Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Kristin
Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city and financial center, is a cosmopolitan city home to museums, sports teams and buzzing nightlife. It’s also the perfect starting point for a driving vacation. Here are the best road trips from Charlotte.
Fabulous Road Trips from Charlotte
Greensboro
93 miles / 1 hr. 26 mins.
This mid-size Southern city is teeming with cultural and family-friendly attractions. Check out the Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe water park, Greensboro Science Center, and the International Civil Rights Museum. Greensboro boasts many nearby forests and parks. Be sure to take a walk on an elevated boardwalk meandering through the Bog Garden. Or head to Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden to see sculptures embedded among nature. >> Recommended hotels in Greensboro
Hanging Rock State Park
108 miles / 1 hr. 50 mins.
About two hours away from Charlotte, Hanging Rock State Park combines spectacular mountain views with lakes for swimming. Take a hike on one of the park’s 15 different trails, and see if you can find the park’s five waterfalls. Biking, boating and tubing are also popular activities here. While summer is the most popular time to visit, the park is open year-round. On your way up to the park, pay a visit to Winston-Salem. This charming city known for its street art, breweries and historic museums is a great place to stop for a meal or coffee after hiking.
Asheville
124 miles / 2 hr. 10 mins.
Nicknamed the “Land of the Sky,” the artistic city of Asheville is tucked away in the lush Blue Ridge Mountains. This is a great long weekend destination for travelers looking to mix outdoor adventures with city life. Pay homage to Asheville’s motto by taking a spin on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic mountain road with plenty of hiking trails and lookout points to appreciate the panoramic views. Head back downtown to explore art galleries and have dinner at one of the city’s many Southern restaurants, or stop by the River Arts District to browse artisanal shops and breweries. Don’t forget to make a slight detour to visit the historic Biltmore Estate if you have time. >> Recommended hotels in Asheville
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
151 miles / 2 hr. 45 mins.
This 800-square-mile national park straddling the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina, is a serious crowd-pleaser. Besides a wealth of hiking, biking and fishing, it is also one of the few free-entry national parks in the U.S. While you can stay inside the park itself, there are many options in the vicinity of the park. >> Recommended hotels near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Savannah, Georgia
253 miles / 3 hr. 50 mins.
If strolling around charming cities is your jam, head to Savannah. With Spanish moss flowing down from huge oak trees and sprawling historical homes, Savannah is the perfect place to wander and explore. Head to the always-bustling River Street for waterfront restaurants and gift shops. >> Recommended hotels in Savannah
Williamsburg, Virginia
317 miles / 5 hr. 3 mins.
While many cities offer museums to learn about history, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is one of the few places where visitors can completely immerse themselves in the day-to-day life experience of yesteryear. As the world’s largest outdoor living-history museum, the 301-acre area of Colonial Williamsburg depicts life in the 1700s through artisanal workshops, stores and colonial homes frozen in time. For a modern twist, combine a visit to the historical site with a side trip to the Busch Gardens amusement park for a day of roller coasters and water rides.
Related:
