Want to take a vacation? Then you should consider going on a trip to Gastonia.
Gastonia is a beautiful city that gained prominence when Robert Calvin Grier Love and George A. Gray, alongside their business partners, founded the Gastonia Cotton Manufacturing Company in 1877.
Since then, the town has never stopped developing, with at least five mills built in 1900.
On the other hand, these mills and their rich history are not the only things that have defined Gastonia and put it on the list of exciting tourist spots.
The city contains many attractions, from entertainment, recreational facilities, and educational programs to medical centers.
If you’re looking for a place to visit where you can enjoy beautiful nature, explore the city, and find unique activities, then you can put Gastonia at the top of your list.
Here is a guide to amazing things to do in Gastonia (NC) to make your trip worthwhile.
Fun Things to Do in Gastonia (NC)
1. Go Surfing at Stacey’s Surf & Paddle
Visiting Margate City and not going surfing is just a big loss.
The pier allows surfing on both sides, along with three other beaches that are also surfing beaches.
To get your time’s worth in the city, learn to surf at Stacey’s Surf & Paddle, a surf school in Margate City.
The store also offers paddleboard rentals and sales, as well as a wide variety of swimwear and surf gear.
It also offers private and group surfing lessons for beginners and experienced surfers.
So, it doesn’t really matter if you’re a first-time surfer or someone looking to improve their skills; Stacey’s Surf & Paddle is just the perfect place to be.
2. Check Out Ray Scott’s Dock
The waterway is a system of canals and streams running through the heart of Margate City.
It is home to various marine life and is a popular kayaking and fishing spot.
If you want to explore the Margate Inland Waterway, head to Ray Scott’s Dock.
This dock is located on Amherst Avenue and is the perfect place to rent a boat or kayak.
So be sure to add Ray Scott’s Dock to your list of things to do in Margate.
3. Visit Catawba Creek Golf Course
Catawba Creek Golf Course is a competitive golf course originally called the Gastonia Municipal Golf Course in the early times.
Catawba Creek Golf Course is a well-designed par 70, 18-hole course; In addition to the golf course, Catawba Creek Golf Course also has a driving range.
The golf course also has a snack bar where you can have refreshments if you feel like it, as well as a clubhouse and a pro shop.
You can also practice putting green at Catawba Creek Golf Course; golf carts are available to rent.
Things to Do in Gastonia (NC) at Night
1. Don’t Miss a Thing at Margate City’s Restaurants and Nightlife
Margate City offers a variety of dining options, from casual beachside cafes to more upmarket restaurants.
Top places to eat include Gilchrist Downbeach, which serves breakfast and lunch overlooking the ocean; Miyako Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse Restaurant; and Tomatoes, a California restaurant too.
The Dairy Bar & Burger is also a great choice if you’re looking for classic American favorites like burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
For pizza lovers, there’s Pierre’s Pizza.
You can also enjoy the nightlife in Margate City after a day of fun in the sun.
This city also hosts several beach parties and concerts in the summer that are well worth checking out.
2. Spend a Night at Lucy the Elephant
While Margate City’s seafront is nothing short of iconic, Lucy the Elephant is one of the area’s most famous and unique attractions.
This huge elephant-shaped building has been an icon of Margate since early times and is now a National Historic Landmark of the city too.
This attraction is six stories tall, and you can actually walk inside it. It is located on Atlantic Avenue near Margate Beach.
The inside has become a museum that captures the history of this unique building.
You can also climb to the top if you want a great view of Margate City and its beautiful coastline.
What’s more interesting about this attraction is that you can even stay and spend the night in it.
3. Grab a Beer at Cavendish Brewing Company
At Cavendish Brewing Company, they produce high-quality and tasty beers for the exclusive satisfaction of the public.
They also serve delicious food like pizza, sandwiches, and several other tasty drinks.
The staff at Cavendish Brewing Company are kind and cheerful, with bright smiles on their faces to make you feel welcome.
Things to Do in Gastonia (NC) For Couples
1. Grab a Meal at Reginella Italian Pizza and Ristorante
If you are looking for just that perfect restaurant offering delicious Italian food in Gastonia, then Reginella Italian Pizza And Ristorante is highly recommended.
They are famous for their unique pizza recipes, such as deep dish pizza, New York traditional pizza, Sicilian pizza, stuffed pizza, Neapolitan traditional pizza, and Stromboli.
Reginella Italian Pizza And Ristorante serves pizza however you want it, with several types of toppings and delicious pizza.
The staff here at the restaurant are always ready to guide you through their extensive menu.
The restaurant also offers home delivery, or you can choose to get it yourself and dine in and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
2. See a Movie at Franklin Square
Watching a movie in Franklin Square is one of the best things to do in Gastonia for a fantastic movie experience.
Franklin Square is a 14-screen cinema that offers stadium seating that is equipped with RealD 3D and digital projection for your movie enjoyment.
It also offers a game room where players can explore the fun games available; the games are frequently updated to make them more fun and challenging.
Franklin Square has a place that serves delicious food and tasty drinks, and you don’t have to leave the area when you get hungry.
3. Visit Rankin Lake Park
Visiting Rankin Lake Park is one of the best things to do in Gastonia (NC) if you want to have some extreme fun with your family and friends.
Lake Rankin is so beautiful, and you can choose to walk around the lake in peace and quiet while enjoying the picturesque view of the lake.
Rankin Lake Park offers kayaks for rent, and you can go kayaking, boating, fishing, and having a fantastic time.
There are also large picnic shelters for large gatherings and family gatherings.
Beautiful native plants and wildflowers surround the beautiful trails.
Things to Do in Jonesboro (AR) For Kids
1. Check Out Jagielky’s Homemade Candy
Margate City also has something for all chocolate lovers. Jagielky’s Homemade Candy is open for your sweet tooth.
The local chocolate shop is known for its wide selection of chocolate treats, including fudge, truffles, caramels, and more.
Selling delicious and high-quality candies for over four decades, Jagielky’s Homemade Candy has gained immense popularity over the years.
In fact, thousands of dedicated chocolate lovers across the country visit this shop on holiday in Margate City.
With its popular products and old-fashioned operation, Jagielky’s Homemade has become an institution for foodies in Margate City.
Your kids are surely going to thank you for a treat here.
2. Let Them Play at Island Aqua Park
Island Aqua Park is a complex of various water attractions that the whole family can enjoy.
Located on Amherst Avenue in one of the docks at Margate Marina, it has a wide range of water attractions to keep you entertained for hours.
This water adventure park is perfect for hot summer days.
Some side attractions at the park include a giant inflatable slide, an inflatable obstacle course, and a trampoline.
You can also relax in the floating lounge in the middle of the park and just take a break from all the action.
Remember that you must wear life jackets, which you can bring or rent on site.
3. Give Them the Time of Their Lives at the Steel Pier
While you could spend your vacation at the numerous beaches in Margate City, exploring the surrounding towns and attractions doesn’t hurt.
Atlantic City’s steel pier is only a short distance away.
This historic pier is full of attractions and family-friendly attractions, such as a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, and a roller coaster.
In addition, Steel Pier is also home to various shows such as magic shows and acrobatic performances.
You can also play lots of carnival games and win prizes too.
There are plenty of food options should you get hungry, including cotton candy and popcorn.
This is the perfect place to take your family on an unforgettable trip.
Indoor Activities to Do in Gastonia (NC) For Adults
1. Take Some Yoga Lessons at The Zen Den
If you want to practice yoga while on vacation, head to The Zen Den.
It is located on Ventnor Avenue and is the perfect place to relax and de-stress while practicing yoga.
Zen Den also offers other creative fitness classes that are fun, challenging, and inspiring, so you won’t get bored with regular yoga.
As if that wasn’t enough, this state-of-the-art yoga studio also has heated infrared radiant heat panels to help improve circulation, detoxify the body, and reduce stress.
Well, Zen Den also has a separate studio that is not heated.
Zen Den also offers a complete wellness experience that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.
2. Check Out Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
Go on an educational yet fun trip to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum.
This world-renowned museum in Atlantic City is full of exciting exhibits and displays.
400 Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! artifacts are on display, such as a piece of the Berlin Wall, a miniature castle with 27 rooms, etc.
It hosts one of the most impressive artifacts that will give you a unique experience you will never forget.
So if you’re ever in Atlantic City on your trip to Margate City, don’t miss Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum.
3. Test Your Skills at Congo Falls Adventure Golf
Mini golf won’t be fun and exciting if you don’t experience it yourself and Congo Falls Adventure Golf in nearby Ocean City is the best place to do this.
This Disney-style miniature golf course is a premier destination for family fun.
It is ideal for those who want competitive fun while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Congo Falls Adventure Golf offers a variety of themed courses that will take you on an absolute adventure while having fun with friends and family.
Some courses include Solomon’s Mine, Congo Queen, Lost City, etc.
So if you’re looking for a unique miniature golf experience, Congo Falls Adventure Golf is the place to go.
Romantic Things to Do in Gastonia (NC)
1. Get Away From it all at Huntington Park
After a sunny day, you should take some time to relax and soak up the city’s laid-back vibe—and what better place to do that than Huntington Park?
Located in the center of the city, this park is nothing special.
Huntington Park has a beautiful garden with various flowers and plants and a playground for children to play.
It is like your average city park, but it’s unique because it’s the perfect place to enjoy a quiet afternoon and people-watch the time.
2. Take Some Cool Pictures with Beach Portraits by WRS Photography
From beautiful waters to breathtaking sunsets, Margate City has no shortage of stunning backdrops for your next beach photography.
Take advantage of this and have fun at the same time; book a beach portrait session with Beach Portraits by RS Photography.
It is managed by Bill Solvibile, a professional photographer who specializes in beach portraits only.
It doesn’t matter what you want, be it a casual family photo or a romantic couple photo; Bill Solvibile will make sure to capture the perfect moment.
He is also very flexible with his time and can accommodate large groups.
What’s more convenient is that his studio is located on South Vendome Avenue, right in front of Magnate Beach.
So if you want to take away an unforgettable souvenir from your trip to Margate City, then don’t forget to book a session with Beach Portraits by WRS Photography.
3. Spend Some Time at Smyre Millennium Park
Smyre Millennium Park is 1.9 acres and is a community park that is open to all ages.
There is a playground in the park for children to enjoy and also a walking path too if you want to walk alone or with your dog.
Smyre Millennium Park also has a horseshoe court, an open space where you can relax and admire the scenic views of the surrounding area.
There is a small picnic shelter with benches for a picnic table where families can stop for lunch or sit.
Smyre Millennium Park is a peaceful park ideal for relaxing and spending time with friends and family.
Smyre Millennium Park is open 24 hours every day of the week.
Free Things to Do in Gastonia (NC)
1. Take a Walk along the Beautiful Margate Beach: Jefferson Avenue
Margate Beach, Jefferson Avenue, is packed with travelers and locals enjoying the sun and waves during the summer.
This vast white sand beach is one of the best places to visit in Margate City.
There’s nothing better than a walk or bike ride along the coast while taking in the stunning views of the gentle but beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
This clean beach is also ideal for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and relaxing.
Plenty of food options are available if you get hungry at the many beach cafes and restaurants.
Regarding safety and security, the local government wants everyone to be safe and enjoy the beaches.
Therefore, lifeguards are regularly on the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The best time to visit Margate Beach is during the summer months.
However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, you can also come here in the off-season and enjoy the tranquility of the beach.
2. Check Out the Ocean City Boardwalk
If you’re looking for a boardwalk to feel the atmosphere of a seaside town, you can take a short drive to neighboring Ocean City and enjoy its world-famous boardwalk.
The 2.45-mile Ocean City Boardwalk is one of New Jersey’s most popular tourist attractions.
It is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, carnival games, and rides. Of course, you can also enjoy the fantastic view of the ocean and beaches.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is open year-round but is busiest in the summer, so if you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit during ramen season.
3. Go Biking at George Poston Park
This park has many exciting outdoor activities that you can enjoy and have a fantastic experience.
The park is ideal for walking and running and has a unique floor for ice skating and mountain bikes for cyclists and skaters.
George Poston Park also offers horseshoe pitches, a football pitch, and a children’s playground.
The park has a large dog park and a special area for larger and smaller dogs; there is a dog poo center with free poo bags.
There is plenty of seating for dog owners, trash bags and cans, and a water station with a bucket and hose.
George Poston Park has an open picnic area where you can relax with family and friends for an unforgettable experience.
Cheap Things to Do in Gastonia (NC)
1. Check Out the Margate Historical Society Museum
Margate has a long and prolific history, charting the town’s humble beginnings as a small fishing village to its current status as a renowned tourist destination worldwide.
You may not be interested in boring history lessons, but if you want to learn about Margate City and its rich past, head to the Margate Historical Society Museum.
Located on South Washington Avenue, the museum contains a wide variety of exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Margate City from its beginnings to the present day.
The Margate Historical Society Museum showcases the town’s historical excellence in sport, art, and culture through its interactive exhibits.
You can also buy souvenirs and books at the museum in the gift shop.
2. Play Some Soccer at Martha Rivers Park
The park is large and has many amusement facilities that ensure an exciting experience for visitors.
The park has a well-maintained soccer field and a baseball field for soccer and baseball lovers.
Martha Rivers Park offers a beautiful playground that is fully equipped for children to explore and enjoy.
It also has a volleyball net in the grass and picnic tables for families and friends to hang out and have fun.
Martha Rivers Park is well maintained and clean, including the bathrooms.
3. Shop at B & B Antique & Artisan Mall
If you’re looking for something unique, visit B & B Antique & Artisan Mall for their one-of-a-kind antiques.
The mall has many great antiques, artwork, glass, vintage tools, collectibles, painted furniture, and a few more.
It is well organized and has a collection of specialty antiques for the home, kitchen, office, etc.
The mall is a fun place to shop and is run by wonderful owners and staff who will ensure you get what you want and return for more.
Cool Places to Visit in Gastonia (NC)
1. American Military Museum
The US Military Museum is a beautiful museum with a lot of history about the US military.
It reminds people of the military officers who fought to make the nation what it is today.
The US Military Museum contains aircraft and ship models, information, and photographs that tell the story of US military history.
It teaches the importance of fighting for one’s country and the value of patriotism.
2. Lineberger Park
This is one of the best parks in Gastonia and has many outdoor facilities and fun activities.
The park has been active and, since the 1920s, has become a place for most families to come and have extreme fun.
Lineberger Park is an outdoor recreation park with a lazy river, and you can relax while you float slowly. You can also use the outdoor pool.
The park contains several footpaths ideal for walking, as an opportunity to walk through the beautiful surroundings.
Lineberger Park has a giant pad that is perfect on sunny days for you and the kids to cool off and relax.
It also offers a miniature train ride, shelters, and picnic tables for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Lineberger Park is open every day of the week from 12:30 pm to 6 pm.
Should you need a place to relax and chill with your family, especially on a very sunny day, then Lineberger Park is the place for you.
A trip to Lineberger Park is one of the fun things to do in Gastonia (NC); you should consider it.
3. Webb Custom Kitchen
The Webb Custom Kitchen is a favorite spot for residents to enjoy savory food and an elegant setting.
It is built in a historic movie theater in downtown Gastonia.
It has recently been renovated, so the setting speaks volumes about how excellent the food will be.
They have a great selection of American favorites, and there is something for everyone.
It also includes a wild selection of desserts and classic wines.
The Webb Custom Kitchen is perfect for gathering with family and friends.
Conclusion
Being a big city, Gastonia is full of many attractions and exciting activities that get the adrenaline pumping in the veins of those visiting these places.
Gastonia has something for everyone when it comes to food, drink, antiques, hotels, festivals, and much more.
Stop by these exciting spots, so you don’t miss out on the numerous exciting things to do in Gastonia (NC).
