Day Trips from Charlotte, NC

1. Gastonia

• Where is Gastonia located?
  • Situated about twenty miles west of Charlotte, Gastonia is the largest city in Gaston County.
• What can you do in Gastonia?
  • If you are looking for an easily accessible day out for the whole family, you are invited to come and check out the attractions of Gastonia.
• What special activities are available on specific days in Gastonia?
  • If you visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you will find a bustling Farmer’s Market with special activities for children.
• What attractions are good for families in Gastonia?
  • The Schiele Museum of Natural History is great for the whole family, while the Cavendish Brewing Company is a popular craft beer brewery.
• What outdoor activities can you do in Gastonia?
  • If you want to get outdoors and active, Rankin Lake Park offers boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddle-boating, as well as an attractive paved walking trail.

2. Andrew Jackson State Park

• Where is Andrew Jackson State Park located?
  • Andrew Jackson State Park is situated about one hour south of Charlotte, where it welcomes day visitors as well as campers.
• What activities are available at Andrew Jackson State Park?
  • The park is an ideal destination for a day of fun outdoor activities for the whole family, offering fishing, boating, cycling, bird-watching, and picnicking.
• What historical attractions can you explore at Andrew Jackson State Park?
  • You can brush-up your knowledge about America’s seventh president as you explore the Andrew Jackson Museum and then pose for a photo beside his impressive statue.
• What outdoor features are available for visitors?
  • There are two scenic hiking trails, including the Garden of the Waxhaws Trail which loops around the picturesque lake.
• What facilities are available at the park?
  • Boat rentals are available on-site and there is a pleasant picnic area as well as a playground for younger visitors.

Andrew Jackson State Park, 196 Andrew Jackson Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720, Phone: 803-285-3344

3. Anne Springs Close Greenway

• Where is Anne Springs Close Greenway located?
  • If you are looking for a large outdoor recreational area close to Charlotte, the Anne Springs Close Greenway is an ideal choice for day trippers.
• What is the size of the Anne Springs Close Greenway?
  • The greenway covers over 2,000 acres and provides a wonderful outdoor playground for energetic visitors who can spend hours exploring the area by foot, mountain bike, or horse-back.
• What trails are available at the Anne Springs Close Greenway?
  • There are forty miles of hiking trails to choose from, as well as various mountain-bike and equestrian trails and a section of paved trail which is wheelchair accessible.
• What family-friendly activities are available at the Anne Springs Close Greenway?
  • Families can go for a pleasant walk around the Lake Haigler Loop, an easy 1.25-mile nature trail.
• What water activities are available at the Anne Springs Close Greenway?
  • Water activities include fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle-boarding.

Anne Springs Close Greenway, 104 Adventure Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29715, Phone: 803-547-4575

4. Asheboro

• Where is Asheboro located?
  • Conveniently nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Asheboro is just 70 miles from Charlotte, where it offers visitors a delightfully varied day out.
• What can you do at the North Carolina Zoo?
  • You can start off by visiting the North Carolina Zoo to enjoy face-to-face encounters with creatures great and small.
• What adventure activity can you try in Asheboro?
  • After the zoo, you could sign up for an adrenaline-boosting adventure at Richland Creek Zip-line and Canopy Tour.
• What can motorcycle enthusiasts do in Asheboro?
  • If you love motorcycles, you can spend a few happy hours admiring the brilliant collection of Harley Davidson bikes at the American Classic Motorcycle Museum.
• What other attractions are there in Asheboro?
  • Before visiting Four Saints Brewing Company to taste some delicious local brews, you can enjoy great shopping and a good selection of restaurants in Asheboro.

5. Ballantyne

• Where is Ballantyne located?
  • When you need a day of relaxation or retail therapy, follow those in the know and head to the south-Charlotte community of Ballantyne.
• What is the history of Ballantyne?
  • Formerly a privately-owned hunting estate, Ballantyne is now an affluent Charlotte suburb, which boasts exceptional shopping, a luxury hotel, and a world-class golf course.
• What shopping options are available in Ballantyne?
  • You could spend all day shopping at the indoor/outdoor Ballantyne Village.
• What relaxation options are available in Ballantyne?
  • You can make your way to The Spa at Ballantyne for a day of pampering and relaxation.
• What golfing activities are available in Ballantyne?
  • If you would like to improve your game, you can book a lesson at the Golf Academy or book a tee-off time and enjoy the beautiful course.
• What entertainment options are there in Ballantyne?
  • Ballantyne Village has several restaurants and a cinema where the whole family can have some fun.

Ballantyne, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277, Phone: 704-248-4000

6. Belmont

• Where is Belmont located?
  • The quaint small town of Belmont is located less than 30 minutes from Charlotte, where it is scenically nestled between two rivers.
• What historic attractions are there in Belmont?
  • The little town has a lot to offer day visitors, including a pretty historic district which dates back to 1873, featuring a mix of colonial and Tudor architectural styles.
• What outdoor activities are available in Belmont?
  • The whole family will enjoy visiting Goat Island Park, where you can walk, hike, fish, and kayak.
• What tours are available in Belmont?
  • Back in town, you can take a tour of the Muddy River Distillery, which is rumored to produce some pretty decent rum.
• What attractions are available for antique enthusiasts?
  • Antique enthusiasts could easily spend a few hours in the Catawba River Antique Mall, located in a historic old mill.
• What is a must-see for nature lovers in Belmont?
  • Nature lovers should not miss visiting the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

7. Concord

• Where is Concord located?
  • Another of North Carolina’s charming small towns, Concord offers a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of Charlotte, while still offering a good selection of activities for day visitors.
• What motorsport activity is available in Concord?
  • Motor-heads will undoubtedly want to visit the NASCAR Richard Petty Driving Experience, where you can actually get to drive a race car for five minutes.
• What outdoor activities can you enjoy in Concord?
  • If you’re not up to racing, you could have some outdoor fun at NC Outdoor Adventures (kayaking, tubing, rock-climbing, and more).
• What attractions are there for children in Concord?
  • Children will enjoy the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Sea Life Charlotte.
• What attractions are there for adults in Concord?
  • Parents might like to visit Cabarrus Brewing Company.

8. Copperhead Island

• Where is Copperhead Island located?
  • The whole family will enjoy a day trip to Copperhead Island at the McDowell Nature Preserve. The 20-acre island is surrounded by scenic Lake Wylie and provides everything you need for a fun day out.
• What boating options are available at Copperhead Island?
  • If you have your own boat, you can use one of four boat ramps to directly access the lake.
• What activities can you do on Copperhead Island?
  • Other activities on the island include hiking, bird-watching, picnicking, and beach volleyball.
• What fishing options are available on Copperhead Island?
  • You can cast a line from the fishing pier (fishing license required).
• What other activities can you enjoy at Copperhead Island?
  • You can play a game of horseshoes or join a guided kayak excursion.
• Where can you get more information about Copperhead Island?
  • You can get all the information you need at the McDowell Nature Center.

9. Cornelius

• Where is Cornelius located?
  • The lively little town of Cornelius is an excellent choice for a family day out from Charlotte.
• What is the history of Cornelius?
  • The town was established in 1905 as a farming and milling community and boasts a charming historic Old Town which is constantly re-inventing itself as a tourist draw-card.
• What attractions are in Cornelius's historic Old Town?
  • Lovely historic old buildings now house craft breweries, one-off boutiques, art galleries, and a selection of farm-to-fork restaurants.
• What water activities are available in Cornelius?
  • When Lake Norman was constructed, Cornelius gained an amazing 54-mile shoreline which now offers just about every water-sport you can imagine, as well as lovely walks and hikes and attractive beaches for those who just want to relax.
• Where can you find out more about what’s happening in Cornelius?
  • Find out what is on today at the Visitor Center on Catawba Ave.

10. Crowders Mountain State Park

• Where is Crowders Mountain State Park located?
  • Located just 35 minutes from downtown Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park is an ideal outdoor recreational area that the whole family can enjoy.
• What activities are available at Crowders Mountain State Park?
  • The park includes a lovely wooded lake where you can fish for large-mouth bass and sunfish, or launch your paddle boat or kayak for some water fun.
• What hiking trails are available at Crowders Mountain State Park?
  • If you enjoy hiking, you can take on one of two quite challenging hiking trails to the summits of Crowders Mountain or Kings Pinnacle; both of these traverse steep terrain and are considered strenuous.
• What are some more accessible activities for visitors at Crowders Mountain State Park?
  • For less active visitors and families, there is a pleasant nature trail around the lake.
• What other activities can you do at Crowders Mountain State Park?
  • Other activities on offer include rock climbing, bouldering, orienteering, and picnicking.

Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, Phone: 704-853-5375