Explore the Tar Heel State
From beach to mountains, and everything in between. There’s a lot to see in NC.
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education.
Conservation: To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina’s natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system;
Recreation: To provide and promote safe, healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state; and
Education: To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
North Carolina State Parks
North Carolina Zoo
A message from the North Carolina Zoo:
“We celebrate nature. Being the world’s largest natural habitat zoo means the animals here have plenty of room to roam. Our dedicated team of experts provide exceptional, compassionate care to the more than 1,600 animals that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites you to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity.”