Searching for the best places to explore in North Carolina on your next weekend trip? North Carolina has a lot of destinations, including lush green national parks, pristine beaches, historical sites, and art galleries where you can explore and have fun. Here are the top not-to-be-missed weekend getaways in NC.
Best Weekend Getaways in NC
1. Asheville
The vibrant town is full of spectacular parks, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains. It is also home to art galleries, museums, fine dining restaurants, and national treasures. Stroll through the vibrant streets of the city lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, and breweries. Go on a boat tour to Lake Lure, a beautiful spot surrounded by granite cliffs. You will be stunned by its natural beauty. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the place while taking a hiking trail. Try outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, boating, tubing, paddleboarding, ziplining, and many more.
2. Wilmington
This is a historic town where you can explore the Second World War battleship that dates back to 1940, museums packed with interesting exhibits, and forts. Wander through the streets on a horse-drawn carriage tour. Listening to a rocking concert at an open-air amphitheater will be an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the two-mile Wilmington Riverwalk, where you will be able to see the best attractions of Wilmington, such as the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and North Carolina Battleship, and breathe in the fresh, salty air.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Climb to the top of the 6600-foot-high Clingmans Dome to have a glimpse of the picturesque view of the colorful wildflowers and foliage. Paddle or kayak along the clear blue waters of the Fontana Lake. Take one of the hiking trails to admire the beauty of one of the cascades and be sprayed with cool, fresh water. Visit Cades Cove, a fertile valley with a stunning view. Enjoy the aquariums packed with astounding aquatic animals, thrilling rides, and historic museums.
4. Greenville
Visit Falls Park, home to the spectacular Reedy River Falls. Its natural beauty will leave you in awe, and its walking trails will keep you entertained. Discover the wide range of animals in the Greenville Zoo. Take a walk or go on a bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail to admire the beautiful scenery. Explore the Paris Mountain Park for diverse activities and experiences. You have swimming holes, walking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for weekend getaways in NC.
5. Brevard
Known as the Land of Waterfalls, the place is a great spot for relaxing, having fun, and relishing the culinary delights. Visit the Looking Glass Falls, unarguably the best waterfalls in North Carolina. Capture the beauty in your eyes and camera to create unforgettable memories. Make a cold splash in the natural water slide at the Sliding Rock. You can also slide down the water slide to feel your adrenaline rushing. Brevard is an excellent destination for fly fishing, arts, and music.
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6. Brunswick Islands
You are assured of the best beach fun at the Brunswick Islands. Watch the sun rise and set from the sandy shores of the beach. The sky lighting with brilliant hues is a glorious sight. Go to the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina at the Old Baldy, if you want an easy climb. If you are looking for a challenging climb, you should go to the youngest lighthouse on Oak Island. Try the fresh, delicious seafood at one of the popular restaurants.
7. Outer Banks
Outer Banks is popular for several activities, including water activities like kayaking, fishing, and boating; land activities like horseback riding, hiking, and kiting; and air activities like helicopter rides. The beaches in the town are warm and perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Kids love to play on the clean sandy beaches. Visit Jockey’s Ridge Park, climb to the top of the tallest dune, and try hand gliding and kiting. Drive on the sandy shores of the National Seashore, watching the waves rolling.
8. Bryson City
The city has something interesting to offer for everyone throughout the year. For those looking for weekend getaways in NC, in the summer, you have a wide variety of water activities to cool off. Float on a tube and relax, or go for thrilling whitewater rafting. You can go for a refreshing swim, splash in the water, fish, canoe, and kayak. Boating in Fontana Lake is an amazing adventure. You can explore the beauty of the city with ziplining. Visit Appalachian Rivers Aquarium, home to a variety of species.
9. Blowing Rock
Despite being a small town, Blowing Rock is a wonderful destination for a weekend getaway. You can relax in a spa or have heart-racing adventures in the theme parks. You can learn about the interesting history of the place in the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Visit the Mystery Hill, home to several unique attractions. One of them is the Natural Gravitational Anatomy, where you are taken by surprise by fun optical illusions. If you want to have fun with your kids or if you want to bring out the inner child in you, visit Bubblerama and squeal in delight playing with giant bubbles.
10. Charlotte
The possibilities to have fun are endless in Charlotte. Visit Carowinds, which is popular for coaster rides and the world’s largest steel rollercoaster. Defy gravity and laugh aloud at the Museum of Illusions. Visit Sea Life, an aquarium displaying a variety of underwater species. You can walk through the tunnel, feed the fish, and enjoy the interactive touch pools. You can take a walking or electric cart tour to see the attractions of the city.
11. Winston-Salem
This charming city is known for its impressive history and stunning architecture. Explore the downtown area on foot, admiring Victorian-style houses and other buildings dating back to the 19th century. The streets are lined with cozy restaurants, galleries, shops, boutiques, and many more. Learn about the lifestyle of the Moravian Community in the 18th century at the Old Salem Museum and Gardens. Visit the Quarry Park, a tranquil spot to relax and unwind. Explore the Reynolda House, which will take you back to the 1920’s.
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12. Crystal Coast
The place is popular for its picturesque, untamed beauty. Take a private boat or Kayak to the Shackleford Banks, a paradise for beachcombers, anglers, and bird watchers. The sandy beaches are less crowded and make a wonderful spot to build sand castles with your family. Bring out the golfer in you in one of the mini-golf courses. Go for jet skiing over the waves, feeling the wind in your hair as you race through the water. Enjoy the outdoor activities at the Golfin Dolphin. This destination is perfect for weekend getaways in NC.
13. Fayetteville
Fayetteville History Museum is a haven for history lovers. The two floors of exhibits will teach you about the evolution of the city. The Cape Fear Botanical Garden, with its natural trails and abundant flora and fauna, is a not-to-be-missed spot. The beautiful fragrance of the roses fills the garden. Zip through the trees, wander through the forests, and climb ladders at the Zipquest. Visit the Fayetteville Veterans Park to pay your homage to the veteran military people.
14. Durham
This vibrant city with a diverse culture will keep you entertained the whole weekend. If you’re looking for weekend getaways in NC, visit the Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO Heritage Century built 1000 years ago. Explore the Durham Castle, built in the 11th century. Take a leisurely walk in the Botanical Garden, wandering through the Alpine garden, woodland garden, winter garden, and glasshouses. Fall in love with the natural beauty at the High Force Waterfalls.
15. Davidson
Several miles of picturesque shoreline are waiting for beach lovers in Davidson. You can enjoy the small-town adventure, tasting the local cuisine and shopping for unique items in the stores lining the streets. Explore the art and history museums. Have endless fun at Lake Norman paddleboarding, jet skiing, fishing, and cruising. Watch stunning ballet performances and live music shows in the evening.
Concluding Words
North Carolina offers great opportunities for outdoor adventures. The waterfalls, mountains, wild horses, beaches, museums, and national parks make it one of the best destinations to enjoy weekend getaways in NC. Pack your bags to visit the top destinations of North Carolina and have an unforgettable experience.
