City centre Highlands charms visitors with its historic mountain architecture and upscale atmosphere. Wide pavements lead to elegant boutiques housed in preserved cottages from the late 19th century. Art galleries showcase regional crafts while fine restaurants offer mountain-inspired cuisine on wraparound porches. The pedestrian-friendly layout makes exploring this luxury mountain destination a pleasure. Nearby hiking trails and waterfalls provide natural escapes just minutes from the refined shopping district. Most establishments maintain shorter evening hours, creating a peaceful nighttime ambiance in this sophisticated mountain setting.
Mirror Lake offers a serene mountain escape with its pristine waters reflecting towering pines and rhododendrons. This welcoming area features charming cottages nestled among old-growth forests. Walking paths circle the lake, providing perfect spots for birdwatching and quiet contemplation. The area serves as a peaceful alternative to bustling city centre Highlands, just a short drive away. Nearby attractions include the Bascom Centre for Visual Arts and spectacular Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors appreciate the authentic Appalachian atmosphere with minimal commercialization and abundant natural beauty.
Highlands Hills welcomes you to a secluded mountain escape where luxury meets nature. Elegant homes with stone and timber facades sit tucked among mature trees on winding roads. The area offers peaceful seclusion away from tourist crowds and breathtaking mountain vistas. This upscale residential haven serves as the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions. City centre Highlands with its boutiques and restaurants is just minutes away by car. Natural wonders like Bridal Veil Falls and Whiteside Mountain offer spectacular outdoor adventures. The star-filled night skies and fresh mountain air create an unforgettable retreat experience.
Escape to Highland Falls, a luxurious gated community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This peaceful mountain retreat offers upscale living with exclusive country club amenities. Championship golf, tennis courts, and fine dining await discerning travellers seeking premium experiences. The natural beauty surrounding Highland Falls creates a perfect outdoor paradise. Nearby hiking trails lead to stunning waterfalls and mountain vistas. The community's sophisticated mountain lodge architecture blends seamlessly with the forested landscape, creating a serene escape from everyday life.
Lake Sequoyah is a pristine mountain retreat where nature takes centre stage. The crystal-clear waters invite fishing, kayaking, and peaceful shoreline walks. Towering hardwoods and evergreens create a lush backdrop for upscale holiday homes nestled among the trees. Nearby attractions include the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls just a short drive away. The natural setting offers a perfect escape from urban bustle, with stargazing and wildlife watching replacing typical nightlife options. Visitors should bring their vehicles as public transit is limited.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Highlands
Photo by Kurt Huey
Open Photo by Kurt Huey
Dry Falls
9.6/10 (129 reviews)
Walk behind the 75-foot waterfall at Dry Falls without getting wet, a rare natural phenomenon. The short paved trail leads to an immersive experience where cascading water frames your view of the lush forest.
Photo by Dana Foreman
Open Photo by Dana Foreman
Bridal Veil Falls
8.8/10 (63 reviews)
This 45-foot cascade allows you to walk behind its gentle curtain of water—a rare natural experience. Easily accessible from Highway 64, it offers a serene retreat with excellent photo opportunities after rainfall.
Photo by Holly A.
Open Photo by Holly A.
Whiteside Mountain
9.6/10 (18 reviews)
Towering 750-foot cliffs—the highest in the eastern United States—define this ancient geological wonder. Hike the 2-mile loop for sweeping panoramas across three states from multiple scenic overlooks.
Photo by Charlie Williams
Open Photo by Charlie Williams
Cullasaja Falls
9.8/10 (28 reviews)
This dramatic 250-foot waterfall cascades through the Cullasaja River Gorge along NC's Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Pull over carefully at the roadside viewpoint to capture its multi-tiered beauty framed by lush forest.
Glen Falls
9.8/10 (16 reviews)
This triple-tiered waterfall in Nantahala National Forest rewards hikers with stunning cascades viewed from observation decks. Explore the trail through lush forest for breathtaking photography opportunities.
Photo by Dana Foreman
Open Photo by Dana Foreman
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts
This artistic haven showcases diverse exhibitions from local to international artists across multiple galleries. Explore the six-acre campus with outdoor sculptures and participate in hands-on workshops.
Jackson Hole Gem Mine
7.6/10 (4 reviews)
At this family-owned mine, you'll sift through buckets to discover sapphires, emeralds, and garnets. The covered flume ensures your hunt continues even on rainy days, while staff help identify your treasures.
Cullasaja River Gorge
Drive through the dramatic Cullasaja River Gorge to witness a series of stunning waterfalls cascading through lush forest. At Dry Falls, walk behind the 75-foot curtain of water for an immersive natural experience.
"Our room was exactly as it was advertised to us. The room was very clean, comfortable and decorated very cute. Thank you for accepting our fur baby, we will definitely consider your Inn during our next visit. Liked the fact that you are within walking distant to the shops and restaurants oh Highlands."
"We only stayed for one night and it was a basic hotel stay. Check in was quick and easy, my room was clean and the air got cold. Got a great night sleep then left early the next morning. It was a basic hotel room. Nothing fancy or frilly, but I paid a basic price for a standard room. As long as it’s clean and serves the purpose, I’m happy. I’d definitely stay again if passing through the area."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Offering excellent value package deals on Expedia, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much a holiday to Highlands costs! Expedia's packages simplify travel planning and maximise your savings.
What are the cheapest months to go to Highlands?
If you'd like to book a cheap Highlands holiday package, consider travelling in January, February and April. You'll typically find better prices on flights and hotels during these quieter months — perfect for budget-conscious travellers.
How many days is enough for Highlands?
To fully enjoy your Highlands holiday, we recommend booking for 3 days. Divide your time between visiting Glen Falls, Highlands Playhouse and other major sights, as well as exploring neighbourhoods like Mirror Lake and Highlands Hills. If you've got some time to spare, add a tour or day trip to your Highlands holiday itinerary.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Highlands?
Whether you'd like to explore key attractions such as Highlands Country Club and Bridal Veil Falls on your Highlands holiday, or coming for its excellent walking trails, nature and golfing, there's something for everyone here. With so many things to see and do, you'll soon discover why so many families think Highlands is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Highlands package deals?
Landing a cheap Highlands package deal is a breeze with Expedia. After you've entered your destination and preferred dates under our "Packages" tab, set your maximum budget, apply a couple of filters and browse what's available. You can customise your search by "Popular locations," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most wallet-friendly Highlands package deals. Want a simple trick to score the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are usually lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Highlands holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you great savings when compared to arranging hotels and flights separately. Better still, you can customise your Highlands trip to fit your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Highlands?
If you have your Highlands travel dates locked in, book as soon as you can to snap up some outstanding deals. With Expedia, you can typically reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment trips? Our last-minute deals are great for quick escapes.
How to plan a trip to Highlands?
Choose when to travel: Check your schedule and get packing. Your preferred season and the type of activities on offer will also help you decide when to visit Highlands.
Set a budget: Consider expenses like flights, transportation and food when calculating how much to save for your trip to Highlands. Then, select a hotel that fits your budget, whether that's a wallet-friendly stay or a swankier retreat.
Decide how many days away: Start by listing all the activities and attractions you'd like to get to in Highlands. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, along with any travel time.
Bundle your airfare and accommodation: Once you've nailed down your trip dates and duration, lock in the perfect Highlands holiday package for you.