Visit a Local Swimming Hole 

There are multiple swimming holes in the area, and one of the best is the lake at Hanging Rock State Park. The small, beachy area offers a great spot to soak up the sun and watch the kids play in the water. Swimming access is $6 for adults and $4 for kids. 

Another favorite spot inside the park is Lower Cascades, where a short hike leads to a shallow pool at the base of a waterfall. The towering rock outcropping beside the waterfall gives this one an otherworldly feel. Shacktown Falls at Shore-Styers Mill Park is a popular spot for kids to wade in the stream, as it’s very shallow. 

If you don’t mind driving a little farther from Winston-Salem, Stone Mountain State Park is home to Widow’s Creek Falls. The two shallow pools at the bottom of the falls are a refreshing place to cool off, though it can get crowded on summer weekends. 

Paddleboard with Triad ECO Adventures 

For a more unique experience, try a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour with Triad ECO Adventures. They offer guided tours at two nearby locations—Salem Lake and Belews Lake. Both tours offer SUP coaching to help you learn the basics of paddleboarding or polish your skills while exploring the lake. 

If you already have paddleboarding experience, you can also rent a board and spend a couple of hours, or a whole day, paddling around Salem Lake at your own pace. Tours for one or two people are $89 per person and they offer discounts for larger groups. Rentals start at $30 for two hours. 

Go Down the River with General Dan Tubing Co 

Picture yourself leaning back in an inner tube with the sun on your face and the sound of the river carrying you downstream. About 40 minutes north of downtown Winston-Salem, General Dan Tubing Company offers one of the most relaxing ways to spend a summer day. 

They rent tubes for both adults (starting at $20) and children ($12), and your rental includes a shuttle ride upriver. From there, you simply float back down a peaceful, tree-lined stretch of the Dan River to where you parked your car. 

They are open every day at 9 a.m. during the summer season and stop rentals at 4 p.m., but hours can vary depending on river conditions and water levels. It’s best to call and confirm hours before visiting. 

Take a Trail Ride 

Tanglewood Park offers a variety of fun activities, but one of the best ways to experience summer here is on a guided trail ride from Tanglewood Stables. The rides take you through wooded trails, across open fields, and along a small stretch of the Yadkin River, giving you a different perspective of the park. 

The stables have many seasoned horses, which makes this a great activity even if you don’t have any experience riding. Trail rides are $40 per person, and they only accept cash or check. Other summer activities here include Softgolf, pedal boats at Mallard Lake, and swimming at the Aquatic Center.

Create Your Own Mural Crawl 

With public art scattered throughout downtown, it’s easy to create your own mural crawl around Winston-Salem. Start at Artivity on the Green, the city’s first art-themed park located in the heart of the Downtown Arts District. While you’re there, spend some time browsing the nearby local galleries and creative shops. Just a short walk away, you’ll find The “5” Royales mural near Fiddlin' Fish Brewing Company and Broad Branch Distillery. Fourth Street is another spot to explore where you can stop by the Winston-Salem Icons mural featuring recognizable landmarks, products, and symbols connected to the city. You’ll also find La Luz de Diversidad nearby, the only Hispanic-themed mural in Winston-Salem. Keep an eye out for the “Mannequin Shenanigans” campaign as you make your way around downtown. 

Attend an Outdoor Event or Local Festival 

Catch a movie under the stars at Bailey Park or Shallowford Square. Watch the Dash play at Truist Stadium. Attend a guided hike or a garden tour at Old Salem. There’s no shortage of outdoor events happening around Winston-Salem during the summer months. 

If you’re planning a future trip, then consider visiting during one of our festivals this year. The Pride Festival & Parade and Juneteenth Festivals both take place in June. Art Crush transforms downtown Winston-Salem into an open-air gallery with performances, local artist booths, and food. This year, the event is only happening on four Fridays, each with its own theme: 

• Color the District on May 15
• Winston-Salem Weekend on July 17
• Hispanic Heritage on September 18
• Arts District Celebration on November 20. 

The International Black Theatre Festival is coming back July 27 through August 1, and the 1Love Festival is happening June 25 through 27. Find the full lineup of annual festivals here. 

Enjoy Live Music Outside 

One of the most popular ways to spend a summer evening is catching live music around town. Concerts in the CoalPit begin in May, where you can enjoy a drink from Incendiary Brewing while listening to popular regional acts. 

The Downtown Summer Music Series brings jazz performances to Corpening Plaza every other Friday and party bands to the area by Foothills Brewpub on alternating Saturdays. Outside the city, you can enjoy live music on the patio at spots like Incendiary Lewisville or Busted Barrel. 

Read our full Live Music Guide for more places to catch a show. Learn about more things to do in Winston-Salem and seasonal activities by downloading a Visitor Guide and signing up for our e-newsletter.