Carowinds is a huge destination amusement park that straddles the line between North and South Carolina -- in fact the tracks of the wooden coaster Thunder Road cross the state line. Carowinds is home to the Southeast's first standing roller coaster, the Vortex, as well as the area's longest, tallest and fastest coaster, known as The Intimidator. All in all, you'll find 10 roller coasters at Carowinds. along with other thrill rides, go-karts, water rides and even an animatronic dinosaur park.
At one time, the seaside South Carolina resort of Myrtle Beach hosted several competing amusement parks. Nowadays, however, you'll find only one left standing -- the venerable Family Kingdom. Family Kingdom is unusual in that it does not charge admission to the park proper, only to the rides themselves. Visitors can ride the wooden Swamp Fox or the newer steel Twist'n'Shout coaster. Family Kingdom also features plenty of other rides including go karts, bumper cars, a vintage carousel and a towering Ferris wheel.
Santa's Land is, as its name implies, a Christmas-themed amusement park located in Cherokee, North Carolina. Despite its seasonal theme, it is open primarily during the summer months. Its sole coaster is the Rudicoaster, a reindeer-shaped kid's roller coaster. Visitors can also ride Santa's train, the Ferris wheel, carousel or a number of other rides. Santa's Land also features a small zoo.
Deadwood, located near Williamston in North Carolina, is an Old West-themed amusement park. Its principal coaster is a kid's coaster known as Dinosaur Canyon. Deadwood also features a train ride as well as dinner theater shows, miniature golf, a carousel and plenty of picnic spots.
