When the weather warms up, everyone starts thinking about epic summer trips. There are so many amazing places near the Queen City that make for a great day trip for the whole family. Next time you’re looking to take a Saturday or Sunday to go explore, check out some of these spots that we think are the best day trips in Charlotte. Are you the daring type? Maybe play hooky from work one day to take one of these five out-of-this-world summer day trips. After all, don’t you want to make some awesome memories this summer?

1. Take a two-hour drive to DuPont State Forest to see some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina.
DuPont State Recreational Forest, Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, USA
5minutes/Wikimedia Commons
DuPont State Forest is a 12,500-acre preserve near Asheville in Cedar Mountain. It is located between the cities of Hendersonville and Brevard. This location makes for a great weekend trip, especially when the weather's nice and you'd like to be outside.
Visiting DuPont State Forest is like something from a dream. The falls and greenery absolutely take your breath away and you will lose yourself in the magic of the natural beauties in this pristine North Carolina forest.
Gimli LongBow/Flickr
A visit to DuPont State Forest will show you so much of our state's natural beauty. Here, you'll find some of the best hiking trails in North Carolina, four major waterfalls, and many creeks and streams. There are plenty of picnic areas along the way, making for a great scenic lunch spot. There's even a trail that winds right by a lake and pasture where you might see horses feeding.

Address: Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
2. Explore downtown Greenville, South Carolina, which is about an hour and 45 minutes away from Charlotte.
Greenville, SC, USA
JR P/Flickr
We know that we're Only In North Carolina, but Greenville is one of our favorite towns in South Carolina. Downtown Greenville is an awesome little spot. Here, you'll find great restaurants, shops, and a cute little park all within just a few blocks.

Stroll down Main Street and you never know what you'll find. Stop in a sidewalk cafe for a cup of coffee or maybe grab a bite to eat at a down-home local restaurant. Wander into town and you'll come across a fantastic little park that offers beautiful scenery.
Falls Park begins right on Main Street and welcomes visitors to enjoy paved trails, lots of greenery and flowers, and even a small waterfall.
JR P/Flickr
If it's a nice day in Greenville, you'll see many locals out enjoying the park. It's a popular spot for walkers and picnickers, and the grassy knoll is just perfect for reading a book in the sun. Downtown Greenville is quaint, quiet, and charming. If you're looking for a new city to explore, this is a great option for a day trip near Charlotte!
3. Take a walk on the wild side at the North Carolina State Zoo in Asheboro, about an hour and a half away from Charlotte.
Zoo Parkway, Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC, USA
Eric Beerkins/Flickr
The North Carolina Zoo is located in Asheboro. It's a great day trip near Charlotte for the entire family, as you will see many amazing mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. The zoo is well-known for its themed exhibits. The African exhibit will show you animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes. In the Aviary exhibit, you'll get to see exotic birds, tropical plants, and colorful flowers. It's the largest natural habitat zoo in the world with over 1,600 animals.

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The zoo is a great outing for kids, who are sure to be amazed by seeing all these animals in person!
Asheboro Creative/Flickr
You'll find plenty of other attractions here to keep the kids busy. There are face painting booths, caricature artists, a kids' play zone, Dino Island, a carousel, and of course, several restaurants and snack bars. If you have a family of animal lovers, you've got to make a trip out to the North Carolina Zoo before summer's end.

Address: 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205
4. Thrill seekers will love a day at Carowinds Theme Park and you don't even have to leave Charlotte!
Carowinds, North Carolina, USA
Inferno Insane/Flickr
For the adrenaline junkies out there, Carowinds Theme Park is the perfect place for you! It's located right on the state lines of North Carolina and South Carolina, advertising itself as "the place where the Carolinas come together." Carowinds is the only theme park in Charlotte (well, half in, anyway) and is a major day trip destination.
Carowinds spans 398 acres and offers visitors tons of choices in rides, entertainment, and dining.
Jessica B./Flickr
Carowinds is complete with roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, and kids' rides. There's something for everyone at this theme park. Carowinds also has an entire area devoted to splash rides and water slides, so when you visit in the summer, make sure to pack a bathing suit! You won't want to miss the water park. Carowinds is about thirty minutes from Center City in Charlotte.

Address: 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
5. Visit one of the vineyards in North Carolina's wine country, a little over an hour from Charlotte.
Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery/Facebook
The Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina is home to more than 35 wineries. If you enjoy wine tasting, these wineries in North Carolina are an absolute must-visit.
Not only do these wineries have amazing views and beautiful scenery, but they serve some of the best North Carolina wines you will find.
Dobbins Creek Vineyards/Facebook
There are several options for formal tours that will hit many of the wineries in the Yadkin Valley. If you prefer to make your own itinerary, plan your own trip and pick the wineries that seem most interesting to you. This is a great relaxing and scenic road trip, especially if you consider yourself a wine connoisseur!

What day trips near Charlotte do you have planned for the summer? Share your plans and experiences in the comments, we always love hearing of great things to do near the Queen City!

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Best Day Trips Near Charlotte

Lisa Sammons | April 14, 2022

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There are almost an endless number of things to do in North Carolina. Shopping, a variety of natural wonders, scenic drives, amusement parks, and zoos: the Tar Heel State has so many amazing attractions!

What are some unique things to do in North Carolina?

We've gathered up 12 of our favorite unique activities in North Carolina for you. There's so much to do here that you might not even realize how many opportunities we have for fun. From Civil War battlefields to ziplines to natural swimming holes, it feels like the entertainment never ends in North Carolina.

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We may be biased, but the best state parks are in North Carolina. Mount Mitchell State Park is absolutely incredible. The mountain that shares its name is the highest point east of the Mississippi. But there's plenty of great lower ground to explore here, too. You've got to love Hammocks Beach State Park, where you'll find a sandy beach, salty marsh, and plenty of wildlife. There is such an amazing array of different landscapes within our state!

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