Charlotte is a fantastic place with various spectacular sites. When next you’re in either North or South Carolina, you would want to check out some of the best spots for day trips near Charlotte.
The entire Charlotte region is marked by historic small towns, all of which have their own unique attractions and charm. Even if you aren’t a history enthusiast, day trips near Charlotte in the recreational areas will remain memorable for a lifetime.
However, as a history buff, you could spend weeks on adventures in small towns like Gold Hill, Cornelius, or Spencer. At the same time, art and craft lovers will be overwhelmed with the variety of exciting locations to explore.
So, what are the best day trips near Charlotte you wouldn’t want to miss? What makes them so amazing?
Here are the best day trips near Charlotte you can visit when next you plan your next vacation, spend the night, or simply enjoy the day!
1. Wilmington
Wilmington is a famous port city that sits on the Atlantic coast. The city houses the USS North Carolina Museum (BB-55). The battleship is known for its crucial role during World War II, where they used it to carry out several successful naval operations.
But that’s not all that’s fascinating about Wilmington. You could easily get carried away admiring the azaleas while enjoying the breadth of fresh air and your toes dipped in the freshwater lake.
We recommend going for a weekend or staying overnight as it’s about a 3 1/2 hour drive away.
Why we like this location: Aside from the town’s fascinating history and its beautiful lake, the Wilmington Serpentarium is a chilling destination to watch over forty various species of snakes, lizards, and crocodiles.
2. Lake Lure
A lot of people know Lake Lure without actually being aware of it. A picture of the Lake is more popular than its name because they used it in several scenes in the movie Dirty Dancing.
Lake Lure is the perfect destination for a day trip near Charlotte. There’s something extraordinarily charming about the lake during the autumn season, especially when the trees turn vibrant orange and hues of fiery red. If you’ve ever visited a place that felt special and left without being able to explain what makes it special, then be ready to have a similar experience in Lake Lure.
Why we like this location: Lake Lure can be conveniently reached through Chimney Rock, and it is the best way to mix up your day.
3. Uwharrie National Forest
Charlotte’s constant development is beginning to eat into green spaces, and natural sites are becoming fewer. For that reason, spots like the incredible Uwharrie National Forest are golden!
The forest is a total area of 50,645 acres, which is more than enough to explore for weeks. For day trips Charlotte, you can get soaked in the beautiful Badin Lake or hike one of the numerous trails in the forest lands.
Why we like this location: The dozens of hiking routes in the Uwharrie National Forest offer more than enough scenic photo opportunities.
4. Asheville
Foodies will travel the distance from anywhere around North and South Carolina for the perfect sip or bite in Ashville. This town is notorious for its thriving restaurants, and they genuinely have mouth-watering dishes to offer.
Ashville rests upon the Western North Carolina cheese trail, which encompasses nine of the state’s famed cheese-mongers. The locals are so welcoming to visitors you begin to wonder if they knew you were coming.
Why we like this location: The Indian cuisine by Chai Pani is very homely, and you can be sure to get the traditional southern US dishes!
5. Atlanta
As the state capital of Georgia, Atlanta has more than enough for you to do and see. Likewise, there are tons of interesting history to learn.
*This is more of an overnight trip or weekend trip but if you are looking for another great city to visit, Atlanta isn’t too far away.
Right in the downtown sits the Centennial Olympic Park that hosted the 1996 Olympic games. In the park, you can learn more about the city’s role in the Civil War as well as the Civil Rights Movement in the ‘60s. All you have to do is visit the Atlanta History Centre.
Why we like this location: Atlanta has its way of inspiring you to grow as a person, especially when you visit the Martin Luther King Jr.
6. Boone
If you’re an outdoor adventurer, you will fall in love with Boone with only a picture. Some might argue that it’s the number one travel destination for scenic photos.
About 95 miles Northwest of Charlotte is one of the best outdoor day trips near Charlotte you can experience. You can jump from boulder to boulder, move from the canopy to zip lines, or get dipped in an exciting tube along the beautiful river. You also have the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum to visit after all the jumping at the river.
Why we like this location: The river is breathtaking, but the interactive museum is so underrated. The museum recreates the 1700s lifestyle, which is always a day to remember.
7. Blue Ridge Parkway
Lovers of the great outdoors who want to increase their chances of experiencing some of North Carolina’s best scenery can’t allow a day pass without exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Parkway runs from Virginia down to Charlotte in NC and is one amazing vista after another. Along the way, you’ll find numerous stop-off points to enjoy the view and also visit historical gems and cultural hotspots.
Why we like this location: You can enjoy some slightly boozy refreshments in the Lost Province Brewing Company.
8. Carowinds
For a fun-filled and easy day trips Charlotte, Carowinds is the perfect place for you. It is located off Interstate 77 on the border of North and South Carolina. The amusement park is family-oriented and houses about 13 roller coasters!
Aside from the thrilling and exciting roller coasters, there are various entertaining kids and family rides too.
Why we like this location: You can bring along your picnic to the Carowinds amusement park to enjoy your home-made food. However, there are countless fast-food counters around the park.
9. Greenville
Lying across the border in South Carolina is the gentle city of Greenville. There are many interesting cultures to learn about from the Greenville County Museum of Art, which houses an outstanding series of exhibits by Southern artists from past eras. You can easily get there by car or bus, in less than 2 hours.
For more local history, you can tour the Upcountry History Museum. The museum reveals the timeline that projected upstate South Carolina into today’s modern-day.
Why we like this location: You can enjoy a rest at Falls Park while taking in the astounding view of the flowing Reedy – the park’s suspension bridge and rocky waterfalls.
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains remains one of the US’s most famous natural landscapes. It has been the muse for several authors, musicians, and artists over the years.
The park covers more than 520,000 acres and rests in Tennessee, North Carolina. As you’ve probably guessed, there are countless trails, both the easy and more challenging ones, throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, the one you wouldn’t want to miss is the spectacular Rocky Top!
We also recommend staying overnight or going for a weekend, as it’s more than a 3-hour drive away.
Why we like this location: Although spots like the Rocky Top reward you with views of Fontana Lake and Cades Cove, the Alum Cave Trail heading to Mount LeConte is one trail you wouldn’t want to miss.
Conclusion
There are several other fascinating destinations for day trips near Charlotte, but you can start with the ones above. And by the time you’re through almost half of the city, you’ll realize that there’s more next to Charlotte than it gets credit for.
