It’s easy to write North Carolina off as just another state between the Mid-Atlantic states and the South, but it’s actually a really unique place to visit. No matter what your travel style is, there’s a perfect weekend getaway just waiting for you in North Carolina.
For a romantic getaway, you can head to the Great Smoky Mountain region for beautiful hikes. Arts and culture lovers will absolutely adore the local galleries, museums, and festivals taking place in small towns and big cities, while history buffs and families with kids can learn a lot about American history while touring this state. And if you visit in winter, there are ski resorts in North Carolina for a little fun in the snow.
Here are our top picks for the best weekend getaway destinations in North Carolina. We’ll highlight some of the most recommended things to do in each town and places to stay that are comfortable and convenient.
Raleigh
Raleigh is a Southern metropolis that is packed with tons of things to do and see, from top-notch science and technology institutions and art and culinary scenes to its historic capital city heritage. You’ll often find emerging local bands playing here, as well as bluegrass festivals, craft beer events, and art exhibitions. This is a place where history meets modern life. Top attractions are the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of Art, Pullen Park, and the Marbles Kids Museum. Also, make sure to check out the Neuse River Trail and William B. Umstead State Park to get outdoors.
Top Hotels in Raleigh:
Asheville
Asheville is a favorite destination among outdoor enthusiasts and craft beer fans. It’s become known as a hipster spot that’s all about organic and natural living. You’ll find lots of local shops, street performers, and festivals as you walk around downtown. Come here for a quirky vibe and really unique stops like the Pinball Museum and Malaprop’s Bookstore & Café. Of course, the big and famous attraction here is the Biltmore Estate, which you can tour and visit the winery.
Top Hotels in Asheville:
Charlotte
One of the largest and most exciting cities to visit in North Carolina is Charlotte, which is a great weekend destination for the whole family. Top attractions here are Freedom Park, Discovery Place, the Levine Museum of the New South, and the Carolinas Aviation Museum. The Carowinds theme park is fun for kids and the young-at-heart because it has some of the best roller coasters in the region. It’s also fun to watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup or NASCAR All-Star races while you’re in the city. Sports fans will enjoy a trip to Charlotte because the Carolina Panthers NFL team and the Charlotte Hornets NBA team play here.
Top Hotels in Charlotte:
Boone
For incredible mountain views, quaint shops, and vibrant college town culture, don’t miss out on visiting Boone. This charming small town is named after the famous Daniel Boone, and it’s conveniently located near the epic Blue Ridge Parkway. Boone is near the Tennessee Border as well and is home to Appalachian State University. It has a population of around 14,000 people and is lovely to visit in the fall when the leaves change colors. Take a walk down King Street to stop at the local shops and restaurants. When you venture outside of the town limits, you can enjoy its mountain setting at Elk Knob State Park and Grandfather Mountain.
Top Hotels in Boone:
Kitty Hawk
North Carolina made world history when the Wright Brothers took flight and first controlled a powered airplane. This is an important historic site in North Carolina to visit, and you can also enjoy a relaxing beach community in Kitty Hawk. It’s located on North Carolina’s Outer Banks islands and is refreshingly under-developed. Visit the Kitty Hawk Wood to view diverse plant and animal life in a beautiful maritime forest. This is a place to visit to relax and enjoy the smell of seawater, the feeling of the Atlantic Ocean breeze, and the sights of iconic lighthouses along the shore.
Top Hotels in Kitty Hawk:
Wilmington
The North Carolina town of Wilmington is known for being a beach destination with waterfront attractions for the whole family. Wilmington is a port city that has a lovely riverfront area that’s perfect for walking. The town was established by colonists in the 18th century and still has many historic buildings standing today. Cultural events are also common here because there’s a university in Wilmington that brings in young and energetic crowds.
Top Hotels in Wilmington:
Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a college town that’s famous for its basketball team, but there’s much more to see here than just the University of North Carolina. There’s also a vibrant arts and culture scene, concerts by local bands, and the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. When you visit, make sure to check out Franklin Street, the North Carolina Botanical Garden, and the Carolina Basketball Museum. The Dean E. Smith Center is the sports arena that is home to the basketball team, and you can visit the venue even if there’s not a game going on. If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Kidzu Children’s Museum.
Top Hotels in Chapel Hill:
New Bern
Anyone interested in history and culture will love a trip to New Bern, North Carolina. This is a coastal town with a history that dates back to the early 1700s, and the top historic attractions are the New Bern Civic Theatre and the Masonic Temple. Swiss immigrants founded this town and named it after the capital of Switzerland. There are a couple of different historic districts to tour here that have buildings on the state historic register. Another interesting trivia fact about New Bern is that it is the birthplace of Pepsi!
Top Hotels in New Bern:
Pinehurst
North Carolina has a mix of mountain towns and Southern towns, and Pinehurst is one of the latter. This is a small town in the middle of the state that has a population of around 13,000 people. It’s known as a top golfing destination in North Carolina and has over 40 golf courses to choose from. One of them is a stop on the PGA tour. Aside from golf, there are also historic buildings to see and learn about and green spaces to help you enjoy the natural beauty of the state.
Top Hotels in Pinehurst:
Bryson City
Bryson City is a gateway town to the Great Smoky Mountains and one of the oldest settlements in the state. Native Americans called this region home for long before that as well. The town enjoys stunning mountain scenery and is famous for river rafting. Book a rafting trip with a local guide company, or take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad for an activity at a slower pace. You can learn more about trains at the museum and check out Cooper Creek Trout Farm as well for a lovely day out in the town.
Top Hotels in Bryson City:
