With each new year, we all set forth intentions to be a little more adventurous in choosing some of the best day trips in North Carolina. It’s an easy resolution to make when you live in The Tar Hill state, with so many places to explore right around just about every corner. And these aren’t just ordinary activities, but some of the most unexpected and unique things to do around North Carolina in just 365 days. While the choices are overwhelming, we put together a bucket list of day trips to take this year, one for each month. What are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy.
- January - McGailliard Falls Park
Google Local/John Little Take advantage of a rare, warm day in January for an outdoor adventure, and one of the best day trips in North Carolina. Travel to Valdese to explore a 45-foot waterfall hiding in a city park that also features a historical Meytre Grist Mill. Bring a picnic and enjoy this natural wonder. And if weather permits, plan on a volleyball match, and a nature hike on the trail woven throughout the site. McGalliard Falls Park, Church St NW, Valdese, NC 28690, USA
- February - Hawks Nest Snow Tubing
Google Local/Pablo Oviedo Fly down a snow tubing run of epic speeds at the largest snow tubing park on the east coast. With more than 30 snow tubing lanes, the lines should go pretty fast. Even if it hasn’t snowed in weeks, as long as it’s cold outside, this park makes plenty of snow all on its own, making it one of the best day trips near me in North Carolina. Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline, 2058 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils, NC 28604, USA
- March - Lazy 5 Ranch
Facebook/Lazy 5 Ranch Book a wagon ride to get up close and personal at this little-known wildlife ranch just outside of Charlotte. Or, if you prefer the comfort of your own car… load up the kids and drive through on your own. Everyone is sure to have a blast on this road trip, offering antelopes, equines, and ratites just to name a few. Lazy 5 Ranch, 15100 Mooresville Rd, Mooresville, NC 28115, USA
- April - Covered Bridge At Ole Gilliam Mill Park
Google Local/Dan Valdese Visit the longest covered bridge in North Carolina, along with some very interesting history. At 140 feet long it’s a treasure just sitting alongside the main road, part of a lovely park that features a historic mill. The scenic drive to the bridge means you may even see some spring blooms on this day trip. Ole Gilliam Mill Park, 4717 Carbonton Rd #4637, Sanford, NC 27330, USA
- May - Cheerwine Festival
Cheerwine Festival Sure, other delicious and favorite things (in addition to Cheerwine) have come from North Carolina, but the Cheerwine Festival celebrates everything good in our state including the cherry-flavored cola we all know and love. Load up the car for a day of family fun in Salisbury, and celebrate this iconic soft drink that was invented in 1917. This is by far one of the most unique things to do around North Carolina.
- June - The North Carolina Zoo
Flickr/Todd Martin Few people realize North Carolina is home to the largest zoo in the world to feature natural habitats for its residents. Explore everything from the North American prairie to the grasslands of Africa and beyond at the world’s largest zoo. June is an ideal time to visit — before the return of scorching hot temps! North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, USA
- Sand Dollar Island
TripAdvisor/Michell K Yes — it’s real! There’s an island, just off the coast from Morehead City, that’s aptly named Sand Dollar Island. This is one road trip where you’re practically guaranteed to strike it rich in sand dollars! Take a short ferry ride, let the fun begin, while enjoying one of the best day trips near me in the state. Sanddollar Island, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
- August - Salty Pirate
Google Local/Rife Life Skip those newfangled, overcrowded, and expensive water parks in favor of nostalgic fun at this old-timey (but well-kept) water park on the coast. Slide, swim, repeat… and don’t forget the sunscreen! Salty Pirate Waterpark, 8915 Reed Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, USA
- September - Shatley Springs
Google Local/Adam Aschenbrenner The Restaurant at Shatley Springs is a destination all on its own. But you’ll come away from this day trip with much more than just a satisfied and full tummy. From the scenic drive to the live music and delicious fried chicken, there’s so much to love about this legendary restaurant in the middle of nowhere in the Tar Heel State. Shatley Springs, NC 28617, USA
- October - Hickory Nut Falls for fall foliage
Facebook/Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Sure, the Blue Ridge Parkway affords astounding views of fall foliage. But don’t overlook other, equally gorgeous places in the Tar Heel State for spectacular fall scenery. Watch the fall foliage prediction reports to time a visit to Chimney Rock State Park. While you’re gawking at the beautiful colors, be sure to get a photo of the epic 404-foot waterfall featured in the 1992 film, “The Last of the Mohicans.” This is one of the most stunning getaway spots near me in North Carolina. Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina 28746, USA
- November - Carolina Renaissance Festival
Google Local/Natalie Ossa Visit the medieval village of Fairhaven, open for several consecutive weekends in a row each year in October and November, to immerse the entire family in a medieval flashback. This annual event is one of the largest renaissance festivals in the country, and it’s sure to be one of your favorite day trips of the entire year. Carolina Renaissance Festival, 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, USA
- December - Biltmore
Facebook/Biltmore Each year, the Biltmore transforms into a holiday wonderland. If you thought Biltmore was grand at other times during the year, then just wait until you experience Christmas in America’s castle. Biltmore Village, Asheville, NC 28803, USA
Want to be more adventurous in the coming year? It always helps to have a plan in place for those moments when you want to step outside your usual routine. How many of these day trips will go on your bucket list this year?
Google Local/John Little
Take advantage of a rare, warm day in January for an outdoor adventure, and one of the best day trips in North Carolina. Travel to Valdese to explore a 45-foot waterfall hiding in a city park that also features a historical Meytre Grist Mill. Bring a picnic and enjoy this natural wonder. And if weather permits, plan on a volleyball match, and a nature hike on the trail woven throughout the site.
McGalliard Falls Park, Church St NW, Valdese, NC 28690, USA
Google Local/Pablo Oviedo
Fly down a snow tubing run of epic speeds at the largest snow tubing park on the east coast. With more than 30 snow tubing lanes, the lines should go pretty fast. Even if it hasn’t snowed in weeks, as long as it’s cold outside, this park makes plenty of snow all on its own, making it one of the best day trips near me in North Carolina.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline, 2058 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils, NC 28604, USA
Facebook/Lazy 5 Ranch
Book a wagon ride to get up close and personal at this little-known wildlife ranch just outside of Charlotte. Or, if you prefer the comfort of your own car… load up the kids and drive through on your own. Everyone is sure to have a blast on this road trip, offering antelopes, equines, and ratites just to name a few.
Lazy 5 Ranch, 15100 Mooresville Rd, Mooresville, NC 28115, USA
Google Local/Dan Valdese
Visit the longest covered bridge in North Carolina, along with some very interesting history. At 140 feet long it’s a treasure just sitting alongside the main road, part of a lovely park that features a historic mill. The scenic drive to the bridge means you may even see some spring blooms on this day trip.
Ole Gilliam Mill Park, 4717 Carbonton Rd #4637, Sanford, NC 27330, USA
Cheerwine Festival
Sure, other delicious and favorite things (in addition to Cheerwine) have come from North Carolina, but the Cheerwine Festival celebrates everything good in our state including the cherry-flavored cola we all know and love. Load up the car for a day of family fun in Salisbury, and celebrate this iconic soft drink that was invented in 1917. This is by far one of the most unique things to do around North Carolina.
Flickr/Todd Martin
Few people realize North Carolina is home to the largest zoo in the world to feature natural habitats for its residents. Explore everything from the North American prairie to the grasslands of Africa and beyond at the world’s largest zoo. June is an ideal time to visit — before the return of scorching hot temps!
North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, USA
TripAdvisor/Michell K
Yes — it’s real! There’s an island, just off the coast from Morehead City, that’s aptly named Sand Dollar Island. This is one road trip where you’re practically guaranteed to strike it rich in sand dollars! Take a short ferry ride, let the fun begin, while enjoying one of the best day trips near me in the state.
Sanddollar Island, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
Google Local/Rife Life
Skip those newfangled, overcrowded, and expensive water parks in favor of nostalgic fun at this old-timey (but well-kept) water park on the coast. Slide, swim, repeat… and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Salty Pirate Waterpark, 8915 Reed Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, USA
Google Local/Adam Aschenbrenner
The Restaurant at Shatley Springs is a destination all on its own. But you’ll come away from this day trip with much more than just a satisfied and full tummy. From the scenic drive to the live music and delicious fried chicken, there’s so much to love about this legendary restaurant in the middle of nowhere in the Tar Heel State.
Shatley Springs, NC 28617, USA
Facebook/Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Sure, the Blue Ridge Parkway affords astounding views of fall foliage. But don’t overlook other, equally gorgeous places in the Tar Heel State for spectacular fall scenery. Watch the fall foliage prediction reports to time a visit to Chimney Rock State Park. While you’re gawking at the beautiful colors, be sure to get a photo of the epic 404-foot waterfall featured in the 1992 film, “The Last of the Mohicans.” This is one of the most stunning getaway spots near me in North Carolina.
Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina 28746, USA
Google Local/Natalie Ossa
Visit the medieval village of Fairhaven, open for several consecutive weekends in a row each year in October and November, to immerse the entire family in a medieval flashback. This annual event is one of the largest renaissance festivals in the country, and it’s sure to be one of your favorite day trips of the entire year.
Carolina Renaissance Festival, 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, USA
Facebook/Biltmore
Each year, the Biltmore transforms into a holiday wonderland. If you thought Biltmore was grand at other times during the year, then just wait until you experience Christmas in America’s castle.
Biltmore Village, Asheville, NC 28803, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in North Carolina June 13, 2022 Carolyn Harmon What is another one of the best day trips near me in North Carolina? If you have a few minutes or a full day, invest some time in this vast natural resource, Grandfather Mountain nature park in Asheville. From the mile-high swinging bridge to the nature museum, hikes and food are available all in this spectacular place. And don’t forget the main attraction, towering 5,946 feet in the air and estimated to be 300 million years old, this relic has rock formations dating to 1.2 billion years.
What is another unique thing to do around North Carolina? If you’re up for some creepy and unusual adventures, try the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum in Littleton. This little place in this little town draws in people from all over the globe. Offering ghost tours and education on the paranormal, the museum’s owners also offer annual events, featuring authors, ghost tours, and artifacts. Go see the creepy exhibits, and if you dare, join the campers at nearby Medoc Mountain State Park, where some say they have seen signs of Bigfoot. Where is a great place to eat in Littleton, North Carolina? Casa Mia’s offers some of the best Italian food and pizza in the state. From subs to lasagna, try the pasta, wings, and salads, and especially the awesome service offered at this little spot. Fried fish platters of shrimp and flounder also come on the menu. And if you like this one, try some in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in North Carolina
June 13, 2022
Carolyn Harmon
What is another one of the best day trips near me in North Carolina? If you have a few minutes or a full day, invest some time in this vast natural resource, Grandfather Mountain nature park in Asheville. From the mile-high swinging bridge to the nature museum, hikes and food are available all in this spectacular place. And don’t forget the main attraction, towering 5,946 feet in the air and estimated to be 300 million years old, this relic has rock formations dating to 1.2 billion years.
What is another unique thing to do around North Carolina? If you’re up for some creepy and unusual adventures, try the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum in Littleton. This little place in this little town draws in people from all over the globe. Offering ghost tours and education on the paranormal, the museum’s owners also offer annual events, featuring authors, ghost tours, and artifacts. Go see the creepy exhibits, and if you dare, join the campers at nearby Medoc Mountain State Park, where some say they have seen signs of Bigfoot. Where is a great place to eat in Littleton, North Carolina? Casa Mia’s offers some of the best Italian food and pizza in the state. From subs to lasagna, try the pasta, wings, and salads, and especially the awesome service offered at this little spot. Fried fish platters of shrimp and flounder also come on the menu. And if you like this one, try some in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
What is another unique thing to do around North Carolina? If you’re up for some creepy and unusual adventures, try the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum in Littleton. This little place in this little town draws in people from all over the globe. Offering ghost tours and education on the paranormal, the museum’s owners also offer annual events, featuring authors, ghost tours, and artifacts. Go see the creepy exhibits, and if you dare, join the campers at nearby Medoc Mountain State Park, where some say they have seen signs of Bigfoot.
Where is a great place to eat in Littleton, North Carolina? Casa Mia’s offers some of the best Italian food and pizza in the state. From subs to lasagna, try the pasta, wings, and salads, and especially the awesome service offered at this little spot. Fried fish platters of shrimp and flounder also come on the menu. And if you like this one, try some in Charlotte, North Carolina.
