Verrazzano hoped to discover a potential route to China, as France had begun exploring the western seas of America in the hopes of finding a lucrative trade route to Asia. Verrazzano decided to voyage along the coastline, documenting the various geographical freatures and the people he interacted with. Furthermore, Verrazzano was particularly drawn to regions which would later be known for the Carolinas. The outerbanks of the Carolinas protected the various inland sounds which Verrazzano believed would be excellent for establishing secret trading outposts, as the Carolinas during this time were claimed by the Spanish monarchy. Thus, Verrazzano laid a stake to the Carolinas and began to explore the coast for potential areas to settle.

On April 17th, 1524, Verrazzano reached the coast of North Carolina. He noted the various lush landscapes and huge potential for cultivation of crops. The rich soil of the Carolinas was well fertilized, and easy access to freshwater meant that settlement would be particularly easy. Furthermore, Verrazzano held a strong admiration and curiosity for the indigenous peoples he encountered. While indigenous peoples had been documented by previous explorers such as Christopher Columbus, for Verrazzano, seeing an indigenous person in person was not only revelating but also insightful. In fact, in Verrazzano's accounts, he details how the indigenous people were "very gentle [and had] a quiet nature." Verrazzano noted how the customs and resources they used were quite different from Europeans.

Verrazzano's perspectives on the landscape of the Carolinas maintained very strong throughout his period of exploration of the region. In particular, he noted, "We found many goodly places for harbors and rich fertile lands..." Verrazzano realized the importance of securing the Carolinas for the Kingdom of France and establishing settlements in the region, and thus would later advocate to King Francis to establish further explorations in the region. The discoveries of these lands and the pusblishing of Verrazzano's accounts led to widespread migration by French Huguenots in the 17th century. As British settlers attempted to establish permenant settlements along the Carolinas, such as Roanoke, Huguenot settlers closely followed after the French Wars of Religion. These dynamics would lead to cultural and social changes in the socio-economic fabric of the region, and thus leave a profound impact on the legacy the French have played in the Carolinas today.

Verrazzano's explorations have been profound for the Carolinas. Not only did his discoveries lay the groundwork for future settlements in the Carolinas, but the first permeant European settlement in the Carolinas can be traced directly back to the influx of Huguenots in the late 17th century, who were motivated and inspired by Verrazzano's accounts to move to the Carolinas. Furthermore, the French presence in the Carolinas has contributed to the region's rich cultural diversity and has since influenced the social structures of the people living in the Carolinas. Verrazzano's exploration marked not only the beginning of French interest in the Carolinas, but also established a strong narrative of resilience and religious freedom, which fostered a French legacy which still resonates with the state's history today.