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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 29, 2026

Health is Built, Not Found: A Health Talk with Dr. Garret

Gaston County Library Main Branch

You and your guests will get a wonderful evening of life changing information. Dr. Garret will be going over: ● What Health really is ● What the top killers in America are today…

October 30, 2026

Crackasmyle Studios Presents: Halloween Sideshow, Part II

The Rooster

Join us for Crackasmyle Studios Presents: Halloween Sideshow, Part II on Friday, October 30th, 2026. This thrilling event will feature electrifying performances by Pretty Boy Floyd, Permacrush, Stone Whiskey, and…

October 30, 2026

Halloween Boobash GASTONIA FRIDAY

Kates Skating Rink

FRIDAY NIGHT Halloween Boobash!!! Get ready for a not so spooky day & night of skating, costumes, games & memories! $20 V.I.P. Special * Admission & Skate rental * Play area, if…

Explore Gastonia

The four-story hotel will include 99 rooms, including 69 rooms with double queen-sized beds and 30 rooms with one king-sized bed. The rooms have about 230 to 270 square feet…

Tru by Hilton Gastonia

534 N. New Hope Rd.

The Holiday Inn Express® Charlotte West - Gastonia is as beautiful as it is convenient. Located just off I-85 and Hwy 321, it is easy to get to Charlotte and…

Holiday Inn Express Gastonia

1911 Broadcast St.

Courtyard Charlotte Gastonia is nestled on Remount Road and easily accessible to Interstates 85 and 485. At our hotel, we know what is important to today's business and leisure travelers.…

Courtyard by Marriott Gastonia

1856 Remount Rd.

Book direct at Motel6.com and save today! Save more for what you travel for. Kids always stay free! My6 Lower Rates Available. See what's new at Motel 6. Free morning…

Motel 6 Gastonia

1901 Broadcast St.

WoodSpring Suites Charlotte Gastonia is an extended stay hotel with monthly rates, weekly rates, and nightly rates. Great for business travelers, students and staff of local universities and trade schools,…

WoodSpring Suites Gastonia

1830 Wren Turnpike

Embrace history, charm, and romance in the heart of revitalized downtown Gastonia at the Esquire Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection®. This national landmark opened as the First National Bank in 1918,…

The Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia

168 W Main Ave.

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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