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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 30, 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 30, 2026

DISNEY DAY STROLL & ROLL HUDSON

Kates Skating Rink

Join us for the Disney Day Stroll & Roll in Hudson, where you can enjoy a fun-filled Friday morning accompanied by your favorite Disney hits! Bring your skates, scooters, trikes,…

October 30, 2026

Halloween Sideshow, Part II

The Rooster

Friday, October 30th, 2026 Crackasmyle Studios Presents: Halloween Sideshow, Part II Featuring:

Explore Gastonia

Located right off I-85, a mile from CaroMont Regional Medical Center, and walking distance to a variety of restaurants. The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium is a five-minute…

Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia

444 Cox Rd.

Take on your day with our free hot breakfast, including hearty and healthy options. Additional amenities include meeting room, fitness center, business center and seasonal outdoor pool. Our smoke-free suites…

Comfort Suites Gastonia

1874 Remount Rd.

Caromont Health Park is located in Gastonia, NC, just minutes west of Charlotte, and is home to the Gastonia Ghost Peppers in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB). It was built as part…

CaroMont Health Park

800 W Franklin Blvd.

A soaring auditorium at Gaston Christian complete with stage, sound lighting, projectile equipment, fine arts classrooms, reception center & hospitality suite decorations.


• Auditorium – 520 seats

• Stage –…

MO Owens Worship & Arts Center

1625 Lowell Bethesda Rd.

Located in the historic Loray Mill, just 30 minutes from downtown Charlotte, Homestead Events on Main offers a unique venue for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. The mill, known…

Homesteads Events at Loray

300 S Firestone St.

Bansen Farms is a beautiful event space, wedding venue and AirBnB in Gastonia. This 60-year-old farmhouse, the perfect getaway, and all about creating memories and giving you a place to…

Bansen Farms

138 Brice 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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