One of the best parts about living in North Carolina is the opportunity to explore a variety of landscapes without having to ever leave the state. The Tar Heel State is blessed with an abundance of mountains, beaches, and rivers just waiting to be discovered. Or, if you’re seeking something else entirely — a cultural exhibit, historic site, or something off the beaten path — we’ve got that too! There’s truly no shortage of unique day trips in North Carolina, and we’ve got just the list to prove it. So without further ado, here are 12 unique days trips in North Carolina that are perfect in just about any season.

1. Take a scenic drive down the pottery trail in Seagrove
NCDOTcommunications / flickr
Samantha Henneke / flickr
The handmade-pottery capital of North Carolina, Seagrove is a day trip unlike any other. This unique artists' colony is nestled just fifteen minutes past Asheboro. Potters began to inhabit Seagrove in the late 18th century, and eventually, word spread to New York City. Before long Seagrove and its artistry were known nationally. You'll feel like you've traveled a bit back in time as you drive down the long country roads.
2. Get 'wild' at the North Carolina Zoo
Flickr / Valerie
Valerie / Flickr
The North Carolina Zoo is located in Asheboro in the Uwharrie Mountains, this natural habitat 500-acre zoo is home to 1,600 diverse animals. You can watch giraffes roam freely in large open fields, or step into a mini-jungle to watch monkeys dangle from trees as exotic birds zip past. No matter your age, you'll love this unique destination as you travel around North Carolina.
3. Mine for sapphires, rubies, and gold in Franklin
Flickr / Brent Moore
Ruby City Gems & Minerals/ Facebook
Did you know that North Carolina is home to the gem mining capital of the world? How lucky! Most mines are open spring-autumn. Whether you visit Ruby City Gems, a free museum, or try your hand at panning for gems at the Old Cardinal Gem Mine, you'll love the experience. Also, check out the beautiful creations in this video from Ruby City Gems:


4. Enjoy the rugged landscape of Pilot Mountain
GDollyhite / Getty Images
Wes Watson / AllTrails
Pilot Mountain is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and unique day trips in North Carolina. To start, it's one of the last remaining remnants of the ancient chain of Suaratown Mountains. Plus, it happens to be a great destination for a host of outdoor adventures. Follow the Ledge Spring Trail's lower loop to a popular site for rock climbing, if you're feeling adventurous.
5. Take a dip in a gorgeous natural lake or swimming hole
vixterd / Getty Images
Courtesy of Sarah Dodge
North Carolina is home to over 59 breathtaking lakes, many of which are perfect for swimming. Or, if you'd prefer something more private, there are tons of springs and natural swimming holes to be discovered throughout the state. For more inspiration, you can check out this list of natural swimming holes in North Carolina. If this waterfall looks way too perfect then wait till you see it in person. The next best thing is to watch this video from Adventuring in the Moment:


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6. Explore Civil War battlefields
Government & Heritage Library, State Library of NC / flickr
The beauty of Civil War battlefields in North Carolina is difficult to describe. While these sites are certainly picturesque, they also hold a haunting and tragic energy that one notices immediately. A day trip to one of the state's many Civil War monuments will inspire important thinking about the complexities of the past. Photographed above is the Cemetery at Averasboro Civil War Battlefield.
7. Find your own adventure at the White Water Center
U.S. National Whitewater Center / Facebook
U.S. National Whitewater Center / Facebook
When it comes to active and unique things to do in North Carolina, the White Water Center belongs at the top of the list. Located in Charlotte, this fun-filled property offers rope courses, zip lining, white water rafting, forested trails, and mountain biking. The adventure never ends! For more information please check out the White Water Center.
8. Admire the beautiful gardens of the Reynolda House Museum
Reynolda House Museum of American Art / Facebook
The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is rooted in history; this gorgeous house was once built and inhabited by R. J. Reynolds and his family. In 1965, the estate opened to the public as a museum dedicated to displaying a premier collection of art from the colonial period to the present. Plus, the storybook-like gardens alone are worth the drive.
10. Pitch your tent at Stone Mountain State Park
Kelly Thorson/ Alltrails
Gerry Dincher / flickr
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has so many beautiful state parks. One of the best day trips in North Carolina is a visit to Stone Mountain State Park, where you can extend your trip by camping. Extend that day trip by camping.
11. Visit an authentic lavender farm
Lavender Oaks Farm / Facebook
Lavender Oaks Farm / Facebook
You may feel like you've been whisked away to France when you arrive at Lavender Oaks Farm, a local farm that specializes in growing different varieties of lavender. Surrounded by hardwood forests, fragrant fields of lavender, and pictures-perfect barns, you'll feel worlds away from it all. To learn more about Lavender Oaks Farm.
12. Catch a ride on the Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad / Facebook
Tweetsie Railroad / Facebook
Few things inspire nostalgia like an old-fashioned train excursion. That's exactly what you'll find at Tweetsie Railroad, a Blue Ridge Mountain theme park that combines history with the flair of the Wild Wild West. No matter your age, you'll find this to be one of the most unique day trip destinations in North Carolina. To learn more about Tweetsie Railroad.

What are your thoughts on these unique day trips in North Carolina? Have you enjoyed any of them before? We’d love to hear all about your memories and experiences in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Unique Day Trips In North Carolina

Beth C. | May 26, 2020

What are the best little-known attractions in North Carolina?

Some of the best little-known attractions in North Carolina like a fountain of youth, swinging bridges, and much more can be found on our list of 10 places only locals know.

North Carolina is positively brimming with little-known attractions just waiting to be discovered. In addition to the unique day trips in North Carolina that we've outlined above, there are several others that belong on any explorer's itinerary. For example, did you realize that North Carolina has its own Fountain of Youth? How about a swinging bridge that will give you a jarring and incredible perspective of a waterfall?

What are the most well-known parks in North Carolina?

 

The most well-known park in North Carolina is undoubtedly Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Situated on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. In fact, it's one of the most popular parks in the United States. With abundant wildlife, verdant foliage, and its iconic mist-covered mountains, this park is perfect for camping enthusiasts, hikers, and those with an appreciation for natural beauty. If you're curious to explore the most well-known state parks in North Carolina, you might start with Goose Creek State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, or Signal Mountain State Park.

What are the oldest attractions in North Carolina?

  • Alexander Long Plantation House
  • Salem Tavern
  • St. Phillips Moravian Church

 

It comes as no surprise that a state as historic as North Carolina has an impressive array of historic attractions. Some of the oldest buildings include the Alexander Long Plantation Hosue, Salem Tavern, and St. Philips Moravian Church. Of course, the towns of North Carolina are also incredibly historic. Here's a list of the 11 oldest towns in the state.

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Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Seagrove, NC, USA
Zoo Parkway, Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC, USA
Pilot Mountain, NC 27041, USA
Stone Mountain State Park, 3042 Frank Pkwy, Roaring Gap, NC 28668, USA
Lavender Oaks Farm, 3833 Millard Whitley Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
130 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA
71 Rockhaven Dr, Franklin, NC 28734, USA
Lake Lure, NC, USA
3300 NC-82, Dunn, NC 28334, USA
Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, USA
2250 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA
Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA