Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Lake Norman

"It’s the gem of Uptown, and photos here offer a breathtaking view of the city towering in the distance. During the day, a bright-blue sky accentuates the silver skyline. At night, a colorfully lit fountain pops against the sparkling lights of the buildings."

"This small park celebrates the African American artist and writer Romare Bearden, born in Charlotte in 1911. A pretty spot to admire the Uptown skyline or watch the sunset, it hosts free live music in summer..."

"This serene spot is perfect for the bird lovers of the family or if you’re simply in the mood for some quiet time. The Gardens and Bird Sanctuary were created between 1927 and 1930 by Elizabeth Clarkson who was diagnosed with a chronic disease and had turned her attention to ornithology. Built with an emphasis on providing nesting sites, together with food and water for birds and other wildlife, the gardens are protected with high walls which keep the sanctuary calm and peaceful."

"An enclosed garden filled with cobblestone pathways, the historic Wing Haven is an attraction in Charlotte dedicated to — you guessed it — birds!. Walk under stately awnings and past old colonial homes in search of the right bench to sit, wait, and watch."

"If you’re looking for the perfect location for romantic pictures, then Marshall Park is the wedding photography spot you’re looking for. Couples love this location because of its uninterrupted view of the city’s skyline, which ensures that your wedding photographs are both reminders of your big day as well as stunning pieces of art. Location Style: Park"

"If you're looking to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, Charlotte's best parks provide plenty of options. Whether you're looking for a place to exercise, organize a pick-up game, relax or bring the family, chances are you won't have to go far to find it in the Queen City."

"If you can’t decide between a natural and urban setting, combine both. At Marshall Park in Uptown’s Second Ward, a fountain, pond and trees offer a quiet, picturesque corner of the city for your wedding photography."

"Finally, for a little change of pace, check out the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. It’s like strolling through the garden of your dreams only you don’t have to do any work on it… just enjoy the surroundings. It’s also a great place to learn about plants that thrive in our climate or just take a few good selfies."

"Give wedding portraits a natural and rustic flair at the UNC-Charlotte Botanical Gardens. Stonework, bridges, fountains and pathways set amid beautiful gardens of distinctive trees and flowers provide innumerable options for photo settings. Romare Bearden Park - Photo by KC Photography Company"

"Attached to the University of North Carolina, UNC’s Botanical Gardens is a great way to unwind while visiting the university. Free tours of this are available at this park in Charlotte NC, with cool botany facts to boot."

"Get back to nature without leaving Charlotte at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve. The park itself is 146 acres with over 10 miles of hiking trails, but it joins 727-acre Reedy Creek Nature Preserve and Reedy Creek Nature Center. Fish from the fishing pier, bring your pups to the dog park, or enjoy a wide variety of sports facilities: basketball court, two softball fields, soccer field, cricket field, four volleyball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, and horseshoe pits."

"For a fantastic family-friendly hiking option, the Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center Trail is one of the best spots for hiking near Charlotte. This paved path is easy to navigate and brings hikers to some very beautiful scenery, including small creeks, a peaceful lake, and some old stone ruins. Because it’s located in a city park, there are also lots of recreational facilities, including picnic areas, sports fields, and more."

"Fourth Ward Park is so quiet and beautiful and you’d never realize that you were two blocks away from Uptown Charlotte!. It’s a sweet little oasis in the heart of Uptown, but just a few steps away you can find historic homes and urban vibes. This is a great Charlotte Engagement Session location for the couple that wants the best of both worlds!"

"Katura Day Spa offers a wide combination of Spa, Mind and Body Services and product lines. Also, the spa is very devoted by providing a variety of methods for restoring your facial and body wellness treatments and other skin cares. Their staff are licensed, insured, trained, and experienced."

"Tranquility and superior experience is the name of the game at Palestra Boutique Spa in the heart of Charlotte. The team at Palestra offers state-of-the-art skin treatments, non-invasive anti-aging services and massages to help you look and feel your best."

"Situated on approximately eight and a half acres of fabulous grounds which include stately century old trees, a visit to this luscious plantation will transport you back to life in the south in the 1900s. The house itself, built in 1815 by merchant and tax collector Archibald Frew, is known and admired for being one of the best pieces of Federal period architecture in North Carolina. Restoration and work on the historic gardens are continuing, but public tours are available and certainly worth a visit."

"Just like South Carolina, North Carolina in Charlotte offers a long history that dates back since 1768. Historic Rosedale Plantation is one of the oldest pieces of architecture in the city, being established during 1807. Now, it is still well-preserved to tell its story to the general public."

"Juxtaposed by Charlotte’s hip NoDa neighborhood, the Historic Rosedale Plantation is a fully restored home taking up over 900 acres. Open for tours through the creaky building and ever-blooming garden, the space is perfect for those in search of long walks through history."

"Finally, for a little change of pace, check out the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. It’s like strolling through the garden of your dreams only you don’t have to do any work on it… just enjoy the surroundings. It’s also a great place to learn about plants that thrive in our climate or just take a few good selfies."

"Give wedding portraits a natural and rustic flair at the UNC-Charlotte Botanical Gardens. Stonework, bridges, fountains and pathways set amid beautiful gardens of distinctive trees and flowers provide innumerable options for photo settings. Romare Bearden Park - Photo by KC Photography Company"

"Attached to the University of North Carolina, UNC’s Botanical Gardens is a great way to unwind while visiting the university. Free tours of this are available at this park in Charlotte NC, with cool botany facts to boot."

"Get back to nature without leaving Charlotte at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve. The park itself is 146 acres with over 10 miles of hiking trails, but it joins 727-acre Reedy Creek Nature Preserve and Reedy Creek Nature Center. Fish from the fishing pier, bring your pups to the dog park, or enjoy a wide variety of sports facilities: basketball court, two softball fields, soccer field, cricket field, four volleyball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, and horseshoe pits."

"For a fantastic family-friendly hiking option, the Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center Trail is one of the best spots for hiking near Charlotte. This paved path is easy to navigate and brings hikers to some very beautiful scenery, including small creeks, a peaceful lake, and some old stone ruins. Because it’s located in a city park, there are also lots of recreational facilities, including picnic areas, sports fields, and more."