We have several options for free things to do. Visit our Free Things To Do page for the most up to date information.

Yes! Fayetteville and Cumberland County welcome four-legged travelers. Many of our trails, such as the Cape Fear River Trail, are great for leashed walks, several local restaurants offer dog-friendly patios, and several of our events also are pet-friendly. A number of hotels in the area also accommodate pets, making it easy to plan an overnight stay with your furry companion.

Looking for more ideas? Check out our latest blog on pet-friendly places and activities in Fayetteville: Paws & Play: Plan Your Weekend Away and Dog-Friendly Spaces and Places in Fayetteville, NC.

Fayetteville is centrally located in North Carolina, making it an easy drive to several popular destinations:

• Raleigh to Fayetteville: About 65 miles (a little over an hour by car via I-95 and I-40).
• Wilmington to Fayetteville: About 90 miles (roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes by car via I-40 and I-95).
• Charlotte to Fayetteville: About 130 miles (just over 2 hours by car via US-74 or I-85/I-95).
• Myrtle Beach to Fayetteville: About 120 miles (about 2.5 hours by car via US-501 and NC-87).

Fayetteville’s convenient location along I-95 makes it a great halfway stop or weekend getaway for road-trippers.

We have several hiking trails throughout the county. The Cape Fear River Trail, several trails at Carvers Creek State Park, and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden are some of the most visited. View all trails.

Greater Fayetteville boasts 9 museums. Seven are open with regular hours, and two others are open by special request. Modern military history is featured at the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations, the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, and the JFK Special Warfare Museum. State, regional, and Civil War history is highlighted at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. Fayetteville History Museum interprets local history and Fascinate-U Children’s Museum helps the under-10 set learn through play. In Northern Cumberland County, the Averasboro Battlefield and Museum tells the story of the Civil War battle at Averasboro. See all museums.

Depending on ages and interests, favorites for kids and teens include ZipQuest, The Climbing Place, and Paraclete XP. For more ideas, visit our Things To Do with Kids page. You can also explore family-focused itineraries in our blogs: Overnight Adventure for all Ages, Fayetteville For Families, and A Weekend of Culture and Discovery.

Younger children love Fayetteville’s hands-on and outdoor attractions. The Fascinate-U Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits, while the Cape Fear Botanical Garden provides open space for exploration. For more ideas tailored to families, visit our Things To Do with Kids page. You can also browse family-focused itineraries in our blog collection, including Fayetteville for Families: Weekend Itinerary for Littles, Tweens & Teens and Finding Family Fun in Fayetteville.

Yes. Fayetteville offers engaging indoor attractions that keep the fun going even if the weather changes. The Airborne and Special Operations Museum, the Museum of the Cape Fear, and The Climbing Place are popular choices. Kids and adults can also burn energy at Sky Zone trampoline park. For more inspiration, visit our Things To Do Indoors page and check out our blog collection highlighting rainy-day activities: Unique Indoor Attractions in Greater Fayetteville and Group Adventures at Our Recreation Gems - Part I - Go Fayetteville.

DistiNCtly Fayetteville curates a page featuring all events happening in Cumberland County during the upcoming Friday through Sunday. The page updates every week, so check back often. Visit This Weekend’s Happenings. For all upcoming events, explore our Event Calendar.

Cumberland County is home to several popular annual festivals and signature events that draw visitors year after year. Highlights include the Dogwood Festival, the International Folk Festival, and seasonal favorites such as the Holly Day Fair and Fayetteville Comic Con. You can explore more of the area’s signature celebrations on our Annual Events & Festivals page.

Our Events Calendar is updated regularly with festivals, live performances, family activities, and community celebrations across Cumberland County. It is the best place to see everything happening in Greater Fayetteville during your visit.

Thanks to Fort Bragg, all of Cumberland County is infused with great diversity, and nowhere is it more obvious than in our food and restaurants. Check out our full restaurant listings to search all establishments. We’ve also highlighted locally owned restaurants.

North Carolina is a hotbed for microbreweries, and the Fayetteville area is no different. We currently have four breweries on our Hometown Hops brewery trail with more on the way.

Yes. Fayetteville has a vibrant dining scene filled with locally owned restaurants that showcase everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. Browse our full list of locally owned restaurants to discover your next favorite spot, and check out our latest foodie blog for inspiration and insider tips: Fayetteville’s Favorite Foodie Finds.

Absolutely. Greater Fayetteville is known for its cozy coffee shops, bakeries, and dessert destinations that make any day sweeter. Explore our Sips & Treats page to see all your options, and don’t miss our foodie blogs highlighting must-try spots for a pick-me-up or something indulgent: Fayetteville’s Favorite Foodie Finds.

Fayetteville and Cumberland County offer a wide variety of overnight accommodations, ranging from trusted national brands to locally managed hotels. Many properties include popular amenities such as breakfast, pools, fitness centers, and pet-friendly rooms.

You can explore a complete listing of hotel properties on our Places to Stay page and filter by area or amenity. Options include pet-friendly hotels, hotels with breakfast, and hotels with an indoor pool. Start planning your trip now.

Yes. Several hotels in Fayetteville and Cumberland County welcome groups and provide packages tailored for family reunions, sports teams, and special events. Learn more about planning group travel and reunion accommodations by speaking with our Convention Sales Manager, Isaiah Griffin.

Absolutely. Several properties in Fayetteville and Cumberland County are designed for longer visits, offering amenities such as in-room kitchens, laundry facilities, and larger living spaces. These extended stay hotels are ideal for military families, business travelers, or anyone planning a longer trip. Explore our Extended Stay Hotels listings to find the best fit for your needs.

Downtown Fayetteville offers a mix of free and paid parking options, including surface lots, street parking, and garage spaces. For maps, rates, and real-time updates, visit the City of Fayetteville’s Downtown Parking page.

Fayetteville is easy to reach by air, rail, and road:

• Airport: Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) offers daily flights on major carriers with connections through Charlotte, Atlanta, and Dallas.
• Amtrak: The historic Fayetteville station provides passenger service with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast.
• By Car: Fayetteville sits directly on I-95, making it a convenient stop for road-trippers traveling the East Coast.

Getting around Fayetteville is simple, with several options available:

• Public Transit: FAST (Fayetteville Area System of Transit) runs fixed-route bus service throughout the city.
• Rental Cars: Several major rental agencies operate at Fayetteville Regional Airport and around town.
• Rideshare and Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are widely available.
• Walkability: Downtown Fayetteville is pedestrian-friendly, with restaurants, shops, and attractions within easy walking distance.

Fayetteville and Cumberland County have deep military roots and several sites that preserve and share that history. Highlights include the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, and other local landmarks that honor service members.

Explore our full list of Military Heritage & Historic Sites for a complete guide. You can also dive into our blog collection for stories and insights: Historic Military Connections, The Stories Behind Cumberland County's Military Monuments, Part I - Go Fayetteville, The Stories Behind Cumberland County's Military Monuments, Part II - Go Fayetteville, and Chose Greater Fayetteville For Your Military Reunion.

Many local attractions, restaurants, and hotels in Fayetteville extend discounts to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Discounts and promotions may change, so we recommend asking the business directly to confirm if they currently offer a military discount.

Macy is Fayetteville’s unofficial feathered celebrity. She’s a blue and gold macaw often spotted downtown with her owner, delighting passersby with waves, chatter, and the occasional dance. Locals love her sunny personality and treat her like part of the city’s charm..

According to legend, a tree sprouted through the Market House floor after the Great Fire. It became a symbol of resilience that is now part of Fayetteville’s folklore. Whether fact or fiction, it’s a story local still love sharing.

According to legend, a tree sprouted through the Market House floor after the Great Fire. It became a symbol of resilience that is now part of Fayetteville’s folklore. Whether fact or fiction, it’s a story local still love sharing.

Fayetteville earned its nickname for its deep military ties and welcoming spirit toward service members and families.

Yes - Fort Bragg was once the largest U.S. military installation by population.

Several! House of Cards (1993) and Patch Adams used local backdrops.

J. Cole, Grammy-winning rapper and Fayetteville native.

The NC State Constitution was ratified here in 1789, and Fayetteville briefly served as the state capital.

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, started in 1982.

Yes - the city sits on the edge of the Sandhills region, famous for its longleaf pines and unique soil.

The “World’s Largest Military Boot” outside the Airborne & Special Operations Museum.

A small museum with exhibits on Fayetteville’s early history.

J. Cole named his label after Fayetteville, celebrating its creative energy.

Heritage Square’s Sandford House and Hay Street have the most ghost stories.

The Longleaf Pine, symbolizing strength and resilience.

The Sandford House (circa 1797).

From Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of the American Revolution. Fayetteville is the first U.S. city named for him.

Yes! Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run here in 1914.

Yes! Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run here in 1914.