Day Trips from Raleigh, NC
Ready to unplug from the daily routine and escape the city for a day? North Carolina’s Triangle region is perfectly positioned for easy getaways I explore over the years and most recently on a four week road trip. This is exactly why I decided to share my favourite things near Raleigh so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own road trip. Here are the places I recommend visiting in North Carolina on a road trip from Raleigh, and I hope you’ll love them too.
Mount Airy - 2 hours 10 minutes from Raleigh
This quickly became favorite day trip destination for romance when we moved to the South.
We started by strolling downtown. We found a neat collection of old brick buildings along Main Street. We popped into antique shops and local boutiques, and ended up resting our feet at Keepsmiling A'Latte Kesson.
After coffee and snacks, my personal highlight was visiting the Andy Griffith Museum just around the corner from the cafe.
Later, we drove a short way into the countryside. As afternoon faded, we found ourselves back downtown for early dinner before driving home.
What I loved best:
Watching the sun dip behind the mountains as the town settled into evening was my favorite moment.
New Bern - 2 hours from Raleigh
This is one of my favorite coastal day trips from Raleigh because it's still relatively undiscovered and off the beaten path.
In addition, it’s just about two hours east of Raleigh, which made the drive affordable, easy, and honestly part of the experience.
First thing we did was park downtown and walk toward the waterfront. The views along the Neuse and Trent Rivers were spectacular and kind of magical. We grabbed coffee and pastries nearby, and it felt like the best way to slowly start the day.
After that, we explored Tryon Palace, which was one of my favorite historical experiences and super interesting. I especially loved the gardens, and both Chris and our son agreed that they we lovely.
Lunch was by the water, and it was honestly the absolute best spot to relax and people watch. The seafood was fresh, affordable, and one of those meals you keep thinking about later.
After eating, we took a long walk along the boardwalk which was such a cool family-friendly day trip experience.
<Locals told us that we absolutely can't miss the birthplace of Pepsi (which my son loves!), so this was a quirky, fun, personal, and surprisingly one of the coolest stops.
By mid afternoon, we slowed down even more and just enjoyed the charming vibe of New Bern. Before heading back toward Raleigh, we caught the fading sunlight by the river which was amazing.
Asheboro - 1 hour 25 minutes from Raleigh
This is my top pick for a day trip in central North Carolina. Honestly, I think it's one of the most underrated towns we’ve explored in the Piedmont region, and one of the best low-key getaways near the Triad.
We started downtown Asheboro, admired the restored historic buildings and visited locally owned shops chatting with locals. I instantly thought our journey was worth it! A short drive led us to nearby nature trails and parks, and a local winery.
What I loved best:
My favorite stop was the local farmers’ market.
Chapel Hill - 40 minutes from Raleigh
Ready for a culture-rich North Carolina day trip? Check out Chapel Hill, a true standout, and also super close to Raleigh (with plenty of affordable public transportation on offer!).
I fell for this lively college town and it instantly became one of our favorite Triangle day trips. We began right on Franklin Street, strolling past historic storefronts, indie bookstores, and local shops. Since there is so much to take in, we decided to join a guided tour with a local guide on our first visit which was a great idea.
My favorite stop was the Ackland Art Museum which is always totally free to visit, perfect if you are looking for cheap solutions. It has so much to see, ranging from classic to contemporary art!
We walked through UNC’s beautiful campus next, stopping by the Old Well, a timeless, iconic landmark. Sharing lunch at a charming bistro near the campus made the day feel like a true getaway, especially with Southern-inspired dishes served in such a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
What I loved best:
A hidden gem for us was Coker Arboretum, where we escaped the bustle and wandered down garden paths with flowers.
Eno River State Park - 40 minutes from Raleigh
This is one of my favorite vacation ideas from Raleigh, NC. My favorite are the river views and heaps of ever-changing forest trails.
We started by walking just along one of the shaded river trails, listening to rushing water which was so rejuvenating.
My favorite moment was stopping along the riverbank to sit on smooth rocks, sharing snacks.
As we continued, we crossed wooden footbridges, past wildflowers, and moss-covered stones.
Before leaving, we discovered a historic mill site
What I loved best:
For me, Eno River State Park is one of the best day trips from Raleigh.
The sense of timelessness along the Eno River—how the water, trails, and history were my favorite highlight.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
