While spending an entire day in the car sounds less than ideal, sometimes the journey is equal to the destination when you’re cruising through the most pristine coastal scenery in North Carolina. From pirates, bridges, and lighthouses to history, islands, ocean, and sound, the Outer Banks Scenic Byway is a one of a kind drive unique to North Carolina. Gas up the car because we’ve got the best day trip in North Carolina all planned out for you.

Flickr / David Leavitt
The OBX scenic byway spans a total of 138 driving miles and 25 ferry miles. Without stops or points of interest, the drive will take you 6.5 hours, with 3.5 of those being spent on a ferry. So, let's be honest, while a great day trip, this makes for an even better long weekend journey.
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Beginning at Whalebone Junction on HWY 12 in Dare County, the drive takes you through 21 coastal villages as well as some of the most pristine and untouched coastline you'll find in North Carolina.
Lighthouse landmarks
Flickr / John Wenzelburger
Flickr / Bob Mueller
On your journey save time to stop by the historic lighthouses of North Carolina's Outer Banks, including Bodie Island. While the original lighthouse was destroyed during the Civil War, it was rebuilt in 1872 to replicate the original. You also can't forget the 'Ocracoke Light,' the second-longest operating lighthouse in the U.S., built in 1823.

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Untamed adventure
Flickr / cwdiaz
Flickr / cwdiaz
While traversing the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, make sure to spend an afternoon on the wild, rugged and beautiful beaches. Surfers also love the rough waters for catching a wave and practicing their sport.

With some of the most remote beaches in North Carolina, four-wheel drive and a little beach cruise allow you to discover some of the most pristine stretches of sand.

In Carova and Corrolla you can also see the majestic wild horses. Left by Spanish explorers from the 1500s, these wild Spanish mustangs have learned to live off the land and have become quite accustomed to people (but do not touch or feed the horses). It's a dramatic show to see the horses roaming through their natural environment as well as all the horse dynamics and politics that go on from generations occupying the islands.
Cool beach towns
Flickr / Bryan Elkus
Flickr / Jim Dollar
From the cinematic Rodanthe to the paranormal Ocracoke, there's (of course) no shortage of whimsical, fascinating and historic small beach towns along this drive. While the Serendipity House in Rodanthe no longer stands over the ocean, Nicholas Sparks fans and travelers in general can still view it in its new, safer location. When visiting Ocracoke, don't forget to stop by 2017's Number Three Best Beach in America, Lifeguard Beach. If you're into history, pirates and haunts, well, Ocracoke has plenty of those for the not-easily-spooked adventurist. Read our guide to haunted Ocracoke here.
Outer Banks Rentals
The end of your drive takes you to Beaufort where you can explore and see why we named this the one town that's So Perfectly Southern.

While many have done this drive in bits, there's nothing like turning the entire trip into not just a journey with a destination, but a road trip you'll never forget.

This is seriously one of the most amazing drives ever! Have you ever taken what may be the best day trip in North Carolina? Any points of interest you’d add to the trip? Let us know in the comments below!

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best day trip in North Carolina

Jackie Ann | February 28, 2020

Are there any other unique things to do in North Carolina?

North Carolina has so many unique attractions that are worth your while. In addition to the picturesque mountains, challenging hiking trails and mesmerizing coastline, there’s plenty to do that will take you off the beaten path.  Between Charlotte and Asheville lies the Henry River Mill Village, an abandoned village that many may recognize from the popular movie “The Hunger Games.” Another unique attraction in North Carolina is the Land of Oz Theme Park in Beech Mountain. Inspired by the “Wizard of Oz” movie, this unique attraction is fun for the whole family.

What are the most popular and best places to visit in North Carolina?

When it comes to tourism in North Carolina, the Tar Heel State doesn’t disappoint. Some of the most popular places to visit in North Carolina include Asheville, Charlotte, and Raleigh, but if you’re looking to spend some time away from city life, a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the Outer Banks is ideal.

Are there other day trips that make up the best destinations in North Carolina?

North Carolina is the perfect state for fueling up the car and setting off on an epic day trip. During the warmer months, a visit to the Outer Banks never disappoints. Visitors to OBX can enjoy beach hopping, dozens of restaurants, and ample shopping opportunities. Blowing Rock, North Carolina is a scenic little village on the western side of the state on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and is known for The Blowing Rock, a rock formation with mesmerizing views of the Johns River Gorge.

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