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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 24, 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 24, 2026

Trunk or Treat

Durty Bull Brewing

Join Durty Bull in Gastonia for a fun-filled Trunk or Treat! Bring the family for Halloween festivities, trick-or-treating, and a chance for kids to show off their costumes while collecting…

October 24, 2026

Saturday Drop-In STEM @ Main

Gaston County Library Main Branch

Join us for Spooky STEM Night @ Main! Explore creepy creations, fun experiments, and hands-on activities that bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life.

Explore Gastonia

Aura is a cocktail bar in Gastonia, NC, offering handcrafted cocktails, timeless classics, and innovative drinks made with premium ingredients. With a stylish atmosphere and expertly crafted beverages, Aura is…

Aura Cocktail Lounge

182 W Main Ave.

JG's Vinyl and More

Retail Record Store in Gastonia, NC


JG’s Vinyl and More is a retail record store in Gastonia, NC, offering a curated selection of vinyl records, CDs,…

JG's Vinyl and More

322 W Main Ave.

At Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen in Gastonia, we’re proud to be an authentic Mexican restaurant in North Carolina, where every meal celebrates flavor, color, and tradition. From handcrafted dishes to…

Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen

3725 E Franklin Blvd.

Savory Calle is where bold Latin flavors meet vibrant street-style flair. Our takeout restaurant and Latin bar bring you authentic tastes from across Latin America — from sizzling street tacos…

Savory

223 E Main Ave.

The Gaston Choral Society performs a wide variety of choral music, from poignant settings of sacred texts to vibrant arrangements of popular Hindi songs. We welcome all mature high school…

Gaston Choral Society

2650 Union Rd.

Situated in Gastonia, North Carolina, this enchanting venue offers hidden charm and a tranquil ambiance, providing an exceptional setting for diverse events. Covering an expansive 50+ acres, it boasts an…

Hampton Homestead Farm

2320 Hickory Grove Rd.

Hiking Trails

Quarry Loop at Warlick YMCA

2221 Robinwood Rd.

Gastonia

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Natural Surface

Easy, Moderate

1.66-mile circuit

Power Loop at Warlick YMCA

2221 Robinwood Rd.

Gastonia

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Natural Surface

Easy

1.39-mile circuit

Sytz Trail System at Warlick YMCA

2221 Robinwood Rd.

Gastonia

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Natural Surface

Easy

About 4 miles

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