top of page
Gastonia_Downtown_Streetscape_Summer2026_6.jpg
City of Gastonia logo

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

Pumpkin Painting Fun!

Gastonia Farmers Market

Come paint a tiny pumpkin under the pole shed from 10 am - 11 am. Registration is requested, but not required. We will be using paint markers for easier use and faster…

October 24, 2026

Trick-or-Trail

Warlick Family YMCA

Get into the Halloween spirit at Trick or Trail! Enjoy a fun-filled evening of treats, outdoor activities, and family-friendly Halloween fun along the trail.

October 24, 2026

Saturday Night Shuffle — Jr. Edition

Kates Skating Rink

Get ready for an exciting night of skating, music, and junior talent at Kate’s Skating Rink in Gastonia! Featuring: ChaseSK8s Join us for the Saturday Night Shuffle: Jr. Edition and help…

Explore Gastonia

Bedazzled Bridal & Formal is a full-service bridal boutique in Gastonia, NC, offering a wide selection of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride attire, prom and special-occasion dresses, as well as…

Bedazzled Bridal and Formal

605 S New Hope Rd.

Poffie Girls is the premier bridal boutique in the Carolinas, located in Gastonia, North Carolina, specializing in wedding gowns, prom dresses, pageant wear, and formal attire for all occasions.


With…

Poffie Girls

512 S New Hope Rd.

Graze & Piece serves the greater Charlotte area. We turn any gathering into a delicious, one-of-a-kind experience. We offer charcuterie boxes, cups, cones, and unlimited graze boards. Our cart is…

Graze & Piece

200 W Main Ave.

Family-owned farm that produces high-quality lavender and eucalyptus products while prioritizing sustainable farming practices.


Our Products

We provide high-quality lavender and eucalyptus products, including lavender, eucalyptus bundles ( fresh or…

Carolina Lavender & Eucalyptus Farm

188 Meek Rd.

Waterbean Coffee, situated in Gastonia's Fuse District, is a coffee shop that prioritizes quality above all else. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their establishment. From…

Waterbean Coffee Gastonia

612 W Franklin Blvd.

Cool Beans Cat Café brings a one-of-a-kind experience to downtown Gastonia, blending the comfort of a neighborhood coffee shop with the joy of sharing space with playful, adoptable cats. Step…

Cool Beans Cat Cafe

176 S Chester St.

Hiking Trails

Avon-Catawba Creeks Greenway

109 W Second Ave.

Gastonia

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Paved

Easy

4.5 Miles One Way

Highland Rail Trail Downtown Sidewalk Connection

1001 N Marietta St.

Gastonia

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Paved

Easy

3.0 Miles One Way

Rankin Lake Park Trail

1750 Rankin Lake Rd.

Gastonia

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Walking, Jogging

Moderate

1.9 miles

bottom of page