No matter what time of year it is, it’s always a good time to take a road trip! If you’ve ever dreamt about jumping in the car and taking some time to explore the must-visit attractions in North Carolina, we have some fantastic ideas for you! Here is a list of ten of the best road trips in North Carolina you can take.

1. Take a North Carolina lighthouse road trip.
Flickr / Zach Frailey
You'll get, sun, sand, surf, history, and bragging rights after you've see several lighthouses along the coast, and made a vacation out of it! Extend it by renting a beach house on Hatteras. Enjoy all that the Outer Banks has to offer from seafood to scenery and many other must-visit attractions in North Carolina.

Take our Lighthouse Road Trip On The North Carolina Coast That's Dreamily Beautiful.
2. Hideaway from the world in a mountain cabin.
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Take some time for rest, relaxation, and amazing views. Spend the day breaking in those hiking boots, and spend the evening kicking back on the front porch. Early summer is a great time to visit as a majority of the plant life is in full bloom, but any time of year at a mountain cabin will do.

Take a look at this mountaintop cabin with incredible views.
3. Or spice it up and take a long weekend in Asheville.
Asheville, NC, USA
Flickr / my stuart
Keep the trip interesting by taking brewery tours, walking along the French Broad River, visiting Biltmore Estate, dining at one of several award-winning restaurants, and indulging in the awesome nightlife. Asheville is a great little mountain getaway without sacrificing the city! It's one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.

Learn more about Asheville in our previous coverage.
4. Walk down the Wilmington boardwalk and explore the small coastal towns of North Carolina.
Wilmington, NC, USA
Flickr / M Fletcher
A perfect couples retreat or family weekend, Wilmington and the surrounding towns have no shortage of views and interesting things to do.

Learn more about Wilmington in our previous coverage.
5. Take a winery tour of Yadkin Valley.
Yadkin Valley, NC 28645, USA
Flickr / Susan Smith
Accommodations right near the vineyard means you won't have to worry too much about how you're getting home. Vineyards like Shelton, also have fabulous restaurants on the property. There are dozens of wineries located along the Yadkin Valley. You can't beat the views as you sip on a lovely glass of wine!

Visit the website to learn more about the wineries of Yadkin Valley.

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6. Plan a wild yet sophisticated weekend in Charlotte.
Charlotte, NC, USA
Flickr / Vallery Pane
Charlotte can get pretty fancy. Between rooftop restaurants with skyline views and an array of nightlife, it's great for an anniversary weekend. There are also plenty of museums to leave you feeling cultured and cool. Bonuses include shopping, White Water Center, Carowinds, and Crowders Mountain. Charlotte is certainly filled with many hidden gems in North Carolina as well.

Visit the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce website for more information.
7. Take the kids to Tweetsie Railroad.
Tweetsie Railroad Ln, North Carolina 28605, USA
Flickr / Smart Destinations
As one of the most family-friendly places to visit in North Carolina, Tweetsie Railroad is guaranteed to be an experience you'll never forget! Extend the trip by renting a cabin and maybe participate in many of the other activities offered at this theme park.

Visit the Tweetsie Railroad website to learn more.
8. Explore all that Raleigh/Durham has to offer.
Durham, NC, USA
Raleigh, NC, USA
Flickr / Bill Dickinson
Raleigh/Durham has become quite popular in the last few years. With the emergence of unique, award-winning restaurants, bustling nightlife, and plenty to see and do you're guaranteed to make a whole weekend out of it. There are certainly plenty of hidden gems in North Carolina to be found in these two wonderful cities.

Head to the Visit NC website to learn more about Raleigh and Durham.
9. Spend a week to take a road trip along The NCBS Historical Barbecue Trail.
4885 Country Club Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, USA
Real Q Country Club/Facebook
After trying all the mouthwatering barbecue along this trail, let us know which place was your favorite! A trip involving food is always one of the best road trips in North Carolina you can take.

Visit The NCBS Historical Barbecue Trail to learn more.
10. Hike the Appalachian Trail.
Flickr / Compass Points Media
As one of the longest, continuously marked trails in the nation, the Appalachian Trail runs through 14 states, one of those being North Carolina. Perfect for a weekend of fresh air and adventure!

Visit the Appalachian Trail website to learn more.

Which one of these best road trips in North Carolina will you take first? What are your favorite places to explore in our state? Let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Best Road Trips In North Carolina

Melissa M. | September 01, 2021

What are some hidden gems in North Carolina?

Get off the beaten track and discover some incredible hidden gems around the Tarheel State! From Roan Mountain to Saluda, from Treehouse Vineyards to SOCO Falls, you can discover some new-to-you places in our post, Most People Don’t Know These 9 Hidden Gems In North Carolina Even Exist. 

What are some day trips I can take in North Carolina?

A state with as much beauty as North Carolina has endless day trip options for those who want to explore but may be short on time. You can find some excellent one-of-a-kind day trip options in our previous article.

What are some must-visit attractions in North Carolina?

North Carolina has quite a few jaw-dropping places, both manmade and natural, that everyone should visit. The Inn at Rodanthe, for one, is a must-see and you can even rent it for a vacation! And then there’s the largest sand dune on the east coast, Jockey’s Ridge, that’s a sight to behold. 

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