North Carolina Highway 273 is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It connects towns and communities along the banks of the Catawba River, in eastern Gaston County.

Established in 1930 as a new primary routing, from NC 29 (now NC 7), at Belmont Abbey, to NC 27, in Mount Holly. In 1940, NC 273 was extended north to NC 16, near Lucia. In 1949 or 1950, NC 273 was extended north again, along NC 16, then west on an upgraded road to NC 27, near Goodsonville. In 1967, NC 273 was moved back to its northern terminus at NC 16; highway between NC 16 and NC 27 becomes part of NC 73. Between 1980-82, NC 273 was extended south to its current southern terminus at NC 279. In 1988 or 1989, NC 273 was extended north to its current northern terminus in Lucia. In 2000 or 2001, NC 273 was rerouted east around downtown Mount Holly.