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Gastonia

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.

Gastonia is located in the center of Gaston County.

History

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.

Downtown

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.

Arts & Culture

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.

Meetings

Gastonia is a destination for meetings, conferences and special events. The Gastonia Conference Center offers a premier event venue. Its design pays tribute to Gastonia’s architectural and industrial heritage while providing a modern setting for conferences, weddings, gatherings and community events.

Parks

Gastonia offers plenty of outdoor recreation, from hiking and scenic views at Crowders Mountain State Park to lakeside activities at Rankin Lake Park, family fun at Martha Rivers Park, and miles of greenways and trails for walking and biking.

Festivals & Events

Filter by Inspiration

October 23, 2026

Oasis in Space

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater is home to an immersive experience unlike anything else in the area and is a “must-see” attraction during a visit…

October 23, 2026

Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater is home to an immersive experience unlike anything else in the area and is a “must-see” attraction during a visit…

October 23, 2026

Boo!seum

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium


Explore Gastonia

Discover Tres Platos, a restaurant in Gastonia, North Carolina, bringing the authentic flavors and traditions of Honduras, Colombia, and Mexico together at one table. Experience a shared love of Latin…

El Tres Platos

1700 S York Rd

Located in downtown Gastonia, TC’s Sip & Sing Karaoke Lounge is a lively destination for karaoke, handcrafted mocktails, cocktails, and a night out with friends. Take the stage and sing…

TC's Sip and Sing Karaoke Lounge

141 W. Main Ave

57 Genova Cafe brings good coffee, fresh flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere to West Main Avenue in Gastonia. Stop in for thoughtfully crafted coffee and specialty drinks, enjoy something fresh,…

57 Genova Coffee

167 W Main Ave

Red Roof Inn Gastonia

1700 N. Chester St.

Rodeway Inn Gastonia East

1400 E. Franklin Blvd.

BC Battery Lounge on Main Cigar Bar & Lounge in Downtown Gastonia


BC Battery Lounge on Main is an upscale Western-style cigar bar and lounge in downtown Gastonia, North Carolina. Enjoy…

BC Battery Lounge on Main

190 West Main Ave

Hiking Trails

Crowders Mountain Trail

522 Park Office Ln.

Kings Mountain

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Natural Surface, Boardwalk, Gravel

Moderate

2.5 miles, One Way

Backside Trail

522 Park Office Ln.

Kings Mountain

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Gravel

Advanced

0.50 miles, One Way

Nature Trail at Schiele Museum

1500 E Garrison Blvd.

Gastonia

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Natural Surface

Easy

0.7 mile loop

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