Best Day Trips in North Carolina: A Local’s Selection

Are you looking for unique one-day trips in NC? North Carolina offers a wide variety of choices. The state's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage provide endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. 

In this article, you will discover hidden gems and popular attractions for a memorable experience. Whether it's the most exciting Water Park or a peaceful beach, North Carolina has it all!

Family-friendly day trips

Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe 

Located in Greensboro, this amazing Water Park is the perfect choice for a fun day trip. With over 40 rides and attractions, there's something for everyone at Wet  ‘n Wild: families can splash and play in the wave pool, race down twisting slides, or relax on the lazy river. For younger children, Splash Island and Happy Harbor provide safe and fun areas with slides, shallow pools, and interactive water features. 

⛱️Enjoy all the activities the Water Park has to offer and create long-lasting memories with your loved ones. Get discounted tickets online!

High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Park

Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, this Zip Line and Aerial Park will boost your adrenaline to the top. The park features a multi-level aerial course with over 75 elements, including swinging bridges, balance beams, and tightropes, designed to test your agility and courage. 

For those seeking a high-speed thrill, the zip line tour offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as you soar through the air on multiple lines. Exciting experiences come together with amazing views. 

Greensboro Science Center

Are you looking for a more educational experience? The Greensboro Science Center offers an engaging blend of science, nature, and fun for all ages. Visitors can explore the aquarium, fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, health, and the animal kingdom, and engage in hands-on activities that captivate both children and adults. 

With its combination of educational exhibits, live animals, and thrilling activities, the Greensboro Science Center provides a memorable and multifaceted experience. Who said learning can’t be fun?

Beach escapes

Outer Banks

The perfect getaway to hide from crowded cities! Walk along the shoreline and explore charming coastal villages like Duck or Manteo, filled with boutiques, galleries, and local eateries offering fresh seafood. Visit iconic landmarks or climb the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. 

But if your passion is swimming in the ocean, feeling the sun on your skin, or the sand on your feet, you can also enjoy the simple treats Outer Banks has to offer.

Emerald Isle

In Emerald Isle, you can spend a stunning beach day with your family near the crystal clear ocean. But, for those seeking adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the tranquil waters of Bogue Sound, or try your hand at fishing from one of the island's piers. 

Nature lovers can hike the scenic trails of the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, home to diverse wildlife and stunning coastal views. If you enjoy listening to the rolling waves while reading a book under the sun or building sandcastles, Emerald Isle is the perfect place. Don't miss its breathtaking sunsets!

Nature wonders

Barrier Islands

Appreciate the most amazing natural phenomena on a day trip to North Carolina and enjoy the most perfect ecosystem. Stretched along the Atlantic coast these are a series of narrow, sandy islands known for their pristine beaches, rich history, and abundant wildlife. 

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

As one of America’s most visited National Parks, Great Smoky Mountain National Park offers a diverse animal and plant life, an incredible mountain view, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Visitors can explore over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Alum Cave Trail and the challenging hike to Clingmans Dome, the park's highest peak. 

The park is also ideal for scenic drives, such as the Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove Loop, where families can enjoy picturesque landscapes and spot deer, black bears, and other majestic animals. With activities like camping, fishing, and picnicking, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation amidst nature's splendor.

The Blowing Rock

Visitors of The Blowing Rock can enjoy the scenic beauty and panoramic vistas from the observation deck, capturing stunning photographs of the lush, mountainous landscape. Learn about the historic legend behind The Blowing Rock, where mysterious winds cause even the snow to fall upside down. A mysterious and thrilling experience for the whole family! 

Pisgah National Forest

For a more adventurous audience, don’t miss this popular destination where you can find a wide range of activities such as hiking, backpacking, road biking, mountain biking, fishing, and rock climbing. With its rich biodiversity and array of outdoor activities, Pisgah National Forest is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Stone Mountain State Park

This stunning natural retreat is known for its towering 600-foot granite dome, lush forests, and picturesque waterfalls. Visitors can hike the challenging Stone Mountain Loop Trail, which offers panoramic views from the summit, encounters with historic homesteads, and a close-up look at the beautiful Stone Mountain Falls.

The park also features excellent opportunities for rock climbing on the granite face, trout fishing in the park's pristine streams, and picnicking in scenic areas surrounded by nature. History and Nature are bonded in this spectacular State park. 

Cities and towns

Greensboro

Greensboro offers a mix of historical insights, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures suitable for all ages: the perfect choice for a one-day trip. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Bog Garden at Benjamin Park and the Greensboro Arboretum. Additionally, the Greensboro Children's Museum offers hands-on exhibits and play areas, while Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park guarantees a fun-filled day of slides and pools. 

Asheville

In Asheville, families can explore the majestic Biltmore Estate, enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Asheville Museum of Science, and interact with native wildlife at the Western North Carolina Nature Center. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the scenic trails of Pisgah National Forest, experience aerial adventures at the Adventure Center of Asheville, and visit the beautiful North Carolina Arboretum. 

Raleigh

With its blend of educational, recreational, and cultural attractions, Raleigh ensures a fun and enriching experience for the whole family. Spend the day at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, or experience The Marbles Kids Museum with your children. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the expansive Pullen Park and the JC Raulston Arboretum. 

Wilmington

Mixing history, nature, and coastal charm, Wilmington offers an engaging and enjoyable experience for all. You can delve into maritime history at the Battleship North Carolina, and visit the aquarium at Fort Fisher. For outdoor activities, enjoy the scenic beauty of Airlie Gardens, with its walking trails, and for beach fun, nearby Wrightsville Beach provides sun, sand, and water activities.

Cultural and historical landmarks

Cherokee Indian Reservation

Also known as the Qualla Boundary, it offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Explore the Museum of the Cherokee Indians to learn about their rich history and traditions. Step back in time and experience a recreated 1760s village with live demonstrations and guided tours, and enjoy the beautiful Mingo Falls, a gem for nature lovers. 

Historic Bath

Start the day with a visit to the Historic Bath State Historic Site, including a stop at the oldest church in North Carolina and a walk along the Bath Creek Boardwalk, enjoying views of the water. A picnic lunch at Bonner Point or picnic tables near the waterfront offers a chance to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. With its mix of history, nature, and educational attractions, Historic Bath promises a memorable day out for the whole family.

Uncommon day trip ideas

Hot air balloon ride over the Piedmont

For a more uncommon day trip in North Carolina, the sky is the limit. Drifting serenely with the wind, you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the landscape unfolding beneath them: North Carolina’s Piedmont region, an area of rolling hills, lakes, and farmland. 

The silence, interrupted only by the occasional whoosh of the burner, will create a tranquil atmosphere, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the moment. 

Linville Caverns exploration

With the promise of an exciting underground adventure filled with natural wonders, visitors are greeted through the cavern's mysterious passages, sharing fascinating insights into its geological formations and history. Inside the cavern, families marvel at the stunning beauty of stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate rock formations illuminated by soft lighting. 

Have you decided on your best day trip in NC? Visit Wet ‘n Wild!

All in all, North Carolina has a wide range of destinations for a day trip and each one of them highlights its charm and attractions. Don't miss out Wet ‘n Wild in all its splendor! With its thrilling water rides, family-friendly atmosphere, and the added benefit of discounts for online reservations, it promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. So, if you're seeking an exhilarating adventure in the heart of North Carolina, Wet ‘n Wild is a must-visit destination.