Day Trips From Raleigh With Friends
From Raleigh, North Carolina
12 Amazing Destinations
Perfect for day trips
Raleigh, North Carolina, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a plethora of day trip opportunities. From the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the charming coastal towns and historic sites, there's something for every interest. Whether you're looking to explore nature, indulge in local cuisine, or immerse yourself in culture, these day trips from Raleigh offer a diverse range of experiences that will make your journey unforgettable.
1. Asheville
Asheville is a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and rich history. Explore the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the United States, or stroll through the River Arts District to discover local art galleries and studios. Don't miss the opportunity to hike in the nearby Pisgah National Forest or enjoy a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Biltmore Estate
- ✓River Arts District
- ✓Pisgah National Forest
- ✓Blue Ridge Parkway
- ✓Downtown Asheville
2. Wilmington
Wilmington is a charming coastal city with a rich history and beautiful beaches. Visit the Cape Fear Museum to learn about the area's past, or take a stroll along the historic Riverwalk. For nature lovers, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a must-see. If you're up for some adventure, try your hand at surfing with a lesson from Local's Guide to Surfing.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Cape Fear Museum
- ✓Riverwalk
- ✓North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- ✓Wrightsville Beach
- ✓Local's Guide to Surfing
3. Salisbury
Salisbury is a historic town with a rich past and a vibrant present. Explore the Salisbury Ghost Walk to learn about the town's spooky history, or visit the Historic Salisbury Train Station. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pee Dee River offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Don't miss the chance to rent a pontoon and explore the waterways at your own pace.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Salisbury Ghost Walk
- ✓Historic Salisbury Train Station
- ✓Pee Dee River
- ✓Pontoon Rental
- ✓The Charlotte Valley Railroad
4. Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, known for its stunning beaches, historic sites, and unique wildlife. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about the first powered flight, or explore the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. For a unique experience, take an eco-tour with Outer Banks Ebikes to discover the natural beauty of the area.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Wright Brothers National Memorial
- ✓Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- ✓Outer Banks Ebikes Eco Tour
- ✓Kill Devil Hills
- ✓OBX Ghost Tours
5. Greensboro
Greensboro is a dynamic city with a rich cultural scene and a variety of attractions. Visit the Greensboro Science Center to explore interactive exhibits, or stroll through the Greensboro Arboretum. For a unique experience, catch a show at the Hunk-O-Mania Male Revue. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the city's vibrant dining scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Greensboro Science Center
- ✓Greensboro Arboretum
- ✓Hunk-O-Mania Male Revue
- ✓Downtown Greensboro
- ✓Local Dining
Available Tours:
6. Durham
Durham is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving arts scene. Visit the Museum of Life and Science to explore interactive exhibits, or stroll through the American Tobacco Campus to discover local shops and restaurants. For nature lovers, the Eno River State Park offers opportunities for hiking and picnicking. Don't miss the chance to explore the city's vibrant dining scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Museum of Life and Science
- ✓American Tobacco Campus
- ✓Eno River State Park
- ✓Durham Bulls Athletic Park
- ✓Local Dining
7. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a charming college town with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Visit the North Carolina Botanical Garden to explore beautiful gardens and trails, or stroll through the historic Franklin Street to discover local shops and restaurants. For sports enthusiasts, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a variety of athletic events. Don't miss the chance to explore the town's vibrant dining scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
What to See & Do:
- ✓North Carolina Botanical Garden
- ✓Franklin Street
- ✓University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- ✓Morehead Planetarium
- ✓Local Dining
8. New Bern
New Bern is a historic city with a rich past and a vibrant present. Visit the Tryon Palace, the first permanent capitol of North Carolina, or stroll through the historic downtown area to discover local shops and restaurants. For nature lovers, the Croatan National Forest offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Don't miss the chance to explore the city's vibrant dining scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Tryon Palace
- ✓Historic Downtown New Bern
- ✓Croatan National Forest
- ✓New Bern Riverfront
- ✓Local Dining
Available Tours:
9. Kill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about the first powered flight, or stroll along the beach to enjoy the stunning views. For adventure seekers, rent a bike and explore the town's scenic trails. Don't miss the chance to take a ghost tour to learn about the area's spooky history.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Wright Brothers National Memorial
- ✓Kill Devil Hills Beach
- ✓Outer Banks Ebikes Rental
- ✓OBX Ghost Tours
- ✓Local Dining
10. Manteo
Manteo is a charming coastal town with a rich history and a vibrant present. Visit the Roanoke Island Festival Park to learn about the area's past, or stroll through the historic downtown area to discover local shops and restaurants. For nature lovers, the Roanoke Island Marshes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Don't miss the chance to take a ghost tour to learn about the area's spooky history.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Roanoke Island Festival Park
- ✓Historic Downtown Manteo
- ✓Roanoke Island Marshes
- ✓OBX Ghost Tours
- ✓Local Dining
Available Tours:
11. Hendersonville
Hendersonville is a charming mountain town known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts scene. Visit the Henderson County Heritage Museum to learn about the area's past, or stroll through the historic downtown area to discover local shops and restaurants. For nature lovers, the Pisgah National Forest offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Don't miss the chance to explore the town's vibrant dining scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Henderson County Heritage Museum
- ✓Historic Downtown Hendersonville
- ✓Pisgah National Forest
- ✓Local Dining
- ✓Scenic Drives
12. Charlotte
Charlotte is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame to learn about the sport's past, or stroll through the Uptown area to discover local shops and restaurants. For nature lovers, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers opportunities for outdoor activities. Don't miss the chance to explore the city's vibrant dining scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
What to See & Do:
- ✓NASCAR Hall of Fame
- ✓Uptown Charlotte
- ✓U.S. National Whitewater Center
- ✓Local Dining
- ✓Scenic Drives
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