It comes as no surprise that a state as historic as North Carolina has an impressive array of historic attractions. 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. See the falls made famous in Last of the Mohicans. Carowinds expanded its water park in 2016, transforming it into Carolina Harbor and becoming the largest water park in the Carolinas. Ocracoke Island is the southernmost island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, accessible by ferry. But if slowing down really isnt your thing, dont worry. If you have time, be sure to catch a Hurricanes hockey game or one of our epic college sports match ups! We make no guarantees of any price listed on our site. Try stopping in one of these other unique small towns in NC on your way to Wilmington: Morehead City, Surf City, or Topsail Beach. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Then, walk out to the sandy shore for a relaxing dip in the ocean. Close to the famous town of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills is home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where visitors can explore the grounds and a reconstruction of the camp where the Wright Brothers built their first airplane, as well as a replica of their prototype. 5 Best Day Trips in North Carolina - Trips To Discover Read our family friendly guide to Wilmington, NC, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach, NC! There is always something fun and new to try in this cute, artistic town! Take a tour of the racetrack, eat at The Speedway, and attend an event here. North Carolina is a great neighbor to have, and perfect for a day trip destination. 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. For more information, read my full Disclosure HERE. Want more details? Check out these 23 incredible day trips in North Carolina, and let us know your favorites! While there, dont skip the few extra steps up Skyline Trail, the highest peak in the park with an elevation of 2,480 ft, overlooking Chimney Rock. My two top travel destinations in NC are Charlotte and Asheville. It will steal your heart, I promise. In addition to areas that celebrate mountain waterfalls, central rivers and coastal swamps, you can see three exhibits that replicate famed shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast the sunken German sub U-352, Blackbeards flagship, the Queen Annes Revenge, and the Caribsea freighter at this North Carolina Aquarium. Why? Truly, it never ceases to amaze us that some of the best destinations in the U.S. are located right in our backyard. We recommend the Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront and the Courtyard Wilmington Downtown. Here Are Some Of The Best Day Trips In NC You Can Take - Only In Your State Your road trip itineraries are THE BEST! Trying to decide where to eat in Wilmington? While there, visit nearby Mingus Mill - a grist mill dating back to 1886. Im bookmarking this for later this year! Grandfather Mountain is the tallest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and this state park offers visitors the opportunity to see the towering mountain up close. In addition to New Hampshire, North Carolina is also a state I still havent explored on the east coast. 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. 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. In fact, North Carolina is home to the tallest mountain in the east: Mount Mitchell. Asheville Live music at Asheville's ChowChow Festival Stay Here: Linville Falls Lodge and Cottages. The center of the NC shoreline offers untamed beauty, and youre sure to enjoy Americas Favorite Town of Beaufort. Here are some fun things to do in Charlotte depending on the time of year you are visiting: Need somewhere to stay? Fill your second day in Wilmington with a visit to the Battleship North Carolina, historical Fort Fisher, Carolina Beach State Park, more water sports, or just lounging on the beautiful beaches. Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, 9. You are reading "25 Best Day Trips in NC Today". The surrounding mountains offer many hiking trails, as well as several beautiful waterfalls to photograph. Read More: BILTMORE: 27 REASONS FAMILIES ADORE THIS RELAXING ASHEVILLE RESORT, Climb 500 stairs to the top of Chimney Rock State Park, and take in a gorgeous 75-mile panoramic view! Lesli Peterson, the driving force behind 365 Atlanta Traveler, is an authority on the best things to do in Atlanta, across the South, and around the world. 2 and the 9-hole short course known as The Cradle Pinehurst is the largest golf resort in America. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Equipment rentals are available on location. Find out why there are amazing murals dotting old tobacco barns in the middle of nowhere. IF youve been around a while, youll know our family loves a ten day vacation. The high country of North Carolina is primarily known for its winter activities, but truly offers something year-round. The hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are vast and numerous and even include a portion of the famous Appalachian Trail. Are we there yet? Back in the car, head a few miles up the road to Sliding Rock. You can enjoy horseback riding or fishing all this, plus the activities at Antler Hill Village and Winery. Find day trips to take . North Carolina is a great vacation destination because it has it all u002du002d mountains, beaches, big cities, small towns, and plenty of southern charm. 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. Ready to get out of town and explore, but dont want to stray too far from home? With over twenty miles of shoreline, Lake Lure is fed by the clear waters of Rocky Broad River as it makes its way through Hickory Nut Gap. Are you ready to start planning your ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerary? 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. Follow our ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerary to see the best of what NC has to offer. Sometimes it can be difficult to sort through and find the coolest day trips in NC. Need more details? Last summer we went to Kure Beach, it was so great! 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. Non-golfers in the family can relax in the award-winning spa, take a lesson in lawn bowls or croquet, or kayak on the private lake. Hike a trail with a ranger, or explore a kayak trail around one of the islands. I love the OBX too. Best Places to Stay For those who love being outdoors and staying active, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is like a giant playground, considered one of the city's most popular attractions. This sounds like an amazing road trip! We sure do. Check out our epic list of 250 road trip questions to keep the whole car entertained along the way! Dont miss a ferry to the smaller island of Shackleford Banks, where you share the undeveloped shoreline with the Banker Ponies feral horses whose ancestors are believed to be shipwrecked Spanish Mustangs from the late 1500s. Try Linville Falls within Pisgah, or master your rock climbing skills at Linville Gorge, which is said to be the best place for rock climbing in all of North Carolina. The Outer Banks is a must on any NC road trip. It's a beautiful city with a thriving culture, and there's no shortage of things to do in Asheville. This region is known for its culinary delights and cultural experiences. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. And with kids, the state park offers lakeshore hiking and connector trails are unmatched. Here's a list of the 11 oldest towns in the state. Visitors can view collections of art from all over the world at the Ackland Art Museum, take some time to smell the roses at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, or head to the Carolina Basketball Museum for exhibits about the history of UNC basketball. Check out the views on the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy some serious family fun at Tweetsie Railroad, go gem mining, and check out the adorable town of Blowing Rock! Make sure to set your alarm as youll have to catch the ferry to get to this picturesque North Carolina destination. Ready? In just two days your family can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockeys Ridge State Park (the tallest active dune system on the east coast of the USA), Bodie Island Lighthouse, and spend some time on the beach. Here you can spend your time hiking, biking, or swimming and learn about the Cherokee Indians! Visit the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, tour the Whalehead Mansion (paranormal enthusiasts will love it! It is World Cocktail Day What are the best little-known attractions in North Carolina? There is a small admission fee (cash please), which presumably covers the cost for the seasonal lifeguards on duty in this recreation area. Please turn on for a full experience. Burnsville and Yancey County in North Carolina offer a host of interesting indoor and outdoor attractions for visitors of all ages. 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! 20 Awesome Day Trips To Take In North Carolina - Money Inc That's exactly what you'll find at Tweetsie Railroad, a Blue Ridge Mountain theme park that combines history with the flair of the Wild Wild West. - Travel Realizations, Must Do with One Day in Charlotte - Brown Eyed Flower Child, What you Must Do with One Day in Charlotte - Brown Eyed Flower Child. 5 Memorable Train Day Trips You Can Take In North Carolina, These 12 Unique Day Trips In North Carolina Are Ideal For When You Have Nothing To Do, 12 Unforgettable North Carolina Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year, A Charming And Historic Small Town In North Carolina, Hickory Is Seemingly Frozen In Time, These 10 Swimming Holes In North Carolina Will Take Your Summer To Another Level, The Little Known Lake In North Carolina Thatll Be Your New Favorite Destination, Theres A Covered Bridge Trail In North Carolina And Its Everything Youve Ever Dreamed Of, Theres A Scuba Park Hiding In North Carolina Thats Perfect For Your Next Adventure, ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure/Facebook. Nags Head is a part of the Outer Banks known for its beautiful beaches, but there is so much more to this North Carolina town than that. Need more ideas of fun things to do? Mount Mitchell reaches 6,684 feet in elevation at its summit, making it the highest point in America east of the Mississippi, and the park surrounding the peak is certainly one of the most beautiful in the region. Deck the halls Its all copyrighted. , North Carolina looks so beautiful! Stay Here: Best Western Plus Raleigh Crabtree Valley Hotel, Read More: 17+ UNFORGETTABLE THINGS TO DO IN RALEIGH NC THAT YOULL LOVE. Its available for both hikers and bikers. 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. 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. Just south of Greensboro youll find the North Carolina Zoo the nations largest natural-habitat zoo! Privately Guided Half Day Hike. Coming from Brevard, Looking Glass Falls is a must-stop on your way to Sliding Rock. THE BEST Day Trips from North Carolina (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor Slow down and savor this tiny islands pristine beaches, cute shops, and friendly locals. Situated just an hours drive from Asheville, Bryson City invites visitors to kayak or navigate the rapids in a raft on the Nantahala River, head to the famous Tsali trails for some mountain biking, hike or horseback ride through forests and past waterfalls, or spend a peaceful day fishing on Fontana Lake. Not to worry though, youll have plenty of options for small cute NC towns to stop for food, to stretch your legs and find some fun things to do! For the more athletically inclined, Mount Mitchell is also accessible by hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. We absolutely love a half-day excursion with Marsh Cruises, which is super affordable! by Our State Staff Lexington, Davidson, and Carolina Beach If so, wed love to hear from you! Located in Hickory Nut Gorge just beneath the towering hulk of Chimney Rock Mountain is Chimney Rock Village, a charmingly quirky town with plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, and services. Day 3: Outer Banks: Kill Devil Hills. One of the best day trips in North Carolina is a visit to, You may feel like you've been whisked away to France when you arrive at Lavender Oaks Farm, a local farm that specializes in growing different varieties of lavender. So, C'mon friend! Stay Here: Villas of Hatteras Landing by KEES Vacations. Join the journeyit's time we get MORE out of life! Founded in 1710, New Bern boasts fame for the invention of Pepsi in 1898, and for being the home of famous author Nicholas Sparks the area serves as the setting for many of his novels, including The Notebook. This is what draws visitors back here to connect with themselves and oneanother year after year. Or, if youre seeking something else entirely a cultural exhibit, historic site, or something off the beaten path weve got that too! Sowithout further ado, here is my ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerary including my top 10 picks of cool cities to visit in NC: If youve always wanted to visit the Outer Banks, soak up some sun along our amazing National seashore, see epic North Carolina waterfalls, or have been planning a road trip to the Biltmore Estate or scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, then we have got you covered. Seeking a natural body of water to swim in? River and Twine: The Cutest Tiny House Hotel off Interstate 95 in NC! Love North Carolina? 1. Near the summit at exactly one mile above sea level is the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a suspension bridge that extends for over 220 feet over a chasm that drops beneath. Or grab a bite at one of Chef Ashley Christensens restaurants. Feel free to reach out by leaving a comment below or DM me on Instagram with questions. 25 Best Day Trips in NC - VacationIdea.com Beyond Grandfather Mountain is Beech Mountain. MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO NORTH CAROLINA, Follow us here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | MSN | TripAdvisor | Flipboard. Pin this Ultimate North Carolina Road Trip Itinerary! 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! The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Fit in a trip to Linville Gorge and Linville Falls your final morning before heading back home. Hanging Rock State Park offers mountain vibes in the Piedmont with Lower Cascade Falls, the hidden Midnight Hole in the Smokies is worth the hike, and there's even Jordan Lake in Apex for those in the Triangle wanting to swim but not travel too far. This site uses cookies to enhanceyour experience. Lets get this road trip party started! 15 Fun Family Destinations in North Carolina The peaks are great, with views for over 25 miles. Stay Here: Embassy Suites By Hilton Wilmington Riverfront, Read More: 29+ AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN WILMINGTON NC YOU JUST CANT MISS. There are plenty of places to eat a delicious meal. Asheville is amazing!! Asheville is one of the coolest cities in NC with a ton of unique things to do! The water temperature in this area, in summer, hovers in the 50s, which doesnt seem to detract the frolickers. Want to head to the Raleigh/Durham Triangle? Pharmacist Caleb Bradham invented Pepsi in his drugstore in New Bern in 1898. The Biltmore in Asheville remains one of our favorite hidden gems. The Best Day Trips From Charlotte, North Carolina - TripSavvy Stay Here: Hampton Inn and Suites Swansboro. Ocracoke definitely belongs on any NC bucket list. If you only have one week of vacation, choose the eastern 7 day North Carolina itinerary one year for a summer vacation and choose the western 7 day itinerary the following year for a fall vacation. 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. Or take a private yacht charter with Bayonet Enterprises (pictured above). *-*. ), Stay Here: Sleep Inn Bryson City Cherokee, Read More: 9 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN BRYSON CITY NC FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS. You can witness craftsmen performing historic trades, recreate Moravian crafts, enjoy sweets from Winkler Bakery, visit the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) and enjoy the gardens, an essential part of life in Salem since 1766. For more information please check out, From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has so many beautiful state parks. Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is renowned for its arts and cultural scene as well as for its historic buildings. 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. Send me a Printable PDF of theRoad Trip EssentialsANDTravel Planning Tips & WorksheetNow! Thanks for this! Three hundred miles of barrier island beaches make the quaint towns along the coast a peaceful respite for day trips in NC or a weekend getaway. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 11 Day Trips to Take in North Carolina | Our State Guides 11 Day Trips to Take in North Carolina Even if you don't have the time to take a weeklong vacation, you're still in luck. I say start at Beasleys Chicken + Honey and end with a cocktail at Death & Taxes. Music and art paint this town and it has a very creative energy flow. You can hike or drive to the top of this epic landmark to enjoy some of the best views in the region. Click here to grab 7 Secret Hacks for flying free that the founder of Families Fly Free personally uses to take her family of 4 all over the world! We do not sell links or accept unsolicited guest posts under any circumstances. 15 Fun Family Destinations in North Carolina, 2023 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, The Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain, More tips to help protect NC's outdoor spaces, Project 543: Visit the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, Project 543: The Worlds Greatest Sea Weapon, Project 543: Ride the Last Locomotive of the ET&WNC Railroad, Slide, Splash, Swim at North Carolina Water Parks, private and group surfing lessons and camps, Beyond the Guidebook: Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Explore the Wonder of Grandfather Mountain. North Carolina is positively brimming with little-known attractions just waiting to be discovered. For those who love exploring the mountains, North Carolina offers endless wooded trails that will take you to breathtaking high-altitude vistas. Get more stories delivered right to your email. There are so many awesome water activities in North Carolina that you wont want to miss! The trails vary in difficulty and length, from easy to difficult and from under a mile to four-and-a-half miles. Theyll teach you to fish, and then show you how to cook it up! Those looking to get out into the great outdoors will find a plethora of opportunity within a short driving distance for hiking, biking, kayaking, and mountain views. Stay Here: Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville, Read More: 13+ ADVENTUROUS THINGS TO DO IN JACKSONVILLE NC AND THE SURROUNDING AREA. Ive never been to NC but this post just made me put it in my bucket list. Pack up the car, its time to head 2.5 hours to the OBX! North Carolinas home to some big city fun, too! How about a swinging bridge that will give you a jarring and incredible perspective of a waterfall? SoI put together a fun 10 day NC road trip itinerary. All rights reserved. Find some family fun and learn something too at Discovery Place. The entire family will love the town of Emerald Isle, which is part of the Crystal Coast just south of Croatan National Forest. Roanoke lives in infamy as the first attempted settlement in America by the English, a colony that was mysteriously lost. North Carolina is one of the best states in the Eastern part of the US. This is a great place to try kiteboarding and experience the wind like Orville and Wilbur. Splash around in one of North Carolina's swimming holes Breigh Hammarlund / Flickr Seeking a natural body of water to swim in? 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. You can start your visit by driving along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and admiring Mount Mitchell, the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains. Exploring North Carolina often means packing up the car and hitting the road for an epic journey. Im Julie, a North Carolina Mama obsessed with coffee, quotes, self care, and sunsets. Dont even ask. So many places to visit. Id love to visit Charlotte, Asheville and the Outer Banks. In town, New Berns main streets are filled with boutiques and attractions set along the banks of the scenic river. But make your plans in advance, this area gets super busy in October for peek leaf peeping! OBX: What does OBX mean? Corolla, North Carolina, is located in the Outer Banks and has miles and miles of beachfront land full of rental homes great for family vacations, bachelor or bachelorette weekends, or gatherings of any kind. 2. The town of Boone, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a historic area that, like many other towns on this list, offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. 2. This site requires that javascript is enabled. Situated conveniently at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Highway 64 there are a ton of fun things to do in Rocky Mount! 15 of the Best Day Trips in North Carolina - NC Tripping History buffs will enjoy the North Carolina History Center and the New Bern Firemans Museum, while nature lovers or those looking for some fresh ocean air can take a cruise along the rivers or the coast with one of the many charter cruise companies in the area. Enjoy the cool mountain air as you cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a 228-foot suspension bridge spanning an 80-foot chasm at more than 1 mile in elevation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A boat ride to Cape Lookout National Seashore allows visitors to explore a lighthouse watch wild horses on the beaches, and tour a historic town, while Fort Macon State Park is a great place to walk, explore, visit the beach, and learn about its history as a Civil War fort. 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.
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