There are so many incredible sights to see in North Carolina, that you’d need a lifetime to explore them all. If you’re a fan of catching the sunrise and sunset, then this is a day trip in North Carolina you’ll want to take. We love a good road trip, and this one might just be one of the best yet. This epic North Carolina road trip starts and ends with the sun, so set your alarms, gas up the car, and get ready for an adventure!

From start to finish, you're looking at about a five hour drive.
googlemaps.com
Of course, you'll want to stop and see the sights, so if you time it correctly, you'll end up at the final destination just in time to watch the sunset. Feel free to use this interactive map to add your own stops and make it your own.
1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
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If you’re going to catch an epic sunrise, this spot along the Outer Banks is the place to do it.
Cape Hatteras National Park Road, Cape Hatteras National Park Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
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After all, it is the easternmost point in North Carolina, and that definitely lends itself to offering some of the best sunrises in North Carolina.. Pull up some sand and enjoy the view! Afterward, be sure to check out the most iconic lighthouse in North Carolina.
2. Roanoke Island
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Since you'll be driving through Roanoke Island anyway, might as well stop and see the sights!
Roanoke Island, North Carolina, USA
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There's a lot to love about Roanoke Island, and history lovers will especially enjoy getting to check out Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the first English settlement of present-day United States.

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3. Pettigrew State Park
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Pettigrew State Park clocks in at just under 6,000 acres...
Pettigrew State Park, 2252 Lake Shore Rd, Creswell, NC 27928, USA
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...and that’s before you take in the beautiful 16,000-acre lake surrounding the park. Take in the sights and sounds of Lake Phelps and learn about the fascinating history of the area, including the Pettigrew Family Cemetery.
4. Wilson Rose Garden
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OK, now its time to stop and smell the roses (literally)!
1800 Herring Ave E, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
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Time to stop and smell the roses (literally). The Wilson Rose Garden boasts over 1,200 rose bushes with 180 varieties to admire. Admission to the garden is free and there are plenty of picnic tables peppered around, perfect for a picnic lunch before you carry on.
5. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
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We started the day on the beach and we will end the day on the beach...
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, 280 State Park Rd, Apex, NC 27523, USA
Sonny Crutchfield/Google
... this time at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. There are seven different swim beaches around the massive, 14,000-acre reservoir, so you can find a secluded spot to sit back and enjoy the sunset as you fall in love with North Carolina all over again. If you don’t want your adventure to end, you can always pitch a tent and spend the night camping under the stars!

So what did you think about this awesome day trip in North Carolina? Have you ever been to any of these places? If so, which were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

If you live life by your stomach, how about this delightfully delicious Donut Trail itinerary?

If you’re still in the mood for more North Carolina adventures, take a look at this video:

 

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in North Carolina

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | February 08, 2023

Where can we find scenic overlooks in North Carolina?

  • Wiseman's View in Linville Gorge is stunning and called 'The Grand Canyon of the East.”
  • Mitchel in the northwest part of the state is the highest peak East of the Mississippi River at 6,683 feet.
  • The Cherohala Skyway, also in the northwest part of the state, features some of the Appalachian range’s oldest mountains.

Read on to learn more about the many beautiful scenic overlooks in North Carolina.

 

Where can we go camping in North Carolina?

  • Arrowhead Campground in New London is open year-round and situated in the Uwharrie National Forest.
  • Warrior Creek Campground in Boomer is a lakeside campground with lots of recreational opportunities.
  • Julian Price Campground in Laurel Springs is unique in that many of the campsites are walk-in only.

Read on to learn more about the many wonderful places to go camping in North Carolina.

 

Where are some of the best places to go fishing in North Carolina?

  • Cape Hatteras is known for the lefty Striped Bass that migrate to the area during the winter
  • The Albermarle Headwater Rivers is where four rivers connect at the head of the Sound drawing fish from all directions.
  • Carolina Beach accesses the Cape Fear River and is the place to catch flounder.

Read on to learn more about the many great places to go fishing in North Carolina.

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