Raleigh’s central location makes exploring North Carolina, from the Atlantic coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains, easy and accessible. While I enjoy all the sights in Raleigh, I also like driving to a secluded beach or going for a hike in the park. Take my advice and extend your trip so that you can check out these cool spots. Take a drive to the beaches of the outer banks, explore the peaks of the Sauratown Mountains, or enjoy the North Carolina wine country to the northwest.
Unique Day Trips from Raleigh:
1. Mayberry - Mount Airy
Mayberry RFD was a fictional television show that ran from 1968 through 1971. Andy Griffith, the American actor who played the show’s beloved main character, grew up in Mount Airy, North Carolina, a town not unlike Mayberry. Stroll through Main Street and you’ll be reminded of the Andy Griffith Show, with its small town charm. Visit the Old Mayberry Jail, Floyd’s City Barber Shop, Snappy Lunch, and Andy Griffith’s childhood home. The Andy Griffith Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Griffith memorabilia, and is located next door to the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Once Mount Airy’s first public school, the 1920’s building is now home to art camps, theater productions, live music and acting classes.
2. New Bern
Located along the Neuse River just minutes from the Atlantic coast, New Bern was North Carolina’s first state capital. Explore over 300 years of history in New Bern from Civil War battlefields and historic cemeteries, to historic homes. The Tyron Palace and Gardens is home to the 65 million dollar North Carolina History Center. Once the Governor’s palace, the living museum is now staffed by costumed guides and includes historic homes, interpretative displays, and stunning manicured gardens. New Bern has the distinction of being the birthplace of Pepsi. The drink was first mixed in 1893 at Bradham’s Drug Store. Visit the Birthplace of Pepsi Store in New Bern’s historic downtown.
3. Outer Banks
The Outer Banks of North Carolina mark the site where early Europeans first tried to settle on the New World’s shores. Today, they are home to the first stretch of National Seashore, state parks, miles of beaches, and several charming and friendly small towns. Historic attractions include the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras’ brick lighthouse, and the Fort Raleigh Historic Site, home to the first English colony in the New World. Enjoy the water with fishing, boating, surfing and swimming. On land, enjoy hiking, off-road driving, and wildlife viewing in the great outdoors. Visit the many art galleries, shops, and restaurants in each town from Hatteras Island to the south, to Duck towards the north.
4. Asheboro
Asheboro is a small town in central North Carolina. Asheboro’s charming downtown Main Street is home to several local shops and restaurants, art galleries, and the historic Sunset Theater. The theater, which first opened as a movie theater in 1930 is know owned by the city and host to plays, movies and musical performances. Area attractions include the North Carolina Zoo, a natural-habitat zoo with animals from Africa and North America. Richland Creek Zipline Tours offer 1.5 miles of rides above the Uwharrie Mountains and stop at Richland Creek’s Mendenhall Falls. At the nearby Routh Horse Ranch visitors can take trail rides or riding lessons.
5. Bennett Place State Historic Site
Durham, North Carolina’s Bennett Place State Historic Site is where the American Civil War’s largest surrender took place between General W.T. Sherman and General J.E. Johnston. Negotiations took place and the surrender agreement was signed in the Bennett family home, which is preserved by the historic site, now a living history museum. A visitor center on site shows a 17 minute film about the site’s history and houses the museum’s library, home to over 1,000 volumes of Civil War reference material. Picnic tables are located throughout the Bennett family farm. Nature trails weave through forested areas that were once wheat and corn fields. 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd, Durham, NC 27705, Phone: 919-383-4345
Romantic Day Trips from Raleigh:
6. Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that rolls through the state’s cultural history for over 450 miles between Virginia and North Carolina. The scenic road spans the South and Central Appalachians, and is known for its diverse and rare habitat that supports local wildlife and flora. Pass by Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak in the eastern United States, Linville Gorge, the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon, and the Plateau Region’s New River, North America’s oldest river. Aside from the natural beauty of the area, attractions along the road include the Bristol, Virginia’s Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Asheville’s Biltmore Estate, and New Market Virginia’s Museum of the Civil War.
7. Cape Hatteras
Cape Hatteras is a federally protected National Seashore on North Carolina’s outer banks. The barrier islands offer a rich history, wealth of wildlife habitat, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Experience nature, visit historic lighthouses, swim, fish, surf, or beach comb. Begin the day at one of four Visitor Centers. The Hatteras Island Visitor Center includes the Museum of the Sea, which is located within the historic Hatteras lighthouse keeper’s quarters. Other historic structures include the Ocracoke Light Station and the Bodie Island Light Station. Enjoy lighthouse climbs, hiking, or water activities. Surf instruction and guided horseback tours are provided by third party vendors.
Family Day Trips from Raleigh:
8. Carolina Tiger Rescue
North Carolina’s Carolina Tiger Rescue protects and saves wild cats. Animals in their care include tigers, lions, cougars, and leopards, as well as smaller cats such as servals, ocelots, and bobcats. Open by appointment only, the rescue offers public tours on Fridays and weekends. Trained volunteers walk visitors through the sanctuary as they describe the hardships animals face both in the wild and in captivity. Special tours include private experiences, and twilight tours, where visitors spend after-hours with the animals in a more relaxed and quiet setting. While photographs are welcome, no tour offers physical contact with the cats. 1940 Hanks Chapel Rd., Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-542-4684
9. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a small town surrounding the University of North Carolina, and in fact was built around the university’s founding in 1793. The charming downtown is anchored by the historic Franklin Street, where is home to over 200 restaurants and bars, and fast becoming known as a destination for “foodies.” Enjoy an event at Carolina Square or 140 West. Chapel Hill’s Southern Village was founded in 1994, the newer neighborhood’s Market Street is a walkable stretch of entertainment, dining and shopping. In addition to UNC, visit the Ackland Art Museum, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and the North Carolina Botanical Garden.
10. Chimney Rock State Park
North Carolina’s Chimney Rock State Park surrounds the 315-foot tall Chimney Rock, a geological spire overlooking the Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. Trails within the park range from easy family friendly walks, to more strenuous hikes, including the trail to the top of Chimney Rock Mountain and the overlook at Hickory Nut Falls. Facilities at the 5,700-acre park include picnic areas, restrooms, a concessions area and interpretative center. Trout fishing is popular along the Rocky Broad River. Rock climbing is popular in the boulder fields within the park’s Rumbling Bald Access area. A visitor center is located at Lake Lure’s Morse Park.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is Raleigh, North Carolina known for?
- Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital city and a great home base from which to explore the rest of the state on vacation.
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What cultural attractions can visitors find in Raleigh?
- The southern metropolis is home to a diverse cultural community, as well as music, sports, and art festivals, and a rich history.
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Is Raleigh a good starting point for exploring North Carolina?
- Yes! Raleigh’s central location makes exploring North Carolina on a day trip, from the Atlantic coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains, easy and accessible.
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What are some popular day trips from Raleigh?
- Take a drive to the beaches of the Outer Banks, explore the peaks of the Sauratown Mountains, or enjoy the North Carolina wine country to the northwest.
Best Time for Day Trips from Raleigh, North Carolina
- April to June – Ideal for mild weather, blooming gardens, and outdoor adventures.
- September to October – Perfect for fall foliage, scenic drives, and vineyard tours.
- July & August – Warm summer days great for beach trips, hiking, and water activities.
- November – Enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds at historical and cultural sites.
- December to March – Mild winters ideal for cozy retreats, museums, and indoor attractions.
Plan Your Trip