Five Amazing Day Trips: North Carolina

The southern state of North Carolina offers a wide range of things to do, from the long stretches of sandy beaches known as the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains in the western portion of the state. Regardless of the direction you travel, expect to find both large and small cities and towns with amazing museums and attractions, historic points of interest, unique accommodations, and plenty of southern hospitality. The culinary scene covers everything from fine dining to award-winning barbecue and small-town gems serving up local cuisine, many with a contemporary twist. Take a road trip to visit the charming mountain towns or use Raleigh or Charlotte as your home base to discover the many things to do throughout the central regions. Our day trips begin in Charlotte and showcase many of the great destinations in the state.

Here are five great day trips across Tar Heel State:

Asheboro (Museums & Attractions)

Located less than 1.5 hours northeast of Charlotte, Asheboro is home to the award-winning North Carolina Zoo. The features over 1,800 animals in naturalistic habitats of wooded forests and rolling hills that blend perfectly into North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Spend the day visiting African and North American habitats, including both desert and tropical regions. Upgrade your visit with a Ride-and-a-Guide or VIP Tour, and choose from the small group tours or get behind-the-scenes access. Other unique attractions to enjoy are the Zoofari open-air vehicle tour of the grasslands, Air Hike Ropes Course, Treehouse Trek, and the Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden. Expect to spend a majority of the day here, with over 2,600 acres and large exhibits, you won’t want to rush to ensure you see the many animal species, including the largest chimpanzee troop of any zoo in America.

Asheville (Tours & Experiences)

Located two hours west of Charlotte in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville attracts visitors from around the country for its many points of interest, including the Biltmore Estate, the Omni Grove Park Inn, and the shops at the Grove Arcade. Our day trip explores the local food scene on the Original Asheville Downtown Food Tour. The Downtown Tour option visits at least half a dozen handpicked downtown restaurants and food shops, giving you a chance to experience a variety of food tastings and perfectly paired beverages on this unforgettable tour. Before and after the tour, spend time visiting the many shops and galleries across the eclectic neighborhoods. Two of the must-visit neighborhoods are The River Arts District, with over 200 active art studios and galleries, and historic Biltmore Village, with a wide range of stores selling everything from kitchen items to locally made arts and crafts.

Greensboro (Museums & Attractions)

The city of Greensboro is located 90 miles north of Charlotte and offers visitors an almost endless list of things to do, from historic points of interest to family attractions and unique shopping and dining experiences. This day trip takes you to the Greensboro Science Center, a great family attraction that includes an aquarium, museum, aerial adventure park, and a zoo. Spend the day visiting the indoor aquarium and museum exhibits before venturing outdoors to see the animal discovery zoological park. The diversity of exhibits, from penguins and sharks to Nile crocodiles and Sumatran tigers, is sure to make for a memorable family experience. Take a break from the animal and museum exhibits to venture through the Skywild Ropes Course and check out what’s playing on the 40-foot dome inside the Omnisphere Theater.

Pinehurst (Sports & Sporting Events)

The village of Pinehurst includes a world-class golf resort located about 100 miles north of Charlotte that features nine legendary 18-hole courses, including the famous Pinehurst No. 2. A day trip to the Pinehurst Resort is the perfect way to enjoy a round of championship golf, making plans to return another time to experience the luxurious accommodations and amenities that include spa services, restaurants, and unique shops. The courses were designed by the “who’s who” in golf course architecture, from Donald Ross to Jack Nicholas, each memorable and unique. Pinehurst is one of a handful of amazing golf resorts across the United States; however, the rich history and southern hospitality are unique to this destination. If your level of golf is not up to par, there are also spa packages, bed and breakfast packages, and a short golf course that is enjoyable for everyone. After a few rounds of golf, you’ll quickly understand why the resort has hosted more single golf championships than any course in the country.

Winston-Salem (Museums & Attractions)

Located about 80 miles north of Charlotte in the Piedmont Triad region, Winston-Salem is one of the largest cities in North Carolina and home to Wake Forest and Winston-Salem University. This day trip explores the rich culture and history in the area with a visit to Old Salem Museum and Gardens, a restored Moravian community that features four unique museums. The National Historic Landmark is considered one of the most comprehensive cultural and heritage museums in the United States. Take the self-guided tour, visiting the restored buildings and one of the finest collections of furniture, ceramics, metalwork, needlework, paintings, prints, and other decorative arts in the South. Begin at the Old Salem Visitor Center before heading to the historic district to learn about daily life in the community through interpretive guides located at each of the points of interest. It’s easy to work up an appetite during this day trip, so make sure to find the Winkler Bakery, famous for its Moravian cookies, and the Muddy Creek Café for lunch.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!