The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. You can start your visit by driving along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and admiring Mount Mitchell, the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains. Welcome to More than Main Street!! Read More: BEECH MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT: A GREAT FAMILY SNOW VACATION DESTINATION. With a 255-mile charge capacity, I'll only need one stop along the way. Youll want to take a break from the beach, if even for a moment, to explore their National Memorial and the four Coastal lighthouses in this region. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Whether you visit, North Carolina is home to over 59 breathtaking lakes, many of which are perfect for swimming. Road trip to NC with family, friends, on your own, or with a significant other. But make your plans in advance, this area gets super busy in October for peek leaf peeping! Ill definitely keep this guide handy when I visit NC. Have you enjoyed any of them before? But most visitors, and a fair share of locals, find themselves at Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Whether youre a beginner or have surfed before, the staff of trained educators will take you to the next level. For more information please check out, From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has so many beautiful state parks. Pack up the car, its time to head 2.5 hours to the OBX! Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and home to NASCAR. Yes! The center of the NC shoreline offers untamed beauty, and youre sure to enjoy Americas Favorite Town of Beaufort. The surrounding mountains offer many hiking trails, as well as several beautiful waterfalls to photograph. We recommend: (If youre road tripping with kids here are a few more ideas of things to do in Raleigh with kids and family friendly restaurants.). Head out for a half-day of fun that includes lunch, snacks, beverages, and time to kayak. I dont know, I like this road a lot #througheddieslens #northcarolina #visitnc #ncoutdoor_inc #ncoutdoors #artofvisuals #aov #ig_tones #mountain #explore #exploretocreate #explorer #fujifilm #fujifilmx_us #fujifilmxt20 #myfujifilm #travelstoke #tones #road #roadtrip #gooutside #optoutside #photography #naturephotography #wildernessculture #ipulledoverforthis #becreative #creativityfound #creativity #thelifewecapture, I could go for some of this peace and tranquility right about now. Then, walk out to the sandy shore for a relaxing dip in the ocean. Ive been to Raleigh but havent had the chance to see the rest of the state. If you can do it all at once, rock on. Want to head to the Raleigh/Durham Triangle? Here Are Some Of The Best Day Trips In NC You Can Take - Only In Your State Great ideas here for sure!! Whether youre planning a day trip, weekend getaway or weeklong vacation, theres no shortage of things to do in North Carolina. Across the state, you'll find a number of lakes, rivers, waterfall pools, and even some hidden secret spots to elevate your typical swimming experience. A day trip to one of the state's many Civil War monuments will inspire important thinking about the complexities of the past. And there's no such thing as too much travel in my book! Check out our epic list of 250 road trip questions to keep the whole car entertained along the way! When you say white water rafting, I think of the Nantahala River in Bryson City. While there, visit nearby Mingus Mill - a grist mill dating back to 1886. So without further ado, here are 12 unique days trips in North Carolina that are perfect in just about any season. Whether they are looking for a relaxing weekend away, or a day trip full of excitement, families, friends, and solo travelers will all find something to love about Carolina Beach. A little further northwest is Grandfather Mountain, an amazing biodiverse range with formations thought to be over 1 billion years old. Yes, most people know it for the Biltmore Estate, but it is so much more than that! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The park features some amazing rock formations, including the one that gives it its name, as well as some great opportunities for rock climbing or hiking to the top of Chimney Rock, where some spectacular views can be found of nearby Lake Lure and the surrounding area. Dont miss a visit to The Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock State Park, Sliding Rock, and diving head first into the amazing food and beer scene! There are plenty of places to eat a delicious meal. So diverse. The peaks are great, with views for over 25 miles. To learn more about. A: The best Day Trips in North Carolina according to Viator travelers are: Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville. For example, did you realize that North Carolina has its own Fountain of Youth? The 9 Best Day Trips From Charlotte By Laura Scholz Published on 06/25/20 Asheville, NC. All articles belong to 365 Atlanta Family LLC, and all photos belong to us as well, unless otherwise noted. Be mindful of slick rocks around waterfalls and other potential hazards. Spend some time wandering this absolutely adorable small NC town! In Blowing Rock, which is located near the impressive Grandfather Mountain, visitors can hike, bike, or boulder, but they can also relax and enjoy this charming town and all it has to offer. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Just east of Winston-Salem, youll find the awesome town of Greensboro. Fun Things to Do in North Carolina - NC Attractions 11 Day Trips to Take in North Carolina | Our State Stay Here: Hampton Inn and Suites Swansboro. (Theres also an elevator that can take you most of the way up, if 500 steps isnt for you!). Also, just a few miles from the speedway, you can tour Reed Gold Mine which is a North Carolina Historic Site and home to the first documented gold find in the U.S. Wrap up your day with a tour of Rocky River Vineyards, a family-friendly wine tasting venue that is just breathtaking. You can walk, or take a shuttle, from Africas grasslands to North Americas Arctic coast, all in one fun day. Linzey @thefamilyfuntour. Ive never been to NC but this post just made me put it in my bucket list. And always keep an eye on the fun ranger activities going on here. Catch a pro football game at the Bank of America stadium, a show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, or even a concert at the Spectrum Center. 1. Were proud to call NC home and love exploring our state. Stay Here: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach Oceanfront. furniture, museums, gaming, film sites, etc. Stay Here: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Greensboro, NC, Read More: 14 FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN GREENSBORO NC. Stay Here: Linville Falls Lodge and Cottages. How about a swinging bridge that will give you a jarring and incredible perspective of a waterfall? Already been to Beaufort? Great tips and route info! Theres truly no shortage of unique day trips in North Carolina, and weve got just the list to prove it. Art lovers can visit the One of a Kind Art Gallery (OOAK) which is located in the Old Micaville County Store Building. This never impacts how we share the destination with you opinions are always our own and we pride ourselves on that. Finding outdoor adventures in North Carolina is an easy task, although you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Definitely worth a visit!! Its available for both hikers and bikers. Families Fly Free is a program that teaches families how to fly for free using travel rewards including our family! There is bike riding, sporting clays, and floats down the French Broad River. If you're curious to explore the most well-known state parks in North Carolina, you might start with Goose Creek State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, or Signal Mountain State Park. We sure do. Plus, the water park offers soaking games, water slides and cannons, bumper boats and more. theme & water parks, gems, zoos, aquariums, etc. The Outer Banks is a must on any NC road trip. Since you only have one day, you cannot miss visiting the Rocky Mount Mills, a restored cotton mill now housing five craft breweries, three restaurants, and the cutest coffee shop you ever did see! North Carolina is a great neighbor to have, and perfect for a day trip destination. But this itinerary is such a fun way to experience the best this state has to offer. I'm so excited you're here. From big cities to small towns, and from in-town museums and restaurants, to the more secluded beaches and mountains there is just so much to do in North Carolina! Read our family friendly guide to Wilmington, NC, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach, NC! There are seriously so many family friendly things to do in North Carolina. Regardless of your ideal excursion style, North Carolina has much to offer. On land, Ocracoke offers options for hiking, biking, and some amazing food at its restaurants, many of which have docks for guests coming by boat. For a more rustic, backcountry view of Grandfather Mountain, visitors can use one of the many nature trails or hiking trails that lead around the park and to the summit. Its a beautiful city with a thriving culture, and theres no shortage of things to do in Asheville. The town of Kill Devil Hills on the coast of the Atlantic in the Outer Banks is a resort town with plenty of history and activities. Make sure to set your alarm as youll have to catch the ferry to get to this picturesque North Carolina destination. More North Carolina State Parks. The ferry to Cedar Island from Ocracoke takes around two hours. So have we provided enough ideas for you to figure out what to do in North Carolina?? Want more details? This is wonderful! Brevard hosts six festivals every year, and countless events on top of that, but it still manages to maintain the charm of a small town community, with locally owned shops and restaurants and friendly inhabitants. North Carolina is somewhere Id love to visit so Im going to keep your post handy for a future visit! The boardwalk at Carolina Beach is famous nationwide for its shops, restaurants, rides, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. With a lifetime of journeys that span multiple countries and over 30 states in the US, her passion for travel was sparked by a nomadic lifestyle. Accessible by an iconic drawbridge, Wrightsville Island is a close enough drive from the mainland to make a perfect day trip, with restaurants in the village that serve amazing seafood. Dont even ask. , North Carolina looks so beautiful! The Tar Heel State is blessed with an abundance of mountains, beaches, and rivers just waiting to be discovered. Located near the famous town of Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers first achieved flight, and the resort town of Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head is a great spot for vacations or day trips alike. Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment sharing our best day trips in NC. Truly, it never ceases to amaze us that some of the best destinations in the U.S. are located right in our backyard. Visitors can go spelunking amongst the limestone stalactites and stalagmites of Linville Caverns or drive along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful mountains in the region. Road trip to NC with family, friends, on your own, or with a significant other. From hang gliding, to history, to getting your foodie fix there are endless options in the Outer Banks! Visitors can explore the history and ecology of the region at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History or take a guided cruise on the harbor. I just moved to North Carolina in February and am very much looking forward to exploring. North Carolina Day Trip With Kids: Ocracoke, 24. Curious to learn more? Asheville Wilmington might look familiar, even if youve never been; its been the star of over 400 TV and movie productions. Sometimes it can be difficult to sort through and find the coolest day trips in NC. Learn to surf in the emerald green waters of Wrightsville Beach with private and group surfing lessons and camps. Located near the High Country, North Carolinas only show caverns allow visitors to glimpse nature at work inside the mountains. Old Salem Museums & Gardens lets you experience early American history in the unique Moravian settlement of Salem. Roanoke lives in infamy as the first attempted settlement in America by the English, a colony that was mysteriously lost. Ever since we first moved to Raleigh in 2004, Wilmington has been one of our favorite getaways from Raleigh and is one of our favorite places to visit in North Carolina. Asheville Live music at Asheville's ChowChow Festival Hop into the car for your two hour drive this morning to Asheville, NC! Create lifelong memories by visiting these iconic attractions, from a swinging bridge to a former battleship to one of the world's largest zoos. We have new spring cocktails for YOU #mondaymood #worldcocktailday #katherinebrasserie #visitwinstonsalem, They sometimes say to take the road less traveled. Here you can spend your time hiking, biking, or swimming and learn about the Cherokee Indians! Stay Here: Hampton Inn and Suites Jacksonville. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), 25 Best Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach NC in 2023. Im definitely keeping this post handy. Situated on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. 20 Awesome Day Trips To Take In North Carolina - Money Inc What are the best little-known attractions in North Carolina? Near the military base of Fort Bragg lies Fayetteville, a historic town with a lot of passion. Although we recommend staying in the Asheville area as your home base for this North Carolina road trip (to minimize switching accommodations every night) a day trip to Cherokee, NC is a must! Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. From the beaches of the Outer Banks to the tallest mountains of the Blue Ridge range, North Carolina contains endless opportunities for sightseeing and activities. What are the oldest attractions in North Carolina? It will steal your heart, I promise. See the falls made famous in Last of the Mohicans. North Carolina is beautiful year round, however there are pros and cons to each area and travel season. North Carolina day trips: Roanoke Island. There is also a trail to the mountains waterfall. Carowinds expanded its water park in 2016, transforming it into Carolina Harbor and becoming the largest water park in the Carolinas. Are you ready to start planning your ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerary? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It felt like our own little private spot. Youll explore Hammocks Beach State Park and the surrounding islands looking for sand dollars, sharks teeth, and whelk. Spend the morning here before driving on a half an hour to Boone, North Carolina! Comprising more than 500,000 acres, this forest features whitewater rivers, waterfalls, hundreds of miles of trails and popular campsites. For more information, read my full Disclosure HERE. NoDa This is a small hipster district right outside of Uptown Charlotte. Chimney Rock State Park is a huge draw for visitors, and the entrance to this beautiful park is laughably easy to find, as its located right on Main Street in town. With abundant wildlife, verdant foliage, and its iconic mist-covered mountains, this park is perfect for camping enthusiasts, hikers, and those with an appreciation for natural beauty. Slow moving ground water created underground labyrinths forming an incredible series of rooms, passages and spectacular formations. There are so many great places in NC to enjoy the outdoors and the cutest small towns too!! Breakfast & Brunch Tours (200) Beer Tours Wine Tours Historic Sites & Gardens Lighthouses & Pirates Gem & Gold Mining Mini Golf & Fun Centers Museums & Quirky Water Parks Zoos & Animal Parks Beaches (105)Bird & Wildlife Scenic Drives Rivers & Lakes (74) Aerial Fun (101) Stay Here: Villas of Hatteras Landing by KEES Vacations. With over 200 miles of coastline, youll never cover the entire Outer Banks in just a few days, but you can certainly see some of the highlights. ), explore the historic Corolla Village, or hike the banks of the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Reserve while youre there!