No problem, because an elevator inside the mountain can lift visitors up to the top of Chimney Rock, so no one has to miss out on the view. As you can see, there are endless memorable things to do in North Carolina. Please turn on for a full experience. A day trip to one of the state's many Civil War monuments will inspire important thinking about the complexities of the past. 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. 11 Must-Go To Day Trips In North Carolina - The Odyssey Online This region is known for its culinary delights and cultural experiences. With nine 18-hole golf courses including the world-renowned Pinehurst No. 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. Watch for sea turtles, climb the lighthouse, and if you can extend your day trip see the stars here like nowhere else on earth. Great Woodland Adventure Trail features discovery stations for kids, each showcasing a locally-made sculpture. Wed love to hear all about your memories and experiences in the comments below! Cherokee, North Carolina is a town inside the Eastern Cherokee Reservation, and it offers visitors an amazing look into Native American culture and history through museums, shops, and shows. It can be a challenge to plan a family vacation or weekend getaway that appeals to kids of all ages and parentstoo. In addition to New Hampshire, North Carolina is also a state I still havent explored on the east coast. It brings in over 200K paddlers every year! We recommend the Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront and the Courtyard Wilmington Downtown. The Emerald Outback trail system here has a 7-mile network designed by former National Mountain Bike Series Champion Todd Branham from Long Cane Trails. 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. In addition to the unique day trips in North Carolina that we've outlined above, there are several others that belong on any explorer's itinerary. It is a gorgeous waterfall visible from the highway, making it one of the most photographed waterfalls in the east. My family is in Cary, so we spent alot of time there. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Its available for both hikers and bikers. Need somewhere to stay? <3 Loved the beaches in Wilmington and loved pretty much everything about AshevilleI'd love to go back again someday! Truly, it never ceases to amaze us that some of the best destinations in the U.S. are located right in our backyard. But if slowing down really isnt your thing, dont worry. #pricelake #blueridgeparkway #blueridge #nationalpark #nationalparks #findyourpark #americasbestidea #blueridgemoments #blueridgeoutdoors #ncoutdoors #828isgreat #landscapephotography #explorenc #optoutside #visitNC #lazyshutters #ashevilletrails #romanticasheville #booneview #national_park_photography #nationalparkgeek #naturalnorthcarolina #usinterior #photooftheday #earthoutdoors #nationalparkspartnership #explorecarolina #wnc blueridgenps nationalparklife blowingrocknc exploreboone, Kayaking this morning on Lake Nantahala there were only a handful of people out on boats. Definitely worth a visit!! Thanks for this! Which state parks should I visit in North Carolina? Youll explore Hammocks Beach State Park and the surrounding islands looking for sand dollars, sharks teeth, and whelk. Pisgah National Forest, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is 500,000 acres with plenty to do including biking, scenic driving, camping, horseback riding, fishing and more. I'm so excited you're here. This is your opportunity to see the rivers and ocean from a unique perspective. Ive never been to NC but this post just made me put it in my bucket list. 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. Learn to hang glide over soft sand dunes or fly tandem with an instructor at Kitty Hawk Kites. What are the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina? The boardwalk at Carolina Beach is famous nationwide for its shops, restaurants, rides, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Roanoke lives in infamy as the first attempted settlement in America by the English, a colony that was mysteriously lost. Asheville is one of the coolest cities in NC with a ton of unique things to do! restaurants, food tours, breweries, wineries, etc. Raleigh is an up and coming foodie destination! Via the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, visitors can even drive to the summit, where they will follow the mountain road through twists and turns to the observation deck for a spectacular 360 degree view of the park and surrounding peaks and region. 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. Thank you! 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! Stay Here: Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville, Read More: 13+ ADVENTUROUS THINGS TO DO IN JACKSONVILLE NC AND THE SURROUNDING AREA. Some of the oldest buildings include the Alexander Long Plantation Hosue, Salem Tavern, and St. Philips Moravian Church. With a 255-mile charge capacity, I'll only need one stop along the way. Or, if youre seeking something else entirely a cultural exhibit, historic site, or something off the beaten path weve got that too! THE TOP 20 North Carolina Day Trips (w/Prices) - Viator Beyond Grandfather Mountain is Beech Mountain. More North Carolina State Parks. Besides climbing the lighthouse, you can enjoy shelling, swimming, fishing, and tour Portsmouth Village, and other outdoor activities. For more inspiration, you can check out. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. She is a James Beard award-winning chef, with plenty of eateries to choose from. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Make your ferry reservation in advance during the busy summer months so you dont miss out on precious time on the island! North Carolina is a great neighbor to have, and perfect for a day trip destination. Slow down and savor this tiny islands pristine beaches, cute shops, and friendly locals. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Lounge on the beach, rent jet skis, or take a surfing lesson. When you say white water rafting, I think of the Nantahala River in Bryson City. 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. #christmastime #pinehurstresort #carolinahotel #pinehurst #xmas #hallways #oldhotel #classic #christmas #chrisaumanphotography #visitnc, Some early St. Patrick's Day fun with the annual Green River Revival..#usnwc #whitewatercenter #stpatricksday #charlottenc #cltnc #exploreclt #charlottesgotalot #discover_carolinas #discovernc #discoverclt #visitnc #northcarolina, Two important announcements: There is always something fun and new to try in this cute, artistic town! Check out these awesome family friendly AirBnBs in the Outer Banks and our family favorite place to stay: The Saturday House. beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc. 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. Wilmington. I say start at Beasleys Chicken + Honey and end with a cocktail at Death & Taxes. Feel free to reach out by leaving a comment below or DM me on Instagram with questions. Yep, you read that right! 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. On the road againdrive 3.5 hours to Charlotte, NC! 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! The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Some of the best little-known attractions in North Carolina like a fountain of youth, swinging bridges, and much more can be found on our list of 10 places only locals know. Please turn on for a full experience. Day 3: Outer Banks: Kill Devil Hills. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Romantic North Carolina Day Trip: Mount Mitchell State Park, 22. Follow our ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerary to see the best of what NC has to offer. This unique artists' colony is nestled just fifteen minutes past Asheboro. Soak up the beauty of Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. Atlantic Beach is one of only five communities located on the barrier island of Bogue Banks in North Carolinas Outer Banks. Asheville Live music at Asheville's ChowChow Festival Check out these 23 incredible day trips in North Carolina, and let us know your favorites! Connect with wildlife from two different continents (and a third coming in the next few years!) This road trip looks awesome! Just south of Greensboro youll find the North Carolina Zoo the nations largest natural-habitat zoo! as you explore 500 acres of exhibits carefully constructed to resemble natural habitats. 15 of the Best Day Trips in North Carolina - NC Tripping Of course, the towns of North Carolina are also incredibly historic. 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. Our quick picks of where to eat in Wilmington: For a full list, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Wilmington. For some reason that amount of time works for us. More things to do in Fayetteville. Starting in Brevard, the, Looking Glass Rock, North Carolina 28712, USA, Waterfalls, forest canopies, zip lines, treetop stairs - all in Fayetteville? Love North Carolina? 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. 1. OBX is simply a local abbreviation for the Outer Banks. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Its a beautiful city with a thriving culture, and theres no shortage of things to do in Asheville. In town, visitors to Corolla will find an abundance of shops and restaurants to whet their appetites. Great, I thought. Id love to visit Charlotte, Asheville and the Outer Banks. The entire family will love the town of Emerald Isle, which is part of the Crystal Coast just south of Croatan National Forest. Finding outdoor adventures in North Carolina is an easy task, although you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Here are some fun things to do in Charlotte depending on the time of year you are visiting: Need somewhere to stay? Thank you! Pro tip: Keep to designated trails and durable surfaces. Most of these parks offer wonderful recreational facilities, including camping, so you can look forward to extending your stay. Crowders Mountain State Park is another rock climbing favorite. The Northern beaches were home to Americas first colony and the Wright Brothers first flight. From the wealth of activities on the beach, from sunbathing to paddleboarding to miniature golf, its easy to find things to do on Emerald Isle, where the island places special emphasis on creating an atmosphere suitable for family fun. (Theres also more fun to be had in this picturesque town! This site requires that javascript is enabled. Located in Charlotte, this fun-filled property offers rope courses, zip lining, white water rafting, forested trails, and mountain biking. Want to head to the Raleigh/Durham Triangle? Explore The Blue Ridge Mountains: Private Day Trip from Asheville. Throughout the summer, the quarry will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Just be sure to, The Quarry at Carrigan Farms, 1213 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115, USA, Divine Llama Vineyards, 4126 Divine Llama Ln, East Bend, NC 27018, USA, Aloha Safari Park, 159 Mini Ln, Cameron, NC 28326, USA, If you find yourself along the Outer Banks, you should definitely take time to visit Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo. Near the coast of North Carolina, along the Trent and Neuse Rivers is New Bern, one of the oldest towns in the state. Find out why there are amazing murals dotting old tobacco barns in the middle of nowhere. The trailhead is just beside the Animal Discovery Den, which houses several live animals for kids to enjoy. Equipment rentals are available on location. Im bookmarking this for later this year! The Biltmore in Asheville remains one of our favorite hidden gems. Youll find out more about it in our Mountains section below. 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. So have we provided enough ideas for you to figure out what to do in North Carolina?? This is a fantastic getaway in winter for skiing its North Carolinas highest elevation or in summer for mountain biking. Day Trips in North Carolina (Western) We first focus on our favorite day trips in North Carolina's mountains and in the surrounding foothills. The climate in the area is very warm, and Lake Lure and the surrounding region is well suited for hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming. A visit to Chapel Hill will show visitors almost immediately why its such a popular destination for tourists. Looking for outdoor adventure? Sowithout further ado, here is my ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerary including my top 10 picks of cool cities to visit in NC: Day 1: Raleigh. The Ultimate North Carolina Road Trip Itinerary. 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. Here you can spend your time hiking, biking, or swimming and learn about the Cherokee Indians! This family theme park features a 3-mile steam-powered train ride, which plays host to special events throughout the year such as Day Out With Thomas and Ghost Train. Theres also a ton of room for kids to run and play to get out some of that energy. 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. 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. Stay Here: Hampton Inn and Suites Jacksonville. Walk the miles of trails, and behold the work of Mother Nature. Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment sharing our best day trips in NC. Day Trips in NC - The Coolest North Carolina Day Trips It will steal your heart, I promise. In fact, it's one of the most popular parks in the United States. My hubby and I love road trips so your post is perfect! Chapel Hill is also home to the Carr Mill Mall, a historic market, and the Weaver Street Market, where visitors will find not only shopping but also food and music. Were kicking off this road trip in Raleigh or Charlotte. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. A little further South in the Outer Banks is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is renowned for its arts and cultural scene as well as for its historic buildings. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. 23 Top Things to Do in North Carolina - U.S. News Travel Out on the water, Kill Devils Hill is well known as a surfing destination and for being a great spot for kayaking, fishing, and boating. 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. Theyll teach you to fish, and then show you how to cook it up! Insider Tip: Visit to the Mast General Store and the Daniel Boone Inn for a unique North Carolina experience! But this itinerary is such a fun way to experience the best this state has to offer. Thanks for sharing these details and for making this trek feel totally do-able! 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. What are the oldest attractions in North Carolina? So many beautiful places to explore in NC. This national park receives almost 12 million visitors a year, making it the most visited national park in the United States. 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. If you have time, be sure to catch a Hurricanes hockey game or one of our epic college sports match ups! Back in the car, head a few miles up the road to Sliding Rock. Most mines are open spring-autumn. 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. There are so many great places in NC to enjoy the outdoors and the cutest small towns too!! Thanks for this wonderful guide! Getty Images From craft breweries to neighborhood art galleries and world-class museums, Charlotte offers enough activities to keep anyone occupied during a short excursion or longer stay. 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. See our guide to cool things to do for a fun day in North Carolina. 11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains SoI put together a fun 10 day NC road trip itinerary. Create lifelong memories by visiting these iconic attractions, from a swinging bridge to a former battleship to one of the world's largest zoos. So much to discover!! Love North Carolina? Looking for something less developed? Did you know that (with a permit) you can drive your 4WD onto the beach at the Northern-most point of Topsail Island? North Carolina is beautiful year round, however there are pros and cons to each area and travel season. Lake Lure is a huge lake that approximates over 700 acres in Hickory Nut Gorge in the western part of the state. There are a ton of unique places this area of the state like fun mountain cabins and these cool North Carolina treehouses. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Asheville is amazing!! 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. Wrightsville Beach consists of a four mile long island off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, as well as an interior island, and a few bits of the mainland. 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. North Carolina is one of the best states in the Eastern part of the US. Explore the mountains of North Carolina! Bryson City is where to go for a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad through the Nantahala Gorge. Its all copyrighted. Visitors to Brevard will adore the atmosphere in the town, which is cultured yet quiet, and boasts a thriving music scene with everything from symphonic orchestras, live bar performances, and bustling music festivals. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 25 Best Day Trips in NC - VacationIdea.com North Carolina Day Trip With Kids: Ocracoke, 24. I havent been to this area so looking forward to trying some of your suggestions. 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. Book the best day trips from North Carolina, United States directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. But, because Im also a realist, Ive split up this itinerary into two seven day itineraries for those of you who cant swing a two week trip. In addition to hiking in the mountains, other memorable outdoor adventures in North Carolina include kayaking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and many more. Fit in a trip to Linville Gorge and Linville Falls your final morning before heading back home. To be totally honest, North Carolina is a pretty difficult state to road trip all in one fell swoop. We also give two thumbs up to Cape Fear Riverboats 4-hour nature cruise! But make your plans in advance, this area gets super busy in October for peek leaf peeping! Welcome to NC!! Already been to Beaufort? Ready to get out of town and explore, but dont want to stray too far from home? It felt like our own little private spot. Once youve arrived in Cedar Island, we recommend driving one more hour to Beaufort, NC for some lunch. United States Copyright, 365 Atlanta Family, LLC, View our Privacy Policy | Subscribe to our Newsletter | Contact Site Owner | View Terms & Conditions | About Us. This post contains affiliate links which means I could earn a small commission, if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Linzey @thefamilyfuntour. There is also a trail to the mountains waterfall. In town, New Berns main streets are filled with boutiques and attractions set along the banks of the scenic river. theme & water parks, gems, zoos, aquariums, etc. The town of Corolla has plenty to do, from climbing the stairs of the beautiful and scenic Currituck Beach Lighthouse to visiting the historic Whalehead Club. Well be highlighting some popular cities in NC but also some of the best small towns along the way! 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. Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, 9. 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! Read More: 33 THINGS TO DO IN OUTER BANKS BY TOWN (+ an itinerary). With a beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or surfing and a town with world class restaurants and stunning galleries for visitors to enjoy, Nags Head also offers options like snorkeling, finding and exploring old shipwrecks, kayaking, and hang gliding. 20 Awesome Day Trips To Take In North Carolina By Liz Flynn Posted on March 15, 2022 Updated on November 3, 2022 The beautiful state of North Carolina is known for its expansive beaches on the Atlantic Coast and Outer Banks barrier islands. Today, this beautiful garden adorns unique history, statues such as the Virginia Dare statue, gorgeous plants, and flowers. The whitewater center looks especially fun! There are so many awesome water activities in North Carolina that you wont want to miss! We absolutely love a half-day excursion with Marsh Cruises, which is super affordable! We are not responsible for content on external web sites linked from ours, including linked resources, an external blog post, any partner site, hotel property sites, or affiliate sites. Exploring North Carolina often means packing up the car and hitting the road for an epic journey. 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. furniture, museums, gaming, film sites, etc. Or grab a bite at one of Chef Ashley Christensens restaurants. Read More: 100+ Hiking Trails in North Carolina All of these day trips from Raleigh are reachable within two hours, with one exception in our "outdoors" section. There is a way to fly your family for free and its easy to learn! Comprising more than 500,000 acres, this forest features whitewater rivers, waterfalls, hundreds of miles of trails and popular campsites. Im Julie, a North Carolina Mama obsessed with coffee, quotes, self care, and sunsets. For example, did you realize that North Carolina has its own Fountain of Youth? Pinned your post and I hope to plan a trip to NC in the future! It is World Cocktail Day Custom Half-Day Photo Tour with Photography Lessons . Carolina Beach, south of Wilmington, is a delightful mix of beach and vintage seaside boardwalk. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There is a small admission fee (cash please), which presumably covers the cost for the seasonal lifeguards on duty in this recreation area.
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day trips north carolina
