As Gaston County’s largest city and county seat, Gastonia is home to the county’s largest downtown, where shopping, dining, arts and entertainment come together. Just west of Charlotte and easily accessible from I-85, Gastonia pairs the energy of a growing city with outdoor adventure, rich history and plenty of reasons to stay overnight.

Outdoors & Trails

Crowders Mountain State Park: Rising above the landscape and visible from across the county, Crowders Mountain is one of Gastonia’s defining landmarks—and the inspiration behind the Go Gaston NC logo. Just outside the city, Crowders Mountain State Park offers miles of hiking trails, dramatic rock formations and sweeping views across the Piedmont. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and paddling on the park’s lake, making the mountain a destination for a full day outdoors.

Rankin Lake Park: Closer to the city, Rankin Lake Park offers a peaceful place to enjoy the water and outdoors, with a paved walking trail around the lake, fishing and boating. The park also connects with Gastonia’s growing trail system.

Martha Rivers Park: Martha Rivers Park is a family-friendly destination with walking trails, playgrounds, athletic fields and open space for recreation and play.

Greenways & Trails: Gastonia’s growing network of greenways makes it possible to explore the city by foot or bike. The Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway winds through wooded areas and along the creeks, while the Highland Rail Trail follows a historic railroad corridor from downtown toward Rankin Lake Park. Together, these trails help connect parks, neighborhoods and downtown while linking Gastonia to the region’s broader trail network.

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Gastonia Farmers Market

The Gastonia Farmers Market is a great stop for visitors looking to taste the local side of Gaston County. Located just off I-85, the covered market operates three days a week during its main season—Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May through October, with Saturday markets extending into April and November. Visitors can shop for locally grown produce, meats, eggs, dairy products, baked goods and fresh-cut flowers, with products required to be vendor-grown or handmade. Seasonal events, live music and family activities add to the experience.

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Events & Festivals

Gastonia keeps the calendar full with events that bring the community—and visitors—together throughout the year. Enjoy live music during the Gastonia Concert Series, celebrate the Fourth of July with a festive community celebration, and experience arts and culture events in the spring. As the seasons change, Gastonia brings even more reasons to visit with its Fall Festival and a full lineup of holiday traditions, including Breakfast with Santa, Santa at Rankin Lake and Christmas in the City.

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History, Arts & Culture

Gastonia’s story is rooted in the railroad and textile industries that helped transform the community into one of North Carolina’s major manufacturing centers. Historic buildings and former mill properties still tell that story, while the Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium offers opportunities to explore the natural and cultural history of the region.

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The arts are woven throughout the city, with murals, sculptures and public art adding color and character to Gastonia. The Gastonia Little Theater brings live community theater to the city, providing another reason to make an evening of your visit.

Downtown, Shopping, Dining & Baseball

Gastonia’s downtown is the largest in Gaston County and is increasingly becoming a destination in its own right. Spend time browsing local shops, discovering restaurants, viewing public art and exploring historic buildings.

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For sports and entertainment, catch a Gastonia Ghost Peppers baseball game at CaroMont Health Park. It's an easy way to turn a downtown visit into a full evening—shop, explore, grab dinner and then settle in for a ballgame.

Stay & Make Gastonia Your Home Base

​Just 10 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Gastonia also offers a convenient home base for visitors flying into the region. Gastonia is one of the few communities in Gaston County where visitors can stay right in the middle of the action. With a range of accommodations, convenient access to I-85 and proximity to Charlotte, Gastonia makes an ideal home base for a longer Gaston County getaway.

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For a memorable downtown experience, The Esquire Hotel offers a boutique stay in a beautifully restored historic building, putting guests within easy reach of downtown shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. Additional accommodations throughout the city make it easy to find a stay that fits your getaway while remaining close to Gastonia’s attractions and the rest of Gaston County.

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Stay a night—or make Gastonia your base for several days—and explore everything from Crowders Mountain and the county’s growing trail network to downtown restaurants, shops, museums, public art and a Ghost Peppers baseball game.

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Meetings & Events

Gastonia is also a destination for meetings, conferences and special events. The Gastonia Conference Center offers a premier event venue with easy access to I-85, Charlotte and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Its design pays tribute to Gastonia’s architectural and industrial heritage while providing a modern setting for conferences, weddings, gatherings and community events.