north carolina day trip

12 Unforgettable North Carolina Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

Discover unique and adventurous day trips to take in North Carolina throughout the year.

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With each new year, we all set forth intentions to be a little more adventurous in choosing some of the most unique day trips in NC. It's an easy resolution to make when you live in The Tar Hill state , with so many places to explore right around just about every corner. And these aren't just ordinary activities, but some of the most unexpected and unique things to do around North Carolina in just 365 days. While the choices are overwhelming, we put together a bucket list of day trips to take this year, one for each month. What are you waiting for? Ready to explore all the best unique day trips in NC? Get out there and enjoy!

Take advantage of a rare, warm day in January and head on an outdoor adventure in North Carolina and one of the best day trips in North Carolina. Travel to Valdese to explore a 45-foot waterfall hiding in a city park that also features a historical Meytre Grist Mill. Bring a picnic and enjoy this natural wonder. And if weather permits, plan on a volleyball match and a nature hike on the trail woven throughout the site.

Fly down a snow tubing run in NC of epic speeds at the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. With more than 30 snow tubing lanes, the lines should go pretty fast. Even if it hasn't snowed in weeks, as long as it's cold outside, this park makes plenty of snow all on its own, making it one of the best day trips near me in North Carolina.

Book a wagon ride to get up close and personal at this little-known wildlife ranch near Charlotte . Or, if you prefer the comfort of your own car... load up the kids and drive through on your own. Everyone is sure to have a blast on this road trip, offering antelopes, equines, and ratites just to name a few.

Visit the longest covered bridge in North Carolina, along with some very interesting history. At 140 feet long it's a treasure just sitting alongside the main road, part of a lovely park that features a historic mill. This scenic drive in North Carolina to the bridge means you may even see some spring blooms on this day trip.

Sure, other delicious and favorite things (in addition to Cheerwine) have come from North Carolina, but the Cheerwine Festival celebrates everything good in our state including the cherry-flavored cola we all know and love. Load up the car for a day of family fun in Salisbury, and celebrate this iconic soft drink that was invented in 1917. This is by far one of the most unique things to do around North Carolina.

Few people realize North Carolina is home to the largest zoo in the world to feature natural habitats for its residents. Explore everything from the North American prairie to the grasslands of Africa and beyond at the world's largest zoo . June is an ideal time to visit — before the return of scorching hot temps!

Yes — it's real! There's an island, just off the coast from Morehead City, that's aptly named Sand Dollar Island . This is one road trip where you're practically guaranteed to strike it rich in sand dollars! Take a short ferry ride and let the fun begin, while enjoying one of the best day trips near me in the state.

Skip those newfangled, overcrowded, and expensive water parks in favor of nostalgic fun at this old-timey (but well-kept) water park in NC on the coast. Slide, swim, repeat... and don't forget the sunscreen!

Enjoy the cooler weather by tackling a magical waterfall hike. High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail at South Mountains State Park is one trail where every step is beautiful. This trail is nearly five miles long and you will gain more than 900 feet in elevation but it is a day trip destination that will make you fall in love with North Carolina all over again.

Visit the medieval village of Fairhaven, open for several consecutive weekends in a row each year in October and November, to immerse the entire family in a medieval flashback. This annual event is one of the largest renaissance festivals in the US , and it's sure to be one of your favorite day trips of the entire year.

Want to be more adventurous in the coming year and tackle North Carolina day trips ? It always helps to have a plan in place for those moments when you want to step outside your usual routine.

If you plan to turn your fun day trips in NC into overnight adventures, book a stay in a delightful hotel or a cozy vacation rental . How many of these unique day trips will go on your NC bucket list this year? Let us know in the comments.

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12 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In North Carolina

Discover 12 stunning locations to experience the vibrant fall colors in North Carolina.

No matter where you are in the Tar Heel State, you'll find that fall in North Carolina brings with it brilliant hues, breezes that feel as if they'll whisk you away, and a calm serenity as you enjoy both to the fullest. We're fortunate to live in such a gorgeous state to experience it all beginning in just a few weeks. Until then, dazzle your sense of adventure with an enticing look at 12 of the best places to experience fall in North Carolina.

1. Linn Cove Viaduct - Blue Ridge Parkway

Fall in North Carolina simply isn't complete without at least one trip to the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway . Linn Cove Viaduct can be found at milepost 304.4. The last section to be completed on the Blue Ridge Parkway is also one of the most photographed. Autumn is especially beautiful from this vantage point on the Parkway. See if you agree!

2. Biltmore - Asheville

If you're looking for a "fall getaway near me," the Biltmore in Asheville is a wonderful choice. It's difficult to pinpoint the best time of year to visit America's Castle, but if you have the chance to visit in the peak season for leaf peeping, it's a sight to behold. Did you know that the Biltmore is the largest privately owned estate in the entire country? And, it's also rumored to be one of the most haunted places in North Carolina .

3. Graveyard Fields - Canton

Head to Transylvania County to visit the highest mountain valley in the state. Graveyard Fields Valley itself is more than 5,000 feet in elevation and is surrounded by mountain peaks above 6,000 feet. You'll find it along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8. One of the best ways to experience this beautiful landmark in North Carolina is the 3-mile trail.

4. Price Lake - Blue Ridge Parkway

Julian Price Park sits at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and fishing here, and for those wanting to spend more than a day, there's a campground operated by the National Park Service. Imagine waking up to these vivid colors! Price Lake in North Carolina is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 296.7.

5. Mingus Mill - Oconaluftee Valley, Cherokee

Situated along Mingus Creek and found a short distance from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, this 1896 grist mill is a must-see, especially when surrounded by the vibrant hues of autumn. While you're in the area, be sure to check out some of the most picturesque views during the North Carolina fall.

6. Pilot Mountain State Park - Pinnacle

The westernmost end of the Sauratown Mountain range in North Carolina is marked with the towering Pilot Mountain. A visit to this legendary guidepost at the peak of the fall season is a guarantee you'll walk away with spectacular images to remind you of the day. It's easy to see why Pilot Mountain is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in North Carolina .

7. Stone Mountain - Stone Mountain State Park - Roaring Gap

The centerpiece and namesake for this popular state park is a stunning backdrop for the season change each fall. Photos are lovely, but they can never really make the same impact as seeing it in person. Plus, while you're there, you can hike through a former historic homestead in North Carolina .

8. Crabtree Falls - Blue Ridge Parkway - Grassy Creek

One of the most popular waterfalls on the parkway is basked in the glow of yellow, orange, and rusty red hues once the peak of the leaf-peeping season arrives. Time your visit perfectly to see it at its best. Hiking to Crabtree Falls is a short and strenuous trek but one of the best things to do in fall in North Carolina.

9. North Carolina Arboretum - Asheville

Found within the Pisgah National Forest, the arboretum has miles of walking trails and cultivated gardens and is aglow with color during the height of the fall season. And, if you happen to be in the area during wintertime, don't miss the famous Winter Lights garden walk in North Carolina !

10. American Tobacco Trail - Research Triangle

The American Tobacco Trail follows an old rail line built in the 1970s for the American Tobacco Company. It passes through 22.6 miles of the Research Triangle, including the city of Durham. When it comes to unique day trips in North Carolina , this trail is definitely one you'll want to experience.

11. Cherohala Skyway - Robbinsville

Start your colorful adventure in Robbinsville when you hop on the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile road that travels 18 miles before entering the state of Tennessee. Many consider the Cherohala Skyway to be the most beautiful drive in North Carolina , and it's no mystery why!

12. Upper Whitewater Falls - Sapphire

An easy, 1.3-mile hike leads to an astounding view of the tallest waterfall in North Carolina (at 411 feet). Hit this trail in the height of the season for an immersive hiking experience to dazzle your sense of adventure. Can't get enough of waterfalls in the Tar Heel State? Check out this incredible 2-day itinerary for exploring the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina - including Upper Whitewater Falls!

Where is your go-to spot for enjoying everything that fall in North Carolina has to offer? And will you be going there this year, or does the pandemic have you considering just staying home? We'd love to know, so join the discussion in our Facebook comments!

If you plan on taking a road trip to see fall foliage around North Carolina, take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you need for a comfortable car ride!

This North Carolina Nature Reserve Makes For The Perfect Peaceful Day Trip

As folks enter this stunning nature sanctuary in North Carolina, they might expect to find a magical sword in a stone. Located at the top of Toxaway Mountain (4,500 feet) in the western part of the state, Southern Highlands Reserve is an enchanted 450-acre native plant arboretum and research center in Lake Toxaway. The height serves a purpose as the forests are home to rare forest ecotones (transitional areas of vegetation between two different plant communities) that provide unique opportunities for research and education. The property is also the only source of red spruce seedlings for restoration in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

Welcome to this gorgeous property founded by Betty and Robert Balentine.

They wanted to bring their children closer to nature of which we have all benefited. Here you'll find the most diverse plant collections in the world.

No matter where you stand, the stunning reserve brings beautiful landscapes and new views.

Each garden "room" is specifically designed to connect with nature and provide an emotional experience.

The Wildflower Labyrinth or pollinator garden brings a peaceful and meditative experience. The combination of shorter and taller plants represents the challenges and joys life brings.

Lean in a little closer to capture the details of such plants as the lovely native mountain laurel.

Some other varieties include creeping phlox, heartleaf foamflower, American alumroot, and Freeman maple.

Follow the stone steps to the pretty Azalea Walk.

Or stroll down the path to the Vaseyi Pond - you can see the viewsite in the background.

Take a seat where the panoramic scenery is breathtaking.

Visitors Day takes place the first Tuesday of the month from April through October with tours led by docents. The fee is $25 per person with a maximum of four per party. Private tours are also available.

Besides being a delightful and captivating space, researchers know the red spruce is the greatest hope for rebuilding the ecosystem.

For example, the Carolina northern flying squirrel can be infected by a nematode which prevents the squirrel from reproducing. An anecdote to the nematode called conifer oil is produced by the red spruce tree which allows the squirrel to thrive. Then the squirrel dispenses spores through its waste which nourish the red spruce seedlings. As we can see - valuable work is in progress here.

Discover more about this stunning nature sanctuary in North Carolina on the Southern Highlands Reserve website. For more information about the red spruce tree, read the " Ecology and Decline of Red Spruce in the Eastern United States ." And while you're in Lake Toxaway, stay at this all-inclusive luxury resort .

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/all-inclusive-getaway-nc/

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Explore Raleigh, Durham & the Triangle

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23 Top Things to Do in North Carolina

Scenic mountains, historical sites and laid-back beaches await travelers in North Carolina.

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Plan your next getaway to the beautiful state of North Carolina

A vacation in North Carolina promises a rare combination of exciting mountain adventures and lazy days spent at the beach. Whether you want to scale the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast, visit the site of Orville and Wilbur Wright's first flight or meander along America's Favorite Scenic Drive, North Carolina has you covered. To enjoy both the mountains and the coast on your North Carolina visit, you'll have to be strategic in your planning. This guide of the top things to do in North Carolina will help you make the most of your trip. (Note: Some tours and excursions may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions and parking reservation requirements. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Biltmore Estate

Did you know that America's largest privately owned home is located in North Carolina? Biltmore Estate , a National Historic Landmark, is nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville . Spanning 8,000 acres, the French-Renaissance estate boasts 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Dreamed up by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s, the home served as Vanderbilt's country retreat. Today, parts of the extravagant home are open to the public. When you're not marveling at the mansion's 10,000-volume library, its centuries-old tapestries or the indoor swimming pool, stroll the grounds, which were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed Central Park in New York City ), or indulge in a tasting at the on-site winery. Many travelers call this a must-visit attraction when in Asheville but warn that it can get quite crowded. Visitors also advise booking your tickets well in advance to secure your preferred time. Additionally, many suggest upgrading your ticket to the "Exclusive Experience" to view areas of the home not featured in the basic tour (such as the guest and servant quarters), as well as have the opportunity to be led around the house by an expert guide. If you can't get enough of the spectacular setting, consider booking a stay at one of the on-site accommodations, including the Inn on Biltmore Estate .

[See more of Asheville: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Photos ]

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Part of America's Favorite Scenic Drive winds its way through North Carolina. The 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park . There are numerous entry points to the parkway (which is free to access) in southern Virginia and northern North Carolina, but if you want to admire some of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River, you'll want to traverse the parkway near Asheville. Popular stops along the parkway include Craggy Gardens (known for its 360-degree views and abundance of rhododendrons), Mount Mitchell (the highest peak in the eastern United States) and Linville Falls (a three-tiered waterfall that cascades into the Linville Gorge). When you're ready to stretch your legs, there are multiple hiking trails easily accessed off of the parkway, including the family-friendly Graveyard Fields. This nearly 3-mile-long loop trail takes hikers to two waterfalls. If you're up for the challenge, there's also the more strenuous 2.6-mile out and back Mount Pisgah Trail, which features views of Cold Mountain from its 5,721-foot summit. After a day marveling at the parkway's scenery, retire to one of the top hotels in Asheville .

[See: The Most Scenic Drive in Every State .]

NASCAR Hall of Fame

If you're a fan of NASCAR, you'll want to stop by this interactive museum in Charlotte . Along with an impressive display of legendary cars, such as Jack Ingram's 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Wendell Scott's 1962 Chevrolet Impala, the hall of fame also boasts racing simulators and exhibits that allow visitors to see inside a race car engine through augmented reality. The attraction also offers the popular Pit Crew Challenge, in which visitors are tasked with completing the duties of a pit crew, including jacking up a car, changing a tire with a real air gun and filling up the fuel tank. What's more, the NASCAR Hall of Fame houses a nearly 300-person theater, a gear shop and a broadcast studio, among other amenities. Visitors assure that you don't have to be a NASCAR aficionado to enjoy a stop here thanks to the welcoming staff and fun exhibits. Plus, its location in Uptown means visitors will find themselves within walking distance of a variety of top hotels and attractions, including Discovery Place and Mint Museum Uptown .

[See more of Charlotte: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Photos ]

Grandfather Mountain State Park

Situated in northwestern North Carolina, about 70 miles northeast of Asheville, Grandfather Mountain State Park is a playground for adrenaline junkies. The park's namesake stands tall at nearly 6,000 feet, making it the highest peak in the Blue Ridge mountain range. Along with its towering mountain, the park is known for experiencing the South's most severe weather. So, if you plan on exploring the park's 13-plus miles of trails, keep an eye on the forecast. If you're up for the challenge, consider trekking the 2.5-mile out and back Grandfather Trail, which is one of the most arduous trails in the Southeast thanks to a series of 18 ladders positioned to aid hikers climb the many cliffs and crags. Less experienced hikers may want to try the 1.2-mile out and back Nuwati Trail, which follows the track of an old logging road and offers breathtaking views of the Boone Bowl and Calloway Peak from Storyteller's Rock. When it's time to bed down, set up a tent at one of the park's 13 primitive hike-in campsites, which must be reserved in advance (for a fee).

[See: The Most Scenic Mountain Resorts .]

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Visit the site where Orville and Wilbur Wright first took flight and the locations where they landed at Wright Brothers National Memorial in the Outer Banks . Among the attractions here are reconstructed buildings like a hangar and living quarters that offer visitors a glimpse of what life was like for the Wrights in 1903. The area also features the Wright Brothers Monument, which sits atop Big Kill Devil Hill, where the brothers first tested their gliding experiments. To learn more about the brothers and their mission to fly, you'll want to stop by the visitor center – a National Historic Landmark that's full of interactive exhibits. After you've explored the memorial, head about 5 miles south to Jockey's Ridge State Park. Visiting the state park, which is known for towering sand dunes and strong winds, will give you a better idea of why the Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks when searching for optimal conditions for their flying experiments.

[Read: The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. State .]

Ride the rapids at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

One of the top things to do in Charlotte , the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers more than 30 different recreational activities across its 1,300-plus acres. The star attraction is the center's human-made whitewater river – the world's largest – which offers Class II to Class IV rapids. When you're not riding the rapids, explore the center's variety of other activities, including its Deep Water Solo complex. This structure consists of five rock climbing walls ranging in height from 20 to 45 feet that are positioned over a deep pool of water. So, instead of wearing traditional climbing equipment, you'll climb without harnesses or ropes and fall into the pool. Seasonal yoga, zip lines, a ropes course and more than 50 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners round out the activities available here. To make the most of your time, heed the advice of reviewers and pick just one or two activities to enjoy instead of trying your hand at all of the center's offerings. Time your visit during one of the center's annual festivals to see the venue come alive with music, competitions and exhibitions.

Scale the dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park

You can visit the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast with a trip to Jockey's Ridge State Park . Located in Nags Head in the Outer Banks, the park spans 426 acres and features dunes standing more than 60 feet tall. To explore the dunes, you can traverse a 360-foot-long boardwalk or hike the park's two trails. While hiking, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like ospreys, foxes, brown pelicans and coyotes. You'll also want to look for fulgurites, or glass tubes formed when lightning strikes the sand. Thanks to the park's year-round prevailing winds, this is an ideal location to try your hand at kite and model plane flying, as well as hang gliding. Hang gliding lessons are offered through Kitty Hawk Kites, which is located near the park's visitor center. Plus, the park sits less than 5 miles south of Wright Brothers National Monument, meaning you can visit both of these top attractions in the same day. Try to time your visit for sunset, when visitors say the park is particularly magical. When it's time to bed down, hang your hat at one of the many beachfront vacation rentals that dot the Outer Banks.

[Read: Vacation Rentals: The Best Vacation Rental Sites for Every Type of Traveler .]

North Carolina Museum of Art

Located in Raleigh , the North Carolina Museum of Art has a unique origin story. In 1947, North Carolina became the first state in the country to use public funds to buy art when the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $1 million for the purchase of art. The collection started with the acquisition of nearly 150 European and American paintings and sculptures. Today, the museum's collection, which is housed in a nearly 130,000-square-foot space, spans more than 5,000 years. Among its highlights are Egyptian funerary art, the largest assemblage of Rodin sculptures in the American South and the 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, which includes gardens, fields and woodlands interspersed with sculptures. After you've toured the art museum, consider exploring the other state museums located in Raleigh, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History . And when you need a break from the city's indoor attractions, sites like Pullen Park and William B. Umstead State Park can offer a dose of fresh air.

[See more of Raleigh: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Restaurants | Photos ]

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

One of the top things to do in the Outer Banks , Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches for more than 70 miles from the borders of the Oregon Inlet to the edge of the Ocracoke Inlet. Lounging on the soft golden sands is the main activity here, but this protected area is also home to three historic lighthouses, two of which visitors can climb. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse are both open seasonally for lighthouse climbs, a popular (though slightly strenuous) activity that yields spectacular views of Bodie Island, the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing thanks to the 400-plus species of birds that call the area home. Though there are plenty of accommodation options within the Outer Banks, including beachfront resorts and vacation rentals, you may want to consider roughing it at one of the four campgrounds along the Cape Hatteras shoreline, as it will give you the chance to view some of the country's darkest night skies east of the Mississippi River.

[Read: The Best North Carolina Beaches .]

North Carolina Arboretum

The 434-acre North Carolina Arboretum has ties to nearby Biltmore Estate. Before his death, Frederick Law Olmsted ("the father of American landscape architecture") designed the landscape surrounding Biltmore. Olmsted's designs included plans for an arboretum that was never created. Nearly 100 years after Olmsted first envisioned the arboretum, it was finally established in 1986 within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest just south of Asheville and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Today, the arboretum welcomes visitors with more than 65 acres of cultivated gardens, including a world-renowned collection of bonsai trees. Beyond its beautiful flora, the arboretum boasts 10-plus miles of hiking trails that connect to scenic areas like Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. What's more, the arboretum hosts a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibitions and events, such as sculpture displays by local and national artists. Many visitors describe the gardens as peaceful, though they suggest grabbing a map at the entrance to avoid getting lost.

Take in the view from Chimney Rock State Park

For a glimpse at some of North Carolina's most awe-inspiring mountain scenery, head about 25 miles southeast of Asheville to Chimney Rock State Park. From the top of the park's 315-foot-tall namesake, you can admire 75-mile views overlooking Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge (on a clear day). To reach the top of Chimney Rock, you can either climb 500 steps or ride the elevator up. More adventurous travelers will also want to explore the park's six marked hiking trails, which range from the kid-friendly Great Woodland Adventure, which features interactive displays and sculptures about the park's animal residents, to the more strenuous 1.9-mile out and back Four Seasons Trail, which includes a 400-foot elevation gain throughout the hardwood forest. After marveling at the mountain scenery atop Chimney Rock, you'll want to make a stop at Hickory Nut Falls, which also sits within the state park. At 404 feet, it's one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.

[See: The Most Beautiful Waterfalls to See Around the World .]

Sliding Rock

Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard and Asheville, Sliding Rock is a 60-foot mountain waterslide that ends in an 8-foot-deep pool of water. Approximately 11,000 gallons of water course down the rock each minute. The water temperature is brisk (between 50 and 60 degrees), which is why this natural attraction is particularly popular during the summer months. If you're not up for careening down the rock face, you can watch sliders from two observation decks. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the site is staffed with lifeguards; in the offseason, you can still visit, but know that lifeguards aren't on patrol. After you've cooled off, explore some of the other nearby trails and waterfalls that dot U.S. Route 276, known as the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway. The family-friendly, 1.4-mile Moore Cove Falls Trail sits just a mile away, while the photogenic Looking Glass Falls is located 2 miles away along the highway and is easily accessed via an observation deck at the base of the falls.

Outer Banks

A popular retreat for families and traveling groups thanks to its abundance of beachfront vacation rentals, this string of barrier islands off the coast is perhaps best known for its 100-plus miles of beaches . Each stretch of sand offers a little something different for vacationers. Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills are known for having some of the biggest waves on the area's northern beaches, making these spots particularly popular with surfers and skimboarders. Meanwhile, Frisco provides optimal conditions for four-wheel-drive beach excursions. But if you simply want to relax, head to Nags Head, which offers plenty of room to spread out. Or, grab a fishing rod and set up camp in Hatteras, which is a premier fishing destination. If you encounter a rare rainy day while visiting the islands, consider escaping the weather in one of the area's indoor attractions, such as the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island or the Whalehead Club mansion on Corolla.

[See more of the Outer Banks: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Photos ]

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the most-visited national parks, this protected area spans more than 520,000 acres along North Carolina's western border. Straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts more than 850 hiking trails and is considered the most biodiverse park in the national park system. What's more, it's home to some of the tallest peaks in the eastern United States. One of those peaks is 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome , which wows visitors with 360-degree views of the Smokies (on a clear day, visitors can see for 100 miles). For more spectacular mountain vistas, intrepid travelers should hike the 3.6-mile round-trip Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald, which starts from the parking lot at Clingmans Dome. Boasting an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet, Andrews Bald is the highest grassy bald in the park. Along the trail, hikers may spot patches of blackberries and raspberries, Fraser firs and wildflowers, depending on the time of year. For travelers who don't want to rough it in one of the park's campsites, there are more traditional lodging options, such as hotels and bed-and-breakfast accommodations, in Bryson City and Cherokee. Entry to the national park is free.

[See more of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Photos ]

If you're looking for a charming weekend getaway that promises luxurious accommodations, delectable food and plenty of outdoor adventures, consider Highlands, a mountain town in southwestern North Carolina near the Georgia border. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest at an elevation of 4,118 feet, Highlands is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River. Make the most of the town's elevation with a hike up Whiteside Mountain – appropriately named for its sheer white cliffs. To reach the mountain's summit, you'll have to hike a 2-mile loop trail bordered by wildflowers. At the peak, you'll enjoy incredible views to the east, south and west. Highlands is also known for its variety of waterfalls. Many are easily accessed off of U.S. Route 64, including Dry Falls, which cascades 75 feet over a cliff and has a built-in walkway behind it (hence the "dry" part of its name). When you're ready to pamper yourself after a day of adventure, Highlands has you covered there, too, thanks to some luxurious digs like the Old Edwards Inn and Spa and its sister property, Half Mile Farm.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Accessible only by boat from Beaufort and Harkers Island, Cape Lookout National Seashore is a must-visit stop for the intrepid traveler. Located along North Carolina's Crystal Coast in the southern Outer Banks, Cape Lookout offers 56 miles of undeveloped beachfront. Along with its distinct lighthouse, known as the "Diamond Lady" thanks to the diamond pattern painted on its exterior, Cape Lookout is also known for the herds of wild horses that roam the barrier island of Shackleford Banks. You can observe this herd of more than 100 horses grazing in the grasslands or on the dunes. Along with its collection of horses, Cape Lookout is considered a prime birding spot (more than 250 species have been spotted here). It's also one of the premier kayaking and canoeing destinations on the mid-Atlantic coast, boasting 112 miles of uninhabited shoreline. Water sports equipment rentals are available on the mainland with outfitters like Down East Kayaks. Though there are no established campgrounds at Cape Lookout, camping is permitted year-round. You can also rent rustic wooden cabins.

[See: Top Beach Camping Spots in the U.S. ]

Battleship North Carolina

History buffs will want to stop by the Battleship North Carolina while visiting Wilmington . At the time of its commissioning in 1941, the ship was considered "the world's greatest sea weapon." It proved a formidable foe during World War II when it was involved in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operations and earned 15 battle stars. Today, the ship is a National Historic Landmark and serves as the state's memorial to its WWII veterans and the 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war. On the self-guided tour, visitors can explore nine levels of the ship, including the mess decks, berthing areas, engine room and bridge, among other must-sees. According to travelers, the self-guided tour is well marked but does require climbing up and down some narrow stairs, so keep that in mind if you have limited mobility. Visitors also advise bringing water and wearing sunscreen, as the ship can get warm, especially in summer. When at the ship's bow, keep your eyes peeled for Charlie, the alligator that's usually seen sunbathing in the waters of the Cape Fear River where the ship resides. After your ship visit, plan to stroll along Wilmington's Riverwalk , which is lined with popular restaurants and bars, and sits just across the river from the battleship.

[See more of Wilmington: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Photos ]

Sample a pint or two at Asheville's breweries

This city in western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains is home to more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. Whether you prefer a hoppy India pale ale or a fruit-forward sour, you'll find it in Asheville. Though some of the biggest names in craft brewing, such as Sierra Nevada and New Belgium, do have outposts here, Asheville is home to an impressive collection of local producers. There are more than 50 breweries in Asheville, so narrowing down your personal list can be tricky, but perennial favorites include Wicked Weed Brewing, Green Man Brewery, Highland Brewing Company and Burial Beer Co. If you'd rather let someone else guide you through the city's beer scene, consider signing up for the Asheville Brews Cruise bus tour, which takes visitors to up to four breweries during the approximately three-hour excursion. When you need a break from sampling the city's suds, make the most of Asheville's perch among the Blue Ridge Mountains by hiking the Appalachian Trail or floating down the French Broad River .

Bald Head Island

Located in the mouth of the Cape Fear River, this car-free coastal island is only accessible by ferry from Southport (about 35 miles south of Wilmington). A getaway in every sense of the word, Bald Head Island is a nature lover's paradise with 14 miles of wide white sand beaches and verdant nature preserves covering more than 80% of the island. To learn more about the island's beach, marsh and maritime forest habitats, as well as its ample wildlife, sign up for a tour with the Bald Head Island Conservancy, which offers tours via golf cart (the preferred method of transportation on the island). You can also explore the creeks around the island via kayak or canoe. The conservancy offers guided trips, as does local outfitter The Sail Shop. And for a spectacular 360-degree view of the state's southernmost barrier island, climb the 108 steps to the top of the Bald Head Lighthouse – the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. When it's time to turn in for the night, you'll have your pick of beachfront vacation rentals, some with space for up to 18 people.

[See: Small Beach Towns That Should Be On Your Radar .]

Linville Gorge

Part of the Pisgah National Forest and about 60 miles northeast of Asheville, the Linville Gorge is considered one of eastern America's most rugged gorges. The gorge is formed by Jonas Ridge to the east and Linville Mountain to the west; the Linville River bisects the gorge and runs into the valleys below. Several hikes allow visitors to marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery. Perhaps the most popular is the hike to Linville Falls, believed to be the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina. You can hike to five viewpoints from two trails that depart from the Linville Falls Visitor Center, which is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316. More popular hikes include Table Rock Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain. The 2.2-mile climb up Table Rock Mountain promises even more photogenic views from its 3,930-foot peak. Many hikers combine a trek up Table Rock Mountain with a climb up Hawksbill Mountain since they're within a few miles of each other. The 1.5-mile round-trip Hawksbill Mountain hike requires an elevation gain of about 700 feet, but the views of the gorge, the river and, on a clear day, the Charlotte skyline are worth the effort.

North Carolina Zoo

Located in the heart of North Carolina in Asheboro, about 40 miles south of Greensboro, the North Carolina Zoo sprawls across 2,600 acres, 500 of which are developed. Its claim to fame is that it's the world's largest natural habitat zoo, with more than 1,800 animals. The animals are dispersed across two regions, North America and Africa, as well as a desert and a tropical, free-flight aviary. Among the zoo's standout animals are African lions, grizzly bears, ocelots and polar bears. Plus, the aviary houses more than 100 exotic birds and 3,000 tropical plants. Beyond the animals, the zoo boasts a variety of attractions, such as a carousel, a butterfly garden and a ropes course, among other diversions. Visitors warn that you'll do a lot of walking, so wear comfortable footwear. When you've had your fill of the animals, peruse downtown Asheboro, which is home to a collection of charming shops and restaurants.

[See: The Best Zoos in the U.S. ]

Go whitewater rafting

After you've gotten your feet wet at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, why not test your rafting skills on some of the state's rivers? Many outfitters are located near Asheville, making it easy to tack on a day of rafting to your trip. The Nantahala River is considered the state's busiest and most well-known whitewater rafting river. A dam-controlled river, it boasts 20 Class II and III rapids, as well as scenic sections of calm water. Meanwhile, the intensity of the French Broad River is determined by recent rainfall. Half-day trips featuring Class II or III rapids are available, as are full-day trips that promise Class IV rapids. Whichever type of trip you book on the French Broad River, you'll enjoy the surrounding scenery of the Pisgah National Forest. For a unique experience, consider rafting down the Nolichucky River, which allows you to start your adventure in North Carolina and end in Tennessee. And if peaceful waters are what you're after, consider the Tuckasegee River, which offers ideal conditions for scenic rafting and tubing. Depending on which company you choose, there are single-day or multiday rafting trip options available. Check out U.S. News' roundup of the best whitewater rafting tours in North Carolina to plan your trip.

Wrightsville Beach

A quintessential beach vacation, this town just east of Wilmington is a magnet for families and active travelers thanks to its variety of water sports, parks, gardens, kid-friendly playgrounds and surf schools. Popular water activities include surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and wakeboarding. A variety of water sports equipment rentals are conveniently located near the beach, including traveler favorite Wrightsville SUP. If you'd rather admire the water from aboard a boat, sailing cruises are equally popular, especially at sunset. Back on land, the popular 2.5-mile Loop trail offers visitors a paved walking, running and cycling path that meanders past the Intracoastal Waterway, Banks Channel and photogenic salt marshes. Meanwhile, 67-acre Airlie Gardens boasts 10 acres of lakes, a 500-year-old oak tree and a variety of local flora and fauna. Though there are numerous resorts in Wrightsville Beach , there is a larger supply of vacation rentals. Many of the rental home properties are located just steps from the beach and offer plenty of room for traveling groups of all sizes.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• The Top Romantic Getaways in North Carolina
• The Top Hikes in Asheville
• The Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the U.S.
• The Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains
• The Top Things to Do in Greensboro, North Carolina
• The Top Things to Do in South Carolina
• The Top Things to Do in Columbia, South Carolina
• The Top Things to Do in Lexington, Kentucky
• The Top Lakes in Virginia

Tags: Travel , Vacations , North Carolina , North Carolina Vacations , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations

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Get a free outer banks travel guide, take a virtual tour, outer banks day trips.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is known for its coastal charm, history, romantic spots, and family-friendly activities. Each year thousands flock to the 100-mile stretch of golden sand for rest and rejuvenation. 

While the OBX provides a host of overnight rentals and hotels, the area also serves as a wonderful day trip destination with coastal fun to keep you entertained all day long. We’ve compiled a list of our top 4 Outer Banks day trip ideas for visitors of all ages and interests. Pack up the car…your daycation awaits!

For A History-Filled Outer Banks Day Trip…

The Outer Banks has a fascinating history. It was the first English settlement and was also where the Wright Brothers developed powered flight! Visitors can explore historical treasures like the Wright Brothers National Memorial , Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station , the U.S. Weather Bureau Station , Cape Hatteras Lighthouse , Fort Raleigh National Historic Site , and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum . Immerse yourself in little pieces of OBX history and discover the past brought to life. 

For A Romantic Outer Banks Day Trip…

Recently voted as one of the 10 most romantic towns in NC , Manteo is a quaint town located in the heart of OBX, full of independently owned shops and eateries. Couples can enjoy dining on the Manteo waterfront and finish things off with a coastal sunset. 

Speaking of sunsets, we love the breathtaking views from Jockey’s Ridge State Park . Home to the largest living dunes on the East Coast, it offers up spectacular vistas over both the sand and water. For those wanting that extra bit of luxury, reservations can be made at the Sanderling Spa where couples can enjoy treatments like a Sea Stone massage or the signature Island Oasis treatment featuring full body care. 

For a Family-Friendly Outer Banks Day Trip…

Consistently ranked as one of the best family beach vacations, the Outer Banks offers families a wonderful outlet to escape the hustle and bustle of life. Complicated school and work schedules? No problem! OBX offers a variety of family beach fun that can easily be packed into a day trip. 

Book a water tour for the kiddos and get the most out of the intricate seascape with expert guides. For a trip out of the sun, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is a must-see for littles, featuring a wide selection of sea creatures. For little fishers, check out fishing opportunities for the whole family. Whether you prefer fishing inshore, along the beach, casting a line from the piers, taking a charter to the sound, or booking a half-day trip offshore, OBX has everything you need to make your littlest angler’s dreams come true.

For An Outdoorsy Outer Banks Day Trip…

Wanting to reconnect with the outdoors for a day? The Outer Banks offers outdoor enthusiasts a perfect place to explore without the commitment of an overnight stay. Spend the morning at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and enjoy the variety of self-guided trails. For an afternoon adventure, explore the Bodie Island Lighthouse grounds and hike their surrounding trails to end the evening. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at hang gliding and enjoy some of the best views from an aerial perspective.

Whether you want to bring the whole family together for a memorable day adventure or escape the monotony of life with your special person, the Outer Banks has something for everyone to enjoy. Clear the schedule and plan your day trip, you won’t regret it!

Get a Free Travel Guide

Official Tourism Authority for Dare County’s Outer Banks 1 Visitors Center Circle, Manteo, NC 27954 Phone: (877) 629-4386

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North Carolina Smoky Mountain Days Trips

Home » Planning » Day Trips

Even More To Explore

Staying in Haywood County allows you to be more centralized to so many great attractions like the Biltmore Estate, Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, and Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Taking a Day Trip from Waynesville means you can visit the Fontana Dam and Nantahala Outdoor Center before lunch and still have time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Maggie Valley you can make a day trip over towards Asheville to visit NC Arboretum or WNC Nature Center with the family and still be back in time to watch the sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  

Where will you go today?

Nantahala outdoor center, wnc nature center, two trees farm/sustainabillies llc, cherokee indian reservation, great smoky mountains railroad, mt mitchell state park, museum of the cherokee people, harrah’s cherokee casino, north carolina aboretum, chimney rock state park.

©2024 Haywood County Tourism Development Authority

15 Fun Day Trips from Raleigh NC (within a 2-hour drive)

While we love Raleigh and all its glorious attractions, we also love its position in East-Central NC, because it means there are so many options you can take as day trips from Raleigh .

There are so many great getaways you can take from Raleigh, whether you desire a beach break, a foodie paradise, or somewhere historic and full of cultural immersion.

We love living in Raleigh and always find it hard to leave, but if you’ve followed us for a while you know we’re globetrotting travelers at heart, so we also love a short getaway as much as anyone!

We’ve taken many day trips and getaways to explore other interesting places in North Carolina, and so we have listed some of our personal favorite destinations that you can visit in under 2 hours drive from Raleigh.

Best Day Trips From Raleigh NC

We also have a podcast episode on our top five day trips mentioned in this guide, which you’ll find it at the bottom of the post.

1. Wilmington

• Drive time from Raleigh: 2 hours
• Distance: 129.4 miles (208.2 km)

A two hour drive straight down I-40 brings you to the charming port city of Wilmington, NC. Ever since we first moved to Raleigh in 2004, Wilmington has been one of our favorite getaways from Raleigh because it offers something for everyone.

Located on the Cape Fear River, Historic Downtown Wilmington is one of the oldest cities on the east coast with plenty of historical attractions, funky breweries, speakeasies and wine bars, farm-to-table restaurants, galleries, museums, and Victorian-era homes and gardens to explore.

You could say that Wilmington is like a mini version of Savannah and Charleston. 

This city is very walkable and just wandering around town is a great way to take in the pulse of the city.

When you arrive, I suggest grabbing a coffee from the cool local cafe, Bespoke Cafe , they will fuel you up for the day ahead. 

Suggested Activities:

• Stroll the 2 mile scenic Riverwalk and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cape Fear River. Stop in at markets, unique boutiques, art galleries and locally owned cafés and restaurants.
• Explore the area’s historic roots on a horse-drawn carriage ride of downtown. 
• Visit some of the finest examples of historic antebellum architecture at the Bellamy Mansion , built on the eve of the Civil War.
• Explore The World War II Battleship NORTH CAROLINA , named one of the “Best Museum Ships” by USA TODAY.
• End your day with drinks/dinner whilst taking in sunset at one of the fantastic restaurants along the Riverwalk such as Elijah’s , Pilot House or The George . 
• Explore Wilmington’s 16 breweries on a self-guided brewery tasting tour along the Wilmington Ale Trail. 
• Airlie Gardens , one of the premier gardens in the South and home to the famous nearly 500-year-old Airlie Oak.
• Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park features a waterpark with a wave pool, speed slides and lazy river
• Sip on classic cocktails at The Blind Elephant, a 1920’s Prohibition speakeasy tucked away in a hidden alley. 
• Local musicians frequently play on the back deck at Ogden Tap Room , a family-friendly restaurant with 40 beers on tap and a lawn.
• Cape Fear Riverboats offer daily, narrated one-hour sightseeing tours from March through October.

Read more : Guide on best things to do in Wilmington NC and read more about Wilmington in our suggestions for easy spring break destinations from Raleigh. Here is a one-night itinerary showcasing the best of Wilmington .

2. Wrightsville Beach

• Distance : 131.6 miles (211.7 km)

We’re beach people and we know a good beach town when we see one, and Wrightsville Beach is our favorite of the beach towns in North Carolina.

Although famous for its beach, the town has a lot more going for it than just sand and ocean!

Again, it’s an easy 2 hour drive straight down I-40 and Wrightsville is right right next door to Wilmington (12-miles from downtown).

You could combine it with ½ a day in Wilmington and ½ a day in Wrightsville, but I believe there’s plenty to do in each location to warrant a full day in each.

Wrightsville Beach is a sandy barrier island only 4-miles long and 1,000 – 5,000 feet wide.

It presents the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the calmer waters of the intracoastal waterway on the other.

It has everything we love about a beach and island life – beautiful shoreline, laid back vibe, surf culture, cafes, jaw dropping sunrises and sunsets, and fresh, delicious seafood.

When summer comes, this is one of our most popular Raleigh day trips since we love the beach!

Suggested activities:

• Start your day with an excellent coffee at the cool local cafe, SUNdays, located above the surf shop opposite Crystal Pier. Alternative coffee spot is The Workshop .
• Walk over from SUNdays to Crystal Pier for beautiful views of the beachfront, go for a swim, play in the sand, read a book. 
• Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar has the tastiest, most diversely nutritious smoothie bowls.
• Lunch at Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill . Popular place to eat for the locals. Other options include Shark Bar & Kitchen , Poe’s Tavern , South Beach Grille .
• Beach Time at Johnny Mercer’s Pier (the only concrete fishing pier in the state of North Carolina and extends more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic) or at the Crystal Pier section!
• Go kayaking or paddle boarding through the salt marshes on a guided tour with Wrightsville SUP .
• Wrightsville Beach Brewery for great beers and pub food.
• Lighthouse Beer & Wine – one stop shop with dog-friendly Beer Garden
• Enjoy sundowner drinks at the bar on Crystal Pier.
• Watch the sunset at the South End. 
• Dinner at Ceviche’s – probably the best restaurant in Wrightsville. Hello Panama, I now want to visit your country (or one of the lunch places options).

Related Reading: 1 day itinerary for Wrightsville Beach and an ultimate list of things to do in Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Highlights Video

• Drive time from Raleigh: 30-40 minutes
• Distance: 26 miles (41.8km)

Southern Living magazine calls it “the South’s tastiest town”.

And Forbes.com ranks it one of “America’s Smartest Cities” .

If you haven’t given Durham much thought, pay attention because it has plenty of cool and interesting things to do, and the food scene is next level. 

This is a vibrant city, offering sports, history, the arts and a community of over 300 restaurants and 40+ annual festivals. All in less than a 45 minute drive.

Durham continues to evolve. It’s where tobacco factories have given way to a hip entertainment district. It’s where Duke University lives, where the Durham Bulls play baseball, and where top shelf musicals like Hamilton perform at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).

Being so close, this is one of our most frequent day trips from Raleigh and we always find something new to do.

• Grab a signature coffee and churros at Cocoa Cinnamon (there are 3 locations).
• Breakfast at iconic Elmo’s Diner on 9th Street.
• Visit Duke University Chapel and walk around the campus.
• Picnic in Sarah P. Duke Gardens (ranked one of the ten best public parks in the US), 
• Basketball fan? Don’t miss the Duke Basketball Museum & Sports Hall of Fame
• Explore, shop and eat at the American Tobacco Campus .
• Enjoy a beer in the beer garden at Bull McCabes Irish Pub
• Burgers & beers at Bull City Burger & Brewery
• Civil War buff? Check out the Bennett Place State Historic Site .
• Art lovers can visit Duke University’s Nasher Museum , known for housing one of the most expansive collections of Medieval art.
• Don’t miss a Durham Bulls baseball game! This is minor league baseball at its best!
• Get some comfort food at the “Almost” World Famous Dame’s Chicken & Waffles .
• Walk Black Wall Street which was the hub of African American financial activity in the late 1800s and early 1900s. 
• Take in a show at DPAC (over 200 performances a year).
• Run or walk on one of the many trails in Duke Forest .
• High Tea at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
• Shop and dine at Brightleaf Square that encompasses two restored tobacco warehouses.
• Pizza from Pie Pushers or Pizzeria Toro
• Ninth Street District is a college enclave complete with unique shops and restaurants along a quaint street – our fave, shop for vinyls and drink beer at Hunky Dory Records on 9th Street
• See the most endangered mammals on earth at Duke Lemur Center .
• Love bakeries? Visit Ninth Street Bakery or Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten .
• Quench your thirst at one of these local Durham Breweries . 
• Families will love The Museum of Life + Science with hands-on and interactive exhibits.
• Learn more about Durham at the Museum of Durham History

4. Chapel Hill

• Drive time from Raleigh: 40 minutes
• Distance: 28.3 miles (45.5km)

This famous university town is known as one of the top 10 best college towns in the USA, and the “Southern Part of Heaven” .

It’s also known for its famed music scene and as “America’s Foodiest Small Town” by Bon Appetit because of the high quality of farmer’s markets, restaurants, and farms.

Home to the campus of the University of North Carolina – the nation’s first public university and its basketball team – Chapel Hill has a little bit of something for everyone.

The heart of Chapel Hill is Historic Franklin Street , home to more than 200 restaurants, bars, and retail stores.

You can spend 1/2 a day to a full day here and see all the highlights.

• Coffee and treats at Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews – cool locally owned cafe, book store, chocolate shop right on Franklin St.
• Eat and drink at the Carolina Coffee Shop , North Carolina’s Oldest Restaurant.
• Brandweine’s Bagels – classic NY style bagels.
• Walk the UNC campus. Look for historic landmarks like the Davie Poplar and the Old Well ( self-guided tours available ).
• Basketball fans, don’t miss the Carolina Basketball Museum .
• Catch a star show at the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center .
• Al’s Burger Shack – possibly the best burgers in CH.
• Merritt’s Grill – Great sandwiches. Double or triple decker with pimento cheese on rye!
• Time Out – an institution and famous for Chicken ‘n Cheddar Biscuit and Southern comfort food.
• Drinks and a bite to eat at the iconic Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (TOPO) that boasts a panoramic view of downtown. 
• Ackland Art Museum consists of more than 18,000 works of art.
• Do a free walking tour or self-guided driving tour of Chapel Hill.
• Legendary Sutton’s Drug Store has been serving up shakes, burgers & more since 1923.
• Quench your thirst at the Carolina Brewery , a mainstay for Chapel Hill residents.
• He’s Not Here – a legendary bar and home of the Blue Cup. 
• For garden lovers, the North Carolina Botanical Garden is a conservation garden.
• Discover over 30 murals in the downtown area.
• Explore 17 miles of urban greenways and trails .
• The Carolina Inn’s Fridays on the Front Porch series features live music on the lawn of this charming historic hotel. 
• Spend an afternoon lounging at The Honeysuckle Tea House , built on shipping containers.
• Dinner at IL Palio (the only 4 diamond Italian restaurant in the state) inside the Sienna Hotel is amazing!

5. Winston-Salem

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour, 40 minutes
• Distance : 103.4 miles (166.4 km)

Head west on I-40 for just under 2 hours and you’ll arrive in Winston-Salem, a charming city that’s home to historic attractions.

From cobblestone streets, to museums, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, eclectic shops, outdoor adventures and more than 40 wineries in the neighboring Yadkin Valley, Winston-Salem is worth a day trip from Raleigh. 

There’s interesting history here. The Moravians (Protestants who spoke German) settled this region in the 1750s. Salem is the original, if quieter, half of the twin city.

Winston-Salem is also a town built on tobacco, often referred to as “Camel City” after the world-famous cigarette brand created by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

This city is also the home of Wake Forest University .

• Grab a hot cup of locally roasted coffee and farm-fresh breakfast at a Winston-Salem original, Krankies .
• Historic Bethabara Park – the very first Moravian settlement in North Carolina.
• Old Salem Museum and Gardens – founded in 1766 and one of the country’s most well-documented historic sites.
• Historic West End – where early 1900s Victorian-style homes meet the hustle and bustle of downtown Winston-Salem.
• Reynolda House Museum of American Art – explore the restored 1917 mansion of Katharine and R.J. Reynolds.
• Grab a gourmet sandwich or Moravian Chicken Pie at Muddy Creek Cafe .
• Visit one of the 45 wineries located in neighboring Yadkin Valley .
• Tour the city by Segway, SUP Tours, e-BIKE Tours, Trolley Sightseeing with Triad Eco Adventures
• Take home some specialty dark chocolate from Black Mountain Chocolate .
• The town of Bethania is the only remaining example of an open field agricultural village in NC
• Salem God’s Acre Cemetery –  active graveyard of the Salem Congregation, a group of 12 Moravian Churches. It has been in continuous use from 1771
• Ryan’s Restaurant – Steaks,Chops & Seafood, nestled in a wooded setting minutes from downtown
• Drink a brew at Foothills Brewing , one of the largest craft breweries in the Southeastern USA.
• The Tavern In Old Salem – a restored 1816 house and the waiters wear traditional Moravian costumes.

6. Johnston County (Clayton, Benson, Smithfield)

• Drive time – Clayton: 25 mins, Smithfield: 40 mins, Benson: 35 mins
• Distance: 32.8 miles (52.7 km)

Don’t overlook Johnston County (JoCo) when looking for places to visit near Raleigh NC.

JoCo is one of the biggest counties in North Carolina , and the next county south of Raleigh.

The I-95, running along the north-south corridor of the country, runs close by. The I-40 runs through the east-west corridor of the county JoCo.

So it’s location is important, but you don’t want to make it just a place to grab some fuel and pass on through. JoCo is worth stopping in for a while.

The below three towns you could easily incorporate into one day trip, going in a triangle like direction from Raleigh > Clayton > Smithfiled > Benson > Raleigh.

Clayton is a small town community that has been booming with transplants and where you’ll find boutique stores, historic buildings, charming southern homes, and hipster cafes and bars. 

• The Market at Three Little Birds – a store selling unique, handcrafted items from over 70 local artists.
• Boulevard West – hipster café experience where you’ll find locals on their laptops at the bar drinking all manners of coffee concoctions.
• Dinner at Crawford Cookshop (Clayton), amazing food by Raleigh’s award-winning chef, Scott Crawford.
• Drinks at Revival 1869 (Clayton), awesome whiskey and cocktail bar.
• Lunch at The Gildered Pear Brew House (Smithfield) locals favorite spot.
• Boutique shopping at The Dragonfly (Smithfield)
• Shop for cool home decor items at Twisted Willow (Smithfield)
• Ava Gardner Museum (Smithfield)
• Nancy Jo’s Homemade (Clayton) – a local’s favorite for many years. Famous for its chicken salad
• Clayton General Store – cool milkshake bar and home decor items
• Main Street Community Market (Clayton) – Volunteers help maintain this tranquil, artistic space

Smithfield has small-town charm. Situated along the Neuse River, it’s the seat of the county and the hub of business activity.

70 million visitors enjoy the savings at Carolina Premium Outlets every year.

So while you are popping in to shop while you drop, be sure to visit these other places.

• Ava Gardner Museum – known as the most beautiful movie star of the 40’s and 50’s. Ava was from JoCo and this museum is dedicated to telling the story of her life, loves and careers.
• Simple Twist – one of the most popular restaurants in Smithfield NC
• Oak City Collection – filled with local artist’s creations of signs, T-Shirts and jewelry.
• Double Barley Brewery – If you’re looking for local craft brew, this family-friendly brewery has won multiple awards for their beers.
• Bentonville Battlefield – The largest Civil War battle happened near Bentonville and it’s now an historic site and part of the Civil War Trail.

Benson is well known for hosting Mule Day on the 4th Saturday of September, a festival that attracts over 60,000 people each year.

• Jp’s Pastry – a thriving bakery business that is the only certified gluten free bakery in North and South Carolina.
• Dixie Divas Boutique – women’s clothing store. Check out the boots!
• Salvaged Heirlooms – an eclectic little general store is filled with local artists that remind you of the warmth. 
• Cornerstone Cafe & Coffee – known for its waffles, mac & cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Redneck BBQ Lab – award winning BBQ joint, everything smoked on the property, nothing is grilled or fried.

7. New Bern

• Distance: 116.1 miles (186.8 km)

Founded in 1710, historic New Bern (named after Bern, Switzerland) is a charming riverfront town set along the picturesque Trent and Neuse Rivers, and was the first state capital of NC.

Home to Tryon Palace and the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, New Bern is also filled with quaint restaurants and cafes, art galleries, antique stores, riverfront attractions and outdoor activities and offers something for everyone.

Romantic movie lovers will be interested to know that in 1996 The Notebook was set in New Bern and written by New Bern resident, Nicholas Sparks!

Bern is the old Germanic word for Bear, and the bear became the symbol of the city.

• Visit Tryon Place , the first permanent capitol of North Carolina and home to the Tryon family.
• Do a self-guided tour including Historic Homes Tour, Civil War Tour, Architectural tour and more.
• Or a guided tour by trolley, boat, or ghost walk. 
• Visit the signature Pepsi Store. Pull up to the fountain bar and enjoy a glass of Pepsi
• Enjoy the scenic 6 acre waterfront, Union Point Park
• Go kayaking up the Neuse River with Stillwater Kayaks
• Cow Cafe for sandwiches, salads, and over 60 flavors of their famous HOMEMADE ICE CREAM!
• Visit the very place Pepsi-Cola was invented . Step back in time enjoying a fountain Pepsi. 
• Chase bears all over town . Don’t worry, these bears are made of fiberglass. 
• The interior of Christ Episcopal Church was designed in the style of Christopher Wren, the famous English architect. A must see for visitors.
• New Bern Battlefield Park (if you love Civil War History)
• Firemen’s Museum – tells the story of the oldest fire company in NC
• North Carolina History Center
• Carolina Creations – an art gallery with artworks from over 300 local and international artists
• Baker’s Kitchen – for delights like sweet potato biscuits, Dutch potatoes, and biscuits and gravy.
• Morgan’s Tavern & Grill – for seafood in an historic setting.
• Brewery99 – first brewery in Craven County.
• Beer Army Burger Company – for unique and interesting burgers, Bacon appetizers, and tater tots.
• Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant – expect good food and the best outdoor dining experience in town!

8. Fayetteville

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour
• Distance: 64.6 miles (103.9 km)

Fayetteville’s tourism slogan is, “Welcome to America’s Hometown: History, Heroes, A Hometown Feeling!”

You might know of Fayetteville as home to the U.S. Army’s most populous base, Fort Bragg. The community wears this distinction proudly and shows its appreciation by actively pursuing the freedoms those soldiers protect.

Here you will find museums and monuments dedicated to telling the story of the service of many of the men and women in the area who sacrificed, and they are one of the most moving things to see in North Carolina.

But Fayetteville’s ongoing revitalization also offers a vibrant and modern city with interesting cultural activities, historic sites and natural beauty.

• The Airborne and Special Operations Museum – the only museum that tells the comprehensive history of US Army Airborne and Special Operations troops.
• North Carolina Veterans Park – honors veterans from all branches of service throughout North Carolina.
• Cape Fear Botanical Garden – 80 acres nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek.
• Poe House – peek into the past.
• Lunch or dinner at Huske Hardware Brewing Company – locals fave gastropub. 
• Lunch at Scrub Oaks Restaurant – contemporary American menu common to a neighborhood pub but with flare.
• Lunch at New Deli Restaurant – specialty grilled cheeses, to pizzas and paninis.
• Winterbloom Tea – a unique, customized tea experience.
• Zipline through the trees with ZipQuest Adventure – one of the Top 10 ziplines
• Carvers Creek State Park – It houses James Stillman Rockefeller’s winter estate and the rare longleaf pine ecosystem.
• Cape Fear River Trail – winds for 5 miles through a beautiful blend of trees, plants and wildlife.

9. Greenville, NC

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour, 20 minutes
• Distance: 84 miles (135.1 km)

Greenville is known as a thriving cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of Eastern North Carolina, and of course, the home of East Carolina University (ECU).

It’s a place where you can experience vibrant art, live music, and the culinary scene in the Uptown Greenville and Dickinson Avenue Districts.

There’s outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking the Greenville Greenway, agricultural experiences at local farms, plus antique and boutique shopping, live music concerts and festivals.

You can taste test your way through local restaurants and breweries in the walkable Uptown and Dickinson Avenue Districts.

Throughout the year there’s craft beer festivals, indoor and outdoor farmers markets, and food truck rodeos.

• Explore over 7 miles of the Greenville Greenway
• Paddle the Tar River with Knee Deep Adventures
• Visit East Carolina University
• River Park North – canoe, walk the trails, fish, have a picnic, or just enjoy nature!
• The Scullery Coffeehouse and Creamery
• Dickinson Avenue Antique Market
• Uptown Brewing & Pitt Street Brewing
• B’s Barbecue – a Greenville landmark
• Brew & ‘Cue Trail
• PirateFest (April) their largest festival
• See a concert at Whirligig Stage
• The Venue – vintage shoppes & antique mall
• Greenville Museum of Art
• Greenville Antique Market

10. Hillsborough

• Drive time from Raleigh: 45 minutes
• Distance: 37.9 miles (60.9 km)

Established in 1784 and located along the Eno River, Hillsborough has served as a focal point for major historic events, including the Revolutionary War and Civil War.

Located in Orange County, between Greensboro and Durham, it’s easily accessible via I-40 near Chapel Hill, and I-85 near Durham. 

Hillsborough’s downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features more than 100 homes, churches, schools, and other structures from the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, Hillsborough is a haven for artists and writers, for barbecue lovers attending the annual Hog Day, and owntown comes alive Friday evenings with arts and entertainment during Last Fridays celebrations. 

Its scenic appeal, graceful architecture, and convenient location provide a charming getaway from Raleigh. Go and explore history, live music, unique shops, and award winning restaurants.

Suggested activities: 

• Explore the historic, and small, downtown
• Riverwalk – about 2 miles long
• Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
• Ayr Mount Historic Site
• Burwell School Historic Site
• Eno River Farm – for strawberry picking in season
• Occoneechee Speedway – NASCAR’s first Superspeedway, now hiking trails!
• The Visitor Center – an old farmhouse built around 1790 
• Last Fridays Art event – beginning in April
• Old Town Cemetery – dates back to 1757 with over 180 grave markers
• Cup-A-Joe (local institution for coffee lovers)
• Saratoga Grill (seafood, salads and sandwiches)
• Panciuto (farm to fork menu)

11. Pilot Mountain State Park

• Drive time from Raleigh : 2 hours
• Distance: 122 miles (196.3 km)

Located 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem near the border with Virginia, Pilot Mountain State Park centers around the iconic geologic knob that serves as a beacon to the surrounding Piedmont. 

Once a navigational landmark for the Saura tribe, the Big Pinnacle can be viewed from the park’s summit area which also provides panoramic views of the Piedmont and the Sauratown and Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Pilot Mountain has miles of trails to explore, and you can journey through the park on foot, on horseback, or in a canoe.

• Hiking – trails take hikers around the mountain base, up Little Pinnacle, and along the Yadkin River. Two of North Carolina’s state trails traverse the park:  the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, and the Yadkin River paddle trail.
• Bicycling – for experienced cyclists, the main park road is popular for hill climbing by bicycle. The road averages a 10 percent grade for 2.5 miles and has sections of 16 percent grade.
• Horse riding – The Corridor Trail, Yadkin Islands Trail, and Yadkin River Park Trail are all open to horseback riding.
• Paddling – Paddle the Yadkin River through the park on a segment of the Yadkin River State Trail
• Rock climbing and rappelling are allowed on portions of the park’s steep cliffs.

• Drive time from Raleigh:   15 – 20 minutes
• Distance : 12.1 miles (19.4 km)

The closest day trip from Raleigh is Cary. When we first moved to Raleigh in 2004, we never visited Cary, in fact, we didn’t even know there was a downtown Cary.

Fast forward to today and you can easily spend a full day in Cary, not just downtown, but the surrounding area.

The downtown area has been through major changes in recent years and we’ve grown to love how charming and vibrant and fun downtown has become with new restaurants, breweries, bars and cafes.

Cary is now home to some of the best places to eat and drink in the Triangle, and there’s some great nature trails and parks in Cary too.

If you have overlooked Cary downtown in the past, it’s time to take a look. 

• Get your coffee fix at BREW
• Stroll downtown: S. Academy and East & West Chatham Streets
• Big Dom’s Bagel Shop for great bagels
• La Farm Bakery
• 2 mile loop walk around Bond Lake
• Soda Fountain (Ashworth’s Drugs),a Town of Cary institution 
• Ashworth Village – local boutiques, art galleries, consignment shops and eateries
• Cotton House Craft Brewers
• Academy Street Bistro
• FRESH Local Ice Cream
• Explore Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
• Bond Brothers Beer Company
• Pharmacy Bottle Shop
• SideBar Cocktail Bar
• Di Fara Pizza Tavern
• Hanks Dive Bar
• Chatham Street Wine Market
• The Cary Theater – a 175 seat art house and theater 
• Bosphorus Restaurant – great Turkish food
• Kababish Cafe – good Indian food

13. Southern Pines (Pinehurst)

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Distance : 70.2 miles (112.9 km)

The small southern town of Southern Pines is a town in Moore County among the sandhills.

Originally founded in 1884 as a winter health resort for northerners, the town has a rich history and has seen lots of growth in recent years. 

Internationally known as the home of American golf (the famous Pimehurst is 10 minutes away), but it’s not just for golfers! Southern Pines is also nationally known and referred to as “Horse Country” for its abundance of horse farms in the area, plus there’s nice parks and a growing number of craft breweries.

As for downtown Southern Pines, it is embodied in its unique array of shops including historic buildings. Enjoy these Moore County trails while in the Pinehurst area.

• Stroll around downtown
• Pinehurst Resort (visit the resort or play golf)
• Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities (stunning gardens)
• Hiking or biking the trails on the Boyd Round Timber Tract or Weymouth Woods Sandhill Nature Preserve
• Southern Pines Brewing – great local beers
• Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern (stylish, old-school watering hole with pub food)
• The Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant (traditional small town ice cream shop)
• The Sunrise Theater (for new and classic films, and concerts)
• SoPies – low-key counter-serve outlet offering NY style pies
• Sandhills Horticultural Gardens
• Aberdeen Lake Park (walking path around the lake, playground for kids)
• Sly Fox Pub (British classics with an innovative twist)
• Take a drive over to North Carolina Zoo to see more than 1,700 animals

14. Eno River State Park

• Distance: 35.5 miles (57.1 km)

Located just 15-minutes northwest of Durham, Eno River State Park is composed of more than 4,200 acres and offers nearly 30 miles of trails along a swift, shallow stream. 

If you’re looking for day trips from Raleigh that involve a day in nature, there’s plenty to do here from hiking, paddling, fording the river, bouldering, picnicking, swimming/wading, hammocking, and general exploration. 

The river winds through hills and bluffs with shrubs and pines that are ready to be hiked and enjoyed through one of five access points. 

• Hike one of the 17 trails, good for all levels
• Canoeing and kayaking are permitted, but sometimes challenging due to shallow water.
• Swimming: our friend’s from Durham took us to Eno Rock Quarry
• Fishing: a great place for fly-fishing, casting lures, or baiting with the ever reliable worms and crickets
• Picnicking: two picnic areas provide the perfect spot for enjoying a meal in the open air.
• Camping: there’s backpack and group camping options

15. Kinston

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Distance: 81.6 miles (131.3 km)

Set along the banks of the Neuse River in the coastal plains region of eastern North Carolina, Kinston is one of the oldest towns in the state and has been the county seat of Lenoir County since its formation in 1791.

If you’ve heard of Vivian Haward’s Chef and the Farmer, and Mother Earth Brewing, that’s Kinston.

Here you will discover 300 years of history, an impressive food scene, arts scene, and Kinston’s musical roots run deep. 

There’s no shortage of war history, including the Tuscarora War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, and is part of the African American Musical Heritage Trail with a fascinating music history – during its tobacco days, Kinston was a hotbed of music, and musicians traveled from all over to play in the tobacco warehouses, including James Brown.

• Pop into the Kinston visitors center (Mon – Sat) conveniently located downtown for local advice on what to do, maps, and guides. Then take a stroll around downtown. 
• CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center – an educational museum that tells the story of the Civil War in the United States and the CSS Neuse, one of 26 ironclad ships commissioned by the Confederate navy.
• Chef and the Farmer – eat at Vivian Howard’s restaurant, known for thoughtful, creative cooking rooted in this region’s ingredients and traditions.
• Mother Earth Brewing   – a green-conscious craft brewery with a solar-powered taproom, lively beer garden, really good barrel-aged brews and interesting seasonals.
• Community Council for the Arts (CCA) is a non-profit organization and a gallery featuring local artwork and offering educational programs
• African American Music Trail – great way to learn more about Kinston’s African American music scene.
• Historic Harmony Hall – a restored pre-American Revolution home built in 1772 and housed the first governor of North Carolina, Richard Caswell, served as a Civil War hospital, church, public library, and is said to be haunted.
• King’s BBQ – offering world famous chicken and barbecue since 1936
• Sugar Hill Pizzeria – pizza by the slice, Brooklyn style pizza
• Boiler Room Oyster Bar- another Vivian Howard restaurant. Oysters, burgers and beer.
• The O’Neil – a 1920s bank turned boutique hotel.
• Pearson Park – part of the Pearson Park Trail that runs parallel to the Neuse River for about 3/8’s mile from the southern end of Pollock Street ending onto South Heritage Street. Largest part is the Loch Neuse Dragon Playground.
• Mitchelltown Historic District – listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with fine examples of the Queen Anne, Classical and Neo-Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Spanish Mission Revival styles and numerous illustrations of the American Foursquare and the Bungalow. Northwest of the city.

Raleigh Day Trips Podcast Episode

For those who may prefer watching a video of us podcasting, we filmed that for you too, which you’ll find on  YouTube each week .

You can also find all of these locations on this helpful map. You can download this map and see suggested drive times by clicking the square icon on the top right corner.

I hope this list of day trips from Raleigh helped you find some interesting and fun getaway ideas? Let us know which day trip you love in the comments!

About The Author

Craig Makepeace

Change location, find awesome listings near you.

The best day trips from Asheville, North Carolina

Dec 12, 2021 • 13 min read

Clingman's Dome mountaintop observatory during sunset in the Great Smoky Mountains ©Sean Pavone/Alamy Stock Photo

Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Asheville is in the lucky position of being within a two-hour drive of some of the most spectacular country in the eastern United States.

The "Boulder of the Southeast" is just a hop, skip and a jump from sweet little Appalachian mountain towns, bustling major cities, the towering peaks, winding hiking trails, world-class rafting and kayaking, and charmingly kitschy roadside attractions.

With milder weather than what's seen up north, the region around Asheville is a perfect winter escape. What's better than the Smokies dusted in light snow? These are our 18 favorite day trips from Asheville.

1. Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville is strutting its stuff these days as an increasingly prominent and polished destination for outdoor, gastronomy and craft beer enthusiasts. Downtown's Market Sq is full of ornate 19th-century buildings and lovely outdoor cafes shaded by pear trees, while Old Town and Hundred Block are arty, renovated warehouse districts centered on Gay St. There are a few museums and kitschy landmarks in town, but Knoxville's best attributes revolve around eating, drinking and the outdoors.

For hikers and mountain bikers, the city's ever-expanding Urban Wilderness is becoming its own reason to visit. Just 3 miles from downtown South Knoxville, 50 miles of hiking and cycling trails known as the Urban Wilderness connect historic battlefields, neighborhoods and parks that make up more than 1000 forested acres.

2. Greenville, South Carolina

In the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Greenville is home to one of the most photogenic downtowns in the South. The Reedy River twists through the city center, and its dramatic falls tumble beneath the sleek Liberty Bridge at Falls Park. Downtown Main St rolls past a lively array of colorful facades beckoning visitors into indie shops, good restaurants and craft-beer pubs.

Strolling downtown's riverside oasis, Falls Park on the Reedy , and crossing its stunning suspension bridge over the waterfalls is certainly a highlight. So is the famous Swamp Rabbit Trail , a fabulous 22-mile greenway along which you can stop for juice, sandwiches, ice cream and craft beer. Hit the thriving Saturday Market to get a taste of the South at some of the city's most beloved restaurants, including the Anchorage , Nose Dive and Soby's .

Meanwhile, catch a minor league baseball game for as little as $8 at Fluor Field at the West End . It's the Greenville Drive's home stadium, designed to resemble Fenway Park. Art fans will enjoy the Peace Center , a classical concert at this popular downtown that sometimes hosts Broadway shows.

3. Boone, North Carolina

Boone is a fun and lively mountain town where the predominantly youthful inhabitants – many of them students at bustling Appalachian State University – share a hankering for the outdoors. Renowned for its bluegrass musicians and Appalachian storytellers, the town is named after pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, who often camped in the area. Downtown Boone features a fine assortment of low-rise brick-broad, Colonial Revival, art-deco and streamline-modern buildings. Those that line King St in particular now tend to house charming boutiques, cafes, and crafts galleries.

4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is named in part for the Little Pigeon River, which flows through the action. Its banks were once a roosting spot for passenger pigeons – now extinct. Best known today as the home of Dollywood, Dolly Parton's namesake theme park, the city is packed tight with hotels, restaurants and family-friendly attractions, most of them lining Parkway, the main thoroughfare.

You can step aboard the Titanic , ride a 200ft-high Ferris wheel, ogle Ted Bundy's VW bug and plunge toward the earth on America's first "wing coaster" in Pigeon Forge, a sprawling cacophony of excess and traffic burning bright in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains. With liquor by the drink available since 2013, the city has also loosened up a bit at night.

5. Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

This 2739-acre state park is home to a spectacular gorge nearly 1000ft deep and 2 miles long. It protects six endangered plant species, including the persistent trillium (there are at least 22 species in Georgia ) and harbors six waterfalls collectively known as the Tallulah Falls. In the mid-19th century, Tallulah Gorge became a resort area for coastal residents on the run from yellow fever.

The introduction of the railroad in 1882 increased access and ushered in the "Grand Era" of hotels on the rim of the gorge. The damming of the river in the early 1900s to create electricity for Atlanta reduced the flow by 90% or more and killed off a devastating chunk of tourism. Today it's one of North Georgia’s most popular destinations for outdoor adventure, including hiking, biking and climbing. Scenes from 1972's Deliverance were filmed here.

6. Blowing Rock, North Carolina

A stately and idyllic mountain village, tiny Blowing Rock beckons from its perch at 4000ft above sea level, the only full-service town directly on the Blue Ridge Pkwy. It’s easy to be seduced by its postcard-perfect Main St, lined with antique shops, kitschy boutiques, potters, silversmiths, sweet shops, lively taverns and excellent restaurants. There are even a couple of bucolic, duck-filled lakes to drive home the storybook nature of it all. The only thing that spoils the illusion is the sheer difficulty of finding a place to park in high season.

Blowing Rock makes a homier base than nearby Boone, 8 miles north, for High Country attractions such as the Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's only remaining fully functional steam-engine train, and Grandfather Mountain . As you drive in, pick up a historic downtown walking-tour map from the regional welcome center.

7. Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

The largest of North Carolina ’s four national forests, Nantahala National Forest covers more than half a million acres of the state's westernmost portion, extending south from Great Smoky Mountains National Park all the way to the South Carolina and Georgia state lines.

The name Nantahala means "Land of the Noonday Sun" in Cherokee, because only when the sun is at its highest can it penetrate all the way to the floor of the Nantahala Gorge. The gorge itself is in the forest’s Nantahala Ranger District, which also holds the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Very close to South Carolina, 26 miles southwest of Brevard, Whitewater Falls can be reached via a steep 1-mile hike from NC 281.

Every section of the Nantahala forest holds its fair share of hiking trails. To admire some magnificent – and all too rare – old-growth forest, head to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, 40 miles west of Bryson City. Easy loop-hikes lead past centuries-old tulip poplars, while the adjoining Slickrock Wilderness Area offers more demanding terrain for backpackers.

8. Toccoa, Georgia

Founded shortly after the Civil War, tiny Toccoa – believed to mean "beautiful" in a Native American dialect – is a small-time North Georgia town with big-time history and hospitality. It's perhaps most famous as the site of WWII's Camp Toccoa at Currahee, the inaugural US Army paratrooper training camp and the inspiration for Tom Hanks' and Steven Spielberg's Emmy- and Golden Globe–winning war-drama miniseries, Band of Brothers .

The paratroopers' intense training regime involved a daily "3 miles up, 3 miles down" to the top of Currahee Mountain just outside town, which affords a panoramic North Georgia view for those who climb it. Toccoa's historic downtown boasts an epic restored art-deco theater and emblematic low-rise late 19th-century architecture along its main drag, Doyle St. Toccoa Falls, one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, wows travelers on the campus of Toccoa Falls College.

9. Johnson City, Tennessee

Johnson City is more than a catchy reference in Old Crow Medicine Show's popular song "Wagon Wheel." One of the three municipalities in East Tennessee's Tri-Cities Region – along with Kingsport and Bristol – this former railroad boomtown, now home to Eastern Tennessee State University, is convenient to the Cherokee National Forest, too.

If you've brought your bike or your tennis shoes, hop onto the Tweetsie Trail , a rail-to-trails pathway, for an 8-mile jaunt to Elizabethton. Yee-Haw Brewing and White Duck Taco Shop share space at the old Tweetsie Railroad Depot downtown, too, if you want to refuel afterwards.

Whether you're staying a spell or just passing through, be sure to pull up to the window at Pal's Sudden Service – this turquoise retro fast food joint is an iconic East Tennessee classic for a reason. Just look for the giant hot dog.

10. The Ocoee Whitewater Center, Tennessee

Site of the canoe and kayak slalom events for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Ocoee Whitewater Center today doubles as a regional visitor center and a gorgeous place for hiking and cycling. Step inside for maps and outdoor-adventure information or gaze at the Ocoee River from a rocking chair. Out back there's a 1-mile, wheelchair-accessible trail that loops around the boulder-strewn Olympic course. The center anchors the Tanasi Trail System , a 30-mile network of hiking and cycling trails.

11. Columbia, South Carolina

South Carolina 's state capital, affectionately dubbed "Cola," is a quiet place, with wide, shady streets and the kind of old-fashioned downtown where pillbox hats are still on display in the windows of family-run department stores. Columbia is cooler than you think, however, and the best proof is slightly out of town, near the Jim Hamilton–LB Owens Airport.

This is where in-the-know locals head for their gardening and boozing needs, which go surprisingly well together. First stop is City Roots , the state's self-proclaimed "first urban farm," where you can wander around, buy farm items and talk to people about all things agriculture. With that out of the way, it's time to head across the street to Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at Curtiss-Wright Hangar , a brewery and taproom inside a massive and beautifully restored 13,000-sq-ft airplane hangar. The booze is delightful and the high-heat oven cooks up some delicious thin-crust pizza.

History buffs will appreciate a tour of the capital's historic homes, and particularly should not miss the Robert Mills House . (Others sites of interest include the Hampton-Preston Mansion, the Mann-Simons Site and the Woodrow Wilson Family Home.) The abodes have been lovingly restored by Historic Columbia, a nonprofit that preserves the city's heritage and offers house tours.

12. Townsend, Tennessee

Tucked between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Little River, pretty Townsend makes a great base camp for exploring Cades Cove, which is only 9 miles away in the national park. Posh cabins at Dancing Bear Lodge are a comfy retreat after a hard day of hiking, and the delicious mountain-inspired dishes at the lodge's Appalachian Bistro are alone worth a drive to Townsend.

For an introduction to the region's culture and past, spend an hour exploring the exhibits and historic buildings at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center . Family-friendly adventures include rafting the Little River with River Rat Tubing or digging into a sundae at Burger Master Drive-In , around since 1967.

13. Cherokee National Forest , Tennessee

Hiding in plain sight along the eastern border of Tennessee, but overshadowed by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this 650,000-acre national forest is chock-full of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Here, white-water rafters careen along class IV rapids, mountain bikers tear through the trees on single-track trails, and day hikers stop and smell the wildflowers after rock-hopping across burbling streams.

Divided into northern and southern sections, which are separated by the national park, the forest is home to four ranger districts and 15 recreational zones. The Ocoee District is the best known of the districts, impressing visitors with a scenic byway, two vast trail networks and top-tier rafting on the Ocoee River. Across the forest, you'll find waterfalls, wildflowers, picnic areas and scenic overlooks. Many attractions are convenient to both eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

14. Brevard, North Carolina

One of those charming little mountain towns that set travelers daydreaming of putting down roots, Brevard is best known as the home of the prestigious Brevard Music Center. A summer school for music students, the center also stages the Brevard Music Festival , which runs from June through mid-August and features over 80 concerts, ranging from classical and opera to bluegrass and movie music.

Brevard is also the seat of the ominous-sounding Transylvania County, which more appealingly styles itself as "Land of Waterfalls." Visitors flock in year-round to enjoy the surrounding scenery, at its finest in the nearby Pisgah National Forest.

15. Bryson City, North Carolina

This tiny, charming mountain town straddling the Tuckasegee River is not only a cute little base for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but an adventure destination in its own right. Handily poised for Nantahala National Forest, it’s a great spot for water sports such as rafting and kayaking. You might remember it from Cormac McCarthy’s 1979 novel, Suttree – the title character winds up here after wandering over the mountains from Gatlinburg.

Home to a smattering of good restaurants and breweries, Bryson City is also the starting point for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad , which leaves from a historic depot downtown.

16. Helen, Georgia

Awash in lederhosen and fahrvergnügen (driving pleasure) and lots of other questionable German cliches, gingerbread-trimmed Helen is a little bit of Bavaria in Appalachia (call it 'Alppalachia', if you will). It is certainly a startling, out-of-place sight. Here scores of North Georgians and Atlanta day-trippers (some 1.5 million per year) run amok among German-style architecture fueled by steins of Dunkelweizens, Doppelbocks and Pils like it's Oktoberfest year-round.

This kitschy, Epcot-style Alpine playground was dreamed up in the 1960s by a few local businesspeople wanting to revitalize the town. In 1969 local businesses and carpenters got to work – with help from a local artist with German roots – transforming this former mill town into the self-proclaimed best little German town in America.

17. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Asheville is within an hour and a half of several entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which runs between Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Various sections of the park make fantastic day trips from Asheville, including Mt LeConte (the third highest peak in the Smokies), Clingman's Dome (the highest in the park), Cades Cove , Fontana Dam , and Newfound Gap. You can spy on elk in the Cataloochee Valley , tackle the Alum Cave Bluffs trail, or hop on the Appalachian Trail for a day hike or longer backpacking trip.

18. Blairsville, Georgia

Easygoing Blairsville sits deep in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest and North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is home to a slightly unorthodox rounded town 'square' which wraps itself around Blairsville's historic courthouse, dating to 1899.

Like similar North Georgia mountain towns, the great outdoors plays big in Blairsville, the closest city to Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest mountain and its biggest draw. Blairsville is also close to Vogel State Park, Blood Mountain and a plethora of waterfalls, lakes, hiking and biking trails. While nearby Dahlonega was considered the first-known gold site in the USA, Blairsville's nuggets were said to be the purest of them all.

You may also like: Hickory Nut Gorge: an easy Asheville day trip How to road trip the Southeastern US on a budget Rolling like the Wrights: getting airborne in North Carolina

This article was first published Mar 23, 2021 and updated Dec 12, 2021.

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6 Fantastic Day Trips From Raleigh, North Carolina

• Destinations
• North Carolina
• United States

I love a good day trip. For me, about a one-hour drive from my town is the perfect distance, but I am willing to drive two to three for a good destination. The Raleigh-Durham area makes a great base to explore North Carolina. Heading south of Raleigh for these day trips, once you exit the highways, you will find country roads through farmland and rural areas. It is a nice change of pace from the big city and traffic.

Note: Some of the information in this article was obtained during press trips in the area. All opinions are my own.

1. Pinehurst

Just an 80-minute drive from Raleigh, Pinehurst is known as “The Cradle of American Golf and legendary golfers such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and many more have played here. Before there was golf, founder James Walker Tufts established the Village of Pinehurst with a plan by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1895. His plan created the lovely village streets and green space you can now enjoy today and most of the original buildings still exist. The best way to explore this lovely village is on foot. Print out the Cherokee Route walking tour or drop into the visitor center and purchase the Village of Pinehurst: A Historic Walking Tour for a more in depth tour. There are darling local shops and many yummy places to eat in the village. The Pinehurst Greenway meanders for six miles on pedestrian and bicycle-only trails. There’s easy access to shops, restaurants, and parks. Make sure to stop at the Pinehurst Arboretum with its beautiful walking trails and gardens.

The Village of Pinehurst is a very upscale community with all kinds of amenities. Indulge in a spa day at the Spa at Pinehurst . The luxurious Carolina Hotel is known as the “Queen of the South” and is the epitome of historic grand dame hotels steeped with elegance and Southern charm. Drop into the Carolina Coffee Shop to enjoy a coffee or a light lunch on the hotel’s front veranda.

2. Southern Pines

Southern Pines is a little over an hour’s drive from Raleigh. Start your visit at the Southern Pines train station located in the heart of downtown. Built in 1898, it is still an active train station with Amtrak service to Raleigh. It is also the location for the visitor center where you can get some great information about what to do on your visit. That’s how I found out about the Taxidermy Hall of Fame. What an experience. It is in the Christian Book Store, and you can buy some homemade fudge then look at the mishmash of a museum with over 200 animals preserved by taxidermy. It also houses the world’s oldest rock according to the owner. Plan to spend some time exploring downtown. It is an old railroad town, so the tracks run right through the middle with shops and restaurants on either side.

If you like golf, stop in for a visit to the Carolinas Golf Association Hall of History. It has an interesting collection of clubs, photos, trophies, and memorabilia from the many people who made this area one of the most historic golf locales. The Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities is a beautiful way to spend a day. The center is on a 26-acre estate that was once the home of James and Katharine Boyd. In the Boyd house, you can visit the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame (note the historic home is not ADA compliant) which is in James’ former study. The mansion also has cultural events such as music concerts and poetry readings. Outside, you can stroll the beautiful formal gardens or for a longer hike, access the Boyd Round Timber Tract with an extensive trail system. This is part of the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve.

3. Fayetteville

There is so much to see and do in Fayetteville that this destination could easily be multiple day trips. I recommend going to the Visit Fayetteville website and choosing one of the Cultural Heritage Trails. These are themed drives that will take you around Fayetteville and into Cumberland County. There are so many choices it can be tough to choose. Fayetteville is known as “America’s Hometown,” and it is filled with history. Many of the trails focus on that history with an American Independence Trail, a Civil War Trail, and many more. There are cultural trails and even an International Food Trail.

One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens which is just two miles from downtown and situated on 80 acres. It contains so many gorgeous specialty gardens including Camellia, Daylily, a Shade Garden, a Butterfly Stroll, and a Heritage Garden. Make sure to go in the morning before it gets too hot. Be certain you allow enough time to explore the Cape Fear Museum Complex. In addition to the two-story museum, you can take a tour of the historic 1897 Poe House and explore Arsenal Park .

4. Moores Creek National Battlefield

I love a National Park site for a day trip. The Moores Creek National Battlefield is about a two-hour drive from Raleigh. The site commemorates a Revolutionary War battle that took place in February 1776 and lasted only about 3 minutes. It was the first decisive victory for the patriots in the American Revolution. Plan to tour the small museum and watch the movie about the battle. Head out to walk the two interpretive trails, the History Trail and the Tarheel Trail which combined, are one mile. The park and trail are really beautiful, especially in the morning hours. Also, on site is a picnic area if you wish to extend your visit.

The park is very accessible. The two interpretive trails are wheelchair accessible with benches along the way for resting or just enjoying the natural surroundings. The visitor center has ADA- accessible doors.

Pro Tip: You can combine this trip with a visit to Burgaw for a longer day trip.

The quaint little town of Burgaw is known for its picturesque settings that have caught the eye of Hollywood. Several television shows and movies were filmed here. It is about a 90-minute drive from Raleigh. Begin your day with a stop at the Pender County Visitor Center. It is on the first floor of the old Pender County Jail which was built in 1924. The second floor of the building was the jail and was restored to its original condition. Pick up a walking tour of downtown and enjoy the morning exploring the shops and viewing the 18th and 19th centuries architecture. A must stop is the Burgaw Train Depot which is the oldest in North Carolina and a site on the Civil War Trail.

For lunch, Mema’s Chick’n & Ribs is a must. It’s only been open since 2017 and its reputation has been spread by word of mouth. Make sure to check out the map where people from all over the world have left notes about their visit. Owners Myra and James McDuffie have created a very special place. I felt like I had a nice warm hug after eating here which is a pleasant feeling during these COVID times. The menu is heavy on Soul food and based on James’ mother Mary McDuffie’s recipes. She still comes in every day to cook. Everything is super fresh. Mary actually picks the collard greens from the fields so that they meet her exacting standards. James starts smoking the meat at 4:30 a.m. There are no leftovers, once they are out that’s it. His ribs are the best I have ever had. The barbecue sauce is served on the plate because it is so good people kept taking the bottles. The area is also known for its seafood. You will find only local, fresh, and never frozen Stump Sound oysters, shrimp, and catfish. Before you leave, children get a pick from a toy box and adults choose a card from the Blessing Box.

6. Have A Beach Day

There are so many beautiful beaches in North Carolina that make a great day trip from Raleigh. Get an early start. Pack all your beach gear, a picnic lunch, and a cooler full of ice-cold drinks. Plan to have dinner at one of the many great seafood restaurants along the coast before heading home. Check this article out for some beaches that are a 2-3 hour drive from Raleigh: 7 Best Beaches To Visit Near Wilmington, North Carolina .

Raleigh has everything a big city has to offer but sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city on a day trip. Driving country roads away from the traffic and crowds is a great way to unwind. These are just a few examples of the many day trips you can take from Raleigh.

The Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina gives visitors the chance to experience some of the best attractions the state has to offer:

• Not To Miss Activities In Raleigh, North Carolina
• 11 Reasons To Make Durham, NC Your Next Destination
• 5 Fantastic Restaurants To Try In Fayetteville, North Carolina

She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Her work can be found in Northwest Travel & Life Magazine , 253 Lifestyle Magazine , and other regional publications. She is the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die , Reedy Press, and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?"

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North Carolina travel guide for the history, museum buff; take a ride on a record-breaking roller coaster

If you're traveling to north carolina, this guide is full of destinations worth the visit.

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Travel journalist Francesca Page discusses the latest travel trends on ‘Your World.’

North Carolina is a state full of exciting places to see and unique experiences to be had. 

There could be something for every person who is looking to visit North Carolina. 

There are plenty of museums full of history, as well as gorgeous parks and an amusement park featuring a record-breaking roller coaster.

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Below are a few stops to consider during your vacation to North Carolina.  

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• NASCAR Hall of Fame
• Battleship North Carolina
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park

North Carolina is full of exciting attractions, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Carowinds theme park.  (\Getty Images)

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway is often called "America's Favorite Drive." 

A relaxing drive on Blue Ridge Parkway is one activity you may want to squeeze into your vacation.

THIS SOUTH CAROLINA TRAVEL GUIDE WILL SPARK JOY FOR VISITORS LOOKING FOR BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, HISTORIC TOURS

Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles, according to the National Park Service, and connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. 

There are many places to camp, hike and, of course, snap breathtaking photos along the route.

Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful any time of year, but it's especially jaw-dropping during the fall.  (Thomas O'Neill/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

2. NASCAR Hall of Fame

Race car fans must stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame during a visit to North Carolina. 

This popular museum is located in Charlotte and is full of interactive experiences and exhibits that honor NASCAR. 

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There are also many events at the NASCAR Hall of Fame throughout the year. So, be sure to look on its website to see if anything special is going on during your visit. 

3. Battleship North Carolina

A famous World War II battleship is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. 

Guests can book a self-guided or guided tour to explore the nine levels of the ship. 

The website for the historic attraction notes that guests should expect to spend at least two hours exploring the boat. 

Guests can explore the nine floors of a famous World War II battleship during their trip to North Carolina.  (Edwin Remsberg/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

This battleship was active during World War II and participated in every naval offensive in the Pacific theater of operations, according to the attraction's website. During this time, 15 battle stars were earned, making the ship the most decorated American battleship of World War II.

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has sections in North Carolina and in Tennessee. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

The south side of the park is located in North Carolina. 

You can see beautiful mountain views from the Blue Ridge Parkway if you don't have time to explore the park. 

If you do choose to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park during your visit to North Carolina, there are plenty of hiking trails and a number of waterfalls that may leave you in awe.

Parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are located in North Carolina.  (George Rose/Getty Images)

5. Biltmore

Bilmore is one attraction many tourists add to their North Carolina vacation itinerary.

Biltmore House was completed in 1895 and owned by George Vanderbilt, according to the estate's website. Biltmore is still owned by descendants of the Vanderbilt family today.  

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The 8,000-acre estate in Asheville is the largest privately owned home in the country. 

There is so much to explore at Biltmore, including a winery, shopping, restaurants, nature trails and more. 

Biltmore is a popular tourist attraction in North Carolina.  (George Rose/Getty Images)

6. Carowinds

Carowinds is an amusement park in Charlotte. 

This theme park has attractions fit for the younger ones in your family and plenty of roller coasters for the thrill seekers. 

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One of the most popular rides at Carowinds is Fury 325. This exciting coaster is the tallest, fastest and longest giga coaster in North America. Giga coasters are categorized as those that have a height or drop topping 300 feet. 

This ride reaches heights of 325 feet and has an 81-degree drop and a 190-foot barrel turn, according to Carowind's website. 

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital. 

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Make a Quick Getaway With These 22 Essential Day Trips from Charlotte, North Carolina

If you ask someone why they chose to move to Charlotte, chances are you’ll hear the following reason first:

“It’s two hours from the mountains and three hours from the beach.”

Now, I don’t agree that the best part of living in Charlotte is how easy it is to leave, but it is a pretty nice perk to have so many incredible destinations within a short distance. Since moving here in 2019, I’ve made a conscious effort to explore our region through day and weekend getaways, soaking up as much of each unique community as possible in a short amount of time and relaying it all to you here on the blog and Instagram – but until now, I’ve never captured the magic for you in one central location.

So, meet my Charlotte Day Trips Guide! Consider this your go-to resource when deciding how to spend your next free day. Your time and travel budget are valuable, so as always, this guide only features places I’ve personally visited and experienced to give you a curated and vetted approach to travel.

I’ve sorted this post by one-way driving distance in minutes* from Charlotte’s city center (that’s the intersection of Trade and Tryon in Uptown!) so you can quickly choose your day trip destination, and everything is under three hours away.

Why three hours? This allows you to arrive at your destination with plenty of time for meals and activities before returning home at a not-too-late hour. My only request is that you consider making these trips on any day but Sunday – this being the south, some key sights and restaurants may not be open (particularly in our region’s smaller towns).

Ready to pack some snacks, organize a playlist, and hit the road? Let’s explore :

FORT MILL, SOUTH CAROLINA

Cross over the South Carolina border on I-77 Southbound, and you’re mere minutes from the quaint downtown area of Fort Mill. Here you’ll find excellent dining options and even a couple of breweries for a leisurely afternoon – but if you really want to spice up your day in Fort Mill, you must pay a visit to PuckerButt Pepper Co . Founded by the creator of the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X, Smokin’ Ed Currie, this shop serves up some of the world’s spiciest hot sauces.

The adventurous might consider exploring the Anne Springs Close Greenway with a day of kayaking, hiking, or biking, while the thrillseekers may enjoy some time at Carowinds (a portion of the park is in Fort Mill!). But no matter how you choose to spend the day, be sure to wind down your time away at Kingsley Town Center . Here you can indulge in a pre-dinner drink at Corkscrew Wine Shop & Bar before moseying across the street to a hearty and flavorful meal at Spice Asian Kitchen . The best part? Fort Mill is so close, if you ran out of time before completing your list, well, there’s always tomorrow.

I know, I know – thanks to so much development along the Independence Boulevard corridor, a visit to Matthews hardly feels like you’re actually leaving Charlotte. Start your day by getting schooled in local history at the Matthews Heritage Museum , a small, free museum bursting with information on life in Matthews back in the day before heading to grab a cup of locally roasted coffee at Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply and scoping out the local produce at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market .

For lunch, you’ll have the choice of a world of cuisine (I’m partial to Pepero and Kabab-Je !). Properly fueled for shopping, check out spots like Moxie Mercantile , Minos Imported Foods Inc. , and Backporch Treasures Thrift Shop – or head to your favorite big-name stores over in Sycamore Commons . Wind down your evening on the lawn of Carolina Beer Temple and toast to the fact that it’s just a quick drive back to Charlotte.

A quick hop on the highway takes you to the college town of Davidson, nestled on the shores of Lake Norman. With a picturesque small-town-style Main Street that really comes alive on a Saturday morning thanks in part to the wonderful farmers market , Davidson is ideal for an easy day away.

Of utmost importance during your visit to Davidson is food . You’ll find the acclaimed restaurant Kindred here, with its famous milkbread (and its offshoot cafe, aptly named Milkbread ), as well as several restaurants with international flair. Of course, all of your time can’t be spent eating, so work up your appetite again by walking the charming Davidson College campus or hitting up local shops like Davidson Provision Company , Main Street Books , and Hearts on Fiber . End your night with some local live music on the square – with such a full community calendar , there’s bound to be an event during your visit.

I think many visitors to our area are surprised to learn that Charlotte Motor Speedway isn’t located in Charlotte – it’s located in Concord. Motorsports entertainment is big in Concord, as you might expect, but the city has so much more to offer visitors.

A day trip to Concord starts with great coffee, and you’ll find it at Press & Porter on Union Street. Fueled up for the day, wander up and down the strip of cute shops and restaurants to your heart’s content. My non-negotiable? A visit to Mac Tabby Cat Cafe to pet all the cats (note: the author will not be liable for any furry souvenirs you might choose to bring home). Heading away from downtown, budget more time than you think for your stop at Gibson Mill . This former textile mill now houses the region’s largest antique mall, two breweries, a top-notch food hall, a board game cafe, and so much more. In fact, I would plan to make this your final stop of the day – with so much to do, you just might stay until closing time.

There’s nothing quite like exploring a destination on foot, and downtown Kannapolis is the perfect place to get your steps in for the day. Ditch your car in the free city lot just outside the downtown core, or even better, hop aboard Amtrak (it takes you right downtown!).

Start your day with a sweet pastry and coffee from neighbors Eat Cakes Bakery and Local Patriot Coffee before checking out local shops like 118 Marketplace on Main , 3 jem’s boutique , and Cannon Honey Mill . When it’s time to rest your barking dogs, do so by relaxing on a bench and discovering the numerology in Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza , sipping on a local pint at Old Armor Beer Company or Tipsy Hare Ciderworks , or watching the latest feature at the Gem Theatre . Well, unless you have kids just bursting with energy, then only a trip to Village Park will do! Ride off into the Kannapolis sunset on the park’s charming Venetian carousel.

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA

Rock Hill, South Carolina, is the most populous city in York County, and the fourth most populous city in the Charlotte metro area – yet it maintains a classic downtown atmosphere with local retail, restaurants, and other businesses lining the sidewalks. The Mercantile is a popular stop with visitors for a reason – this modern-day general store offers local goods, sustainable clothing, a flower bar, and a coffee shop all under one roof. Art and design enthusiasts will have a heyday picking through the selection of curated art and furniture at The Hickory Post . And my beer lovers ( hi! ), will appreciate having four breweries in the downtown vicinity. Throughout it all, the city feels youthful, thanks surely to the students attending Rock Hill’s Winthrop University .

Need a little more excitement in your life? The Catawba River snakes through the city, offering paddlers the chance to explore the area from a unique vantage point. If you time your visit for April, you just might get the chance to experience the Come-See-Me Festival , Rock Hill’s annual salute to spring. And if not? A stroll through Glencairn Garden is just what Mother Nature ordered.

Salisbury is purported to be the oldest continually populated colonial town in our region, but why should you visit today? Well, it’s easily accessible by rail with departure times that perfectly align for a quick day trip, and once you arrive, you won’t need a car to explore the downtown core. This frees up visitors to explore everything Salisbury has to offer on foot, from the local history museum to an art gallery that would feel at home in any major city.

Car-free visitors also have the luxury of partaking in Salisbury’s Social District , which permits customers to take their alcoholic beverages to-go. It’s quite a treat to visit the local brewery and then peruse local shops like Local Focal Marketplace & Antiques , South Main Book Company , and Lost & Found . Of course, teetotalers are free to tote the local soda of choice, Cheerwine, anywhere they please. Pick up one in a glass bottle along with a hot dog or hamburger at another local favorite, Hap’s Grill (bring cash!).

What town has two bridges, one bakery, and a constant friendly smile on its face? That’s easy – Waxhaw! This tiny town just forty-five minutes from Charlotte is a Goldilocks destination: it offers so much for visitors to do but doesn’t leave them feeling pressed for time.

A good day in Waxhaw starts with a coffee and a cruffin from Virtuoso Breadworks . This bakery prides itself on clean sourdough and beautifully laminated pastries, and I can say it lives up to my very high pastry connoisseur standards. After that, shop to your heart’s content at some of the town’s antique and thrift stores like Second Chance Boutique by Turning Point , Sweet Repeats Resale and Boutique , Waxhaw Antique Mart , Mule Barn Mercantile , and Tangles Knitting On Main .

For lunch, head to Vera’s Kitchen for a perfect mix of homestyle Mexican and American diner classics – you’re going to want to fuel up for your hike to the Carolina Thread Trail Suspension Bridge which crosses into South Carolina. If you haven’t had enough bridge time, trek back to downtown’s Waxhaw Overhead Bridge to watch trains cross beneath you. End your night with a bit of culture – either via a show at The Storefront Theatre or a pint at Waxhaw Tap House .

Does the “Barbecue Capital of the World” really need an introduction? I promise, even if you prefer Eastern Carolina barbecue, a day trip to Lexington is well worth your time. According to Visit Lexington , there are fifteen local barbecue spots, and unless you’re a competitive eater, you probably won’t be able to visit them all in a day. Everyone has their own opinion and favorite, but Lexington Barbecue , Speedy’s BBQ , and Barbecue Center generally crop up on most lists. As they’re all relatively close to one another, my recommendation is ordering a plate from each, and building your own barbecue picnic to decide on a winner (local parks are the perfect place to enjoy a takeout meal!).

Okay, so you can’t eat all day. Between your barbecue feasts, explore downtown Lexington with stops at Goose and the Monkey Brew House , Davidson County Historical Museum , The Candy Factory (don’t forget the Red Birds – they’re made right here in Lexington!), Conrad & Hinkle , and SML Retro Gaming . While you’re wandering, see how many Pigs in the City you spot!

For a classic Carolina small-town experience with a dose of the great outdoors, head to Albemarle. Situated just minutes away from Morrow Mountain State Park, Lake Tillery, and the Uwharrie National Forest, it’s the perfect place to mix leisure with activity.

Start your day with a coffee and hearty breakfast at GloryBeans CoffeeHouse and explore the cute downtown through places like Courthouse Square Park , Whiskey Eunoia , and Uwharrie Soap Co . Not quite enough excitement for you? The Tomahawk Throwing Range & Blade Shop is sure to keep you on your toes. This throwing range is the perfect place to give axe throwing a try, as the team emphasizes safety above everything else. And my fellow sweet tooth friends can’t miss a stop at Albemarle Sweet Shop , a century-old bakery with shelves and shelves of tempting treats. Slip away for a hike if you must, but be sure to return in time for a post-hike beer at Badin Brews .

WINSTON-SALEM

Once two distinct cities, secular Winston (founded in 1849 and named in 1851) and Moravian Salem (founded in 1766), the cities were officially hyphenated and combined as one in 1913. But no matter how they came together, this city with two names is one you must visit. Start your day with a visit to Old Salem Museum & Gardens , a living history museum that depicts life for the Moravians who settled in the area, and pick up some of their famous ultra-thin cookies at Winkler Bakery . Those wanting to dive even deeper into the region’s history at a fast pace will also want to book a Segway tour with Triad ECO Adventures .

After you’ve had your fill of the past, it’s time to explore the present. Art is embedded in the city, from great public art at Artivity on the Green to SECCA to the Reynolda House Museum of American Art . And I have more favorite restaurants in the Winston-Salem area than you have meals in a day, so you’ll have to handle the task of narrowing things down according to your cravings:  Bobby Boy Bake Shop for great bread and treats, New Sichuan for authentic Sichuan food in down-to-earth digs, Six Hundredº for wood-fired everything, May Way Dumplings for the best takeout on a budget (pro tip: bring them to Joymongers Barrel Hall to enjoy with a local beer), and Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro for elevated Southern fare. As you can tell, it’s a favorite local destination of mine – perhaps I’ll see you there!

Part of the Piedmont Triad, it’s not an overstatement to say that Greensboro has shaped our nation’s history. Greensboro served as the backdrop for the heritage denim emerging from Cone Denim’s White Oak plant to fill the wardrobes of so many Americans and the historic Woolworth’s sit-in that sparked the civil rights movement. Today you can explore the city’s history in depth at the Greensboro History Museum and The International Civil Rights Center & Museum , both must-visits during a day in the Gate City; both can be somber stops at times, but both are crucial to understanding Greensboro’s place in history.

Pair these visits with a heartwarming brunch at Chez Genèse , a French-inspired restaurant with a mission to employ and empower people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. You may have to wait a while to get in the door, but that’s all due to the community’s support of this valuable initiative. Art is another thing that locals hold dear; check out the GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art for their excellent gallery and shop filled with art from NC artists and Elsewhere for a memorable art experience. Cap off your evening with an innovative dinner at MACHETE before making the trek home after dark.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

I wish I knew why the capital of South Carolina isn’t all that high on traveler’s lists – but I suppose that just frees up more of Columbia for the rest of us! If you take only one thing away from this guide, let it be that the best day to visit Columbia is on Saturday. Why? Because it’s the day for Soda City Market , a producer’s-only market that spans several blocks of downtown (and honest to goodness, one of my favorite markets ever ). Stroll and eat your way down the line of local vendors for as long as your feet allow, and then head for a tasty lunch at Market on Main .

Post-lunch, decide whether you’re up for art or animals – the Columbia Museum of Art and Riverbanks Zoo & Garden are both worth your time, but you’ll probably only have the chance to do just one. After that, I regret to inform you that you have another decision to make: Coa Agaveria y Cocina for an excellent margarita or Savage Craft Ale Works for a cold beer on the roof. Be grateful, though, that I’ve already made your final stop and dinner choice for you. “Frenchish” Black Rooster delivers perfectly executed shareables and mains to your table (I know it’s tempting, but don’t order too much – you have to drive home, after all!).

What if I told you that just ninety minutes from Charlotte you’d find a welcoming small town with a thriving music scene, excellent hiking, and worth-the-drive food and drink? Wait, don’t start driving yet – I haven’t shared all my tips with you!

Okay, I promise to be quick so you can get on your way: Start your day in Elkin with a hearty breakfast from The Yellow Door Café , which feels a lot like every Southerner’s grandparent’s dining room. Then mosey your way through downtown, popping into shops like Wildflower Artisan Gift Shop and Hugh Chatham Health Thrift Shop or checking out the Elkin Farmers Market if your visit falls on a Saturday.

Once lunchtime rolls around, head to Southern On Main to indulge in more Southern flavors before hopping in the car to check out a local winery. Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery is one of the area’s oldest and most established wineries, with a selection of dry and semi-sweet wines for everyone to enjoy. Share a tasting so everyone’s head remains clear, and then head back to town.

As evening approaches, experience a taste of the big city with a craft cocktail at Fruition before immersing yourself in Elkin’s music scene. Enjoy a performance at The Reeves Theater , a historic live music venue on Main Street, or relax at The RailYard , an inviting outdoor beer garden. Both venues offer delicious food to keep you fueled for your journey home, where you’ll find yourself humming with the memories of a perfect day in Elkin.

BLOWING ROCK

Most of the destinations on this list have climates similar to Charlotte, but once you start heading up in the mountains to places like Blowing Rock, you might be treated to a different weather pattern than back home. I highly suggest using this to your advantage, whether that’s a fun snow day trip in the winter or a lovely break from a heatwave during the summer.

A day in Blowing Rock is a treat no matter the season, but naturally, it will impact your itinerary a little. Whether you choose to tackle a warm-weather hike , pay a visit to The Blowing Rock , or choose to hit the ski slopes (bonus points if you make the trek to the region’s best snow tubing !), be sure to balance your time with a little leisure. The charming town of Blowing Rock is compact and walkable, and it offers the daytripper the chance to see it all. Breakfast should be none other than a warm biscuit from Hellbender Bed & Beverage . For lunch, create your own picnic at Blowing Rock Market and dine al fresco. Wind down your day with a local pint at Blowing Rock Brewing , before enjoying an early-ish dinner at The Speckled Trout and heading home.

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

If you were to get in your car, drive toward Atlanta, and stop halfway, you’d find yourself in Greenville. But this unique South Carolina city is so much more than a pit stop. Start your day at The Commons , a row of converted warehouses that is now filled with local businesses. Stop and shop at Billiam Jeans or Greenville Bike and Tri if time allows, but remember your important mission: a flaky pastry from Bake Room and a cup of locally roasted coffee from Methodical Coffee . Wandering out back, you’ll notice plenty of locals taking to the trail on two wheels; don’t worry, you’ll be joining them soon enough! But first, it’s time to head downtown.

Falls Park on the Reedy is an urban waterfall right in downtown Greenville, perfect for taking a leisurely stroll or serving as the backdrop for your next family photograph. Once you’ve had your fill of the falls, head to ASADA for a delightful fusion lunch. Once you’re raring and ready to go, punch Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery into your GPS. It’s a great launch point for biking a portion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail , a 22-mile trail that connects Greenville to the cute town of Travelers Rest (don’t have your bike with you? Pick one up at one of the rental spots downtown!). Once you’re all biked out, pick up some edible souvenirs at the grocery (and maybe a celebratory beer!). End your day with a flavorful meal from local favorite Aryana Afghan Cuisine , which offers exquisite dishes that are often vegan/vegetarian-friendly. After that? Well, I suppose it’s time to hit the road again.

Pinehurst is a breezy drive from Charlotte, and the village is practically tailor-made for leisure. Begin your morning with a chic southern breakfast at Agora Bakery and Cafe , set inside what was once the town’s bank. Go ahead and order a treat from the bakery case while you’re at it because you’ll need the energy for all of the village’s shopping opportunities .

Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, it’s time for a little history lesson. The Tufts Archives are tucked in the back of the town library, and visitors can stroll through Pinehurst’s history free of charge. Learn how this patch of sandy soil became one of the world’s top golf destinations and discover the golf course designs by the legendary Donald Ross.

After lunch (and a pint!) at Pinehurst Brewing Company , drive over to Pinehurst Resort to spot the crown jewel in the collection, the Carolina Hotel . Linger at the spa if you’d like, or hop back in your car for a look at a course many golfers only dream of playing, Pinehurst No. 2 . If you brought your own clubs, you can putter about at Thistle Dhu, free of charge.

For the rest of us non-golfers, there’s always Wee Pines Mini Golf . Challenge your travel companions to a round, and to make things a little more interesting, add the stipulation that the loser buys dinner. With a menu of Italian-inspired favorites, Lisi Italian is the perfect place to wind down the night (especially when someone else is paying!).

SOUTHERN PINES

Just two hours from Charlotte is the friendly town of Southern Pines – and the perfect day-trip destination for shopping and dining. Park your car and wave goodbye, because downtown is perfect for strolling.

After a cup of coffee from one of the town’s go-to spots ( Java Bean Roasting Company , Amor Ciego Coffee Co. , and Swank Coffee Shoppe are all personally vetted!), it’s time to stroll Broad Street. Bop around cute storefronts like  Daisy Daydream , Bella Filati Yarns ,  Casino Guitars , and The Country Bookshop . When you’re ready to break for lunch, head to Betsy’s Crepes for a crepe from their menu of sweet and savory creations before continuing your shopping journey.

When the clock strikes wine o’clock, teeny-tiny Standing Room Only is the answer. This narrow wine shop carries an eclectic selection from around the world, all at a reasonable price. Enjoy your glass on the sidewalk out front, and you’ll probably leave with a new friend or two.

Your final stop of the evening is further down Broad, at Red’s Corner . Food trucks pull up to the curb at this outdoor beer garden seven days a week, and you’ll usually find live music on the weekends, too. Enjoy your meal in Southern Pines’ outdoor living room, and make plans to return for a full weekend (it’s inevitable!).

Asheville’s a city I’ll gladly return to over and over, and if you live in Charlotte, chances are you feel the same way. Anecdotally speaking, I’ve noticed an increase in Asheville lodging prices over the years, so it’s lucky for our wallets that we can make easy day trips whenever the mood strikes.

Breakfast is always the first order of business on a day trip, and in Asheville, my picks are Sunny Point Cafe , Hole Doughnuts , and Taco Billy , depending on my appetite and my willingness to wait for a table (looking at you, Sunny Point). After breakfast, head over to the River Arts District to explore the local galleries and workshops. It’s here you’ll also find my favorite Asheville bakery, Mother , for an excellent yet simple jambon beurre for a light lunch. How you spend your afternoon is dealer’s choice: 1. picking up a coffee from Rowan Coffee or Session and bopping around downtown shops like East Fork (my pick!) or 2. heading down for a tour of the Biltmore Estate . As sunset nears, pop into any one of the 40+ breweries for a local pint before polishing off your day in Asheville at plant , Cúrate , or RosaBees .

CHAPEL HILL

It may be because I grew up in Gainesville, Florida, but I have such a soft spot in my heart for college towns; they’re generally youthful, vibrant, walkable, and perfect for the budget-conscious. Even if you’re not a sports fan, Chapel Hill still makes for a delightful day away.

You might expect a college town to be flush with coffee shops, and Chapel Hill most certainly is. Perennial is the coffee shop I can’t quit thanks to an excellent coffee and tea program, so head here first before making the walk to nearby Brandwein’s Bagels for a yummy bagel sandwich. In fact, you’ll want to stay on foot all day, as the town is exceptionally walkable (find current parking information for your visit).

After your morning sustenance, it’s time to explore. Shopping is a fun way to spend the morning, with stops at Rumors , Epilogue Books , and Shrunken Head . Once lunchtime hunger sets in, head to Time-Out Restaurant for a student favorite meal (they’re open 24/7!) or to Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe for more worldly flavors.

Following lunch, take in an otherworldly   show at the Morehead Planetarium (if available) or explore the collections at the admission-free Ackland Art Museum . You’ll have just enough time to pop up for one drink at Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery before making your dinner reservation at Talullas . With a two-hour drive back to Charlotte, you just might find yourself considering enrolling so you can repeat this day over and over.

If you only take a single day trip on this list, let it be to Durham! The fourth-largest city in the state by population offers so much for visitors to explore. Yes, it’s a two-hour-plus drive from Charlotte, but that’s plenty of time to work up your appetite for a delicious day. Start your morning at Cocoa Cinnamon’s Lakewood location for the freshest brews from Little Waves Coffee Roasters (roasted right there!) and made-to-order churros. Yes, you can have churros for breakfast on vacation. After breakfast, head across the street to Lakewood Shopping Center to do some door-to-door shopping. With great local spots like Scrap Thrift (classic thrift store), The Scrap Exchange (incredible secondhand craft store), Bright Black (beautifully crafted candles), and Freeman’s Creative (a modern maker’s dream), it makes for a unique shopping experience.

Now that you’ve shopped up an appetite, it’s time to head downtown to Durham Food Hall . Food halls are an excellent place for travelers short on time as they allow visitors to taste the city’s local favorites in an approachable space. Take a lap around the space and create your own feast from ten food and beverage vendors.

Once you’ve had your fill, it’s time to explore! Pick up a to-go beverage at any of the bars or breweries that are on The Bullpen list. Durham’s social district is the largest in the state, and it extends all the way to your next destination, the American Tobacco Campus . The former tobacco factory has been repurposed into an entertainment hub, with retail, restaurants, and more – but honestly, it’s just a really great space to explore.

Afterward, stroll the city’s walkable downtown until your dinner reservation at modern Greek  Nikos or local favorite M Sushi . It’ll be good to stretch your legs before making the drive home!

True, there’s seemingly always beef between Charlotte and Raleigh, but you should still make a day trip to our state’s capital and second-most-populous city (I’m not a North Carolina native, so I don’t really have a dog in the fight – but I will tell you I considered both as a potential home base and landed in Charlotte…).

My very first stop in Raleigh is always Boulted Bread , to stock my stomach with flaky pastry and my freezer with their impeccable loaves – and I highly suggest you do the same (and maybe bring something back for me?). After filling up on yummy carb goodness and coffee or tea from nearby Heirloom , take a stroll through North Carolina’s oldest public park, the very charming Pullen Park . Young travelers will love to take a spin on the park’s iconic carousel!

By now you’re probably ready for lunch, and not to sound like a broken record, but food halls are an excellent place for travelers short on time . Transfer Co. Food Hall boasts ten vendors for excellent regional and international fare, all under one roof. After lunch, decide whether you’re up for a little art or a little shopping. The North Carolina Museum of Art , whose collection galleries span more than 5,000 years of art and human history.

Got a little bit of a shopping bug? Explore cute shops like Edge of Urge , DECO , and MunjoMunjo . If you’re anything like I am by this point in the day, you’re craving a little something sweet. Satisfy your cravings with an artisan pastry from lucettegrace or take a full chocolatey tour at Videri Chocolate Factory . Afterward, it’s nearly time to hit the road for home, but don’t skip out on a dinner reservation at one of two Raleigh classics: Poole’s or Bida Manda .

FINAL THOUGHTS ON DAY-TRIPPING FROM CHARLOTTE

Day-tripping is the perfect way for travelers who are short on time or budget to explore. Without bearing the costs of a lengthy car or plane trip, finding accommodations, and paying for meal after meal out, it’s always the answer when people insist that travel is expensive (best of all, you get to sleep in your very own bed!).

We’re spoiled for choice for day trip options here in Charlotte, from quaint mountain towns to outdoor paradises to vibrant cities, we’ve got a little bit of it all. The only question is, where to next?

Questions for you

How far are you willing to drive for a day trip?

Do you have a go-to road trip playlist? 

Have another destination that should be on this list? Make the case for it in the comments below!

Wondering where to go next? Why not give one of these posts a read:

• Five North Carolina Bakeries to Add to Your Travel Itinerary
• 2024 Carowinds Guide
• Knitting on the Go: Three Portable Projects for Your Next Road Trip
• How to Take a Low-Waste Road Trip
• 12 Things You Should Know Before Riding Amtrak’s Piedmont Train
• Day-Tripping: What it’s Like to Fly Somewhere for the Day
• The Ultimate Summer Weekend Travel Guide for Charlotte, North Carolina
• Queen City on Tap: A Review of Every Charlotte Brewery
• Start Your Day at These Essential Charlotte Coffee Shops
• Charlotte Bakeries Guide
• Shop Local: 10 Charlotte Shops You Should Know About
• All Travel Guides by Destination
• My Travel Essentials
• Exclusive Discounts + Promo Codes
• All of My Personal Item Packing Lists

One Comment on “ Make a Quick Getaway With These 22 Essential Day Trips from Charlotte, North Carolina ”

Love this! I’ve been to most of these but I haven’t others and I’m all here for a new adventure!

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• September 25, 2024

While it’s hard to beat New England in the fall , another incredible destination will serve up classic Americana and maybe even some warmer temperatures for hiking and enjoying fall colors—consider visiting North Carolina in the fall. We cruised the Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia to Asheville, North Carolina, and then on to Charlotte, and it was a perfect fall road trip.

Fall in North Carolina

The leaves will start changing colors in the upper elevations of the mountains at the end of September, and the rest of the state will slowly follow. The season for enjoying autumn colors and sights goes through early November, so it’s a perfect place to enjoy warmer temperatures and larger windows for fall colors than some popular northern destinations, like New England. 

If you want an epic fall road trip, start in New England in late September and work your way down the East Coast following each region’s peak fall color windows. That’s definitely on our retirement bucket list. Use this interactive map to find out the perfect dates for travel.

What is Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, totaling 469 miles. We have explored the Shenandoah area in the early summer. On this trip, we focused on the section through North Carolina from the VA/NC border to Asheville. 

The Parkway is divided into four sections: the Ridge, the Plateau, the Highlands, and the Pisgah. This post covers the Highlands section of the parkway, but there is no bad section of this iconic road. It’s one of the most visited places within the National Park Service.

The project started under President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a parkway to connect the two national parks. It was to be called the Appalachian Scenic Highway. The project took over 52 years to complete and opened in 1966. There have been a few suggestions to extend it to Georgia, but none have reached the finish line.

A North Carolina Road Trip Itinerary

We used this itinerary to enjoy fall in North Carolina, but after visiting in multiple seasons, this would easily work any time of year for views and visiting some of the best parts of the Tarheel State. 

Drive Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Get on the Parkway in the Cumberland Knob area. You can hike there and explore or just get right on the road. This parkway section was the original and one of the oldest sections. You’ll see old mountain cabins and beautiful views. 

There is no shortage of spots to pull over and get out to take in the views. During the fall, you’ll enjoy colorful scenes and the potential of low clouds in the valleys below you. Here are a few popular spots to get out and hike or just stretch your legs:

• Saddle Mountain ( use this AllTrails link for the hike )
• Little Glade Mill Pond
• Stone Mountain Overlook
• Mahogany Rock Overlook
• Brinegar Cabin
• Wildcat Rock Overlook
• Jumpinoff Rock
• Mount Jefferson Overlook
• Cascade Falls
• Yadkin Valley Overlook
• The Cone Manor
• Price Lake Trail
• Pilot Ridge Overlook
• Linn Cove Viaduct
• Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook
• Linville Falls Picnic Area
• Chestoa Viewpoint
• Switzerland Cafe
• Crabtree Falls
• Laurel Knob Overlook
• Glassmine Falls Observation Deck

These are just the spots we marked on our trip, but countless other pull-offs exist. There were many times that we just pulled off and snapped a few photos and read a sign. Other stops were hikes or snack stops, where we spent more time soaking everything in. If you can hit the road and catch a sunrise, there are so many incredible spots. I still think about the sunrise we saw in Shenandoah National Park , which has similar viewpoints.

This mountain town should be part of any North Carolina road trip itinerary. It’s filled with artists, breweries, and beautiful historic buildings and sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve been there on road trips and for a memorable bachelorette party, and it offers everything you need for a fun weekend getaway. 

As a beer lover, Asheville does not disappoint. We did a full tour of the New Belgium Brewery in town. I also found some funky beers at Wicked Weed and Burial that were unlike anything I had ever tried. If you have the chance to try the Milk and Cookies Stout from Wicked Weed, don’t pass it up. 

For a nice dinner and drink out on the town, head to The Blackbird and have a post-dinner cocktail at Sovereign Remedies. The downtown area is packed with restaurants and cool stores, so spending at least one or two nights there is worth it. Vortex is my favorite spot for coffee and donuts in the morning. For a unique tour perfect for the fall season, try this nighttime ghost tour around downtown . 

The Biltmore Estate is the most popular tourist attraction in town, so give yourself time to visit. You can purchase tickets and wander the estate or the gardens. There is also a fabulous kayak tour that goes by the property and gets you on the water with a knowledgeable guide. Book that here . If this is your main reason for visiting, you can even splurge and stay onsite at this magnificent hotel . Other great spots to stay in Asheville include this hotel brand that is incredibly pet-friendly and always a delight or this cool modern spot that is right across from the New Belgium Brewery .

Lake Lure and Chimney Rock

Not far from Asheville is the beautiful Lake Lure. It’s famous for being the setting of the famous movie Dirty Dancing. I would recommend spending one night here so you can enjoy dinner on the lake and a few of the nearby hikes. 

Chimney Rock State Park has some incredible views over the lake and so many stairs that you will work up your dinner. There are waterfalls and stunning overlooks throughout the park. I would recommend climbing up to the views, but also taking the trail to Hickory Nut Falls. 

When you reach the lake, stop at the flowering bridge and enjoy the community garden, often decorated for the season. It’s a beautiful little walk and a great way to get your first lakeside views. Then, stop at the hotel that was the film set for Dirty Dancing (or even book a stay there ). 

We stayed at a cabin on the lake, perfect for quiet reading and slow dog walks through the beautiful leaves. The only other spot I recommend in this area is the Lake House Restaurant. It’s a nice casual dining spot with beautiful views. 

This large city has become a hot spot for friends who either want to escape the madness of New York City or the cold of Minneapolis. Our visits to Charlotte have been filled with friend time, so I don’t have as many tourist suggestions. The food options are fantastic, the beer is next level, and the airport is one of my favorites, thanks to the rocking chairs and biscuits. 

I would recommend walking around the historic Fourth Ward near downtown and picking out your favorite pastel dollhouse. Sample multiple food items at The Market at 7th Street. And if you’re a beer drinker, check out at least two or three breweries.

Plan Your Trip to Experience Fall in North Carolina 

Our full north carolina road trip route.

Here is a link to the Google Map.  

Helpful Tools for a North Carolina Road Trip

Download the AllTrails App to sort through the hiking options. You can easily find ones for the length, difficulty, and accessibility that you’re looking for. You can also download the maps so you won’t get lost even if you lose the cell signal.

Another great road trip app is Autio . This features all kinds of historical information about places you’re driving through and uses GPS to narrate your drive like you’re on a tour. We didn’t have this for our North Carolina trip, but I would love to try it on a future trip to get even more information than I got from my Wikipedia search. 

And don’t forget to check out our full Road Trip Essentials post to see what supplies and snacks we never hit the road without. This list has gotten us all over the United States, through the Outback of Australia , and even through the deserts of Namibia . 

Other Fun Places to Add to Your North Carolina Itinerary

North Carolina is home to quite a few cities that I would like to explore. A friend of ours managed this hotel in Winston-Salem for a while and enjoyed living there. Raleigh is the hometown of another one of our favorite people, and I know there are tons of great spots there. 

I would also love to visit Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you had more time or altered your route to include Knoxville, it would be an easy add-on.

South Carolina is a state that we have yet to step foot in (one of only five), so we definitely want to come back and visit Charleston and other spots in South Carolina. It would have been a great add to this trip if we had more time. 

Reasons We Love Fall in North Carolina

Being able to experience some of the small towns in the Blue Ridge mountains made this a perfect road trip. You could just smell fall in the air with a hint of bonfires, fog, and wet leaves. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with that southern hospitality. There were great filling food options that gave us the energy to hike a little more and enjoy an extra beer sample.

We threw on one of our favorite road trip playlists , which included a mix of bluegrass and folk music, and slowly wound our way through the Blue Ridge Mountains. There was never a back-up of cars, and we had many overlooks to ourselves. Traveling this route on a weekday allowed us to take it all in. 

And honestly, I love Cheerwine. If you’ve never tried this soda, add it to your North Carolina list because it’s hard to find anywhere else. This state has a little bit of everything, and we cannot wait to return in the summer and visit the Outer Banks.

Pin this for your North Carolina fall road trip:

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18 of the Best Day Trips From Charlotte, North Carolina (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Looking for the best day trips from Charlotte? Here are 18 that are perfect for travelers of all ages!

North Carolina is a gorgeous US state that is packed with diversity. Full of history, nature, culture, and more, travelers will never run out of things to do in this incredible place.

Charlotte is the most populated city in North Carolina. This centrally-located city is full of things to do , though visitors will never regret taking a day trip outside the city!

If you are spending a few days in Charlotte, NC, consider taking some day trips so you can further explore the beauty and culture of North Carolina.

History lovers can explore the historic town of Charleston, or head to the capital cities of North Carolina or South Carolina.

Those looking for fun outdoor activities can drive to one of the many lush forests, state parks, gorges, and mountain ranges. Or you can head over to the East coast for a beach day!

No matter what you’re looking for, these day trips from Charlotte allow you to experience the best of the Carolinas!

Make sure you try these top things to do in Charlotte before you head out of the city.

Table of Contents

South Mountains State Park

Lake norman state park, myrtle beach, winston salem, uwharrie national forest, chimney rock state park, crowders mountain state park, andrew jackson state park, daniel stowe botanical garden, hendersonville, best day trips from charlotte, nc.

From visiting Asheville via the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway, to touring the historic downtown of Charleston, to mountain biking in South Mountain State Park, here are some of the best day trips from Charlotte, NC!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

• Distance from Charlotte: 61 miles
• Driving Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Another one of the best day trips from Charlotte is South Mountains State Park.

The park encompasses over 40 miles of hiking trails that wind through lush woodlands, along clear mountain streams, and to the pinnacle of High Shoals Falls, a majestic waterfall cascading over a 60-foot cliff.

Hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore the park’s extensive trail system, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, offering glimpses of the region’s flora and fauna. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also popular activities, with designated trails catering to a variety of outdoor interests.

The park’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the South Mountains themselves, providing panoramic views of the surrounding Piedmont region. Jacob Fork River, which flows through the heart of the park, offers opportunities for fishing and water recreation.

Campers can enjoy a rustic camping experience at one of the park’s family or group campsites. With its emphasis on conservation and recreation, South Mountains State Park provides a haven for those seeking solitude in nature, whether it’s a quiet hike, a scenic picnic, or an adventurous exploration of one of North Carolina’s hidden natural gems.

• Distance from Charlotte: 38 miles
• Driving Time: 47 minutes

Lake Norman State Park, nestled in the picturesque Piedmont region of North Carolina, is a sprawling natural haven that centers around the expansive Lake Norman.

The park offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Norman itself, covering more than 32,000 acres, is a water enthusiast’s paradise, providing ample space for boating, fishing, and water sports.

The park boasts a swim beach for those seeking a refreshing dip in the lake during warmer months, and its fishing pier is a favorite spot for anglers aiming to catch bass, catfish, and various other freshwater species.

Beyond its aquatic offerings, Lake Norman State Park features a network of hiking trails that wind through the lush woodlands, offering visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area. The Lakeshore Trail, in particular, offers scenic views of the lake and is ideal for both hiking and birdwatching.

Camping facilities are available for those who wish to extend their stay, providing a serene overnight experience under the stars.

Lake Norman State Park stands as a gem in the North Carolina State Park system, and it’s a top day trip destination for those hot summer days!

Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Asheville Itinerary

• Distance from Charlotte: 175 miles
• Driving Time: 3 hours

Though it’s a 3-hour drive, Myrtle Beach is one of the best day trips from Charlotte! Situated along the sun-kissed shores of the Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is a renowned coastal destination that seamlessly blends family-friendly attractions with the allure of pristine beaches.

Boasting a wide stretch of golden sand, Myrtle Beach has earned its reputation as the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of uninterrupted coastline. The beach serves as the focal point for visitors, offering opportunities for sunbathing, beachcombing, and a variety of water sports. You can even book a scenic riverboat cruise if you’re looking for a fun group activity that includes sightseeing.

Beyond the sandy shores, the bustling Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a lively hub of activity, lined with shops, restaurants, and amusement parks, providing entertainment for all ages.

Myrtle Beach is not only a coastal retreat but also a golfer’s paradise, with an abundance of world-class golf courses in the surrounding area. The city is home to numerous entertainment complexes, including Broadway at the Beach, featuring theaters, nightlife, and the iconic SkyWheel that offers panoramic views of the coastline.

Myrtle Beach State Park provides a more natural escape, where visitors can explore maritime forests and enjoy fishing from the pier. With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse attractions, and miles of pristine coastline, Myrtle Beach is the perfect beach day trip for the whole family.

• Distance from Charlotte: 79 miles

Winston-Salem, often referred to as the “Twin City” for its dual origins as the towns of Winston and Salem, is a dynamic city in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina.

Known for its rich cultural heritage and contributions to the tobacco and textile industries, Winston-Salem combines history with modernity. The city is home to several historic districts, such as Old Salem , where visitors can step back in time to the Moravian settlement of the 18th century.

The city’s downtown district has undergone revitalization, featuring a mix of historic architecture, vibrant arts and culture venues, and a burgeoning culinary scene.

Winston-Salem is also recognized for its commitment to education and innovation, with Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University contributing to a thriving academic atmosphere.

The city hosts some fun annual events, including the RiverRun International Film Festival and the National Black Theatre Festival, attracting artists and performers from around the world. Innovation Quarter, a research and business district, reflects the city’s forward-thinking approach with a focus on technology, biomedical research, and entrepreneurship.

Winston-Salem’s diverse blend of history, education, and innovation makes it a unique and appealing day trip destination in North Carolina.

• Distance from Charlotte: 49 miles
• Driving Time: 1 hour

Those looking for some quality time with nature can take a day trip to Uwharrie National Forest. Known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling lakes, the forest offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The Uwharrie Mountains, the oldest mountain range in North America, provide a scenic backdrop for the landscape, and visitors can explore a network of trails that wind through the wooded terrain.

Notably, the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail offers a challenging and rewarding hiking experience, taking adventurers through dense hardwood forests and offering stunning views of Badin Lake.

In addition to hiking, Uwharrie National Forest is a haven for recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and off-road adventures. The Badin Lake Recreation Area provides camping opportunities along the shores of Badin Lake, where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the water and engage in water-based activities.

Off-road enthusiasts flock to the forest for the Uwharrie OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Trail System, offering a thrilling experience for those with a penchant for four-wheeling. Uwharrie National Forest stands as a cherished destination that is one of the best adventurous day trips from Charlotte.

Explore more of the state with our list of the 50 best things to do in North Carolina !

• Distance from Charlotte: 126 miles
• Driving Time: 2 hours

Surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, Asheville stands as a vibrant and eclectic city, celebrated for its unique blend of natural beauty, arts, and cultural diversity.

If you choose to visit Asheville on a day trip from Charlotte, consider driving in via the Blue Ridge Parkway! This scenic road showcases some of the best views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The city is renowned for its thriving arts scene, with numerous art galleries, studios, and craft shops dotting the streets of the downtown area. The River Arts District, in particular, is a hub of creativity, where visitors can explore the studios of local artists and witness the creative process firsthand.

Asheville is also a haven for music enthusiasts, hosting a variety of live performances ranging from intimate indie concerts to large-scale music festivals that showcase the rich musical tapestry of the region. Explore the highlights of the city on an electric bike tour so you can cover more ground!

Asheville is also surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah National Forest, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These areas provide a playground for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers, with countless trails leading to waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and diverse ecosystems. See the natural splendor from above on a scenic helicopter flight !

Beyond its natural and cultural attractions, Asheville is known for its culinary scene, boasting a diverse array of farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and culinary events. With its welcoming atmosphere, artistic spirit, and stunning mountain backdrop, Asheville has rightfully earned its reputation as a must-visit destination in the southeastern United States.

• Distance from Charlotte: 102 miles
• Driving Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Greenville, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina, is a city that has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving into a dynamic and attractive urban center.

The downtown area, particularly along the picturesque Reedy River, is a hub of activity with a scenic park, walking trails, and the famous Liberty Bridge, which offers stunning views of Falls Park on the Reedy.

Falls Park Drive, a scenic route winding through the park, offers breathtaking views of the Reedy River and serves as a picturesque gateway to the city’s lush landscapes.

Travelers can explore the city’s historic West End, where historic buildings house a mix of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Greenville’s charming Main Street is often bustling with events, festivals, and a vibrant farmers’ market, fostering a sense of community and energy. The Greenville County Museum of Art is a top local attraction, which houses an impressive collection of American art, Southern paintings, and contemporary pieces.

Greenville is also known for its cultural attractions, including the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and other performances.

The city’s commitment to outdoor recreation is showcased by the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a popular biking and walking path that spans several miles along the Reedy River. Greenville’s economic growth has been fueled by a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

Greenville has become a destination that successfully balances growth with a high quality of life, making it one of the most amazing day trips from Charlotte.

• Distance from Charlotte: 92 miles
• Driving Time: 1.5 hours

Another one of the best day trips from Charlotte, NC is the incredible Lake Lure. A picturesque town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure is renowned for its stunning namesake lake, pristine natural surroundings, and tranquil ambiance that has made it a sought-after destination for relaxation and recreation.

The centerpiece of the town, Lake Lure, is a shimmering jewel surrounded by forested hills, creating a scenic haven for boating, fishing, and waterside leisure.

The town’s beach and water park provide family-friendly amenities, while the Flowering Bridge, a unique garden on the historic Rocky Broad River Bridge, adds a touch of botanical charm to the lakeside experience.

Beyond its aquatic allure, Lake Lure offers a range of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. The surrounding Hickory Nut Gorge is a haven for hiking and rock climbing enthusiasts, with trails leading to panoramic vistas and challenging climbs.

The town also boasts a charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and the nostalgic Lake Lure Inn, a historic hotel that adds a touch of timeless elegance to the community.

From the water park to the water sports, Lake Lure’s combination of excitement and serenity makes this memorable destination one of the best day trips from Charlotte, NC!

Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, exudes Southern charm and historical significance, offering a diverse array of attractions that make it one of the best day trips from Charlotte.

Steeped in history, the city is home to the South Carolina State House, an iconic neoclassical building that has witnessed pivotal moments in American history. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds and take guided tours to learn about the state’s past and the significance of this architectural gem.

The nearby Historic Columbia district showcases a collection of beautifully preserved antebellum homes, such as the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion, providing a glimpse into the city’s antebellum history.

Columbia is not only a city of history but also a vibrant cultural hub with a thriving art and food scene. The Congaree Vista, a historic area turned entertainment district, is brimming with art galleries, shops, and restaurants.

The Columbia Museum of Art houses an impressive collection, ranging from classical to contemporary pieces, while the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden offers fun activities for the whole family.

With its mix of history, culture, and modern amenities, Columbia invites visitors to experience the dynamic spirit of the South in a city that seamlessly blends tradition with progress.

Explore more of South Carolina with a visit to Charleston !

• Distance from Charlotte: 95 miles
• Driving Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Chimney Rock State Park is a natural marvel that draws visitors with its stunning landscapes and iconic rock formations. If you’re looking for rock climbing, hiking, and outdoor adventures, this is one of the best day trips from Charlotte, NC.

At the heart of the park stands the towering monolith known as Chimney Rock, a 535-million-year-old granite outcropping that provides panoramic views of Lake Lure and the surrounding mountains. Accessible by a scenic hike or an elevator ride, the summit offers a breathtaking reward for those who make the ascent.

The park is also home to Hickory Nut Falls, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, cascading dramatically from the cliffs. A network of challenging hiking trails, including the popular Four Seasons Trail, invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore the diverse ecosystems, meandering streams, and lush woodlands that characterize the park. A helicopter tour over the park is the perfect way to admire the vastness of this magnificent area.

In addition to its natural wonders, Chimney Rock State Park offers a range of outdoor activities and educational opportunities. The park provides a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

Educational programs and guided hikes enhance the visitor experience, offering insights into the park’s geological history, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.

Chimney Rock State Park is a highlight of North Carolina’s wilderness, beckoning adventurers to explore its hiking trails and revel in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Ridge region.

• Distance from Charlotte: 85 miles

Asheboro is a charming city in North Carolina known for its blend of Southern hospitality, natural beauty, and a variety of attractions that cater to both residents and visitors.

One of the city’s prominent features is the North Carolina Zoo, one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world. Spanning over 2,600 acres, the zoo is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and a polar bear exhibit. Visitors can explore the immersive exhibits and enjoy educational programs, making the North Carolina Zoo a central hub for family-friendly adventures and wildlife conservation initiatives.

Beyond the zoo, Asheboro boasts a vibrant downtown area with historic architecture, locally-owned shops, and a range of dining options. The city’s cultural scene is enriched by institutions like the Randolph Arts Guild, fostering creativity and showcasing the talents of local artists.

With its welcoming community spirit and diverse attractions, Asheboro offers a well-rounded experience for the whole family.

Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Washington DC

• Distance from Charlotte: 32 miles
• Driving Time: 35 minutes

Crowders Mountain State Park , located in the western part of North Carolina, is a haven for lovers of the outdoors.

The park’s centerpiece is Crowders Mountain, a majestic peak that rises over 800 feet above the surrounding landscape, offering panoramic views of the Piedmont region. Hikers can explore a network of well-maintained trails, with the strenuous hike to the summit of Crowders Mountain being a highlight for those seeking a rewarding trek.

Crowders Mountain State Park also features the iconic King’s Pinnacle, another prominent peak that provides breathtaking views and a challenging ascent for experienced hikers. Beyond the rugged mountain terrain, the park offers opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering, attracting climbers with its granite outcrops and diverse routes.

In addition to its outdoor adventures, Crowders Mountain State Park is a natural retreat that showcases the beauty of the Carolinas. The park is home to diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, meandering streams, and rocky ridges. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and photography amidst the scenic landscapes.

The park’s accessibility from the Charlotte metropolitan area makes it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways, providing a serene escape into nature. With its combination of challenging trails, stunning vistas, and natural tranquility, Crowders Mountain State Park stands as a gem in North Carolina’s state park system.

• Distance from Charlotte: 209 miles
• Driving Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes

Though Charleston is a bit of a long drive, it’s such an incredible city that it’s 100% worth making the trip. It is better suited to a weekend trip, but a day trip from Charlotte is still better than not visiting at all!

Charleston, steeped in history and drenched in Southern charm, is a captivating city on the coast of South Carolina. Known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks, the city offers a journey back in time as visitors stroll through neighborhoods like the French Quarter and South of Broad.

The Battery promenade, lined with stately mansions and oak-lined streets, showcases the city’s architectural beauty and provides breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor.

The iconic Rainbow Row, a series of pastel-hued historic homes, adds a distinctive touch to the cityscape, making it a popular spot for both history enthusiasts and photographers. Take your sightseeing up a notch with a horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic downtown!

Beyond its historic allure, Charleston is celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene. The city is a haven for food lovers, with renowned restaurants serving Lowcountry cuisine, which blends traditional Southern flavors with innovative culinary techniques. From shrimp and grits to she-crab soup, Charleston’s dining establishments offer a mouthwatering journey through the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The city’s waterfront parks, such as Waterfront Park and White Point Garden, provide tranquil retreats, and nearby plantations like Boone Hall and Magnolia Plantation offer glimpses into the area’s complex history.

Charleston really captures the essence of Southern culture, and it’s definitely one of the best day trips from Charlotte, NC!

• Driving Time: 40 minutes

Located in Lancaster, South Carolina, Andrew Jackson State Park is a tribute to the life and legacy of the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. The park encompasses the preserved birthplace of Jackson, a simple cabin where he was born in 1767.

Visitors can explore the Andrew Jackson Museum, which showcases exhibits detailing Jackson’s early years, military career, and presidential accomplishments. The park offers a serene setting with beautiful gardens, walking trails, and picnic areas, making it a peaceful place for reflection on Jackson’s impact on American history.

In addition to its historical significance, Andrew Jackson State Park provides recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a fishing lake where visitors can cast their lines and enjoy a day of angling. The nature trails winding through the wooded areas offer opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.

Special events and educational programs are hosted throughout the year, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the history and culture of the region. Andrew Jackson State Park stands as a valuable resource for both history buffs and nature lovers, providing a well-rounded experience in a scenic and historically significant setting.

Looking to explore more of the US South? Here are our top things to do in Atlanta, Georgia .

• Distance from Charlotte: 22 miles
• Driving Time: 30 minutes

Located in Belmont, North Carolina, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden stands as a breathtaking testament to the beauty and diversity of plant life. It’s only a 30-minute drive from downtown Charlotte, making it one of the best day trips in Charlotte.

Spanning 380 acres, this botanical oasis is a result of the vision of Daniel J. Stowe, a successful businessman and horticulture enthusiast. Established in 1991, the garden has since become a renowned destination, drawing visitors from near and far.

Its meticulously curated landscapes feature a stunning array of themed gardens, including the Four Seasons Garden, Canal Garden, and the Orchid Conservatory, each showcasing a unique facet of botanical splendor.

One of the highlights of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is undoubtedly the Persimmon Trail, a serene path that winds through woodlands and alongside the sparkling waters of Lake Wylie. The Susie Harwood Garden, named in honor of Daniel Stowe’s mother, captivates visitors with its vibrant perennial borders and tranquil water features.

The garden hosts various events and educational programs throughout the year, fostering a sense of community and a deeper understanding of the plant world.

Whether exploring the formal gardens, participating in a workshop, or enjoying a seasonal festival, visitors to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden find themselves immersed in a living tapestry of botanical wonders and natural beauty.

Greensboro, located in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, is a unique city that is a great day trip destination for the whole family.

Known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, Greensboro is home to the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, situated in the historic F.W. Woolworth building. The interactive museum preserves the legacy of the Greensboro sit-ins, a series of nonviolent protests that played a significant role in the fight against racial segregation.

Today, Greensboro embraces its multicultural heritage, and visitors can explore neighborhoods like the revitalized downtown area, which features a mix of historic architecture, modern developments, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Beyond its historical significance, Greensboro is a hub for education and innovation, with several colleges and universities contributing to a dynamic and intellectual atmosphere. The city hosts cultural events and festivals, including the Greensboro Science Center and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, one of the largest multi-purpose venues in the Southeast.

The Bog Garden at Benjamin Park and Greensboro’s extensive parks system provide residents and visitors with opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Greensboro’s eclectic mix of history, culture, and modern amenities makes it a compelling destination for the whole family in the heart of North Carolina.

• Distance from Charlotte: 167 miles
• Driving Time: 2.5 hours

Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina, which is one of the best Charlotte day trips for people of all ages.

The city is part of the Research Triangle, a region known for its concentration of universities, research institutions, and tech companies. This intellectual hub contributes to Raleigh’s dynamic and diverse population, creating a cultural landscape that embraces the arts, technology, and academia.

The downtown area is a mix of historic architecture and contemporary developments, hosting a plethora of museums, galleries, and theaters. You can immerse yourself in the city’s haunted history with a walking ghost tour , which is a fun way to explore at night.

The North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Natural History Museum are just a few more of the cultural gems that showcase the city’s commitment to education and creativity.

Raleigh is also recognized for its extensive park system and green spaces, including the expansive William B. Umstead State Park and the scenic Pullen Park. The city’s commitment to sustainability and outdoor recreation is evident in its numerous greenways and bike-friendly infrastructure.

Raleigh’s southern hospitality is complemented by its culinary scene, featuring diverse restaurants and food trucks that cater to a variety of tastes.

The annual International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Festival and events like the Artsplosure Street Festival contribute to Raleigh’s reputation as a city that celebrates culture and community.

From the Natural History Museum to the exciting festivals, Raleigh is one of the most interesting day trips in the state.

• Distance from Charlotte: 103 miles

Last but not least on our list of the best day trips from Charlotte, Hendersonville is a charming city known for its scenic beauty, vibrant downtown, and a rich tapestry of cultural offerings.

The historic downtown area is characterized by tree-lined streets, unique boutiques, and a lively arts scene. Visitors can explore the Henderson County Heritage Museum, housed in the historic courthouse, to delve into the region’s history and heritage.

The city is renowned for its apple orchards and hosts the annual North Carolina Apple Festival, celebrating the local apple industry with events, live music, and, of course, a variety of apple-centric treats. Travelers can go on seasonal train rides through the orchard before picking apples as well.

Beyond the apples, Hendersonville’s Main Street is adorned with public art, creating a visually appealing atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Another unique attraction is the authentic train depot that stands as a nostalgic reminder of the city’s transportation history.

The natural beauty surrounding Hendersonville adds to its allure, with nearby attractions such as DuPont State Recreational Forest and Pisgah National Forest offering outdoor enthusiasts a playground of waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic vistas.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, just a short drive away, provides breathtaking mountain views and opportunities for leisurely drives.

Hendersonville’s hospitable community spirit is evident in its festivals, including the Garden Jubilee Festival and the Carolina Mountain Ribfest, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for those looking to experience the best of both the cultural and natural wonders of western North Carolina.

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Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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This Fall Foliage-focused Road Trip Through North Carolina Has Charming Towns, Cozy Resorts, and Beautiful Mountain Views

Full of charming small towns, scenic drives, and glorious mountain vistas, Western North Carolina makes for the ultimate fall road trip.

Waynesville

Black mountain.

Cindy Robinson/Getty Images

When the ephemeral magic of fall — crisp, cool air; cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin flavors; and a stunning array of red, orange, and yellow leaves — arrives in the South, there’s one destination that stands out above all others: Western North Carolina. 

“In Western North Carolina, we are very fortunate to have a suitable climate that supports a large diversity of trees and a substantial elevation gradient provided by the mountains that, together, usually give us a very good fall color show,” says Darby Harris, Ph.D., associate instructor of biology at Western Carolina University. With no shortage of hiking trails, overlooks, and quaint mountain towns — all within driving distance of one another — plus more than a handful of access points to the Blue Ridge Parkway , it’s also the perfect place to embark on a road trip. “I start in the northern areas near the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock in early October and work my way south during the following weeks toward Asheville, Waynesville, and finally Sylva and Cherokee by the end of the month,” he says. 

Though there aren’t any hard-and-fast rules for planning a road trip — that’s the beauty of this type of travel — there are a few best practices to keep in mind when heading to the mountains of North Carolina. Matt Bare, founder of The Glamping Collective outside Asheville, tells Travel + Leisure that it’s important to book early and consider weekends: “Peak fall dates fill so quickly, you'll want to book as early as possible to get the best selection of accommodations.” Doing some initial research on points of interest and activities along the way will also be helpful. “To me, the joy of being in the mountains in the fall comes from veering off the beaten path. The popular hiking spots will always be crowded, so don’t be afraid to explore the less-known trails and parks,” says Daniel Fletcher, co-owner of Outland Hospitality in Cashiers. 

Once you have a general idea of when and where you’re going, you can embrace a more flexible mindset. According to Lynda Doucette, a retired national park ranger and the expert in residence at The Swag , it’s important to take your time: “Don’t be in a rush; instead, plan for a leisurely experience.” 

While there are a number of amazing places to see on an autumn road trip through Western North Carolina, we put together some of the region’s highlights — including things to do, places to stay, and where to find the best fall foliage. 

Related: 10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in North Carolina

Courtesy of Visit North Carolina

Asheville is one of the easiest places to begin your fall foliage journey. With an airport served by several major airlines, a lineup of incredible boutique hotels , and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the city is both a destination to discover and a jumping-off point for the rest of the trip. “To experience fall in Asheville is to experience fall at its absolute best,” says Bare. “It's hiking with the most vibrant colors spread across mountaintops followed by crisp air with the best beer around a campfire with new friends and retiring to [a] hot tub to soak the day away.”

Things to Do

“This is the best time of year to hit the most scenic hiking trails the Southeast has to offer,” says Bare — and there are a variety of trails in and around Asheville, ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to more challenging treks. The Biltmore Estate Trails , Lookout Mountain Trail , and the Hard Times Loop Trail are all relatively close to the downtown area, and Bare recommends ending your workout with a brewery lunch; Burial Beer Co. , Thirsty Monk , and Wicked Weed are all great options. 

Where to Stay

The Glamping Collective ’s picturesque mountaintop retreat is located in nearby Clyde. Its domes and glass cabins provide privacy, a comfortable sleep, and some pretty incredible views of the mountains and the changing leaves. If you’d rather stay in Asheville proper, you can’t go wrong with boutique properties like Blind Tiger Asheville , The Radical , or Zelda Dearest .

Jack Robert Photography/Getty Images

If you’ve decided to go west on your road trip, Waynesville should be your next stop. “Fall in Waynesville is one of the most beautiful times to be here. Depending on the elevation, the days are usually warm to enjoy outdoor activities while the evenings offer a crisp chill in the air as the sun sets,” says Doucette. The elevation also plays a critical role in how and when you’ll see the best fall colors. “You’ll want to time your leaf peeping in and around Waynesville based on elevation. Later in the season, lower elevations are much more scenic as the leaves will drop from the trees at the highest elevations early in the season,” she explains. 

Hiking is, unsurprisingly, one of the top fall activities in Waynesville, and Doucette says you can expect to see wildflowers and beautiful creeks reflecting the autumn colors along the way. If you’re hoping to start with something on the easier side, she recommends a stroll around Lake Junaluska, where “the surrounding mountains offer a beautiful landscape to enjoy as you walk the path around the lake.” For a more moderate hike, Bare suggests Waterrock Knob , which is a convenient addition to a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. While you’re on the parkway, put Heintooga Ridge Road and Balsam Mountain Road into your GPS. Doucette says these narrow roads “make a beautiful fall drive through the woods.”

Outside of hikes and scenic drives, Waynesville has several festivals and cultural activities to celebrate the season. To experience what Doucette calls a celebration of “all things apple,” plan to be in town on Saturday, Oct. 19 for the Apple Harvest Festival . If your travel dates don’t align with the festival, you can always get your apple fix — think apple donuts, fritters, and cider — at Barber Orchards Fruit Stand .

The Swag, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the South , is definitively the best place to stay in Waynesville, but fall dates tend to book out a year in advance. You can always call the property to see if there are any last-minute cancellations, but you may have more luck at Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast , Yellow House , or Boyd Mountain Log Cabins .

Sylva is a leaf peeper’s dream; Harris notes the small town is “surrounded by some significant mountain ranges with peaks at 5,000 to 6,000 feet,” giving way to a “fall color show that can last four to six weeks every year.” A little over 20 minutes from Waynesville, Sylva is filled with delightful sights and autumnal activities to complement your road trip. 

“The towns of Sylva and nearby Dillsboro have a thriving restaurant and brewery scene and an eclectic mix of retail shops,” says Harris. The lineup in Sylva includes Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee , White Moon , Balsam Falls Brewing Co. Dalaya , and City Lights Bookstore . If you’re hoping for more adventurous activities, the town also delivers. “The area around Sylva has excellent roads and trails for road biking or mountain biking, especially in the area of Western Carolina University, just south of town,” he adds. 

For more fall foliage sightings, visit the hiking trails at Pinnacle Park or hop back on the parkway. “A significant section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Sylva,” says Harris, who recommends checking out the foliage at Richland Balsam and Devil’s Courthouse.

You can either spend just the day in Sylva — opting to continue on to either Cashiers or Bryson City and Great Smoky Mountains National Park — or rest up at the recently renovated and redesigned Hotel Sylva . The dog-friendly boutique hotel has 35 guest rooms and is conveniently located on Main Street.

Depending on which route you take, it’s about a 40- to 50-minute drive from Sylva to Cashiers, a town that Fletcher describes as a “very relaxed, down-to-earth kind of place” and one where it’s “really easy to immerse yourself in the fall season.” Here, he says, “Nature is endless… and easily accessible; there are great restaurants and warm fireplaces to cozy up by, and the people will always make you feel at home.”

You’ll want to give yourself a minimum of two days to experience the restful nature of Cashiers and take advantage of its unparalleled access to the great outdoors. “A casual stroll through the Village walking trail is great with kids and dogs and will give you all the fall vibes without working too hard,” says Fletcher. Travelers who are hoping to push themselves a little more will appreciate Yellow Mountain Fire Tower , where Fletcher says you’ll discover “one of the most breathtaking views in the region.” Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park is another one of his favorites and a hike that is “relatively easy to get to and packs a serious punch.”

When you’re not out hiking or snapping photos of the fall foliage, feel free to post up in Buck's Coffee Cafe or next to a fireplace in a hotel lounge, drink in hand. 

Cashiers may have a population of under 1,000, but it bats well above average in the hospitality department. High Hampton Resort , the most luxurious stay in town, was recently voted one of T+L readers’ favorite resorts in the South for 2024 . For a more boutique experience, there’s Hotel Cashiers — a retro-chic property with a restaurant, bar, and firepit — or The Wells Hotel , which bills itself as a “mountain boutique bed-and-brewery.”

Staying in the neighboring town of Highlands is also a possibility. Named America’s Best Small Mountain Town in 2023 , Highlands is home to Old Edwards Inn & Spa , Half-Mile Farm , Highlander Mountain House , and Outpost Inn , a 14-room hotel that opened its doors this spring. 

Start your morning early as you drive back up north to Black Mountain and the Asheville area. Time permitting, you may want to stop in Brevard and Hendersonville along the way, the latter of which is called “the apple capital of North Carolina.” 

Once you arrive in Black Mountain, a destination that was known as an artists’ haven in the mid-20th century, the first thing you’ll want to do is explore the downtown area. While the experimental art school, Black Mountain College, closed in 1957, the town’s dedication to art is still evident, as you can see for yourself when popping in and out of the local boutiques and galleries. 

You may also be able to sneak in one or two final fall foliage hikes during your time in Black Mountain. June Bergeron, the innkeeper at Black Mountain Inn , says the fall is absolutely “glorious” in this part of the state, and recommends Blue Ridge Assembly for leaf peeping: “It is a historic YMCA campus set in the mountains… with trails all the way to the top.”

Mark the end of your Western North Carolina road trip with a memorable stay at Black Mountain Inn, The Monte Vista Hotel , or Peri Social House . Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is a 30-minute drive from Black Mountain — or you can choose to add a few days onto your journey, visiting the likes of Little Switzerland , Boone, and Banner Elk. 

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Hurricane Helene live updates: Storm now a dangerous Category 3 as it nears Florida

What we know about hurricane helene.

• Helene is a major Category 3 hurricane with wind speeds of 120 mph. It is expected to make landfall along Florida's Big Bend this evening as a Category 4, bringing the risk of devastating damage.
• The storm was 130 miles west of Tampa as of 5 p.m. ET, traveling northeast at 23 mph.

FEMA Director Deanne Criswell said this afternoon that forecasts suggest Hurricane Helene will make a “dead-on hit to Tallahassee.”

• A storm surge warning is in place for almost the entirety of Florida's west coast, where surging waters described as "unsurvivable" could reach as high as 20 feet in places.
• Hurricane and tropical storm warnings are in place across coastal areas of southern Florida. The National Hurricane Center said: "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion."
• A state of emergency has been declared in 61 of Florida's 67 counties and several are under evacuation orders.

Evacuees ‘praying’ their homes survive Hurricane Helene

Daniella Silva

Reporting from Tallahassee, Florida

Residents under evacuation orders were taking shelter at Fairview Middle School in Tallahassee, fearing what they could be coming home to after Helene strikes the area as a major hurricane tonight.

Lillie Edwards, 60, left her home in coastal Wakulla County and her teenage grandsons after the entire county was placed under mandatory evacuation.

“I’m praying that when we get back that our home is still there,” Edwards said.

Edwards is no stranger to how dangerous storms can be in her area.

During Hurricane Michael in 2018, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm, waters reached up to six feet and flooded her yard and street to the point where “we had to use a boat to get out,” she said.

“All the stuff that was in my yard got washed down to my mom’s yard,” she said. That storm tore the top of the roof of her home, she said.

“We just had our roof replaced and now here we go again,” she said. “I’m praying that we don’t go through the same thing. It’s very scary.”

Some evacuees sat on benches outside the shelter before conditions worsened, others continued to bring in their belongings. Pets are allowed at the shelter and some families with multiple dogs walked their pets outside.

Vera Kelly, 65, was afraid for her neighbors, including family, in her mobile home community in Cascades Village in Leon County who stayed behind and didn’t want to evacuate. Leon County issued a mandatory evacuation for people living in mobile homes “due to the threat of severe winds.” She was at the shelter with her daughter, grandkids and great-grandkids. But another daughter stayed behind.

“There are some people, they’re not going to move no matter what, that’s some part of my family,” she said. “I want them to move. I want them to get out of the trailer.”

“I hope that they can get someone to go out there to Cascades Village and get all those people from out of there,” she said.

VP Harris urges people to treat Hurricane Helene 'very seriously'

Antonio Planas

Vice President Kamala Harris urged people today to take Hurricane Helene “very seriously” as the Category 3 storm heads toward Florida.

“The President and I, of course, are monitoring the case and the situation closely, and we urge everyone who is watching at this very moment to take this storm very seriously and please follow the guidance of your local officials,” Harris said. “President Biden and I, of course, will continue to work closely with state and local officials to ensure that everyone is safe and to protect communities before, during, and after the storm.”

As of 5 p.m. ET, Hurricane Helene had sustained winds of 125 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters warned Helene would likely strengthen into a Category 4 storm before it makes landfall tonight in Florida’s Big Bend.

Hurricane Helene likely to become Category 4 storm before landfall

Hurricane Helene will bring damaging winds and a “catastrophic storm surge” to Florida’s Big Bend this evening, forecasters said.

The Category 3 hurricane was 130 miles west of Tampa and about 175 miles south of Tallahassee, Florida, as of a 5 p.m. ET update from the National Hurricane Center.

Helene recorded maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, and was tracking north-northeast at 23 mph, the hurricane center said.

Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida Big Bend this evening. The hurricane is expected to gain strength, and “will likely be an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane at landfall,” the hurricane center said.

Helene’s damaging winds, especially in gusts, are expected to penetrate well inland, across the southeastern region of the country including over the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians, forecasters said.

Storm surge of 10 to 15 feet is possible in the areas from Apalachicola to Carrabelle and the Suwannee River to Chassahowitzka. The area from Chassahowitzka to the Anclote River could see a storm surge between 8 to 12 feet. And Carrabelle to the Suwannee River could see 15 to 20 feet, according to the hurricane center.

Helene is also expected to bring between 6 to 12 inches of rain to the Southeastern U.S., with isolated totals of about 20 inches, the hurricane center said.

This rainfall will likely result in catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding.

“Numerous significant landslides are expected in steep terrain across the southern Appalachians,” the hurricane center said.

There is also a risk of tornadoes in Florida and parts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

Florida's 'oldest restaurant' closes as Helene approaches

Corky Siemaszko

The iconic Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, which bills itself as Florida's "Oldest Restaurant," announced Thursday it was shutting down "temporarily" due to Hurricane Helene.

The Cuban eatery, which has anchored the lively Ybor City neighborhood since 1905, said on its website it was closing its doors "out of concern for our staff and guests as Helene approaches."

The restaurant also closed it's spinoff in Sarasota on Thursday, a day after it shuttered its namesake restaurant on Clearwater Beach and its cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center.

All locations are expected to reopen on Friday morning, the company said on its website.

Founded by a Cuban immigrant named Casimiro Hernandez Sr., the restaurant is run by his descendants. The last time it closed due to a storm was in 2022 when Hurricane Ian roared into the region .

'This is a death threat': Sheriff warns hundreds could die if they don't evacuate

Jesse Kirsch

Reporting from Perry, Florida

A Florida sheriff is warning hundreds of residents that they are putting their lives at risk if they don’t evacuate low-lying areas because the region could see a historic 20-foot storm surge from Hurricane Helene.

Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett told NBC News today the residents who are refusing to evacuate low-lying areas by the coastline, about 200 people, could very well die. 

“If you’re just bound and determined to stay and not get out of harm’s way, go and take a black magic marker, write your name, your Social Security number, everything on your arm and we can identify you. I don’t like telling people that, but it is going on,” Padgett said.

“That’s a death threat because you’re looking at, they’re calling for 18- or 20-foot storm surge," he continued. "We’ve never had a storm surge like this in this county. These old houses, some of them on this coast, have been there for years and years and years, and they’re just not going to stand up to it. The water — you can kind of hide from the wind — but you can’t hide from that water.”

“I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’ve never been worried about a storm," Padgett said. "I am worried about this storm.”

Taylor County is in northern Florida near the Big Bend region.

The county is also about 60 miles south of Leon County, where Tallahassee is and where Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall tonight.

'Pray for the best': Tallahassee area restaurant owner braces for destruction

Reporting from Panacea, Florida

Jon Turner, owner of The Salty Donkey in Panacea, near Tallahassee, was seen packing up his restaurant this afternoon amid pounding rain and howling wind.

“We’re just going to prepare for the worst, obviously, and hope for the best, and pray for the best,” Turner told NBC News.  

“I’ve been here three months. I love this place, I love this community,” he said, noting the restaurant had also been damaged in Hurricane Michael in 2018. “If it tears up, we’ll rebuild and try again.”

During Michael, he said, water was “about 4 feet deep, maybe 5.”

“It’s a tough situation for us. We want everybody to get out, be safe, do what they need to do to be safe,” Turner said. He's been preparing for days, removing all his kitchen equipment and storing perishables in a refrigerator trailer donated by a family member.

This upcoming weekend was “supposed to be a big money weekend for us” with a local blue crab festival, Turner said.

“We had bands booked Friday, Saturday, Sunday," he said. "As a new restaurant owner these are the weekends that get you through the winter months … Obviously we keep on, do the best we can to keep going.”

Tampa Bay-area bridges already swamped by Helene

Hurricane Helene is still hundreds of miles from Florida, but it's effects are already being felt in and around Tampa where bridges connecting the city to Pinellas County have been swamped all day.

Footage obtained by the Tampa Bay Times show waves churned up by the storm splashing over the guardrails and onto the Howard Frankland Bridge, turning the morning commute into a soggy slog.

As of 3 p.m. ET, drivers heading east or west were still able to cross that bridge as well as the Gandy Bridge and the Courtney Campbell Causeway, the newspaper reported.

More than 100K without power in Florida as Hurricane Helene heads toward landfall

More than 100,000 customers were without power in Florida as Hurricane Helene made its way toward landfall this afternoon.

As of shortly before 3:15 p.m., 107,076 customers were without power, according to a power outage map of the state . The majority of the impact occurred in South Florida along its west coast and east coast. 

Some of the counties that have the most customers without power include Miami-Dade, with 16,552; Sarasota, with 15,896; Collier, with 12,961; Charlotte, with 12,191 and Lee with 10,333. 

Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall near Tallahassee this evening.

Helene's 'catastrophic' impacts will continue as storm moves inland

Denise Chow

Hurricane Helene is expected to weaken after it makes landfall, but the storm’s impacts will still be significant as it moves inland.

Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, said there is the potential for “catastrophic flash flooding” in parts of the Florida Panhandle and southwestern Georgia.

The storm is expected to dump substantial rain over Atlanta and as it passes into northeastern Georgia, South Carolina and western North Carolina, raising the risk of “catastrophic and life-threatening” flooding.

“As the tropical moisture associated with Helene is pushed up the southeastward-facing mountains of the southern Appalachians, we can see widespread rainfall totals 6 to 12 inches — some isolated areas as high as 18 inches — in this region,” Brennan said. “And that’s going to create the potential for very significant flash flooding.”

The southern Appalachians, in particular, will also be at risk for landslides, he added.

Helene may be ‘most intense and destructive storm’ in Tallahassee’s history, mayor says

Hurricane Helene is expected to strengthen before making landfall in Florida tonight. Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey joins José Díaz-Balart, saying his city is “preparing for the worst.”

Helene becomes 'dangerous' major hurricane

Marlene Lenthang

Helene has strengthened into a Category 3 major hurricane.

Air Force hurricane hunters found the maximum sustained winds have increased to 120 mph, the National Hurricane Center said around 2:30 p.m. ET. A Category 3 hurricane has wind speeds ranging from 111 to 129 mph. 

The NHC called the storm ‘dangerous’ and said further strengthening is expected before Helene makes landfall in the Big Bend this evening.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge closes ahead of Helene amid 60 mph wind gusts

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which connects Pinellas County to Manatee County in the Lower Tampa Bay, was closed this afternoon by the Florida Highway Patrol. 

The agency cited deteriorating weather conditions and 60 mph wind gusts for the closure. 

“Motorists are requested to seek alternate routes, do not drive through flooded roads & unless absolutely necessary stay off area roadways,” FHP said.

Space station cameras spot Helene from orbit

Cameras on the exterior of the International Space Station captured jaw-dropping views of Hurricane Helene from space, showing the storm’s eye and huge wall of clouds.

The space station passed near, but not directly overhead, of Helene and beamed back footage from an altitude of 260 miles above Earth.

Helene just shy of Category 3 status

Helene is nearly a major hurricane, with 110 mph maximum sustained winds. 

A Category 3 hurricane has winds ranging from 111-129 mph. Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for damage and loss of life.

It’s now 195 miles southwest of Tampa, moving northeast at 16 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 2 p.m. advisory.

Watch the damage Hurricane Helene caused in Cancun

Hurricane Helene left flooded streets, empty beaches, downed trees and travel disruption after it swept past Cancun, Mexico, on its way to Florida.

FEMA director: Helene expected to make 'dead-on' hit to Tallahassee

She reminded people in the path of Hurricane Helene that they should not underestimate the storm’s threats. “This is going to be a multistate event with the potential for significant impacts from Florida all the way to Tennessee,” Criswell said in a White House briefing.

Criswell outlined FEMA’s efforts to prepare for the storm, which include deploying resources, search and rescue teams, and other personnel to assist with disaster preparedness and response across Florida and Georgia.

She added that President Joe Biden has directed her to travel to affected areas tomorrow to assess the damage. Criswell urged people to take the storm seriously and heed warnings that are in place.

“You need to listen to your local officials,” she said. “If they tell you to evacuate, please do so. And if they tell you to shelter in place, then that’s what you should do. They’re going to give you the best information that you can do for your specific situation. Those decisions can save lives.”

How destructive is a Category 4 hurricane?

Patrick Smith Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

The short answer: They are catastrophic.

Hurricanes are measured on the Saffir-Simpson scale , which rates storms from 1 to 5 based on their wind speed, where 5 is the strongest and most devastating. Hurricane Helene is currently a Category 2 storm, with wind speeds of 100 mph.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Hurricane Helene would reach wind speeds of 115 mph, which would make it a Category 3 storm.

At Category 3, you can expect well-built homes to incur major damage, trees to be snapped or uprooted, and electricity and water to be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

But it is expected to strengthen further, and if Helene is upgraded to a Category 4 storm, this would mean "a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse," the NHC says.

Things could be so bad that the affected areas would be without power and uninhabitable for months.

Florida braces as Helene is expected to strengthen before landfall

Tornado warnings have been issued and flash flooding is already being seen ahead of Hurricane Helene.

The storm is expected to deliver winds topping 125 mph and a potentially deadly storm surge at landfall.

Students at Florida State University seek shelter on campus

Florida State University students who live off campus sought shelter at their school this morning, ahead of Hurricane Helene’s expected landfall later today as a destructive Category 3 or 4 storm.

FSU opened a refuge facility for off-campus students at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center this morning, where students with backpacks, white garbage bags full of belongings, suitcases and pillows began to stream in as rain fell. 

“I was going to stay at my apartment, but as soon as it turned into Category 4, I decided to come over here,” Pranav Sahani, a senior who lives in an apartment in the area, told NBC News. “I’ve been in hurricanes in Florida before, but not a Category 4.” 

He brought a full backpack, blanket, food and “a bunch of video games” with him, he said.

Sahani, 26, said that as the storm picks up later today, he felt he would be safer at the school refuge center than at home.

“I trust this building more than my apartment,” he said.

Sophomores Maya Malouin and Nitya Katwala were afraid of losing power at their apartment and sought shelter on campus after their roommates also left ahead of the storm.

“There’s going to be security here, police. It feels safer,” Malouin, 19, said. 

James Wass, a junior, said he decided to leave his apartment after seeing that the storm could reach Category 3 or 4 and seeing his parents being very concerned for his safety. 

“I don’t want them to worry about me,” he said.

Wass considered driving to Gainesville but chose to move on campus instead.   

He said he has seen big storms during his time at FSU but “not a hurricane like this.”

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said that the city is making preparations to secure everyone’s safety, including its large population of students from Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College.

“We have a student population of about 70,000” and have been working with those institutions, Dailey said. “Yesterday, they shut down the college campuses. We have encouraged the students to go home to be safe. Those students that will be remaining, we have great shelters in place where they can also go to be safe.”

Dailey said he had been in touch with both the governor’s office and the White House ahead of the storm.

Storm surge from Helene could be 'unsurvivable' along Florida's west coast

Hurricane Helene is gaining speed as it charges toward Florida’s Big Bend region, with multiple “life-threatening” hazards expected over the next 12 to 24 hours, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

In some of the hardest-hit spots on the west coast of Florida, storm surge could reach up to 20 feet, creating an “unsurvivable scenario” along those coastlines, Michael Brennan, director of the NHC, said in a live broadcast shortly after 11 a.m. ET.

Helene is currently about 255 miles southwest of Tampa and is moving north at around 14 mph.

“That speed is going to increase to over 20 mph by the time Helene makes landfall later this evening,” Brennan said.

Brennan said the hurricane will undergo “steady or rapid intensification” before making landfall, but added that substantial rainfall is already lashing parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

Helene 'a very large hurricane,' tropical-storm-force winds extend nearly 350 miles outward

Helene is now 255 miles southwest of Tampa, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, moving northeast at 14 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 11 a.m. advisory.

It’s forecast to make landfall this evening. Afterward, Helene is forecast to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley tomorrow and Saturday, the NHC said.

"Helene is a very large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles," the weather service said.

Crews already repairing lines as rain from Helene pelts Florida

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. — Crews in Crawfordville, just south of Tallahassee, were seen this morning already repairing power lines amid pouring rain as Helene churned closer to the coast.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said this morning the state will have 30,000 linemen staged to restore power after the hurricane passes.

JD Vance advises people in danger zones to 'get out now!'

Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, the running mate of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, has urged anyone still in the areas expected to be affected most by storm surges in Florida and Georgia to leave.

"Say a prayer for our friends in Florida and Georgia who are bracing for what seems to be a very bad storm," he said on X this morning.

Vance cancelled two campaign events in Georgia today.

Streets turn into rivers on Florida's Treasure Island

Flooding has already taken over Treasure Island, a barrier island in Pinellas County in the Gulf of Mexico.

The city shared video today showing streets inundated with floodwaters as Helene draws near.

A storm surge warning, tropical storm warning, hurricane watch, flood and tornado watch are in effect for the county, with 4 to 7 feet of storm surge inundation forecast across coastal areas of the county tonight. 

"Elevated coastal waters are forecast to last 24 to 36 hours into Friday evening," the city warned.

DeSantis: 'Nobody in recent memory has seen a storm of this magnitude'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a storm briefing this morning that northern Florida "has not had a major hurricane hit in quite some time, and certainly nobody in recent memory has seen a storm of this magnitude."

The governor said Helene's effects are already being felt in the southern part of the state. Overnight, there were 14 different tornado warnings with more likely today.

Florida has 3,500 soldiers ready to respond to the storm, 200 Florida Highway Patrol troopers are ready to deploy, and the Florida Department of Transportation has 550 generators and 40 large pumps ready to remove water from low-lying areas.

Thus far 80 health care facilities, hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes have reported various levels of evacuations, DeSantis said. Shelters are open and all counties are required to have at least one pet friendly shelter.

The expected impact of Hurricane Helene: Storm surges, flooding and high winds

Kathryn Prociv

As Helene swirls closer, here are some forecast impacts:

Storm surge: Catastrophic storm surge of up to 10 to 20 feet in the Big Bend will travel 10 to 25 miles inland depending on river locations. Tampa Bay and Cedar Key could see record high water levels. Up to 20 feet of storm surge is forecast for Carrabelle to Suwannee River. 

Flooding rainfall: Life-threatening river and flash flooding is likely from Florida to the Carolinas. Up to 20 inches of rain is possible for areas under high risk for flash flooding through tonight including Apalachicola, Tallahassee and Asheville.

Wind threat:  Extreme wind damage is likely from the Florida coast along the I-95 corridor into Tennessee, with widespread power outages likely. Gusts as high as 110 mph are forecast for Tallahassee. 

Video shows Hurricane Helene’s winds pummeling Florida’s Marco Island

Heavy winds and rain battered Marco Island, Florida, ahead of Hurricane Helene’s expected landfall in Florida later today. Helene was forecast to rapidly strengthen and could become a Category 3 or 4 storm.

Helene forecast to intensify into a Category 3 storm by this afternoon

Helene is expected to intensify into a major Category 3 hurricane by this afternoon and continue to intensify until it makes landfall tonight between 8 and 11 p.m. on the Big Bend of Florida. 

At landfall, it’s expected to be a borderline Category 3/Category 4 hurricane with winds around 125 mph. 

A tornado watch is in place for most of the Florida Peninsula until 8 p.m. ET. A tornado has already been reported this morning near the border of Georgia and South Carolina. Tornado watches will expand later today into parts of those states. Forty-two million are under flood watches from Florida to Virginia including the metro areas of Miami, Tampa, Tallahassee, Atlanta, Birmingham and Memphis. 

Flash flood risk will increase overnight as Helene pushes inland, with parts of the Big Bend and southern Appalachians under a high risk.

Pinellas County Sheriff: 'We got a problem. People aren't listening.'

In Pinellas County, near Tampa on Florida's west coast, officials chastised locals who defied mandatory evacuation orders for people living in "Zone A" near the shoreline.

"We got a problem and the problem is way that too many people in Zone A aren’t listening. We’ve been out there this morning, there’s still way too many people in the areas covered by upper Tampa Bay, on Tampa Bay itself, on the East Side and out there in there barrier islands," Sheriff Bob Gualtieri  said this morning.

He said that flooding has already been reported in the area, warning: "It’s going to reach a point where you’ve got 8 ft of water with wave action. It’s just too dangerous. So now’s the time."

Cathie Perkins, director of Pinellas County Emergency Management, warned locals to brace for 5 to 8 feet of storm surge — “that’s enough to sweep your car away and potentially kill people.”

"Dalia was four feet ... where we had over 1,500 homes in Pinellas County flood. We are talking about peak surge of up to 10 feet. This is much higher than what we had for Idalia. So for those of you that stayed in place in the A Zone, this is not the same story. You need to get out of Zone A period," she said.

Huge area at risk from hurricane conditions and tropical storm-force winds

An experimental graphic from the National Hurricane Center shows just how large an area will be affected with severe weather from Hurricane Helene, which extends well beyond the "cone" or central part of the storm.

Floridians prepare as Hurricane Helene approaches

People fill sandbags ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Helene in Clearwater, Florida, on Wednesday.

Helene becomes at Category 2 hurricane

Helene is now a Category 2 hurricane, churning with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. 

“Significant additional strengthening” is forecast before landfall in Florida, the National Hurricane Center warned in an 8 a.m. advisory . 

It’s now located about 320 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, moving north-northeast at 12 mph. 

Students on Big Bend campuses take shelter

Students and staff who live on campus at Florida State University in Tallahassee were told to relocate to the Turnbull Conference Center “to wait out the hurricane” and that they are not allowed to bunker down in residence halls, the school announced .

The refuge space will open at 10 a.m. today and students “must be in place by 12 noon… as travel conditions will begin to deteriorate at that time.” FSU had opened a refuge facility at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center as well for off campus students.

Florida A&M University , also in Tallahassee, has a shelter at the Al Lawson Center run by the Red Cross for students and community residents. University residents on campus are “strongly encouraged” to shelter at the center, but students had the option to stay in their residence halls.

Multiple state universities within the projected path of Helene have shuttered for the rest of the week ahead of Helene's landfall.  

Hurricane Helene intensifies as it takes aim at Florida

Reporting from PANACEA, Florida

Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida as a potentially catastrophic Category 4 storm, as thousands of residents are racing against the clock to evacuate. NBC’s Tom Llamas reports and TODAY’s Al Roker tracks the storm’s projected path.

Georgia and South Carolina at risk of floods, tornadoes and high winds

Florida may feel the brunt of Hurricane Helene but its effects will be felt across the southeastern United States, with an "enhanced risk" of the worst damage expected through northeast Florida into Georgia and South Carolina.

The National Weather Service office in Charleston pointed out that all of South Carolina and Georgia are under either hurricane warnings or tropical storm warnings.

Of particular concern is the risk of tornadoes through today and tonight, the NWS said.

Jacksonville prepares for severe flooding with temporary pumps

The city of Jacksonville is preparing for the worst by bringing in seven temporary pump stations, NBC affiliate WTLV reported last night .

The area suffered significant flooding a month ago and Mayor Donna Deegan is taking no chances.

The fix is temporary while the city invests in a $40 million permanent pump station that will be able to pump some 75,00 gallons, Deegan told a news conference yesterday.

Meteorologist on storm surge threat: 'This is not survivable'

People along the Florida coast at risk of dangerous storm surges should leave now and not take any chances, says Max Defender 8 Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli, with NBC affiliate WFLA of Tampa .

“You cannot survive 20 feet or even 15 feet of storm surge,” he said. “If you’re near the water and you know you’re going to flood, especially if you’re in a mobile home, too. You’ve got to go. You cannot take your chances. This is not survivable.”

A storm surge warning is in place for almost all Florida's west coast, as well as Tampa Bay and Charlotte Bay.

Tallahassee residents prepare for Hurricane Helene’s onslaught

Residents in Tallahassee, Florida, made some last minute preparations on Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Helene’s arrival. NBC South Florida's Lorena Inclan reports.

Hurricane Helene bears down on Florida with potential for big storm surge and tornadoes

Marissa Parra

Reporting from TAMPA, Florida

Hurricane Helene moved toward northern Florida and was expected to strengthen to a category 4 storm with the potential for major storm surge, damaging winds and tornadoes. Evacuations were stepped up in areas prone to flooding and sandbagging was in overdrive. NBC News' Marissa Parra reports.

Florida's Big Bend braces for major hurricane impact

The Big Bend Coast is set for "catastrophic" wind damage, flash flooding from heavy rain, tornadoes and lethal storm surges, the National Weather Service office in Tallahassee warned early today.

Damaging winds would be felt well inland through the state and into Georgia., it said.

Last night the Tallahassee office said the forecast was a "nightmare surge scenario for Apalachee Bay."

"Please, please, please take any evacuation orders seriously!" it said.

Latest forecast indicates Hurricane Helene may hit Florida as a Category 4 storm

Angie Lassman

Florida is facing 48 hours of dangerous extreme weather as Hurricane Helene heads across the Gulf of Mexico. NBC News meteorologist Angie Lassman has the latest forecast on Early Today.