There is always something to do in Raleigh, a fantastic city. However, getting away from downtown may even be great. There are many excellent day trips from Raleigh to select from. A day getaway from Raleigh allows you to perform various activities. You can admire architecture, eat at restaurants, and view iconic landmarks. Likewise, visit national parks and museums in nearby towns. These beautiful sites range from stunning tiny villages to massive cities. So, if you’re seeking the top Raleigh day outings, start arranging your holiday with the list of the best trips.
Day Trips from Raleigh
If you’re looking for spring vacation spots, check out the unusual day trips from Raleigh that are hours of drive out.
1- Durham
Durham is merely around a 30-minute drive from the city. When you are here, you can visit the state’s Tobacco Campus. This old tobacco factory has been turned into a complex. It features stores and live events. A Sarah P. Duke Gardens walk tour is a different must-see attraction. Likewise, go to Durham Bulls Athletics Park and watch a baseball game. Thus, there are notable performing arts venues, like the Carolina Theatre.
2- Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a tiny village near Asheville. It is less than three and a half hours from Raleigh. There’s plenty to do, from shopping at specialized shops to stopping by a cosy shop. There are fantastic art galleries and nightlife alternatives in town. In addition, you can head to Black Mountain Escape to embark on an escape game. Have a great time, or watch a White Horse Black Mountain music theatre performance.
3- Myrtle Beach
On the SC beach is the city of Myrtle Beach. It is a great day trip option about three hours from Raleigh. The town offers several attractions, such as SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. It is a massive Ferris wheel on the seaside. Also, Ripley’s Aquarium is a giant aquarium with marine species. You may also find the Hollywood Wax Museum, which has wax sculptures. Mt. Atlantic Minotaur Goff is another landmark in the city.
4- Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is an appealing barrier island easily accessible by car from Raleigh in 3.5 hours. It is slightly longer than the other day trips. There is so much to discover in town. You can eat at restaurants like Frank’s and Frank’s Outback or shop at The Hammock Shops Village. However, exquisite golf courses and other locations with seaside views exist.
5- Hillsborough
Hillsborough is roughly a 45-minute drive from Raleigh. The pretty town is ideal for day getaways. It has much to offer, from visiting art galleries to experiencing live music shows and viewing historic buildings. Plus, the town organizes events throughout the year, like concerts and art exhibits.
6- Columbia
Columbia emerged in 1786, and you can get there in roughly 3.5 hours. The SC State Museum is located here and features intricate displays that teach visitors about the region. In addition, the city is home to the Colonial Life Arena. Here, you can watch basketball matches. The Soda City Market is a European street market with over 150 sellers. Hence, it is a worthwhile visit.
7- Fayetteville
There are multiple activities to choose from in Fayetteville. It includes military collections, historic sites, and arts venues. Also, it is roughly one hour’s drive from Raleigh. One of the most significant sites is the Airborne & Special Ops Museum. It teaches about the US Army’s operations units. Furthermore, you may visit the Silhouette Art House Theatre. This cinema shows the newest films.
8- Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is roughly one hour and thirty minutes from Raleigh. Visit the ancient structures and sporting venues. For instance, you may go to The Southeastern Centre for Modern Arts. If you wish to see art, another option is the Reynolda Palace of American Art. When planning a day trip with kids, visit the Kaleideum Kids Museum or play their home games at Trust Stadium. Watching a baseball game here may be thrilling.
9- New Bern
New Bern is a little town that makes for an enjoyable adventure. You can get there from the city in just over two hours. It evolved in 1710 and was named after the state of Bern. Likewise, the town features several antique buildings. It includes the National Register of Historic Homes. Tryon Palace is an iconic site that served as the official house of the British monarchs. Even the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola is where Coke’s original recipe was created.
10- Greensboro
Greensboro lies roughly one hour and fifteen minutes from Raleigh. This city is beautiful, and you may view intriguing artifacts. See a show at a famous theatre or study history. The Guilford Science Centre is the best option if you’re going with kids. There are a variety of science and nature exhibitions here. When there is a baseball game, you may go to First National Bank Field. Similarly, you may visit the historic Carolina Theatre in Greensboro or the active Steven Tanger Centre.
11- Charlotte
Charlotte is the most populated city. It is approximately 2.5 hours from Raleigh. There are plenty of choices to choose which views you prefer. Great galleries to visit are The Mint Museum and Wonder Place Science. Truist Field hosts baseball games, while Bank American Stadium hosts football games. You may see multiple eateries here. Even Optimist Hall is a food hall with various vendors, giving a choice for supper. There are also several excellent musical theatres like Knight Theatre.
12- Lynchburg
Lynchburg is around two hours and 45 minutes from Raleigh, with fun things to see. The Lynchburg Museum is a regional history museum. You may also go to SeaQuest Lynchburg to learn about different aquatic species. In addition, it offers various art centers that are worth seeing on a day trip. The Academy Centre of the Arts is a great spot to see an opera during the workday.
13- Wilmington
Traveling from Raleigh to Wilmington takes you less than two hours. The town features a beautiful historic area where you may visit a variety of structures, like the Bellamy Mansion. The Wilmington Riverwalk is a popular attraction in the city. You may walk here and enjoy the views of the Cape Fear River. The town also boasts intriguing museums like the Wilmington Railroad Museum. Furthermore, visiting Thalian Hall is the top attraction.
14- Richmond
Richmond is roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Raleigh. The city is home to several historic sites and theatrical venues. The town’s exciting facilities include the Museum of Fine Arts, which covers the history and culture. Consider going to a show at the Martin Ginter Botanical Garden when you prefer being outdoors.
Additionally, early in the fifteenth century, a historic manor house called Agecroft Hall & Gardens developed. Besides, the Altria Theatre is a historic theatre that hosts a variety of shows. Thus, it is a terrific venue to catch an act at the end of the day.
15- Roanoke
Roanoke is roughly a three-hour drive from Raleigh. It is in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a variety of vistas. For instance, you may view the Mill Mountain Star. It is the standalone neon star. It hosts the Mill Mountain Zoo, which opened in 1952 and has almost 100 species.
The town has two galleries. The Roanoke Pinball Museum has playable arcade games and educates visitors on the history of pinball. Further, the Roanoke City Market Building is a food hall located in the downtown. So, it is an excellent choice for supper.
Conclusion
Try day trips from Raleigh outside the city if you want to venture beyond its appealing charm. You may experience some of the treasures of the former North State by traveling to Wake County. State parks like Lake Wheeler Park are only short distances from Oaks. You can view the Durham Bulls at the Falls Lake County Recreation Area or engage in various outdoor activities. Pay respect to the country’s heroes or appreciate the stunning architecture at museums.
FAQs on Day Trips from Raleigh
Some of the top cultural day outings from Raleigh are Asheville. Here, you can explore the art setting. The Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Cliifs, and Charlotte are famous. The Racing Hall of Fame, the Linde Museum, and Carowinds Resort Park are here.
There are several methods to go to Wilmington from Raleigh. The bus is the cheapest choice, costing between $17-$52 and taking around 3 hours. Car is the shortest route, taking about 2 hours to travel 131.1 miles. It might cost between $23-$35.
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