18 Fun Day Trips from Raleigh NC (within a 2-hour drive)

While we love Raleigh and everything it offers, but we also love its position in East-Central North Carolina, because it means there are so places to go to on day trips from Raleigh. Whether you want to visit small towns, mountains, lakes, or even the coast, you can find it in less than a 2-hour drive from the City of Oaks.

As long time travelers and full time travel bloggers, we’re always exploring, and we’re excited to share with you a few of our favorite destinations outside of Raleigh that you can explore in a day.

We’ve taken many day trips and getaways over the years, and in this guide we’ve listed some of our personal favorites for all kinds of experiences – from beach towns, to foodie paradises, to historic places full of cultural immersion. We also have a podcast episode on our top five day trips mentioned in this guide, which you’ll find it at the bottom of the post.

1. Wilmington

• Drive time from Raleigh: 2 hours
• Distance: 129.4 miles (208.2 km)

A two hour drive straight down I-40 brings you to the charming port city of Wilmington, NC. Ever since we first moved to Raleigh in 2004, Wilmington has been one of our favorite getaways from Raleigh because it offers something for everyone.

Located on the Cape Fear River, Historic Downtown Wilmington is one of the oldest cities on the east coast with plenty of historical attractions, funky breweries, speakeasies and wine bars, farm-to-table restaurants, galleries, museums, and Victorian-era homes and gardens to explore.

You could say that Wilmington is like a mini version of Savannah and Charleston. This city is very walkable and just wandering around town is a great way to take in the pulse of the city. When you arrive, I suggest grabbing a coffee from the cool local cafe, Bespoke Cafe, they will fuel you up for the day ahead. 

Things to do

• Stroll the 2 mile scenic Riverwalk and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cape Fear River. Stop in at markets, unique boutiques, art galleries and locally owned cafés and restaurants.
• Sail the Cape Fear River on a classic sailing yacht!
• Explore the area’s historic roots on a horse-drawn carriage ride of downtown, or do a guided history walking tour on foot.
• Visit some of the finest examples of historic antebellum architecture at the Bellamy Mansion, built on the eve of the Civil War.
• Explore The World War II Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, named one of the “Best Museum Ships” by USA TODAY.
• End your day with drinks/dinner whilst taking in sunset at one of the fantastic restaurants along the Riverwalk such as Elijah’s, Pilot House or River 128 Restaurant.
• Explore Wilmington’s breweries on a self-guided brewery tasting tour along the Wilmington Ale Trail. 
• Airlie Gardens, one of the premier gardens in the South and home to the famous nearly 500-year-old Airlie Oak.
• Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park features a waterpark with a wave pool, speed slides and lazy river
• Sip on classic cocktails at The Blind Elephant, a 1920’s Prohibition speakeasy tucked away in a hidden alley. 
• Local musicians frequently play on the back deck at Ogden Tap Room, a family-friendly restaurant with 40 beers on tap and a lawn.
• Cape Fear Riverboats offer daily, narrated one-hour sightseeing tours from March through October.

2. Wrightsville Beach

• Drive time from Raleigh: 2 hours
• Distance: 131.6 miles (211.7 km)

We’re beach people and we know a good beach town when we see one, and Wrightsville Beach is our favorite beach town in North Carolina. Although famous for its beach, the town has a lot more going for it than just sand and ocean! Again, it’s an easy 2 hour drive straight down I-40 and Wrightsville is right right next door to Wilmington (12-miles from downtown). You could combine it with ½ a day in Wilmington and ½ a day in Wrightsville, but I believe there’s plenty to do in each location to warrant a full day in each.

Wrightsville Beach is a sandy barrier island only 4-miles long and 1,000 – 5,000 feet wide. It presents the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the calmer waters of the intracoastal waterway on the other.

It has everything we love about a beach and island life – beautiful shoreline, laid back vibe, surf culture, cafes, jaw dropping sunrises and sunsets, and fresh, delicious seafood. When summer comes, this is one of our most popular Raleigh day trips since we love the beach!

Things to do

• Start your day with an okay coffee at the cool local cafe, SUNdays, located above the surf shop opposite Crystal Pier. The best coffee at the Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington area is Social Coffee Supply, followed by Drift Kitchen.
• Walk over from SUNdays to Crystal Pier for beautiful views of the beachfront, go for a swim, play in the sand, read a book. 
• Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar has the tastiest, most diversely nutritious smoothie bowls.
• Lunch at Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill. Popular place to eat for the locals. Other options include Shark Bar & Kitchen, Poe’s Tavern, South Beach Grille.
• Beach time at Johnny Mercer’s Pier (the only concrete fishing pier in the state of North Carolina and extends more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic) or at the Crystal Pier section!
• Go kayaking or paddle boarding through the salt marshes on a guided tour with Wrightsville SUP.
• Learn to surf!
• Wrightsville Beach Brewery for great beers and pub food.
• Lighthouse Beer & Wine – one stop shop with dog-friendly Beer Garden
• Enjoy sundowner drinks at the bar on Crystal Pier.
• Watch the sunset at the South End. 
• Dinner at Ceviche’s – probably the best restaurant in Wrightsville. Hello Panama, I now want to visit your country (or one of the lunch places options).

Video: Highlights of a visit to Wrightsville Beach

3. Durham

• Drive time from Raleigh: 30-40 minutes
• Distance: 26 miles (41.8km)

Southern Living magazine calls it “the South’s tastiest town”. And Forbes.com ranks it one of “America’s Smartest Cities”. If you haven’t given Durham much thought, pay attention because it has plenty of cool and interesting things to do, and the food scene is next level. 

This is a vibrant city, offering sports, history, the arts and a community of over 300 restaurants and 40+ annual festivals. All in less than a 45 minute drive.

Durham continues to evolve. It’s where tobacco factories have given way to a hip entertainment district. It’s where Duke University lives, where the Durham Bulls play baseball, and where top shelf musicals like Hamilton perform at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC). Being so close, this is one of our most frequent day trips from Raleigh and we always find something new to do.

Things to do

• Grab a signature coffee and churros at Little Waves (there are 3 locations).
• Breakfast at iconic Elmo’s Diner on 9th Street.
• Visit Duke University Chapel and walk around the campus.
• Picnic in Sarah P. Duke Gardens (ranked one of the ten best public parks in the US), 
• Basketball fan? Don’t miss the Duke Basketball Museum & Sports Hall of Fame
• Explore, shop and eat at the American Tobacco Campus.
• Enjoy a beer in the beer garden at Bull McCabes Irish Pub
• Burgers & beers at Bull City Burger & Brewery
• Civil War buff? Check out the Bennett Place State Historic Site.
• Art lovers can visit Duke University’s Nasher Museum, known for housing one of the most expansive collections of Medieval art.
• Don’t miss a Durham Bulls baseball game! This is minor league baseball at its best!
• Get some comfort food at the “Almost” World Famous Dame’s Chicken & Waffles.
• Walk Black Wall Street which was the hub of African American financial activity in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Check out this walking tour of Black Street here.
• Take in a show at DPAC (over 200 performances a year).
• Run or walk on one of the many trails in Duke Forest.
• High Tea at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club (see more in our guide to afternoon tea in the Triangle)
• Shop and dine at Brightleaf Square that encompasses two restored tobacco warehouses.
• Pizza from Pie Pushers or Pizzeria Toro
• Ninth Street District is a college enclave complete with unique shops and restaurants along a quaint street – our fave, shop for vinyls and drink beer at Hunky Dory Records on 9th Street
• See the most endangered mammals on earth at Duke Lemur Center.
• Love bakeries? Visit Ninth Street Bakery or Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten.
• Quench your thirst at one of these local Durham Breweries. Or go on a craft beer tour to learn more about its beer-making industry.
• Families will love The Museum of Life + Science with hands-on and interactive exhibits.
• Learn more about Durham at the Museum of Durham History

If you want an adventurous day trip that includes Durham, bike the American Tobacco Trail!

4. Chapel Hill

• Drive time from Raleigh: 40 minutes
• Distance: 28.3 miles (45.5km)

This famous university town is known as one of the top 10 best college towns in the USA, and the “Southern Part of Heaven”. It’s also known for its famed music scene and as “America’s Foodiest Small Town” by Bon Appetit because of the high quality of farmer’s markets, restaurants, and farms. Home to the campus of the University of North Carolina – the nation’s first public university and its basketball team – Chapel Hill has a little bit of something for everyone.

The heart of Chapel Hill is Historic Franklin Street, home to more than 200 restaurants, bars, and retail stores. You can spend 1/2 a day to a full day here and see all the highlights. Don’t miss our 36 hour guide to Chapel Hill: eat, play, stay.

Things to do

• The free Chapel Hill walking tour.
• Coffee and treats at Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews – cool locally owned cafe, book store, chocolate shop right on Franklin St.
• Eat and drink at the Carolina Coffee Shop, North Carolina’s Oldest Restaurant.
• Coffee in the forest at Caffe Driade.
• Brandweine’s Bagels – classic NY style bagels.
• Walk the UNC campus. Look for historic landmarks like the Davie Poplar and the Old Well (self-guided tours available).
• Basketball fans, don’t miss the Carolina Basketball Museum.
• Catch a star show at the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center.
• Al’s Burger Shack – possibly the best burgers in CH.
• Merritt’s Grill – Great sandwiches. Double or triple decker with pimento cheese on rye!
• Time Out – an institution and famous for Chicken ‘n Cheddar Biscuit and Southern comfort food.
• Drinks and a bite to eat at the iconic Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (TOPO) that boasts a panoramic view of downtown. 
• Ackland Art Museum consists of more than 18,000 works of art.
• Do a free walking tour or self-guided driving tour of Chapel Hill.
• Legendary Sutton’s Drug Store has been serving up shakes, burgers & more since 1923.
• Quench your thirst at the Carolina Brewery, a mainstay for Chapel Hill residents.
• He’s Not Here – a legendary bar and home of the Blue Cup. 
• For garden lovers, the North Carolina Botanical Garden is a conservation garden.
• Discover over 30 murals in the downtown area.
• Explore 17 miles of urban greenways and trails.
• The Carolina Inn’s Fridays on the Front Porch series features live music on the lawn of this charming historic hotel. Why not stay the night? We loved our stay at the Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill.
• Spend an afternoon lounging at The Honeysuckle Tea House, built on shipping containers.
• Dinner at IL Palio (the only 4 diamond Italian restaurant in the state) inside the Sienna Hotel is amazing!
• Cuddle a cow at a 120-acre farm!

5. Winston-Salem

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour, 40 minutes
• Distance: 103.4 miles (166.4 km)

Head west on I-40 for just under 2 hours and you’ll arrive in Winston-Salem, a charming city that’s home to historic attractions. From cobblestone streets, to museums, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, eclectic shops, outdoor adventures and more than 40 wineries in the neighboring Yadkin Valley, Winston-Salem is worth a day trip from Raleigh. 

There’s interesting history here. The Moravians (Protestants who spoke German) settled this region in the 1750s. Salem is the original, if quieter, half of the twin city.

Winston-Salem is also a town built on tobacco, often referred to as “Camel City” after the world-famous cigarette brand created by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. This city is also the home of Wake Forest University.

Things to do

• Grab a hot cup of locally roasted coffee and farm-fresh breakfast at a Winston-Salem original, Krankies.
• Historic Bethabara Park – the very first Moravian settlement in North Carolina.
• Old Salem Museum and Gardens – founded in 1766 and one of the country’s most well-documented historic sites.
• Historic West End – where early 1900s Victorian-style homes meet the hustle and bustle of downtown Winston-Salem.
• Reynolda House Museum of American Art – explore the restored 1917 mansion of Katharine and R.J. Reynolds.
• Grab a gourmet sandwich or Moravian Chicken Pie at Muddy Creek Cafe.
• Visit one of the 45 wineries located in neighboring Yadkin Valley.
• Tour the city by Segway, SUP Tours, e-BIKE Tours, Trolley Sightseeing with Triad Eco Adventures
• The town of Bethania is the only remaining example of an open field agricultural village in NC
• Salem God’s Acre Cemetery –  active graveyard of the Salem Congregation, a group of 12 Moravian Churches. It has been in continuous use from 1771
• Ryan’s Restaurant – Steaks,Chops & Seafood, nestled in a wooded setting minutes from downtown
• Drink a brew at Foothills Brewing, one of the largest craft breweries in the Southeastern USA.
• The Tavern In Old Salem – a restored 1816 house and the waiters wear traditional Moravian costumes.

6. Johnston County (Clayton, Benson, Smithfield)

• Drive time – Clayton: 25 mins, Smithfield: 40 mins, Benson: 35 mins
• Distance: 32.8 miles (52.7 km)

Don’t overlook Johnston County (JoCo) when looking for places to visit near Raleigh NC. JoCo is one of the biggest counties in North Carolina, and the next county south of Raleigh.

The I-95, running along the north-south corridor of the country, runs close by. The I-40 runs through the east-west corridor of the county JoCo. So, its location is important, but you don’t want to make it just a place to grab some fuel and pass on through. JoCo is worth stopping in for a while.

The below three towns you could easily incorporate into one day trip, going in a triangle like direction from Raleigh > Clayton > Smithfield > Benson > Raleigh.

Clayton

Clayton is a small town community that has been booming with transplants and where you’ll find boutique stores, historic buildings, charming southern homes, and hipster cafes and bars. 

Here are some top things to do in Clayton:

• The Market at Three Little Birds – a store selling unique, handcrafted items from over 70 local artists.
• Boulevard West – hipster café experience where you’ll find locals on their laptops at the bar drinking all manners of coffee concoctions.
• Drinks at Revival 1869 (Clayton), awesome whiskey and cocktail bar.
• Lunch at The Gildered Pear Brew House (Smithfield) locals favorite spot.
• Boutique shopping at The Dragonfly (Smithfield)
• Shop for cool home decor items at Twisted Willow (Smithfield)
• Ava Gardner Museum (Smithfield)
• Nancy Jo’s Homemade (Clayton) – a local’s favorite for many years. Famous for its chicken salad
• Main Street Community Market (Clayton) – Volunteers help maintain this tranquil, artistic space
• Go for an e-bike tour with tacos and margaritas and learn about the history and culture of the area

Smithfield

Smithfield has small-town charm. Situated along the Neuse River, it’s the seat of the county and the hub of business activity. 70 million visitors enjoy the savings at Carolina Premium Outlets every year. So while you are popping in to shop while you drop, be sure to visit these other places.

• Ava Gardner Museum – known as the most beautiful movie star of the 40’s and 50’s. Ava was from JoCo and this museum is dedicated to telling the story of her life, loves and careers.
• Arboretum at Johnston Community College
• Enjoy homemade ice cream at Celtic Creamery JOCO
• Bentonville Battlefield – The largest Civil War battle happened near Bentonville and it’s now an historic site and part of the Civil War Trail.

Benson

Benson is well known for hosting Mule Day on the 4th Saturday of September, a festival that attracts over 60,000 people each year. Here are some top things to do in Benson:

• Jp’s Pastry – a thriving bakery business that is the only certified gluten free bakery in North and South Carolina.
• Salvaged Heirlooms – an eclectic little general store is filled with local artists that remind you of the warmth. 
• Cornerstone Cafe & Coffee – known for its waffles, mac & cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Redneck BBQ Lab – award winning BBQ joint, everything smoked on the property, nothing is grilled or fried.

7. Selma (also Johnston County)

If you’re craving a small-town escape that feels fresh, fun, and super easy to reach, hop on the train to Selma — just 30 minutes from Raleigh!

I’ve always loved train travel — it reminds me of growing up in Australia where it was part of everyday life — and this quick ride south is one of the most effortless day trips you can do. You can catch the morning train from Raleigh, relax with a coffee while watching the countryside roll by, and step right into Historic Downtown Selma without ever needing to drive or park.

Selma’s a town that’s rediscovered its spark in recent years — creative entrepreneurs have transformed vintage buildings into unique shops, art galleries, and cocktail bars that blend nostalgia with new-energy charm.

Getting There:

• Take the Amtrak from Raleigh Union Station to Selma (about 30 minutes)
• Trains only depart around 10:40 a.m., return around 4:30 p.m.
• Tip: Buy tickets online at NCByTrain.org and arrive 15 minutes early to explore Raleigh’s beautiful Union Station.

Things to Do in Selma:

• Hahvahd Yahd Cafe – Boston-themed eatery known for its clam chowder in a bread bowl and seasonal milkshakes.
• RRetrograde Vintage – Step back into the ’80s, ’90s, and Y2K with curated clothing and nostalgic treasures.
• Hidden Temple Toys – Collector heaven for action figures, comics, and vintage finds.
• Strickland Art Gallery – Bursting with color, joy, and “we-sell-happiness” vibes.
• Quantum Toad – Cozy cocktail bar crafting tea-infused drinks in a brick-filled space with a fireplace and breeze-through doors.
• Tantra Indian Grill (food truck) – Out back of Quantum Toad; the tandoori wings and butter chicken are incredible.

Selma is living proof that small towns can come back to life when people believe in their potential — and the best part is, you don’t even need a car to experience it.

8. New Bern

• Drive time from Raleigh: 2 hours
• Distance: 116.1 miles (186.8 km)

Founded in 1710, historic New Bern (named after Bern, Switzerland) is a charming riverfront town set along the picturesque Trent and Neuse Rivers, and was the first state capital of NC.

Home to Tryon Palace and the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, New Bern is also filled with quaint restaurants and cafes, art galleries, antique stores, riverfront attractions and outdoor activities and offers something for everyone.

Romantic movie lovers will be interested to know that in 1996 The Notebook was set in New Bern and written by New Bern resident, Nicholas Sparks! Bern is the old Germanic word for Bear, and the bear became the symbol of the city. It’s also in our list of underated towns in NC, cutest small towns in NC, and towns that look just like Europe in North Carolina.

Things to do

• Visit Tryon Place, the first permanent capitol of North Carolina and home to the Tryon family.
• Do a self-guided tour including Historic Homes Tour, Civil War Tour, Architectural tour and more.
• Or a guided tour by trolley, boat, or ghost walk. 
• Enjoy the scenic 6 acre waterfront, Union Point Park
• Go kayaking up the Neuse River with Stillwater Kayaks
• Go for a sunrise standup paddleboard tour
• Cow Cafe for sandwiches, salads, and over 60 flavors of their famous HOMEMADE ICE CREAM!
• Visit the very place Pepsi-Cola was invented. Step back in time enjoying a fountain Pepsi
• Chase bears all over town. Don’t worry, these bears are made of fiberglass. 
• The interior of Christ Episcopal Church was designed in the style of Christopher Wren, the famous English architect. A must see for visitors.
• New Bern Battlefield Park (if you love Civil War History)
• Firemen’s Museum – tells the story of the oldest fire company in NC
• North Carolina History Center
• Carolina Creations – an art gallery with artworks from over 300 local and international artists
• Baker’s Kitchen – for delights like sweet potato biscuits, Dutch potatoes, and biscuits and gravy.
• Morgan’s Tavern & Grill – for seafood in an historic setting.
• Brewery99 – first brewery in Craven County.
• Beer Army Burger Company – for unique and interesting burgers, Bacon appetizers, and tater tots.
• Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant – expect good food and the best outdoor dining experience in town!

9. Fayetteville

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour
• Distance: 64.6 miles (103.9 km)

Fayetteville’s tourism slogan is, “Welcome to America’s Hometown: History, Heroes, A Hometown Feeling!” You might know of Fayetteville as home to the U.S. Army’s most populous base, Fort Bragg. The community wears this distinction proudly and shows its appreciation by actively pursuing the freedoms those soldiers protect.

Here you will find museums and monuments dedicated to telling the story of the service of many of the men and women in the area who sacrificed, and they are one of the most moving things to see in North Carolina. But Fayetteville’s ongoing revitalization also offers a vibrant and modern city with interesting cultural activities, historic sites and natural beauty.

Things to do

• The Airborne and Special Operations Museum – the only museum that tells the comprehensive history of US Army Airborne and Special Operations troops.
• North Carolina Veterans Park – honors veterans from all branches of service throughout North Carolina.
• Cape Fear Botanical Garden – 80 acres nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek.
• Poe House – peek into the past.
• Lunch at Scrub Oaks Restaurant – contemporary American menu common to a neighborhood pub but with flare.
• Winterbloom Tea – a unique, customized tea experience.
• Zipline through the trees with ZipQuest Adventure – one of the Top 10 ziplines
• in the US.
• Carvers Creek State Park – It houses James Stillman Rockefeller’s winter estate and the rare longleaf pine ecosystem.
• Cape Fear River Trail – winds for 5 miles through a beautiful blend of trees, plants and wildlife.

10. Greenville, NC

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour, 20 minutes
• Distance: 84 miles (135.1 km)

Greenville is known as a thriving cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of Eastern North Carolina, and of course, the home of East Carolina University (ECU).

It’s a place where you can experience vibrant art, live music, and the culinary scene in the Uptown Greenville and Dickinson Avenue Districts. There’s outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking the Greenville Greenway, agricultural experiences at local farms, plus antique and boutique shopping, live music concerts and festivals.

You can taste test your way through local restaurants and breweries in the walkable Uptown and Dickinson Avenue Districts. Throughout the year there’s craft beer festivals, indoor and outdoor farmers markets, and food truck rodeos.

Things to do

• Explore over 7 miles of the Greenville Greenway
• Paddle the Tar River with Knee Deep Adventures
• Visit East Carolina University
• River Park North – canoe, walk the trails, fish, have a picnic, or just enjoy nature!
• Enjoy ice cream from The Scullery Coffeehouse and Creamery
• Shop for treasures at Dickinson Avenue Antique Market
• Have a pint at Pitt Street Brewing
• B’s Barbecue – a Greenville landmark
• Walk the Brew & ‘Cue Trail
• PirateFest (April) their largest festival
• See a concert at Whirligig Stage
• The Venue – vintage shoppes & antique mall
• Greenville Museum of Art

11. Hillsborough

• Drive time from Raleigh: 45 minutes
• Distance: 37.9 miles (60.9 km)

Established in 1784 and located along the Eno River, Hillsborough has served as a focal point for major historic events, including the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Located in Orange County, between Greensboro and Durham, it’s easily accessible via I-40 near Chapel Hill, and I-85 near Durham. 

Hillsborough’s downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features more than 100 homes, churches, schools, and other structures from the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, Hillsborough is a haven for artists and writers, for barbecue lovers attending the annual Hog Day, and owntown comes alive Friday evenings with arts and entertainment during Last Fridays celebrations. 

Its scenic appeal, graceful architecture, and convenient location provide a charming getaway from Raleigh. Go and explore history, live music, unique shops, and award winning restaurants.

Things to do

• Explore the historic, and small, downtown
• Riverwalk – about 2 miles long
• Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
• Ayr Mount Historic Site
• Burwell School Historic Site
• Eno River Farm – for strawberry picking in season
• Occoneechee Speedway – NASCAR’s first Superspeedway, now hiking trails!
• The Visitor Center – an old farmhouse built around 1790 
• Last Fridays Art event – beginning in April
• Old Town Cemetery – dates back to 1757 with over 180 grave markers
• Cup-A-Joe (local institution for coffee lovers)
• Saratoga Grill (seafood, salads and sandwiches)

12. Pilot Mountain State Park

• Drive time from Raleigh: 2 hours
• Distance: 122 miles (196.3 km)

Located 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem near the border with Virginia, Pilot Mountain State Park centers around the iconic geologic knob that serves as a beacon to the surrounding Piedmont. 

Once a navigational landmark for the Saura tribe, the Big Pinnacle can be viewed from the park’s summit area which also provides panoramic views of the Piedmont and the Sauratown and Blue Ridge Mountains.  Pilot Mountain has miles of trails to explore, and you can journey through the park on foot, on horseback, or in a canoe.

Things to do

• Hiking – trails take hikers around the mountain base, up Little Pinnacle, and along the Yadkin River. Two of North Carolina’s state trails traverse the park:  the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, and the Yadkin River paddle trail.
• Bicycling – for experienced cyclists, the main park road is popular for hill climbing by bicycle. The road averages a 10 percent grade for 2.5 miles and has sections of 16 percent grade.
• Horse riding – The Corridor Trail, Yadkin Islands Trail, and Yadkin River Park Trail are all open to horseback riding.
• Paddling – Paddle the Yadkin River through the park on a segment of the Yadkin River State Trail
• Rock climbing and rappelling are allowed on portions of the park’s steep cliffs.

13. Cary

• Drive time from Raleigh:  15 – 20 minutes
• Distance: 12.1 miles (19.4 km)

The closest day trip from Raleigh is Cary. When we first moved to Raleigh in 2004, we never visited Cary, in fact, we didn’t even know there was a downtown Cary. Fast forward to today and you can easily spend a full day in Cary, not just downtown, but the surrounding area.

The downtown area has been through major changes in recent years and we’ve grown to love how charming and vibrant and fun downtown has become with new restaurants, breweries, bars and cafes.

Cary is now home to some of the best places to eat and drink in the Triangle, and there’s some great nature trails and parks in Cary too. If you have overlooked Cary downtown in the past, it’s time to take a look. 

Things to do

• Get your coffee fix at BREW, or the Coffee Studio on the edge of the park (we think it’s better) or the best is hidden inside Geluna Gelato.
• Visit the Downtown Cary Park – align it with one of their many free events or their Saturday Farmers Market.
• Stroll downtown: S. Academy and East & West Chatham Streets
• Big Dom’s Bagel Shop for great bagels
• La Farm Bakery
• 2 mile loop walk around Bond Lake
• Ashworth Village – local boutiques, art galleries, consignment shops and eateries
• Cotton House Craft Brewers
• Academy Street Bistro
• FRESH Local Ice Cream
• Explore Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
• Bond Brothers Beer Company
• Pharmacy Bottle Shop
• SideBar Cocktail Bar
• Di Fara Pizza Tavern
• Hanks Downtown Dive Bar
• Chatham Street Wine Market
• The Cary Theater – a 175 seat art house and theater 
• Bosphorus Restaurant – great Turkish food
• Kababish Cafe – good Indian food
• Grab a drink at RBF Champagne Bar

14. Southern Pines (Pinehurst)

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Distance: 70.2 miles (112.9 km)

The small southern town of Southern Pines is a town in Moore County among the sandhills. Originally founded in 1884 as a winter health resort for northerners, the town has a rich history and has seen lots of growth in recent years. 

Internationally known as the home of American golf (the famous Pimehurst is 10 minutes away), but it’s not just for golfers! Southern Pines is also nationally known and referred to as “Horse Country” for its abundance of horse farms in the area, plus there’s nice parks and a growing number of craft breweries.

As for downtown Southern Pines, it is embodied in its unique array of shops including historic buildings. Enjoy these Moore County trails while in the Pinehurst area and here is our 36 hour guide to Pinehurst and Southern Pines for more ideas.

Things to do

• Stroll around downtown
• Pinehurst Resort (visit the resort or play golf)
• Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities (stunning gardens)
• Hiking or biking the trails on the Boyd Round Timber Tract or Weymouth Woods Sandhill Nature Preserve
• Southern Pines Brewing – great local beers
• Visit BHawks Distillery for a tour, delcious food, and inspiring story.
• Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern (stylish, old-school watering hole with pub food)
• The Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant (traditional small town ice cream shop)
• The Sunrise Theater (for new and classic films, and concerts)
• SoPies – low-key counter-serve outlet offering NY style pies
• Sandhills Horticultural Gardens
• Aberdeen Lake Park (walking path around the lake, playground for kids)
• Sly Fox Pub (British classics with an innovative twist)
• Take a drive over to North Carolina Zoo to see more than 1,700 animals

15. Littleton

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hr 20 min northeast of Raleigh
• Distance: 69.8 miles (112.9 km)

f you love discovering small towns with big creative energy, Littleton in Halifax County will steal your heart. Once a sleepy stopover near Lake Gaston, it’s now buzzing with art, food, and community spirit — a great reminder that small-town revitalization is alive and well in Eastern North Carolina.

Stroll the walkable main street lined with colorful storefronts, pop into Lakeland Cultural Arts Center to catch a show or browse local art, and don’t miss lunch or dinner at Blue Jay Bistro, a destination restaurant that’s put Littleton on the culinary map. Chef Ashleigh Fleming’s elevated Southern dishes rival anything you’d find in Raleigh, yet it all feels delightfully unpretentious.

Things to Do in Littleton

• Blue Jay Bistro – Creative Southern fine dining in a beautifully restored downtown space. (People travel from miles away to eat here)
• Lakeland Cultural Arts Center – Local theater, art, and community hub.
• Downtown Shops & Galleries – Eclectic mix of vintage, handmade, and art-focused finds.
• Lake Gaston – Paddle, swim, or relax lakeside.
• You may even want to detour to nearby Sylvan Heights Bird Park – its pretty cool!

👉 Explore more in our full guide: 36 Hours in Halifax County, NC

16. Rocky Mount Mills

• Drive time from Raleigh: 56 minutes
• Distance: 56 miles

Just 25 minutes south of Littleton (or about an hour from Raleigh), Rocky Mount Mills is one of the most creative repurposing stories in North Carolina. This historic 19th-century cotton mill complex has been transformed into a vibrant community of breweries, restaurants, a coffee shop, and green spaces that overlook the Tar River.

It’s the perfect blend of history and hangout — where you can sip craft beer under the trees, grab a bite at one of the restaurants, or wander along the Riverwalk Trail. Whether you’re road-tripping from Raleigh or making it a double stop with Littleton, it’s an easy and inspiring getaway

Things to Do at Rocky Mount Mills

• HopFly Brewing & Koi Pond Brewing – Craft beers with character.
• Tap@1918 or TBC West – Great eats with relaxed vibes.
• Outdoor Events & Live Music – Check their schedule for brewery concerts or markets.
• Tar River Trail – Walk, run, bike, kayak, or just unwind by the water.

👉 See our full experience: Explore Rocky Mount Mills

17. Eno River State Park

• Drive time from Raleigh: 45 minutes
• Distance: 35.5 miles (57.1 km)

Located just 15-minutes northwest of Durham, Eno River State Park is composed of more than 4,200 acres and offers nearly 30 miles of trails along a swift, shallow stream. 

If you’re looking for day trips from Raleigh that involve a day in nature, there’s plenty to do here from hiking, paddling, fording the river, bouldering, picnicking, swimming/wading, hammocking, and general exploration.  The river winds through hills and bluffs with shrubs and pines that are ready to be hiked and enjoyed through one of five access points. 

Things to do

• Hike one of the 17 trails, good for all levels
• Canoeing and kayaking are permitted, but sometimes challenging due to shallow water.
• Swimming: our friend’s from Durham took us to Eno Rock Quarry
• Fishing: a great place for fly-fishing, casting lures, or baiting with the ever reliable worms and crickets
• Picnicking: two picnic areas provide the perfect spot for enjoying a meal in the open air.
• Camping: there’s backpack and group camping options

18. Kinston

• Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Distance: 81.6 miles (131.3 km)

Set along the banks of the Neuse River in the coastal plains region of eastern North Carolina, Kinston is one of the oldest towns in the state and has been the county seat of Lenoir County since its formation in 1791. If you’ve heard of Vivian Haward’s Chef and the Farmer, and Mother Earth Brewing, that’s Kinston. Here you will discover 300 years of history, an impressive food scene, arts scene, and Kinston’s musical roots run deep. 

There’s no shortage of war history, including the Tuscarora War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, and is part of the African American Musical Heritage Trail with a fascinating music history – during its tobacco days, Kinston was a hotbed of music, and musicians traveled from all over to play in the tobacco warehouses, including James Brown.

Things to do

• Pop into the Kinston visitors center (Mon – Sat) conveniently located downtown for local advice on what to do, maps, and guides. Then take a stroll around downtown. 
• CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center – an educational museum that tells the story of the Civil War in the United States and the CSS Neuse, one of 26 ironclad ships commissioned by the Confederate navy.
• Chef and the Farmer – eat at Vivian Howard’s restaurant, known for thoughtful, creative cooking rooted in this region’s ingredients and traditions.
• Mother Earth Brewing  – a green-conscious craft brewery with a solar-powered taproom, lively beer garden, really good barrel-aged brews and interesting seasonals.
• Community Council for the Arts (CCA) is a non-profit organization and a gallery featuring local artwork and offering educational programs
• African American Music Trail – great way to learn more about Kinston’s African American music scene.
• Historic Harmony Hall – a restored pre-American Revolution home built in 1772 and housed the first governor of North Carolina, Richard Caswell, served as a Civil War hospital, church, public library, and is said to be haunted.
• King’s BBQ – offering world famous chicken and barbecue since 1936
• Sugar Hill Pizzeria – pizza by the slice, Brooklyn style pizza
• The O’Neil – a 1920s bank turned boutique hotel.
• Pearson Park – part of the Pearson Park Trail that runs parallel to the Neuse River for about 3/8’s mile from the southern end of Pollock Street ending onto South Heritage Street. Largest part is the Loch Neuse Dragon Playground.
• Mitchelltown Historic District – listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with fine examples of the Queen Anne, Classical and Neo-Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Spanish Mission Revival styles and numerous illustrations of the American Foursquare and the Bungalow. Northwest of the city.

Raleigh Day Trips Podcast Episode

For those who may prefer watching a video of us podcasting, we filmed that for you too, which you’ll find on YouTube each week.

You can also find all of these locations on this helpful map. You can download this map and see suggested drive times by clicking the square icon on the top right corner.

I hope this list of day trips from Raleigh helped you find some interesting and fun getaway ideas? Let us know which day trip you love in the comments!