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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 28, 2026

Unlimited Play Day

Simulate Golf

Unlimited Play - all day $25 Adults $15 Students Book Tee Time

October 28, 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 28, 2026

National Chocolate Day

Gaston Pour House

Because life is better with chocolate!

Explore Gastonia

Welcome to Gastonia Municipal Airport, a bustling general aviation facility conveniently located just south of downtown Gastonia, North Carolina. Established in 1946 by the City of Gastonia, this self-supporting airport…

Gastonia Municipal Airport

1126 Gaston Day School Rd.

Experience the best of home-style dining and artisanal baking at Fannie Cakes Bakery Cafe. Located in Downtown Gastonia, our talented Chef and Baker, Stefannie Roundtree, brings a modern twist to…

Fannie Cakes Bakery Cafe

103 Dr M.L.K. Jr. Way

Eastridge Mall is a dynamic and inclusive shopping destination, catering to the diverse tastes and needs of visitors. The mall boasts a wide array of nationally recognized, high-quality brands, ensuring…

Eastridge Mall

246 N New Hope Rd

Gaston School of the Arts offers fine arts instruction in Art, Music, and Drama.

Gaston School of the Arts

825 Union Rd

Rotary Centennial Pavilion is an outdoor event venue in downtown Gastonia.

Rotary Centennial Pavilion

107 N South St

The Gaston County Public Library operates ten facilities including the Union Rd branch library in Gastonia at 5800 Union Road, Gastonia, NC


Union Road Public Library

5800 Union Rd.

Hiking Trails

Highland Rail Trail

1001 N Marietta St.

Gastonia

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Paved, Gravel

Easy

2.1 Miles One Way

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