Planning a North Carolina road trip is like weaving your way through a tapestry of mountains, beaches, quaint small towns, and bustling cities. The state offers a stunning mix of natural beauty, rich history, southern hospitality, and unique experiences that make it one of the best road trip destinations in the U.S.
You may also like to read 👉🏼 : 10 Cute Towns In North Carolina – Best Small Cities In North Carolina
North Carolina Road Trip – Things To Do in North Carolina – Places to Visit in North Carolina
From the misty Blue Ridge Mountains to the sun-soaked Outer Banks, this itinerary is designed to take you across the most iconic places to visit in North Carolina while also revealing some hidden gems along the way.
This North Carolina itinerary will guide you through scenic drives, must-do activities, recommended overnight stays, and helpful tips so you can truly enjoy the diversity this state has to offer. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or solo adventurer, this journey is worth every mile.
Day 1-2: Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway
Asheville sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has become a hub for creativity, food, and mountain adventures. It’s the perfect starting point for your North Carolina road trip because it blends urban vibrancy with immediate access to nature. Known for its craft breweries, art scene, and the famous Biltmore Estate, Asheville is also the gateway to the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway—one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.
Things to Do
- Explore the Biltmore Estate: America’s largest privately-owned home with lavish gardens and a winery.
- Walk through Downtown Asheville: Full of street performers, boutiques, and art galleries. Streets are lined with murals, independent boutiques, and buskers filling the air with music. Grab coffee from a local roaster and explore Lexington Avenue’s funky shops.
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive north from Asheville, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ll find Craggy Gardens, a rhododendron-covered overlook with hiking trails and jaw-dropping views. Further along, a detour takes you to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi.
- Enjoy Craft Beer: Asheville is often called “Beer City USA” with over 30 breweries. Grab a flight at Wicked Weed or sip a pint at Green Man Brewery while listening to live music.
Distance & Route – Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is the most convenient if you’re flying in. Otherwise, if driving from Charlotte, it’s about 130 miles (2 hours) via I-85 and I-26 West.
Overnight Stay – Aloft Asheville Downtown: A stylish mid-budget stay in the town center with a rooftop pool and easy access to shops and restaurants.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks
- Blue Ridge Parkway north to Mount Mitchell: winding roads with countless scenic overlooks.
- Blue Ridge Parkway south toward Pisgah National Forest: sunset views at Looking Glass Rock Overlook.
Tours to Book
- Biltmore Estate Guided Tour
- Asheville Food Tours to taste southern cuisine with a modern twist.
You may also like to read 👉🏼 : Best Asheville Instagram Captions And Quotes (Puns + Slogans)
Day 3: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just west of Asheville, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S. Its misty mountains, wildlife, and hiking trails make it a must-stop on any North Carolina drive. This park straddles North Carolina and Tennessee, but the North Carolina side offers quieter, more scenic areas.
You may also like to read 👉🏼 : Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary 3 Days – Best Things To Do, Hikes, Waterfalls & Campgrounds
Things to Do
Start at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, where you might spot elk grazing in the fields at dawn. From here, the Oconaluftee River Trail peacefully walks along bubbling waters.
- Clingmans Dome: A short but steep half-mile hike leads to the highest point in the park with 360° views.
- Cades Cove Loop: Drive or bike through this valley to spot deer, bears, and historic cabins.
- Waterfalls Trail Hikes: Explore hikes like Deep Creek near Bryson City for cascading falls, a gem with three falls—Juney Whank, Tom Branch, and Indian Creek—accessible via moderate trails..
Distance & Route – From Asheville to the Smoky Mountains (Cherokee entrance): 55 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) via US-74 W.
Overnight Stay – Stonebrook Lodge Cherokee: A comfortable mid-budget hotel near the Cherokee entrance, offering easy access to the park.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks
- Newfound Gap Road: Crosses the park with stunning overlooks at Morton Gap and Webb Overlook.
- Blue Ridge Parkway Spur: Scenic route linking the parkway to Cherokee.
Tours to Book – Guided Hiking Tours in the Smokies for spotting wildlife and learning about Appalachian ecology.
You may also like to read 👉🏼 : 10 Best Towns in The Smoky Mountains – Things To Do, Scenic Stops & Tips
Day 4: Boone and Blowing Rock
Heading northeast, Boone and Blowing Rock are charming mountain towns perfect for outdoor lovers. Boone is a lively college town, while Blowing Rock is known for its boutique shops and scenic vistas. Together, they showcase the best mountain life on a North Carolina itinerary.
Things to Do
- Visit the Blowing Rock: Start in Blowing Rock, where the town’s namesake rock formation juts dramatically over the gorge. Legend has it that the wind once carried a Native American brave back to his lover from the valley below. The overlook views are as romantic as the story.
- Tweetsie Railroad: A Wild West theme park that’s fun for families.
- Hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway trails near Moses Cone Memorial Park. It is perfect for hiking or horseback riding.
Distance & Route – From Cherokee (Smokies) to Boone: 170 miles (3.5 hours) along the Blue Ridge Parkway for the most scenic drive.
Overnight Stay – Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock: A mid-budget stay with cozy mountain-style rooms.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks
- Linn Cove Viaduct: An engineering marvel hugging Grandfather Mountain, one of the most photographed spots on the Parkway.
- Price Lake Overlook: Reflective lake views surrounded by peaks.
Tours to Book – Guided Blue Ridge Parkway Tours that explore hidden waterfalls and trails.
Day 5: Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem, known as the “City of Arts and Innovation,” blends old-world Moravian history with a modern arts scene. It’s less crowded than Charlotte or Raleigh but offers a rich cultural stop on your North Carolina road trip.
Things to Do
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens: Step back in time with living history exhibits. History lovers will enjoy Old Salem Museums & Gardens, where costumed interpreters bring 18th-century Moravian culture to life. Strolling across past restored homes and bakeries feels like stepping into another era.
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art: Located in the historic Reynolda estate.
- Downtown Arts District: Filled with murals, galleries, and cafes. For food, Winston-Salem is known for Moravian cookies
Distance & Route – Boone to Winston-Salem: 90 miles (2 hours) via US-421 S.
Overnight Stay – Hotel Indigo Winston-Salem Downtown: Stylish and mid-budget with an artsy vibe.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks – Yadkin Valley Wine Trail: If time allows, detour through this scenic vineyard region.
Tours to Book – Old Salem Guided Walking Tour for an immersive historical experience.
Day 6-7: Raleigh & Durham
The Raleigh-Durham area, known as the Research Triangle, is perfect for foodies, history lovers, and science enthusiasts. Raleigh offers museums and southern charm, while Durham brings a mix of innovation and great food.
Things to Do
- North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh): Free and one of the best in the South, with a vast outdoor sculpture park. Stroll the Historic Oakwood District, where 19th-century homes showcase Victorian architecture..
- Durham Bulls Baseball Game: Durham is all about character. Catch a Durham Bulls baseball game, made famous by the movie Bull Durham. Visit Duke University Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece, and walk the peaceful Sarah P. Duke Gardens.
- Historic Oakwood District: Explore 19th-century homes in Raleigh.
- Duke University Chapel: An iconic gothic-style building worth visiting.
Foodies should not miss the area’s BBQ and craft beer scene. Durham’s food halls, like the American Tobacco Campus, are perfect for sampling local flavors.
Distance & Route – From Winston-Salem to Raleigh: 100 miles (1.5 hours) via I-40 E.
Overnight Stay – Aloft Durham Downtown: Mid-budget, modern stay within walking distance to restaurants.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks – Along I-40, make a quick stop in Chapel Hill, home to the University of North Carolina and a charming downtown.
Tours to Book – Downtown Raleigh Food Tour to sample Southern cuisine and BBQ.
Day 8-9: Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are barrier islands stretching along North Carolina’s coast, famous for shipwreck history, wild horses, and lighthouses. They’re a highlight of any North Carolina drive because they combine history, adventure, and beach vibes.
Things to Do
- Wright Brothers National Memorial – Start at Kill Devil Hills to visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, celebrating the first flight in 1903.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: The tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S.. Drive south to climb the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S.
- Wild Horse Tour in Corolla: See Spanish mustangs roaming the beaches. For downtime, Nags Head Beach offers wide sandy stretches perfect for swimming or just lazing in the sun.
Adventure seekers can try kiteboarding in Hatteras or kayaking in quiet sound-side waters.
Distance & Route – Raleigh to Kill Devil Hills (Outer Banks): 210 miles (3.5–4 hours) via US-64 E.
Overnight Stay – Shutters on the Banks, Kill Devil Hills: A mid-budget beachfront hotel with ocean views.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks
- Outer Banks Scenic Byway: Runs for 138 miles along barrier islands, with endless views of dunes, marshes, and lighthouses.
- Bodie Island Lighthouse Overlook: Great stop for photos at sunset.
Tours to Book
- Outer Banks Wild Horse Tours in Corolla.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Tours for exploring lighthouses and beaches.
Day 10: Wilmington
Wilmington is a coastal city with a historic riverfront and access to three beaches—Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure. It’s also a filming hotspot for TV shows and movies. Known as “Hollywood East” because of its film industry, it’s lively yet relaxed, making it a refreshing stop near the end of your North Carolina drive. This stop makes your North Carolina itinerary very lively.
Things to Do
- Riverwalk: Start at the Riverwalk, a mile-long wooden boardwalk along the Cape Fear River. It’s lined with shops, art galleries, and outdoor cafés.
- Battleship North Carolina: A WWII battleship museum docked in the river. History buffs will love touring the Battleship North Carolina, a WWII battleship anchored nearby.
- Wrightsville Beach: Wrightsville Beach is just 20 minutes away, perfect for surfing, paddleboarding, or catching a golden sunset.
Distance & Route – Outer Banks (Kill Devil Hills) to Wilmington: 330 miles (6 hours) via US-17 S.
Overnight Stay – Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown: Mid-budget and centrally located.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks – Crystal Coast drive (NC-24): Take a detour for charming coastal towns like Beaufort.
Tours to Book
- Wilmington Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington: A spooky night tour.
- Battleship North Carolina Guided Tour.
Day 11-12: Charlotte
Charlotte, the state’s largest city, is a financial hub with a vibrant cultural and food scene. It’s a great ending point for your North Carolina road trip with museums, NASCAR thrills, and trendy neighborhoods.
Things to Do
- NASCAR Hall of Fame: Begin with the NASCAR Hall of Fame, celebrating the sport’s roots in North Carolina, and learn about racing history.
- Uptown Charlotte: Explore museums like the Mint Museum and Discovery Place.
- NoDa District: In the evening, head to the funky NoDa District for street art, live music, and craft beer.
If you prefer green space, Freedom Park is a local favorite, while the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers rafting, climbing, and zip-lining just outside the city.
Distance & Route – Wilmington to Charlotte: 200 miles (3.5 hours) via I-74 W and US-74 W.
Overnight Stay – Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown: A mid-budget stay with great city views.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks – Uwharrie National Forest detour: rolling hills and scenic stops.
Tours to Book
- Charlotte Segway Tours is a fun way to see the city.
- Craft Beer Tasting Tour in NoDa.
Helpful Tips – North Carolina Itinerary
- Best Time to Go: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) for mild weather and colorful scenery.
- Car Rental: A comfortable SUV is best, especially for mountain and coastal routes.
- Driving Tips: The Blue Ridge Parkway has strict speed limits (45 mph max) and limited fuel stations—fill up before entering.
- Packing: Bring layers for the mountains and light clothes for the coast.
- Budgeting: Average daily spend is $150–$200, including gas, food, and mid-budget hotels.
FAQs About a North Carolina Drive
Q: How many days are ideal for a North Carolina road trip?
A: 10–12 days lets you cover the mountains, cities, and coast without rushing.
Q: Is the Blue Ridge Parkway worth it?
A: Absolutely. It’s considered one of the most scenic drives in America and a highlight of any North Carolina drive.
Q: What’s the best airport to start this itinerary?
A: Asheville (AVL) or Charlotte (CLT) are the best starting points.
Q: Are the Outer Banks family-friendly?
A: Yes, with wide beaches, history, and wildlife, they’re perfect for families.
Q: What are must-try foods in North Carolina?
A: Carolina BBQ, hush puppies, fried green tomatoes, and sweet tea. 
This North Carolina itinerary takes you from Asheville’s misty mountain tops to the Outer Banks’ windswept beaches, while also exploring vibrant cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. Along the way, you’ll discover why things to do in North Carolina are so diverse and rewarding—every stop offers a new story, a different landscape, and unforgettable southern hospitality.
If you’re searching for places to visit in North Carolina that combine nature, history, and culture, this road trip delivers it all. Pack your bags, fuel up the car, and prepare for an adventure proving why a North Carolina road trip belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.
Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro
Follow more on social media channels at
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
Read the Disclaimer, Affiliate & Cookie Policy by clicking here.
Discover more from Travel With Me 24 X 7
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.