Day trips from Wilmington, NC
From Wilmington, North Carolina
12 Amazing Destinations
Perfect for day trips
Wilmington, North Carolina, is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history and beautiful beaches. But the adventure doesn't stop at the city limits. Within a 200-mile radius, you'll find a diverse range of day trip opportunities that cater to every interest. From the serene beauty of nature and parks to the thrill of adventure sports, from the charm of historic towns to the excitement of cultural sites, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, indulge in local cuisine, or immerse yourself in history, these day trips from Wilmington promise unforgettable experiences.
1. Asheville
Asheville is a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its eclectic arts scene, vibrant food culture, and stunning natural beauty. Start your day with a visit to the Biltmore Estate, America's largest private home, and explore its beautiful gardens and winery. Then, head downtown to explore the River Arts District, filled with galleries, studios, and street art. Don't miss the chance to sample some of Asheville's famous craft beer at one of the many local breweries.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Biltmore Estate
- ✓River Arts District
- ✓Craft beer tasting
- ✓Downtown Asheville
2. Cherokee
Cherokee is a historic town located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Catch a performance of the Unto These Hills outdoor drama, which tells the story of the Cherokee people. For adventure seekers, there are plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore in the surrounding mountains.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Oconaluftee Indian Village
- ✓Unto These Hills outdoor drama
- ✓Hiking trails
- ✓Waterfalls
3. Boone
Boone is a charming mountain town known for its outdoor recreation and small-town charm. Spend the day exploring the beautiful hiking trails at Grandfather Mountain State Park, or try your hand at rock climbing with a guided tour. In the evening, enjoy a walking pub crawl through downtown Boone, sampling local brews and delicious food.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Grandfather Mountain State Park
- ✓Rock climbing
- ✓Walking pub crawl
- ✓Downtown Boone
4. Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a picturesque coastal town just a short drive from Wilmington. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, or try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm waters. For a taste of local flavor, head to the Wrightsville Beach Brewing Company for some craft beer and live music. Don't miss the chance to explore the beautiful nature trails at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Beach relaxation
- ✓Paddleboarding and kayaking
- ✓Wrightsville Beach Brewing Company
- ✓North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
5. New Bern
New Bern is a historic city located on the banks of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Explore the city's rich history at the Tryon Palace, a beautiful Georgian-style mansion that served as the first capitol of North Carolina. Then, head to the North Carolina History Center to learn more about the state's past. For a taste of local flavor, visit the New Bern Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Tryon Palace
- ✓North Carolina History Center
- ✓New Bern Farmers Market
- ✓Historic downtown
Available Tours:
6. Durham
Durham is a vibrant city known for its thriving food scene, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Start your day with a visit to the Duke University campus, home to the stunning Duke Chapel and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Then, head downtown to explore the American Tobacco Campus, filled with restaurants, shops, and live music venues. Don't miss the chance to sample some of Durham's famous barbecue at a local joint.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Duke University campus
- ✓Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- ✓American Tobacco Campus
- ✓Durham's food scene
7. Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands known for its beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and wild horses. Spend the day exploring the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where the first powered flight took place. Then, head to Cape Hatteras National Seashore for some beach relaxation and wildlife spotting. Don't miss the chance to visit the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the tallest brick lighthouses in the world.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Wright Brothers National Memorial
- ✓Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- ✓Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- ✓Wild horses
8. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a charming college town known for its vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and beautiful natural surroundings. Start your day with a visit to the North Carolina Botanical Garden, home to a stunning collection of native plants. Then, head downtown to explore the historic Franklin Street, filled with shops, restaurants, and live music venues. Don't miss the chance to catch a game at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
What to See & Do:
- ✓North Carolina Botanical Garden
- ✓Historic Franklin Street
- ✓University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- ✓Chapel Hill's arts scene
9. Huntersville
Huntersville is a growing town located just north of Charlotte, known for its beautiful lakes, outdoor recreation, and vibrant food scene. Spend the day exploring the Mountain Island Lake, where you can rent a tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard and enjoy the calm waters. Then, head downtown to sample some of Huntersville's famous craft beer at one of the many local breweries. Don't miss the chance to visit the Huntersville Arts Center for a taste of local culture.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Mountain Island Lake
- ✓Craft beer tasting
- ✓Huntersville Arts Center
- ✓Downtown Huntersville
10. Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and a vibrant city known for its thriving arts scene, historic sites, and beautiful natural surroundings. Start your day with a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, home to a stunning collection of exhibits on natural history. Then, head downtown to explore the North Carolina Museum of Art, which features a diverse collection of art from around the world. Don't miss the chance to sample some of Raleigh's famous barbecue at a local joint.
What to See & Do:
- ✓North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- ✓North Carolina Museum of Art
- ✓Raleigh's food scene
- ✓Historic downtown
11. Greenville
Greenville is a charming city located on the banks of the Tar River, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and beautiful natural surroundings. Start your day with a visit to the Greenville Museum of Art, home to a stunning collection of art from the Southeast. Then, head downtown to explore the historic Uptown Greenville, filled with shops, restaurants, and live music venues. Don't miss the chance to sample some of Greenville's famous craft beer at one of the many local breweries.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Greenville Museum of Art
- ✓Historic Uptown Greenville
- ✓Greenville's food scene
- ✓Craft beer tasting
12. Wilmington Riverfront
The Wilmington Riverfront is a vibrant waterfront district known for its beautiful views, historic sites, and lively atmosphere. Start your day with a stroll along the Cape Fear River, where you can enjoy the scenic views and watch the boats go by. Then, head to the Wilmington Riverfront Park, home to a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Don't miss the chance to sample some of Wilmington's famous seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Cape Fear River
- ✓Wilmington Riverfront Park
- ✓Waterfront restaurants
- ✓Historic sites
Ready to Explore?
Start planning your perfect day trip from Wilmington
Looking for more travel inspiration? Explore all Wilmington attractions or plan a custom itinerary