Go Gaston NC is the official department of Travel and Tourism for Gaston County is dedicated to helping you make the most of your stay by providing information all of the best things to do, eat and drink, places to stay towns events and how to plan your trip. 

Must See
Meander through gardens full of fountains and tropical plants at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Stretch out high above it all at Crowders Mountain State Park. Paddle the world’s largest man-made whitewater course at the US National Whitewater Center. Marvel at ancient fossils at the Schiele Museum of Natural History. Discover the magic of the holidays at Christmas Town USA. all here in Gaston County. These are the attractions you must see.

Get Outdoors
Hiking shoes, mountain bikes, kayaks and paddle-boards. Get outdoors and become one with nature. HIKE, BIKE and PADDLE Gaston County, North Carolina. A recreational wonderland! Gaston County is rapidly becoming the North Carolina Piedmont’s premier outdoor recreation destination. We invite you to come experience it for yourself and to unwind, unplug and get outdoors at our outdoor attractions.

A Day at the Park
With over 80 parks within the County, enjoyment of the outdoors is easily obtained anywhere your adventure might lead.

Drink & Eat
The culinary experiences in Gaston County are deliciously varied. From our local craft brew, spirits and wine scene, to some of North Carolina’s best barbecue, to the original “Fish Camps,” to nostalgic ice cream shops, you’ll encounter delightful food choices within our thirteen charming cities and towns. Check out the “Where to Eat” section of our website for an exhaustive and searchable database, powered by our friends at Gaston Eats, that includes all of our county’s gastronomic options. Meanwhile, the examples provided on the following few pages will get your appetite going and your juices flowing. Enjoy!

Charming Small Towns
Visitors to Gaston County will find it nearly impossible to resist the charm of our small towns. Each full of its own unique history and heritage and present day mom-and-pop shops situated on old-school main streets. Plan a trip and explore!

Located on the east side of the County are Mount Holly and Belmont, two inviting towns nestled along the banks of the Catawba River. Also on the east side of Gaston County is the South Fork River. Stanley is located a little north of the river while three other towns are located along its banks, Lowell, McAdenville and Cramerton. Located in the center of the county is Gastonia, the current county seat as well as Dallas, the original county seat and two other small towns Ranlo and High Shoals. Located on the west side of the county is Kings Mountain, Bessemer City and Cherryville.

Events
There is something to do year-round in and around Gaston County! Keep an eye on our  "events" section on our website for up to date event listings. Mark your calendars full of these signature events so you don't miss out!

11 Mill Blueway Trail
Gaston County’s premier blueway initiative is the 11 Mills Blueway Trail, encompassing both the South Fork River and the Catawba River. Along the way paddlers will find places to launch their boats, equipment rental as well as eateries and breweries to stop and relax.

Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail
The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features Gaston and Cleveland County’s breweries, distilleries and wineries. Each establishment has its own unique feel and culture providing a great representation of what makes our area special. Use this guide to make sure you experience the entire trail.
 

Places to Stay
Our accommodations are conveniently located close to major highways and include national brands, historic boutiques, bed & breakfasts and Airbnbs.  Whether you are traveling in a large group, a family, or all by yourself, you will find our lodgings to be well appointed with all the amenities you may need for a short or long stay.

Welcome One & All
Conveniently located along Interstate 85 only minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport makes Gaston County the perfect location for your next group event be it a business meeting, wedding reunion,

Getting Here
Gaston County is located in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina just west of Charlotte the largest metropolis in the the state. I-85 runs straight through Gaston County linking it to cities in the Northeast, Southwest, and Midwest, while I-40, less than one hour north, provides an important east/west link with coast-to-coast access.