21 Best Things to do in Salisbury (NC)

Salisbury is the county capital of Rowan County. It is located in the scenic Piedmont region of North Carolina, which is also the state’s industrial core. It’s near High Rock Lake, about halfway between Greensboro and Charlotte.

Salisbury was founded in 1755 and is thought to have been named after the city of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England. There are many things to do in Salisbury (NC), and the town’s population is increasing. According to the 2020 census, 35,580 people are living in the city.

Salisbury has a robust arts culture, which is expected of a much bigger city. In the heart of downtown, three award-winning theaters encapsulate the history and community of this town.

Explore the history, public art exhibits, unique gift stores, boutiques, local food, and activities available only in Downtown Salisbury! The Salisbury Sculpture Show features more than 20 sculptures by artists from throughout the East Coast.

Here you have a guide pointing you to the 21 best things to do in Salisbury (NC)

1. Cruise around Millbridge Speedway

Millbridge Speedway is strategically situated on Highway 150, between Mooresville and Salisbury.

Millbridge Speedway is a fast-paced family attraction that appeals to people of all ages. Children between the ages of 5 to 13 and adults ages 20 to 40 will compete in their respective classifications.

If you aren’t interested in racing but want to watch the races, you are invited to come to the track and cheer on the other competitors. Every ticket includes a pit pass, allowing you to see the karts, drivers, and circuit.

You can also check out the Grub Hut for hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, drinks, and more if you become hungry during the races.

Learn more: millbridgespeedway.com

2. Camp at Dan Nicholas Park

Dan Nicholas Park is located eight miles southeast of Salisbury, on 6800 Bringle Ferry Road. It is a 425-acre park.

Dan Nicholas Park has a lot of fun things to do, including; tennis courts, picnic tents, the Hurley Family Fountain Plaza, playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes, soccer fields, mini-golf, and a merry-go-round, gem mining, a freshwater aquarium, and a miniature train ride for children.

Dan Nicholas Park also owns a 70-site family campground with an outdoor theater available all year. Although certain attractions require a nominal cost, most park activities are free.

Animals are permitted at the park but not at the attractions. The hours of operation at the park change depending on the season.

3. Visit the Historic National Cemetery

Although a cemetery may not appear to be the most appealing destination for a vacation, this cemetery is excellent for history buffs.

The Salisbury National Cemetery is a memorial to Civil War troops who died in battle. According to speakers at the dedication ceremony on Nov. 16, 1910, the 736 men honored constitute the most extensive number of Pennsylvania dead buried in any cemetery.

The cemetery contains eighteen trench burials, with approximately eleven thousand veterans interred around the grounds.

When you visit this location, you will not only be able to see a piece of history, but you will also be able to see unique tombs that each have their tale to tell.

4. Grab a beer at New Sarum Brewing

New Sarum Brewing was founded in the center of Salisbury. It is located between Mooresville and Salisbury and strategically situated on Highway 150.

It took its name from the old town of Salisbury’s Sister City, “Old Sarum” England. The New Sarum Brewing Company began operations in early 2012 and has proven to be a successful nano-brewery.

Each recipe starts with a knowledge of a specific beer style, followed by a search through history for tried-and-true techniques for laying the foundation.

One of the things you’ll notice about New Sarum Brewing Company is that they strive to combine traditional brewing processes with new style ingredients. They’ve done so using a time-tested brewing method that has developed each beer’s distinct flavor.

Enjoy one of their unique brews while listening to live music. The taproom is open every day of the week.

Learn more: newsarumbrewing.com

5. Explore the History of Dr. Josephus Hall House

The National Register of Historic Places harbors the Dr. Josephus House, which was erected in 1820 and Located at 226 S. Jackson Street, Salisbury, NC.

The initial purpose of the Dr. Josephus Hall House was to provide classrooms for the Salisbury Female Academy (1820-1825). The Hall House became a habitation in 1825. In 1859, Dr. Josephus Hall bought the house and began transforming it into a stately Southern mansion.

Previously, the home served four generations of the Hall family. Before being purchased by Historic Salisbury Foundation in 1972 from Hall’s great-granddaughter, along with many of its original items.

Authentic antiques, wallpapers, painted ceilings, and a desk used by Andrew Jackson while he studied law in Salisbury in the 1780s await you as you follow in the footsteps of the Hall family.

Explore the grounds of the Hall House site, including a restored kitchen building, a reconstructed slave home, and a cannon that Salisbury’s Civil War Prison initially used.

The Hall House, with its nearly 200-year history, has many tales to tell its visitors.

6. Visit the Webb Road Flea Market

The Webb Road Flea Market, located at I-85 / Exit 70 – 905 Webb Road, Salisbury, NC, is one of North Carolina’s most famous flea markets.

It has over 25 years of experience with a 130,000-square-foot building with hundreds of dealers and tens of thousands of items.

Webb Road Flea Market was founded in 1985 as a community and family-oriented company. It was reopened in 2012 after a complete renovation.

Webb Road Flea Market is one of North Carolinas’ most prominent one-stop shopping locations. They have many products here, such as; Food, clothes, furniture, antiques, books, clothes, and groceries.

Take your family on a weekend shopping. The market is available for shopping to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more: webbroadmarket.com

7. Visit Piedmont Players Theatre

Piedmont Players Theatre is a community theater company based in Salisbury, North Carolina. Every season, ten shows are performed in two theaters. Five of them are youth theatre productions.

Piedmont Players Theatre is dedicated to entertaining and educating its members and the general public via dramatic arts production and study.

Every year, the theatre offers a variety of theatrical programs, workshops, and summer camps.

A night at the theatre is a unique way to spend an evening in Salisbury.

Learn more: piedmontplayers.com

8. Visit the Lee Street Theatre

Lee Street Theatre is located at 329 N. Lee St. in Salisbury, North Carolina. It was founded in 2008 to introduce the public to new types of performance art.

Lee Street Theatre is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where unique, innovative, and exciting performance art can flourish.

Lee Street Theatre has earned a reputation for presenting a wide range of one-act play festivals, off-Broadway style musicals, reader’s theatre, dance performances, variety acts, and comedy.

You can choose from many options to have a fun time at the theatre.

Learn more: leestreet.org

9. Visit Railwalk Studios and Gallery

Rail Walk Studios & Gallery is located in Historic Downtown Salisbury, North Carolina’s Rail Walk Arts District.

At Railwalk Studios and Gallery, you will see the artists in their studios. You can wander through, talk and look. They often host local art shows and student art exhibits.

The artists there provide individual and small group art lessons. Each artist has a distinct style and oeuvre. You can buy original paintings in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, wax, colored pencil, and other materials, as well as sculpture and handmade paper.

Many of the artists take portrait commissions. Some artists also sell replicas of their work and greeting cards at a reasonable price.

The studio is open to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on other days when the “open” flag is displayed.

10. Take a drink at the Cauble Creek Vineyard

Cauble Creek Vineyard is a family-owned estate vineyard specializing in Muscadine wines and a variety of dry wines made from European varietals produced in North Carolina.

The tasting room offers wine samples and a wide range of food and gift items, many of which are handcrafted and created in the area.

The vineyard’s purpose is to provide guests with a pleasant experience and high-quality food and wine products while proudly promoting agritourism in Salisbury and Rowan County.

If you plan to visit, the open space, Tasting Room & Retail Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Learn more: caublecreekvineyard.com

11. Visit Horizons Unlimited

Horizons Unlimited is a scientific center run by the Rowan-Salisbury School System that offers hands-on field trips to students.

The center encourages involvement and professional development in students to promote creative science teaching from the field to the classroom.

Horizons Unlimited has provided educational programming for all ages to Salisbury and Rowan County residents for over 50 years.

Exploration, creativity, and invention are fostered through family-friendly public events. A visit to Horizons Unlimited should be among the things to do in Salisbury.

12. Visit the Salisbury Ghost Walk

The Ghost Walks in Salisbury are designed to provide excellent entertainment. All of their events are based on historical events.

If you’re courageous enough, wander across the city and listen to spine-chilling stories of hauntings and horrible incidents from the city’s past.

On this tour, you’ll hear folklore, ghost stories, and the findings of paranormal investigations conducted in Salisbury houses and historic buildings by professional mystical societies.

The 2018 “best tour award” was given to the Ghost Walk by downtown merchants and tour participants. Bring a camera, a flashlight, and a friend to share the evening.

Learn more: salisburyghostwalk.com

13. Catch a Thrill at Piedmont Skydiving

Piedmont Skydiving is located between Charlotte and Greensboro in Salisbury, North Carolina. They are known as the highest-rated dropzone in the Carolinas.

They specialize in tandem skydiving at low pricing and are led by licensed instructors from the US Parachute Association. Without hesitation, take a leap of faith.

Your safety is a top priority; they provide video services so you can remember your leap for the rest of your life.

Piedmont Skydiving is ideal for a day excursion or as an activity on a weekend vacation, whether you’re a first-time skydiver or a seasoned Thrill-seeker.

Learn more: piedmontskydiving.com

14. Visit the Salisbury Emporium

The Salisbury Emporium is a group of more than 80 businesses situated in the refurbished Frick Sawmill Supply building on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located in the historic railroad corridor.

In an atmosphere of genuine southern hospitality, you will find approximately 15,000 square feet of presents, antiques, home furnishings, Christmas things, fine art, furniture, ceramics, publications, accessories, and more.

A visit to the emporium will transport you back to the “good old days” as a great alternative to the large box businesses.

Learn more: salisburyemporium.com/2012/

15. Visit Bounce City

Bounce City is a children’s entertainment venue located at 120 North Church St, Salisbury, NC.

Suppose you have energetic children under 13 who enjoy playing, jumping, running, hiding, and, most importantly, bouncing. In that case, you should visit Bounce City in North Carolina.

Bounce City provides a fun and safe environment for kids to play in, and it’s all indoors, so you don’t have to worry about the weather.

If you want a wonderful time, visit Salisbury’s Bounce City in North Carolina today and have an excellent time.

16. Visit the Perfect Smoke

If you’re looking for a cigar in Salisbury, the Perfect Smoke is the place to visit.

It is a peaceful and soothing environment. with a vast cigar collection. The front terrace with rocking chairs is the most incredible place to unwind. They also have a superb selection of art that creates the ideal mood for a great smoke.

Walk into The Perfect Cigarette Cigar Lounge in downtown Salisbury, North Carolina, grab a good smoke, sit back, and enjoy.

Visit from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday or from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Learn more: theperfectsmoke.webs.com

17. Visit Woodleaf lanes

Woodleaf Lanes has 24 state-of-the-art Brunswick bowling lanes and offers an unrivaled selection of exciting things to do in Salisbury, NC.

Consider joining a bowling league now if you want to do more than simply open play. There are junior, mixed, and senior leagues for all ability levels.

When it comes to entertainment that also delivers a variety of delectable food and drinks, Woodleaf Lanes has you covered.

There is no better spot in Salisbury to bowl and have a good time with family and friends than Woodleaf Lanes. You may bowl, watch sports, eat, drink, and play arcade games.

Learn more: woodleaflanes.com

18. Swim at Blue Waters Pool

Blue Waters Pool, located in Eastern Rowan County, is a lovely half-acre pool with 200 feet of concrete beach.

The pool has a total surface area of 20,000 square feet, with shallow parts allocated for youngsters. For the more daring swimmers, there are two diving boards, tube slides, and kiddie slides.

Blue Waters Pool has a snack bar, grill, snacks, and snow cones, in addition to the various pool features for different ages.

Take a break from the heat and cool off at Blue waters pool.

Learn more: bluewaterspool.com

19. Visit Ellis Park

Ellis Park is located at a distance of 2 miles from Salisbury. This playground has accessible swings, musical instruments, slides, and a carousel.

It also has 26 acres of indoor and outdoor leisure opportunities. There are two ball fields, bocce courts, a pottery workshop, a disc golf course, tennis courts, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a game room, two shelters, a children’s playground, and a merch booth.

Ellis park should be one of the places you should visit with children in Salisbury. It is designed for children with abilities and disabilities.

20. View wildlife at the Eagle Point Nature Preserve.

The Eagle Point Nature Preserve, located in a remote portion of High Rock Lake, includes 200 acres of property and three miles of hiking paths to explore.

Although the views aren’t spectacular, you will have the opportunity to see local animals such as bald eagles, wild turkeys, and even white-tailed deer. Aside from that, the preserve provides kayaking and fishing during certain seasons.

Hiking the trails will allow you to witness various wildlife observation locations and breathtaking lake views. If hiking trails aren’t your thing, consider one of the walking routes, such as the Plant Loop track.

21. Admire historical works at Rowan Museum

The Rowan Museum Inc., located at 1856 Courthouse 202 North Main Street Salisbury, NC, was founded in 1953.

The museum aims to research and educate people about the history of Rowan County and Piedmont, North Carolina, through its sites, programs, and collections.

It is one of the state’s outstanding representations of pre-Civil War architecture. Visit Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn more: rowanmuseum.org

Plan a trip to Salisbury, North Carolina.

There are tons of things to do in Salisbury, North Carolina. I hope you will make a plan to spend time in this beautiful city.

Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.