Five Places to Rest and Relax at Carowinds

Whether it’s multiple laps on the three-time Golden Ticket Award winner Fury 325, taking a spin on the classic family rides at County Fair or enjoying the six new attractions in Camp Snoopy, your time spent at Carowinds always has the opportunity to be filled with non-stop excitement.

Typically, I’m all in favor of going non-stop at a theme park, but even I know after all that excitement, eventually, you’re going to need to take a break.

You can always seek brief shelter under an umbrella table outside the nearest dining location while you consult your park map to plan your next move. However, there are some other fantastic locations at Carowinds that are even better for some quick rest and relaxation.

Here are a few recommendations for the best places to kick back and take a break for a few minutes (or longer, your choice!) while at Carowinds.

The Arbor

Located between Celebration Plaza and Carousel Park, this foliage-covered walkway has multiple benches where you’ll have it “made in the shade.” It’s often a few degrees cooler under this walkway during the warmer summer months, making this covered oasis a great location to enjoy some Dippin’ Dots from the nearby stand, and a perfect place to beat the heat.

The Carowinds Theater

Speaking of beating the heat, head to the Carowinds Theater this summer and enjoy Carowinds new show, Seasons of Cirque, which begins on June 23.  This large theater provides comfortable seating and refreshing air conditioning while you enjoy Carowinds’ world-class entertainment. Speaking from experience, having watched Cirque Imagine in the theater the last two years, you may never want to leave!

A Lounge Chair at Carolina Harbor

Grab a towel, and maybe a book. With more than 1,000 lounge chairs located all over Carolina Harbor, you can stretch out and relax.  Take this opportunity to get a bite to eat at Harbor House, offering Carolina BBQ and seafood. And Schooner’s Beach Bar  is only a few steps from your spot in the shade at Surf Club Harbor.

Premium cabanas located at Surf Club Harbor.

For an upgraded relaxation experience, be sure to check out the upgraded cabana options. Each cabana includes chaise loungers, mini-fridges and even satellite TV! Carolina Harbor opens for the season on May 19.

Day club cabana accomodating up to 24 people at Surf Club Harbor.

Camp Snoopy Fountain

If you’ve been to Camp Snoopy, you’ve almost certainly seen the new fountain featuring Snoopy and Woodstock that serves as a grand welcome to the area. With that new fountain came a new “wide open” seating area featuring benches and shade structures. This area is perfect to sit, relax and enjoy the new, welcoming environment of Camp Snoopy.

Harmony Hall Patio

A staple of southern hospitality, the rocking chairs on the patio at the Harmony Hall Marketplace are a great place to “sit a spell.” From here you’ll have a great view of the Celebration Plaza midway, as well as Ripcord and Nighthawk’s flying riders. You’ll even have a chance to enjoy entertainment on the patio stage. Beginning May 26, the Catawba Creek Duo will be playing a wide variety of carefree tunes in the evenings. 

Honorable Mention: Rocking Chairs at North Gate

Though not technically located inside Carowinds, if you’ve been walking all day, and just can’t quite make it back to your car at the end of the day, there are some more rocking chairs near the park entrance, straddling the North Carolina-South Carolina state line. It’s a great place to soak in just a little bit more of Carowinds before you leave for the day.

With a Season Pass you can visit Carowinds as many times as you want throughout the season without having to feel rushed, which makes relaxing in these place that much easier!

When you need to relax at Carowinds, where do you go? Let us know below!