Salisbury, North Carolina: Visitor Guide

Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont region, Salisbury is a historic city of approximately 35,000 residents and the county seat of Rowan County. Founded in 1753, the city sits about 25 miles northeast of Charlotte and serves as a cultural and economic hub for the region. Salisbury is conveniently located along Interstate 85, midway between Charlotte and Greensboro and within driving distance of Winston-Salem. The city also offers passenger rail service via Amtrak, making it an accessible destination for regional travelers. Known for its preserved historic districts, vibrant downtown, and strong arts community, Salisbury blends small-town charm with easy access to major metropolitan areas.

The city is home to the headquarters of Food Lion and the birthplace of Cheerwine, a beloved regional cherry soda. Visitors come to explore historic architecture, museums, public art, local dining, and outdoor attractions, all within a walkable downtown environment. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend stay, Salisbury offers a welcoming mix of history, culture, and authentic North Carolina experiences.

About Salisbury

Salisbury experiences warm summers, mild winters, and a climate that supports year-round outdoor activities and events. The city has a diverse economy rooted in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail, while its revitalized downtown serves as a gathering place for shopping, dining, entertainment, and festivals.

As the cultural center of Rowan County, Salisbury attracts visitors for its walkable historic districts, public art installations, performing arts venues, and family-friendly attractions. Its location near the Charlotte metro area makes it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways.

Salisbury, NC Quick Facts

 

Fact	Details
Population	Approximately 35,000
Founded	1753
County	Rowan County
Region	North Carolina Piedmont
Distance to Charlotte	25 miles northeast
Distance to Greensboro	50 miles southwest
Major Employers	Food Lion, Novant Health, Rowan-Salisbury Schools
Known For	Historic districts, Cheerwine, arts scene, Civil War history

 

A Brief History of Salisbury

Founded in 1753, Salisbury quickly became an important political and economic center in colonial North Carolina. During the Revolutionary era, future president Andrew Jackson studied law here, and the city played a key role in early state government and commerce.

During the Civil War, Salisbury was the site of a Confederate prison that later became the Salisbury National Cemetery, one of the first national cemeteries established in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city grew as a textile and railroad center before transitioning into a diversified modern economy.

Today, Salisbury is recognized for its preservation efforts, with multiple historic districts listed on the National Register and an active downtown revitalization that blends heritage with modern development.

Top Things to Do in Salisbury, NC

1. Historic Downtown Salisbury - Stroll five local historic districts, 10 National Register districts, and admire the Crossroads-Past Into Present mural.

2. Salisbury National Cemetery & Historic Sites - Discover Civil War history and landmarks tied to George Washington, Daniel Boone, and Andrew Jackson.

3. Dan Nicholas Park - 425 acres of outdoor fun, including playgrounds, mini-golf, paddle boats, animal habitats, and the Hurley Family Water Plaza.

4. Bell Tower Green - Downtown green space perfect for picnics, live music, and seasonal events.

5. Cheerwine & Hap’s Grill - Taste Salisbury’s hometown cherry soda and enjoy legendary burgers.

6. Local Art Galleries & Theaters - Explore galleries and historic theaters showcasing the city’s arts scene.

7. Seasonal Festivals - Enjoy concerts, art fairs, and holiday events year-round.

8. Day Trips from Salisbury - Quick drives to Charlotte, Greensboro, or Winston-Salem, or hop on Amtrak right into downtown.

Half-Day Itinerary in Salisbury

Full-Day Itinerary in Salisbury

If you only have a few hours in Salisbury, you can still experience the city’s unique charm, history, and local flavor. Start your morning with a walk through Downtown Salisbury, exploring historic districts, public art like the Crossroads-Past Into Present mural, and one-of-a-kind local shops. Don’t forget to use the Visit Rowan County, NC app (available in the Apple App Store & Google Play) to follow the Salisbury Heritage Walking Tour, which highlights the city’s historic sites, murals, and stories. After your walk, stop at Bell Tower Green, the heart of downtown, to relax, take photos, or enjoy a quick coffee from a nearby café. For art enthusiasts, make a short visit to the Waterworks Visual Arts Center, where you can view rotating exhibits featuring regional and national artists. For lunch, choose a local favorite like Hap’s Grill, or opt for a dine-in experience at one of Salisbury’s original restaurants downtown. End your half-day adventure with a quick stop at New Sarum Brewing Company for a refreshing local craft beer, or take in a performance by Lee St. Theatre or Piedmont Players Theatre if there’s a matinee showing. This itinerary blends history, art, shopping, and a taste of Salisbury’s local flavor in just a few hours.

A full day in Salisbury lets you experience the city’s history, outdoor activities, art, and dining. Start your morning at Dan Nicholas Park, located 8 miles southeast of downtown. Spend time at the lake paddle boating or fishing, explore the animal habitats, play mini-golf, or let the kids enjoy the Hurley Family Water Plaza and carousel. Head back to downtown for lunch at one of Salisbury’s local restaurants, sampling Southern comfort food or international cuisine. After lunch, explore Downtown Salisbury with stops at unique shops and landmarks. Use the Visit Rowan County, NC app (available in the Apple App Store & Google Play) to guide you on the Salisbury Heritage Walking Tour, which highlights historic homes, murals, and sites tied to notable figures like George Washington, Daniel Boone, and Andrew Jackson. In the afternoon, visit the Rowan Museum for deeper insights into the area’s history, then head to the Waterworks Visual Arts Center to see contemporary exhibits and local art collections. Stop by New Sarum Brewing Company to enjoy a tasting or relax for a bit. For wine lovers, a quick drive to Cauble Creek Vineyard just outside of Salisbury offers a charming spot to sip local wines in a scenic setting. End your day with dinner at a downtown restaurant, followed by a performance at Lee St. Theatre or Piedmont Players Theatre, depending on what’s showing. If you have time before leaving, stroll through Bell Tower Green one last time to enjoy the evening ambiance. This full-day itinerary combines history, outdoor fun, art, wine, local cuisine, and entertainment for a complete Salisbury experience.

Downtown Salisbury

Downtown Salisbury has a classic Main Street charm, combining historic architecture with modern amenities. Visitors can walk through historic districts, admire murals, and browse original local shops. Bell Tower Green offers a central gathering space for relaxation and live events, while the area’s original restaurants and cafés provide plenty of options for a meal or a quick coffee.

Museums & History

Salisbury’s rich history is evident in its landmarks and historic museums like Rowan Museum. The Salisbury National Cemetery preserves Civil War history and serves as a reflective place for visitors. Throughout the city, historic homes and sites connect to notable figures like George Washington, Daniel Boone, and Andrew Jackson. Art galleries, like Waterworks Visual Arts Center, and historic theaters, including Meroney Theater, further highlight the city’s growing arts scene, offering a mix of education and entertainment for all ages.

Outdoor & Parks

For outdoor lovers, Dan Nicholas Park is a must-visit destination. The 425-acre park features a lake for paddle boating and fishing, playgrounds, mini-golf, animal habitats, a carousel, and the Hurley Family Water Plaza. Downtown and surrounding areas also offer walking and biking trails, making it easy to explore the city’s charm on foot or by bike. Seasonal events, from summer concerts to holiday festivals, bring the outdoors to life year-round.

Food & Drink

Salisbury is home to original dining experiences that celebrate local flavors. Hap’s Grill serves legendary burgers and hotdogs, while Cheerwine, the city’s famous cherry soda, is a must-try local treat. Beyond these classics, visitors can enjoy restaurants serving up Southern comfort food to international cuisine, all within walking distance of downtown.

Family-Friendly

Salisbury is ideal for families. Dan Nicholas Park offers activities for children of all ages, including water play, mini-golf, and animal exhibits. Historic sites and galleries provide educational experiences, while theaters and seasonal events offer fun entertainment for the whole family.

Seasonal Events

The city hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year. From summer concerts and art fairs to holiday markets and winter celebrations, there’s always something happening. Visitors can time their trips around these community events for an extra-special experience.