Best Day Trip Destinations in North Carolina
With its beautiful mountains and coastline, North Carolina is the ultimate destination for any season or any time of the year. In the winter, you can go in for some great skiing and tubing experience. In warmer months, you can never go wrong with a good hike in its mountains and hills. To give you some idea, here are some of the best day trip destinations for your next day trip.
Linville Gorge and Falls
No better way to jump-start your trip to North Carolina than to head straight on over to Linville Gorge and Falls. It is located deep in the Pisgah National Forest, creating the perfect day trip for outdoor adventurers visiting the state.
Also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge presents some of the most scenic gorges in the eastern part of the country. Apart from the gorges, Linville also has a gorgeous waterfall that features a 90 feet drop. It is a pretty spectacular sight to see. The falls continue for 12 miles, all within the steep rock walls that surround and shapes its flowing waters.
Many other destinations are a short hike away from Linville like Duggers Creek Falls and Crabtree Falls. All are worth seeing if you ever have the chance.
Outer Banks
Another must-visit, the Outer Banks feature natural beauty like no other parts of the country. Perhaps, like no other parts of the world. It is a 200 mile stretch of barrier islands with lovely small fishing villages and towns dotting around. Each town is unique and charming on its own. This is what makes it such a great escape from the city. A place unique to the state of North Carolina alone.
Apart from sightseeing, dining with fresh seafood, and admiring architecture, there are plenty of other things to do here. Some other things you can do include visiting historical museums like The Lost Colony, Elizabethan Gardens, and Roanoke Island Festival Park.
With climate change and further shore erosion and damage, the future of Outer Banks is unknown. It is, therefore, one of those places that you have to visit while you still have the chance.
Chimney Rock State Park
Another one for those looking for a great outdoor adventure. Chimney Rock State Park is another one adventurers should not miss while in North Carolina. This state park is located short of twenty-five miles away from Asheville. The park features a 315 ft. granite spire that stands for more than 2,280ft that is just spectacular to look at.
The park features some incredible hiking trails. However, if you are not into hiking, you can also just hike the elevator up top. The view from the top, though, is one of a kind. Try not to miss it.
North Carolina Zoo
For those traveling with kids and are hesitating to bring their children into a full-blown outdoor trip, North Carolina Zoo is a pretty great spot. The zoo strolls five miles of shaded pathways. Inside, there are more than 1,600 animals and 52,000 kinds of plants. Kids will surely have a blast seeing all the chimpanzees, giraffes, and zebras in there. Of course, you do not have to be a kid to enjoy all of these animals we only get to see in documentaries.
All parts of the park are designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitat as well. It will be a fun and informative trip, just be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes.
Visit Asheville
The Blue Ridge Mountains are across the street from Asheville. There are many things to do in this city. Visitors can tour the elaborate house and gardens at the Biltmore Estate, visit the Asheville Pinball Museum, or sit back and enjoy a tasty beer at the New Belgium Brewery and Tasting Room. If you want to be out in nature, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, or mountain views within a short driving distance.
Asheville is a city that is full of art and culture. There are many things for visitors to do, such as visiting the Biltmore Estate. The Biltmore Estate is a large house and garden that was built in North Carolina. It is now a tourist attraction that offers visitors tours of the house and gardens.
Another place to visit in Asheville is the Pinball Museum. This museum has over 200 pinball machines from the 1930s to the present day. If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, then head over to the New Belgium Brewery and Tasting Room. This brewery offers tastings of their craft beers as well as brewery tours. If you’re looking for to do outdoors, then check out some of the hiking trails or bike paths. There is also a great view of the mountains if you decide to go on a short drive from Asheville.
Blowing Rock
The quaint shops and stunning location of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, earn it the title of “Crown of the Blue Ridge.” Visitors can hike, bike, or boulder in this charming town near the impressive Grandfather Mountain, or relax and enjoy all it has to offer.
The Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West-themed park, is a great destination for families, and Blowing Rock Art and History Museum offers some cultural education for history buffs. With over a hundred unique shops in its downtown area, Blowing Rock is a fantastic place to treat yourself to something new.
There’s plenty to do in this small town near the impressive Grandfather Mountain. Hiking, biking, and bouldering are all popular activities, as is just relaxing and enjoying the stunning location. The Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West-themed park, is a great destination for families, and Blowing Rock Art and History Museum offers some cultural education for history buffs.
With over a hundred unique shops in its downtown area, Blowing Rock is a fantastic place to treat yourself to something new. You can find just about anything you might be looking for in this charming town – from outdoor gear to fashion to home decor.
Still hesitating to bring your kids on an outdoor trip? Check out Tips to Keep in Mind When Camping with Kids.
Conclusion
North Carolina is full of natural beauties, so get out there and explore them! With plenty to do in the state for adventurers of all ages, it’s hard not to find something that will captivate you. If your idea of an adventure doesn’t involve nature or animals though, then head over to one of North Carolina’s many historic sites like Old Salem which features preserved buildings from 18th century colonial America. Have you explored any part of North Carolina yet? What did you think? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
