Vacations from Raleigh

A sandy beach next to a body of water

For Raleigh residents looking to escape the city and unwind, our travel guides also feature recommendations for exciting getaways within a short drive from Raleigh, or those that are easy to get to via direct flights.

Explore charming coastal towns like Wilmington or historic cities like Charleston for a weekend retreat filled with relaxation and exploration.

Venture into the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains for outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, and waterfall chasing in destinations like Asheville and Boone. Or indulge in a luxurious escape to the Outer Banks, where pristine beaches and coastal serenity await.

Whether you're craving a beach vacation, a mountain retreat, or a cultural excursion, our travel guides offer curated recommendations and itineraries to help you plan the perfect getaway from Raleigh.

Don't forget to follow our social channels as we share new nearby vacation destinations AND subscribe to our email newsletter - they get the tips first! We can explore North Carolina and Raleigh together!

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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH VACATION

Watch the video of this awesome trail ride in Raleigh along the Greenway from the North Carolina Museum of Art to Downtown Raleigh. 

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ALL VACATION ARTICLES

Browse all our articles on things to do in Raleigh and discover a few surprises.  

Rollercoaster with two loops.

7 Fun Theme Parks & Amusement Parks near Raleigh, NC!

When people think of theme parks near Raleigh, NC, they are usually thinking about Carowinds. […]

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Sun, Sand + Seclusion: 9 Top Outer Banks Beaches To Set Foot On!

As an Australian who grew up on the beaches near Sydney, I can’t recommend beach […]

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Guide to Visiting Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC: Things To Do & Tips!

One of our favorite getaways from Raleigh is to the opulent Biltmore Estate in North […]

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From Peaks to Shores: Raleigh’s Spring Break Hotspots Revealed

As the vibrant colors of spring begin to paint the landscape, we dust off the […]

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21 Top North Carolina Festivals & Events (For 2024)

North Carolina is a state that knows how to put on a festival. From live […]

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14+ Exciting Direct Flights from Raleigh (from RDU to anywhere)

As a Raleigh resident and world traveler with 50+ countries and 35 states under my […]

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6 of our Best of the USA are in North Carolina

Let me first set the record straight. We haven’t been everywhere in the US and […]

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Ocean Isle Inn Review: A Coastal Haven on Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Nestled on the pristine shores of Ocean Isle in the Brunswick Islands of North Carolina, […]

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18 Top Cities Near Raleigh To Visit (within 8 hours drive)

If you’re looking for a break from the City of Oaks, then you might be […]

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Exploring the Old 96 District in South Carolina on a road trip from Raleigh

Now that our daughters are on separate school calendars (year-round vs traditional) we’re looking for […]

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Luxurious Summer Staycation at The Fearrington House Inn (Pittsboro)

Did you know there is a luxurious property only 30-minutes from Raleigh in the Pittsboro […]

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23 Unmissable Things To Do In Boone, North Carolina

If you want to check out the mountains in North Carolina on a getaway from […]

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