region for the first time? Be sure to check out the Discovery Map Sandhills guide for more top activity recommendations, as well as recommendations for where to dine, drink, sleep and shop.