This Old North State is a wonder to behold – and truly a pleasure to drive around. North Carolina is home to one of the largest highway systems in the whole of the US with 78,000 miles of paved roads opening up every picturesque corner.

North Carolina is brimming with natural riches - the beauty of both the coastline, the mountainous region further inland. Split your time between the countryside and the vibrant cities, which promise to keep you busy with a whole range of attractions.

Wherever you are in the state, there are standard speed limits. In cities, towns and built-up areas, the speed limit is between 20 and 35mph. On rural roads, it increases to 55mph with a top speed of 55 to 60mph on divided rural roads.

If you’re travelling on a freeway in the city, the speed limit is between 50 and 70mph – but on freeways outside the city boundaries, you can drive at either 65 or 70mph. Pay close attention to any signs when driving, as North Carolina is so large, some rules may vary.

Like many US states, you can turn red at a junction even if the traffic lights are red – provided you give way to oncoming traffic.

Spanning almost 140,000 km², you have the space to do as much or as little as you want in North Carolina. The I-40 highway runs from east to west, passing through Greensboro and Durham down to Wilmington on the coast. Leading north out of the state, the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you across the border into Virginia.

Legendary sporting memories, artistic masterpieces, military history, golden coastlines and epic hikes - you’ll never run out of things to do in the eclectic state of North Carolina.

Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway

Hailed as one of the most beautiful routes in America, the Blue Ridge Parkway is like a rite of passage when you’re visiting the Old North State. The breathtaking route winds through the mountains for 469 miles, starting in Cherokee and trailing over the state border to the Virginian town of Shenandoah.

The speed limit is 45mph on the Blue Ridge Parkway, allowing you to soak up the views from behind the wheel. There are plenty of places to pull over and marvel at the amazing vistas too.

Discover the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, close to the start-post town of Cherokee. The park is, staggeringly, more than two and a half times the size of New York City – with a colossal 95% of it covered by a thick, forested canopy.

These sweeping landscapes make it prime spot for hiking enthusiasts. There are more than 80 hiking routes meandering through the trees - ranging from a beginner’s stroll right the way through to more testing adventures.

Explore Charlotte

Life in the city of Charlotte is action-packed. It might not be the capital– that accolade goest to Rayleigh – but it is the largest city in the state, with loads of activities to get stuck into.

You can jump on board and go white water rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center - or learn about the world of stock-car racing at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Keep up the speed with fast-paced attractions like as Carowinds amusement park, or if you appreciate something less high octane there are a variety of museums in the 100-acre sanctuary of Freedom Park.

If you visit during the NFL season, you might catch the Carolina Panthers playing at the Bank of America Stadium. Baseball more your thing? Then the BB&T Ballpark is calling your name. This open-air stadium, surrounded by glistening skyscrapers, is home to the Charlotte Kings – and games are held between April and August.

Coastline and crab shacks

Dine in a crab shack, feel the white sand between your toes and bathe in the warm waters of the North Carolina coast.

The state has a stunning 300-mile sweep of coastline, that’s just about as diverse as North Carolina is itself. Take your pick of peaceful coves or lively, family-friendly gathering spots.

The Outer Banks are barrier islands just off the coast. One of the all-time favourites is Nags Head - an off-shore escape with rugged, windswept beauty that makes you feel like you’re worlds away.

You can also find serenity on Bald Head Island, at the mouth of Cape Fear. Home to beautiful sea turtles, slipping through the crystal-clear waters, these tranquil beaches are reached via 20 minute-ferry from Southport.

Get behind the wheel and start making memories when you hire a car in North Carolina.