One of the best parts about living in North Carolina is the opportunity to explore a variety of landscapes without having to ever leave the state. The Tar Heel State is blessed with an abundance of mountains, beaches, and rivers just waiting to be discovered. Or, if you’re seeking something else entirely — a cultural exhibit, historic site, or something off the beaten path — we’ve got that too! There’s truly no shortage of unique day trips in North Carolina, and we’ve got just the list to prove it. So without further ado, here are 12 unique days trips in North Carolina that are perfect in just about any season.
- Take a scenic drive down the pottery trail in Seagrove
NCDOTcommunications / flickr
Samantha Henneke / flickr The handmade-pottery capital of North Carolina, Seagrove is a day trip unlike any other. This unique artists’ colony is nestled just fifteen minutes past Asheboro. Potters began to inhabit Seagrove in the late 18th century, and eventually word spread to New York City. Before long Seagrove and its artistry were known nationally. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled a bit back in time as you drive down the long country roads.
- Get ‘wild’ at the North Carolina Zoo
Flickr / Valerie
Valerie / Flickr Located in Asheboro in the Uwharrie Mountains, this natural habitat 500-acre zoo is home to 1,600 diverse animals. You can watch giraffes roam freely in large open fields, or step into a mini-jungle to watch monkeys dangle from trees as exotic birds zip past. No matter your age, you’ll love this unique destination as you travel around North Carolina.
- Mine for sapphires, rubies, and gold in Franklin
Flickr / Brent Moore
Aprilstang13 / TripAdvisor Did you know that North Carolina is home to the gem mining capital of the world? How lucky! Most mines are open spring-autumn. Whether you visit Ruby City Gems, a free museum, or try your hand at panning for gems at the Old Cardinal Gem Mine, you’ll love the experience.
- Enjoy the rugged landscape of Pilot Mountain
GDollyhite / Getty Images
Wes Watson / AllTrails Pilot Mountain is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and unique day trips in North Carolina. To start, it’s one of the last remaining remnants of the ancient chain of Suaratown Mountains. Plus, it happens to be a great destination for a host of outdoor adventures. Follow the Ledge Spring Trail’s lower loop to a popular site for rock climbing, if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Take a dip in a gorgeous natural lake or swimming hole
vixterd / Getty Images
marcosdg / flickr North Carolina is home to over 59 breathtaking lakes, many of which are perfect for swimming. Or, if you’d prefer something more private, there are tons of springs and natural swimming holes to be discovered throughout the state. For more inspiration, you can check out this list of natural swimming holes in North Carolina.
- Explore Civil War battlefields
Government & Heritage Library, State Library of NC / flickr The beauty of Civil War battlefields in North Carolina is difficult to describe. While these sites are certainly picturesque, they also hold a haunting and tragic energy that one notices immediately. A day trip to one of the state’s many Civil War monuments will inspire important thinking about the complexities of the past. Photographed above is the Cemetery at Averasboro Civil War Battlefield.
- Find your own adventure at the White Water Center
U.S. National Whitewater Center / Facebook
U.S. National Whitewater Center / Facebook When it comes to active and unique things to do in North Carolina, the White Water Center belongs at the top of the list. Located in Charlotte, this fun-filled property offers rope courses, zip lining, white water rafting, forested trails, and mountain biking. The adventure never ends! For more information on the White Water Center, click here.
- Admire the beautiful gardens of the Reynolda House Museum
Reynolda House Museum of American Art / Facebook The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is rooted in history; this gorgeous house was once built and inhabited by R. J. Reynolds and his family. In 1965, the estate opened to the public as a museum dedicated to displaying a premier collection of art from the colonial period to the present. Plus, the storybook-like gardens alone are worth the drive.
- Pitch your tent at Stone Mountain State Park
HealerTeresa / Getty Images
Gerry Dincher / flickr From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has so many beautiful state parks. One of the best day trips in North Carolina is a visit to Stone Mountain State Park, where you can extend your trip by camping. Extend that day trip by camping.
- Visit an authentic lavender farm
Lavender Oaks Farm / Facebook
Lavender Oaks Farm / Facebook You may feel like you’ve been whisked away to France when you arrive at Lavender Oaks Farm, a local farm that specializes in growing different varieties of lavender. Surrounded by hardwood forests, fragrant fields of lavender, and pictures barns, you’ll feel worlds away from it all. To learn more about Lavender Oaks Farm, click here.
- Catch a ride on the Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad / Facebook
Tweetsie Railroad / Facebook Few things inspire nostalgia like an old fashioned train excursion. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Tweetsie Railroad, a Blue Ridge Mountain theme park that combines history with the flair of the Wild Wild West. No matter your age, you’ll find this to be one of the most unique day trip destinations in North Carolina. To learn more about Tweetsie Railroad, click here.
What are your thoughts on these unique day trips in North Carolina? Have you enjoyed any of them before? We’d love to hear all about your memories and experiences in the comments below!
NCDOTcommunications / flickr
Samantha Henneke / flickr
The handmade-pottery capital of North Carolina, Seagrove is a day trip unlike any other. This unique artists’ colony is nestled just fifteen minutes past Asheboro. Potters began to inhabit Seagrove in the late 18th century, and eventually word spread to New York City. Before long Seagrove and its artistry were known nationally. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled a bit back in time as you drive down the long country roads.
Flickr / Valerie
Valerie / Flickr
Located in Asheboro in the Uwharrie Mountains, this natural habitat 500-acre zoo is home to 1,600 diverse animals. You can watch giraffes roam freely in large open fields, or step into a mini-jungle to watch monkeys dangle from trees as exotic birds zip past. No matter your age, you’ll love this unique destination as you travel around North Carolina.
Flickr / Brent Moore
Aprilstang13 / TripAdvisor
Did you know that North Carolina is home to the gem mining capital of the world? How lucky! Most mines are open spring-autumn. Whether you visit Ruby City Gems, a free museum, or try your hand at panning for gems at the Old Cardinal Gem Mine, you’ll love the experience.
GDollyhite / Getty Images
Wes Watson / AllTrails
Pilot Mountain is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and unique day trips in North Carolina. To start, it’s one of the last remaining remnants of the ancient chain of Suaratown Mountains. Plus, it happens to be a great destination for a host of outdoor adventures. Follow the Ledge Spring Trail’s lower loop to a popular site for rock climbing, if you’re feeling adventurous.
vixterd / Getty Images
marcosdg / flickr
North Carolina is home to over 59 breathtaking lakes, many of which are perfect for swimming. Or, if you’d prefer something more private, there are tons of springs and natural swimming holes to be discovered throughout the state. For more inspiration, you can check out this list of natural swimming holes in North Carolina.
Government & Heritage Library, State Library of NC / flickr
The beauty of Civil War battlefields in North Carolina is difficult to describe. While these sites are certainly picturesque, they also hold a haunting and tragic energy that one notices immediately. A day trip to one of the state’s many Civil War monuments will inspire important thinking about the complexities of the past. Photographed above is the Cemetery at Averasboro Civil War Battlefield.
U.S. National Whitewater Center / Facebook
When it comes to active and unique things to do in North Carolina, the White Water Center belongs at the top of the list. Located in Charlotte, this fun-filled property offers rope courses, zip lining, white water rafting, forested trails, and mountain biking. The adventure never ends! For more information on the White Water Center, click here.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art / Facebook
The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is rooted in history; this gorgeous house was once built and inhabited by R. J. Reynolds and his family. In 1965, the estate opened to the public as a museum dedicated to displaying a premier collection of art from the colonial period to the present. Plus, the storybook-like gardens alone are worth the drive.
HealerTeresa / Getty Images
Gerry Dincher / flickr
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has so many beautiful state parks. One of the best day trips in North Carolina is a visit to Stone Mountain State Park, where you can extend your trip by camping. Extend that day trip by camping.
Lavender Oaks Farm / Facebook
You may feel like you’ve been whisked away to France when you arrive at Lavender Oaks Farm, a local farm that specializes in growing different varieties of lavender. Surrounded by hardwood forests, fragrant fields of lavender, and pictures barns, you’ll feel worlds away from it all. To learn more about Lavender Oaks Farm, click here.
Tweetsie Railroad / Facebook
Few things inspire nostalgia like an old fashioned train excursion. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Tweetsie Railroad, a Blue Ridge Mountain theme park that combines history with the flair of the Wild Wild West. No matter your age, you’ll find this to be one of the most unique day trip destinations in North Carolina. To learn more about Tweetsie Railroad, click here.
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Address: Seagrove, NC, USAAddress: Zoo Parkway, Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC, USAAddress: Pilot Mountain, NC 27041, USAAddress: Stone Mountain State Park, 3042 Frank Pkwy, Roaring Gap, NC 28668, USAAddress: Lavender Oaks Farm, 3833 Millard Whitley Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USAAddress: 130 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734, USAAddress: 71 Rockhaven Dr, Franklin, NC 28734, USAAddress: Lake Lure, NC, USAAddress: 3300 NC-82, Dunn, NC 28334, USAAddress: Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, USAAddress: 2250 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USAAddress: Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Day Trips In North Carolina May 26, 2020 Beth C. What are the best little-known attractions in North Carolina? North Carolina is positively brimming with little-known attractions just waiting to be discovered. In addition to the unique day trips in North Carolina that we’ve outlined above, there are several others that belong on any explorer’s itinerary. For example, did you realize that North Carolina has its own Fountain of Youth? How about a swinging bridge that will give you a jarring and incredible perspective of a waterfall? You can learn more about these famous places only North Carolina residents know about by clicking here. What are the most well-known parks in North Carolina? The most well-known park in North Carolina is undoubtedly Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Situated on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. In fact, it’s one of the most popular parks in the United States. With abundant wildlife, verdant foliage, and it’s iconic mist-covered mountains, this park is perfect for camping enthusiasts, hikers, and those with an appreciation for natural beauty. If you’re curious to explore the most well-known state parks in North Carolina, you might start with Goose Creek State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, or Signal Mountain State Park. What are the oldest attractions in North Carolina? It comes as no surprise that a state as historic as our North Carolina has an impressive array of historic attractions. Some of the oldest buildings include the Alexander Long Plantation Hosue, Salem Tavern, and St. Philips Moravian Church. Of course, the towns of North Carolina are also incredibly historic. Here’s a list of the 11 oldest towns in the state.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Day Trips In North Carolina
May 26, 2020
Beth C.
What are the best little-known attractions in North Carolina? North Carolina is positively brimming with little-known attractions just waiting to be discovered. In addition to the unique day trips in North Carolina that we’ve outlined above, there are several others that belong on any explorer’s itinerary. For example, did you realize that North Carolina has its own Fountain of Youth? How about a swinging bridge that will give you a jarring and incredible perspective of a waterfall? You can learn more about these famous places only North Carolina residents know about by clicking here. What are the most well-known parks in North Carolina? The most well-known park in North Carolina is undoubtedly Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Situated on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. In fact, it’s one of the most popular parks in the United States. With abundant wildlife, verdant foliage, and it’s iconic mist-covered mountains, this park is perfect for camping enthusiasts, hikers, and those with an appreciation for natural beauty. If you’re curious to explore the most well-known state parks in North Carolina, you might start with Goose Creek State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, or Signal Mountain State Park. What are the oldest attractions in North Carolina? It comes as no surprise that a state as historic as our North Carolina has an impressive array of historic attractions. Some of the oldest buildings include the Alexander Long Plantation Hosue, Salem Tavern, and St. Philips Moravian Church. Of course, the towns of North Carolina are also incredibly historic. Here’s a list of the 11 oldest towns in the state.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Carolina is positively brimming with little-known attractions just waiting to be discovered. In addition to the unique day trips in North Carolina that we’ve outlined above, there are several others that belong on any explorer’s itinerary. For example, did you realize that North Carolina has its own Fountain of Youth? How about a swinging bridge that will give you a jarring and incredible perspective of a waterfall? You can learn more about these famous places only North Carolina residents know about by clicking here.
What are the most well-known parks in North Carolina?
The most well-known park in North Carolina is undoubtedly Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Situated on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. In fact, it’s one of the most popular parks in the United States. With abundant wildlife, verdant foliage, and it’s iconic mist-covered mountains, this park is perfect for camping enthusiasts, hikers, and those with an appreciation for natural beauty. If you’re curious to explore the most well-known state parks in North Carolina, you might start with Goose Creek State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, or Signal Mountain State Park.
What are the oldest attractions in North Carolina?
It comes as no surprise that a state as historic as our North Carolina has an impressive array of historic attractions. Some of the oldest buildings include the Alexander Long Plantation Hosue, Salem Tavern, and St. Philips Moravian Church. Of course, the towns of North Carolina are also incredibly historic. Here’s a list of the 11 oldest towns in the state.
