58 Excellent Day Trips from Greensboro (Within 2 Hours)

Published by Carl. Last Updated on November 19, 2024.

Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Revenue from our advertising and affiliate links goes back into our business and toward supporting communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation.

As huge fans of Gate City, we’ve enjoyed so many of the city’s best things to do, from its fantastic restaurant scene to its museums and outdoor activities. However, those who also love this fantastic city should know about all the options for day trips from Greensboro!

Thanks to its amazing location, you can easily access both Western and Eastern North Carolina and the center of NC from Greensboro.

There are day trips for all sorts of people: nature lovers can hop on hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, while foodies can visit some of the best wineries and vineyards (including kid-friendly ones).

We know that just about everyone will love exploring our favorite small towns!

Greensboro is even within two hours of the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, one of North Carolina’s best scenic roads. We intend to go on and on about all the other possible day trips from Greensboro in this epic guide.

To help you plan your adventures, we’ve organized these day trips from Greensboro by distance and within the following sections:

3 Guilford County Day Trips from Greensboro
17 Outdoor Day Trips from Greensboro (State Parks Sites and National Parks units nearby)
9 Cities Near Greensboro
29 Small Towns near Greensboro

Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Greensboro area and are wondering, “What are the best day trips near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!

Read More: Day trips in North Carolina

Day Trips from Greensboro

Note: For this article, all outdoor day trips, cities, and towns in each section will be grouped by the time it takes to reach Greensboro, from closest to farthest away.

If two or more places take the same amount of time to reach, we will use distance in miles as a tiebreaker before moving on to our ABC skills.

Guilford County Day Trips from Greensboro

Before venturing too far away, these spots in Guilford County are only 20 minutes away from Greensboro, making for some beautiful day trips!

Old Mill of Guilford

Distance from Greensboro: 15 miles | 20 minutes

Save This Article!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

The first of our day trips from Greensboro is one we just happened to discover while driving through the area.

After driving past the Old Mill of Guilford that first time, we immediately decided to turn around and learn more up close. This historic grist mill dates all the way back to 1767 and remains beautiful and exquisitely photogenic on the outside.

However, step inside, and you’ll see why folks don’t just come to the mill for its looks. The folks who run it continue to produce cornmeal, grits, flour, and a wide variety of mixes for pancakes, gingerbread, muffins, and more.

The mill’s store also sells a variety of products and crafts produced in North Carolina.

Summerfield Farms

Distance from Greensboro: 13 miles | 21 minutes

a man on a tractor pulling a wagon at Summerfield Farms

Summerfield Farms is the second quickest of our day trips from Greensboro and should be on the top of everyone’s travel list! The farm is located in Summerfield, just 20 minutes Northwest of Greensboro and has a packed calendar of fun farm events and tractor rides.

The working farm also serves as an events space and wedding venue, but you’re going to want to check out the events. Everything from goat yoga to incredible charcuterie classes, there is always something fun at the farm!

one of the friendly goats showing some love

a pint of beer from The Well Truck at Summerfield Farms

Make sure to get some kisses from the baby animals and grab a drink from The Well Truck. Stop into The Market and grab some of their farm-fresh products, including grass-fed beef, to take back home with you!

If you change your mind and want to make your Greensboro day trip a staycation- then Summerfield Farms also has several stunning farmhouses for you to make weekend memories!

High Point

Distance from Greensboro: 17 miles | 23 minutes

High Point is shared by three other counties in addition to Guilford and is within a 20-minute drive from Greensboro. Known mainly as the “Furniture Capital of the World,” High Point also boasts some other exciting places beyond just its furniture attractions.

For starters, you should check out the John Coltrane Statue at S Hamilton St & Commerce Ave. It honors the home-grown legend who learned saxophone while living in High Point as a child.

High Point City Lake Park is another excellent spot to walk around, grab a paddleboat, and go for a train ride. If you visit High Point between mid-April and October, check out All-A-Flutter Farm. This working butterfly farm is a beautiful sight to see in person!

Haw River State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 14 miles | 24 minutes

Established in 2005, Haw River is a relatively new state park. Previously used as a retreat for the Episcopal Diocese of NC, Haw River is now a nice getaway from the city. There are two ways to access this park: Iron Ore Belt and the Summit.

Conferences and retreats still happen at this park, but there are still many options if you’re looking to visit for just the day.

Take a hike through a short boardwalk that splits off the Piedmont Loop Trail (1.4 miles). This boardwalk will take you through the park’s wetlands and to the Haw River’s headwaters.

You can also fish, picnic, or just relax at Haw River State Park, making this perfect for day trips from Greensboro without even leaving the county!

Outdoor Day Trips from Greensboro

Now, it’s time to venture out to these excellent day trips from Greensboro, starting with our favorite outdoor spots!

In this section, you’ll find a variety of outdoor fun. Many of these day trips from Greensboro have also appeared in our guide to the best hiking trails in North Carolina.

Mayo River State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 38 miles | 41 minutes

Mayo River State Park is the first of our outdoor day trips from Greensboro, up near the Virginia border. It’s a developing park and one we look forward to checking in on from time to time.

Fun things to do here include fishing and kicking back at one of their nice picnic spots, including a large shelter. The Mayo Mountain Loop and Mayo River TRACK trails make up the roughly 2.5 miles of walking paths found at Mayo River State Park.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Distance from Greensboro: 41 miles | 43 minutes

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is one of the lesser-known mountainous hikes near Durham and downtown Hillsborough. In fact, its 350-foot change in elevation makes Occoneechee Mountain one of the only actual mountain peak overlooks in the Triangle.

To reach Overlook Trail, you can follow the 2.2-mile Mountain Loop. The peak isn’t the only highlight, though, as you’ll meander through the forest and along the Eno River.

Read More: Day Trips from Durham

Eno River State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 49 miles | 49 minutes

a long walking bridge going over the Eno River

Speaking of that estuary, Eno River State Park manages a big chunk of it along with some of the best hiking trails in the Triangle, if not all of North Carolina.

Over 27 miles of paths await. Our favorite Eno trails include Buckquarter Creek, Cole Mill, and Cox Mountain. The latter starts with a cable suspension bridge that crosses the Eno and is one of the park’s most iconic places to visit near Greensboro NC.

Read More: North Carolina State Parks Sites

Pilot Mountain State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 50 miles | 50 minutes

Pilot Mountain State Park is always worth the drive but plan ahead as its parking lots fill up quickly on weekends. People flock from all over to get a look at the fantastic views from the top of the mountain.

Hiking the short Little Pinnacle Overlook Trail (0.1 miles) will take you to a beautiful look at Big Pinnacle.

Check out some of the longer hikes, including the Mountain Trail (4.3 miles, Red Dots) that connects to Grindstone Trail (3 miles, Blue Dots). You can combine the two to make a roughly 6-mile loop.

Uwharrie National Forest

Distance from Greensboro: 49 miles | 53 minutes

Only an hour away, Uwharrie National Forest is one of the best day trips from Greensboro for nature lovers.

Among the many things to do at Uwharrie include four-wheeling, horseback riding, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and camping.

It’s a well-marked and well-maintained park with two lengthy trails: Uwharrie (20 miles) and Dutchman’s Creek (11.5 miles).

Read More: Day Trips from Charlotte

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Distance from Greensboro: 59 miles | 1 hour

Fishing, boating, and marveling at the beautiful water are a few of the most popular things to do at Jordan Lake. Bald eagles also flock to Jordan by the dozens, with this lake supporting the largest concentration of our national symbol in the eastern US.

You can also hike here on the New Hope Trail, one of the most popular and challenging paths. Hikers and trail runners will see incredible views of Jordan Lake while enjoying the shady hardwood forest.

Hanging Rock State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 43 miles | 1 hour 1 minute

a beautiful viewpoint atop Hanging Rock in North Carolina

Hanging Rock State Park is a special place boasting stunning views of rolling mountains. Of course, you’ll need to hike for a bit to get to those views. The Hanging Rock Trail (1.3 miles) and Moore’s Wall Loop Trail (4.7 miles) are two of our favorite paths to get to the mountain.

There are also more than a few beautiful waterfalls at Hanging Rock. Lower Cascades is the most beautiful and, as a result, the most popular waterfall in the park.

William B. Umstead State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 68 miles | 1 hour 4 minutes

a fallen tree carved into a beautiful piece of art

William B. Umstead State Park is the perfect place to escape the busyness of I-40 and US-70, both of which provide access to the park. You can hike, bike, and ride a horse here. Packed with trails and green space, it’s hard to decide which trails we love most.

Sycamore (7.2 miles round trip) and Sal’s Branch (2.8 miles round trip) offer lovely, tree-covered walks.

Of course, everyone should know about the chainsaw art off the Multi-Use Trail. Here, a massive oak tree was transformed via chainsaws by Jerry Redi and Randy Boni of Smoky Mountain Art in October 2017. This chainsaw art is a must-see if you visit Umstead State Park!

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Distance from Greensboro: 66 miles | 1 hour 11 minutes

a rushing river at Falls Lake Recreation Area — Falls Lake Dam on the other side.

We love coming to Falls Lake for a look at the beautiful water before hopping on a trail. You can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming here.

Trails range from short and easy to lengthy and challenging. For example, you have the easy Rolling View Kids TRACK Trail (0.75 miles) to the Falls Lake Trail, which runs for 50 miles along the shore.

Mountain biking at Falls Lake also varies in difficulty. There are a few intermediate loops (Inner, Outer, and West), while more serious riders can test their mettle on the advanced South Loop.

At Falls Lake Dam, you can start the 27.5-mile Neuse River Greenway. It’s one of the most scenic points of that trail.

Morrow Mountain State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 67 miles | 1 hour 15 minutes

a mountain road not far from Greensboro NC

Some may disagree, but we think Morrow Mountain State Park is an underrated destination that is always worth mentioning among day trips from Greensboro. Many people are unaware of this park because it’s so far east of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For starters, we love the relatively quick drive to the top. From there, fabulous views and 15 miles of hiking trails await. Two of the most popular hikes include Fall Mountain Trail (4 miles) and the Mountain Loop Trail (.8 miles).

Raven Rock State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 77 miles | 1 hour 17 minutes

Raven Rock State Park’s 4,684 acres are bisected by the Cape Fear River. Raven Rock also sits along a fall zone, adding to its unique geological landscape.

This park, located near Lillington, boasts a nice mix of easy flat loops and longer, more challenging hikes.

For THE view, start with the Raven Rock Loop Trail. It’s about 2.5 miles long and leads to an overlook that stands atop the mighty Cape Fear River. The view is better in the winter when much of the tree cover is gone. However, it’s still lovely year-round if you simply want to enjoy the river and its surroundings.

Of course, you must also head down to the riverbank for a look at the actual Raven Rock that towers above.

Lake Norman State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 82 miles | 1 hour 22 minutes

a small island in the middle of Lake Norman with a few trees in the center

Many folks (including NASCAR celebs and Michael Jordan) love the 520 miles of shoreline at Lake Norman, North Carolina’s largest manufactured lake. There are plenty of places to launch your boat and enjoy a day out.

Don’t worry if you did not bring a boat, though: there are multiple boat rental companies operating here.

Lake Norman sits near quite a few towns and cities (including Charlotte), though we find the state park side easiest to access from Mooresville or Statesville! There, you’ll find 30-plus miles of trails, camping, boating, and a beautiful sandy beach for swimming.

Carvers Creek State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 84 miles | 1 hour 25 minutes

When in the Fayetteville area, we love spending our time outdoors. The Cumberland County seat and its neighbor, Spring Lake, share one of our absolute favorites, also known as Carvers Creek State Park!

Depending on which access you choose, there are multiple options. The Long Valley Farm Access leads to the former historic retreat of the Rockefeller family. You’ll also pass a 100-acre millpond along the way.

From the Sandhills Access, you can stroll along the Longleaf Pine Trail and stop off at the pond, which is about a mile from the parking lot.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Distance from Greensboro: 85 miles | 1 hour 27 minutes

Greensboro is also within a decent drive from some great Blue Ridge Parkway stops. Cumberland Knob (Milepost 217.5) is only 1 hour and 28 minutes away, up near the Virginia border.

This is a relic of Blue Ridge Parkway history, as the road’s first day of construction started here on September 11, 1935. A picnic area and the easy Cumberland Knob Trail await.

Keep driving south to the Little Glade Mill Pond (MP 230) and take a look at the top of Stone Mountain‘s dome from an overlook (MP 232.5).

Doughton Park is accessible via a series of stops (MP 238 to 241), with Brinegar Cabin, a campground, and a picnic area (all around MP 239) among the brightest highlights of things to do.

EB Jeffress Park (MP 272.5) is 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Greensboro. The mile-long Cascades Trail loop will lead you to the side view of a beautiful waterfall, one of our favorites in the High Country.

Read More: Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve

Distance from Greensboro: 82 miles | 1 hour 29 minutes

Carl and our daughter walking through a forest in Southern Pines

Located in Southern Pines (near Pinehurst) in Moore County, Weymouth Woods boasts many trails that interweave with one another around the Weymouth Tract. This is where you’ll find the Visitor Center.

You can make a nice 1.5-mile loop by combining Pine Barrens with Gum Swamp, though there are more options to create longer hikes if you wish to do so.

Two additional tracts await at Weymouth Woods. Paint Hill has 1.3 miles of trails, and the Round Timber Trail at Boyd will take you to the oldest known living longleaf pine tree.

Stone Mountain State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 90 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes

The monolith of Stone Mountain from below

Of all the day trips from Greensboro, Stone Mountain State Park is probably our favorite. Shared by both Wilkes and Alleghany counties, Stone Mountain State Park is known for more than a few fun things to see.

Hiking around the Stone Mountain Loop Trail is the most popular. You’ll get a variety of looks at (and from) that massive exposed granite dome, for starters.

The 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls is one of a few waterfalls in the park and is a remarkable sight to see in person. In addition to Stone Mountain Falls, there are also more than 22 miles of trails at this state park that lead to other waterfalls (including Widow’s Creek Falls), remains of old stills, and great spots for trout fishing!

Crowders Mountain State Park

Distance from Greensboro: 115 miles | 1 hour 46 minutes

Crowders Mountain State Park in Gaston County sits on the outskirts of Gastonia. Here, take a walk on one of the 16 different hiking trails, around the lake, along a creek, or up to one of the park’s two peaks: Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle.

On clear days, you can even see Charlotte’s skyline from the top of Crowders Mountain, which can be reached after following Crowders Trail for 2.5 miles.

The highest peak at this state park is reachable via Pinnacle Trail (2 miles). This is also the highest point in all of Gaston County, at 1,705 feet.

Day Trips from Greensboro (Cities)

Gate City is also close to many of North Carolina’s largest cities. Pick and choose from at least a few of these larger day trips from Greensboro and take some time to peruse some wonderful small towns afterward!

Here are the best cities near Greensboro NC!

Winston-Salem

Distance from Greensboro: 29 miles | 32 minutes

Winston-Salem is a no-brainer for day trips from Greensboro! Many folks visit Old Salem first for a taste of early America and the Moravians who established this interesting place. You can even learn a bit of NC Black history at St Philips Moravian Church.

Some other amazing museums in Winston-Salem include Reynolda House and Kaleideum Downtown if you’re looking for a great starting point!

Winston-Salem also is home to so many amazing restaurants and innovative breweries that you’ll need more than just a one-day trip from Greensboro NC to investigate them all!

Foothills Brewing is one of our favorite spots for NC beer. Their downtown tasting room welcomes all visitors to come and try their special creations, as well as the delicious food coming out of their kitchen.

You can always extend your stay at a place like The Cardinal Hotel or another one of Winston-Salem’s awesome historic hotels .

Chapel Hill

Distance from Greensboro: 50 miles | 52 minutes

a close up of a flower at the NC Botanical garden — NC Botanical Garden.

Chapel Hill is the first Research Triangle city we’ll cover. While it’s smaller than Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, it’s still full of fun things to do. Outdoor options include strolls on Franklin Street and through UNC’s gorgeous campus, visits to the NC Botanical Garden (one of NC’s most beautiful), and treks through Carolina North Forest.

Speaking of Franklin Street: this famed street caters to all people, not just UNC students, faculty, and the few folks not affiliated with the university. Wonderful restaurants like Crooks Corner and Top of the Hill attract tourists and visitors from all over. Top of the Hill also has a distillery just down the street that makes some of the tastiest spirits in North Carolina.

More delicious Chapel Hill eats include the awesome burgers at Al’s Burger Shack and the amazing Southern eats at Mama Dip’s over on Rosemary St!

Note: Stay tuned for an upcoming guide to Chapel Hill Restaurants.

Durham

Distance from Greensboro: 54 miles | 53 minutes

We mentioned Eno River State Park already and thought you should know about additional outdoor spots in Durham, like Duke Forest and Brumley Nature Preserve.

Head over to Duke University’s West Campus and walk around Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Another wonderful landmark is Duke Chapel at the center of campus, a truly stunning building from both inside and out.

A mix of indoor and outdoor excitement awaits at the Museum of Life and Science, one of our favorite things to do with kids in Durham. You can go on your own, though!

Of course, there are some pretty fun things to do in and around downtown. You can chill out with a beer or two at Fullsteam, our favorite brewery in Durham, or relax in The Durham Hotel.

The city’s food scene is filled with great international restaurants and casual places to eat, including some amazing pizza joints, so be sure to bring your appetite on your day trip to Durham!

Extend your day trip into a longer journey with one of these Durham Airbnbs.

Cary

Distance from Greensboro: 71 miles | 1 hour 8 minutes

a unique loaf of bread from La Farm Bakery

Cary is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the US, with plenty of things to do on your first few day trips from Greensboro.

Cary is spread out with plenty of fun places to explore. Begin your exploration of this city by walking around downtown shops and eateries.

Some spots to check out include La Farm Bakery, Bond Brothers Beer Company, and Taipei 101. The iconic Ashworth Drugs is home to an old-fashioned soda fountain…and hot dogs, too!

One of Umstead State Park’s entrances (Reedy Creek) is in Cary, too. However, the outdoor fun doesn’t stop there because Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a wonderful place to visit. There, you’ll find a rare collection of hemlock trees typically found in Western North Carolina.

If you’re feeling a winter visit, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is a must-see, as it occurs every year in Cary between November and January.

Concord

Distance from Greensboro: 72 miles | 1 hour 13 minutes

NASCAR pit stop with the crew, staff, and fans — zMax!

Concord is one of the first places that come up when asked about day trips from Charlotte. If you’re in Greensboro, you’re also in luck because it’s just over an hour away.

Concord is largely known as the home of Charlotte Motor Speedway and zMax Dragway. People come from all over to catch races throughout most of the year.

Of course, Speedway Christmas is the perfect way to ring in the holidays!

More family-friendly attractions include Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and SEA LIFE. And when you want to get outside for a bit, check out the paths and scenery at Frank Liske Park, Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway, and the historic Reed Gold Mine.

For lovers of craft beer, head over to Cabarrus Brewing. It’s one of many great breweries in the area.

If you’re into spirits, we recommend embarking on an adventure and touring a real whiskey prison at Southern Grace in Mount Pleasant.

We also think you need to know about our favorite restaurants in Concord and Cabarrus County, which can handle every occasion during your time here.

Read More: Christmas Lights in North Carolina

Raleigh

Distance from Greensboro: 77 miles | 1 hour 15 minutes

installation at the NC Museum of Art Park — NC Museum of Art Park.

Based on the traffic between these two cities, Raleigh is one of the most popular day trips from Greensboro.

Throughout the year, we love digging into all the fun things to do in Raleigh. You’ll spend a lot of time exploring parks from Umstead State Park and the ones surrounding Shelley Lake and Lake Johnson.

The distance from Greensboro to Raleigh is just 77 miles, and you can see tons of amazing museums here, including the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, the NC Museum of History, and the NC Museum of Art!

Of course, you should also know about Dorothea Dix Park and Pullen Park, especially if you bought kids. Each summer, Dix Park transforms into one of the state’s most beautiful sunflower fields.

Many of these fun activities are featured in our guide of free things to do in Raleigh, too!

The best restaurants in Raleigh are scattered around, but we think you should make at least one visit to James Beard Award winner Ashley Christensen’s Beasley’s Chicken + Honey at least once, located downtown. Raleigh also has an awesome brew scene that can be explored further through the Raleigh Beer Garden’s Guinness World Record-winning selection of drinks.

Check out these cool Airbnbs in Raleigh if you’re looking to stay longer on your day trips from Greensboro!

Charlotte

Distance from Greensboro: 93 miles | 1 hour 26 minutes

Charlotte is NC’s largest city, and it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’re going to need more than a day here.

The city’s neighborhoods are packed with awesome restaurants, breweries, and more. There are also tons of lighter food options, as we covered in our guide to Charlotte’s eats.

Beyond the concrete and big buildings, there’s also lots of outdoor fun to be found in Charlotte. Check out spots like the US National Whitewater Center and the city’s amazing parks (e.g. Freedom and Independence) for some time out in nature.

If you’re a sports fan, then you likely already know that the Carolina Panthers and Hornets both call Charlotte “home.” You may have allegiances to the Greensboro Grasshoppers, but you won’t want to miss seeing the Knights play at the beautiful Truist Ballpark!

Since you will need multiple day trips from Greensboro, you might want to stay the night. Hilton Charlotte Center City and the Dunhill Hotel are two excellent options.

Hickory

Distance from Greensboro: 101 miles | 1 hour 36 minutes

Teeming with fun things to do, Hickory sits an hour-and-a-half away from Greensboro off I-40. This is a great place for museum lovers especially, with the Catawba Science Center and the Hickory Aviation Museum here waiting for you.

For beer lovers, Olde Hickory Brewery pumps out some of NC’s finest beer. You can also visit their three restaurant locations scattered throughout the town.

Right next door to the Burke County side of town, you should head over to Hildebran for a visit to the Henry River Mill Village. It’s a preserved piece of NC mill history and also a film location from the first Hunger Games.

Read More: Amazing Restaurants in Hickory

Fayetteville

Distance from Greensboro: 95 miles | 1 hour 42 minutes

Fayetteville is the last (but not the least!) of the cities you can reach from Greensboro within two hours. This city is known for its awesome local scene, which is most visible in Downtown and Leclair’s General Store in Haymount.

The US Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden are two of our favorite things to do with kids in Fayetteville. You can also visit Clark Park and hop on the adjacent Cape Fear River Trail with your bike. It’s one of many ways we take advantage of the beautiful outdoors in Fayetteville.

With so many awesome activities that are sure to get your stomach grumbling, you’ll be pleased to know that Fayetteville’s restaurant scene packs a huge punch. Circa 1800 (weekend brunch!) and Fowler’s Southern Gourmet are two we’ll suggest first.

Since there is so much to do for a relatively affordable fare, Fayetteville is also one of the most inexpensive day trips from Greensboro

One last thing: don’t leave Fayetteville without visiting one of the city’s veteran-owned breweries! Whether it’s Dirtbag in Hope Mills, Bright Light downtown, or elsewhere, you can’t go wrong with any of Fayetteville’s breweries!

Day Trips from Greensboro (Small Towns)

Small towns always get overshadowed in favor of other destinations. But we like to look at small towns as saving the best day trips from Greensboro for last!

Burlington

Distance from Greensboro: 22 miles | 29 minutes

Burlington is the first Alamance County town we’ll mention on this list. It’s right next door to Guilford County and Greensboro.

Here, you’ll find a nice and cozy downtown with delicious hot dogs at Zack’s waiting to greet you. Hursey’s makes some of the finest NC Barbecue in the area and its original location in Burlington is a must-visit.

The Animal Park at the Conservators Center hosts events throughout the year and is definitely something worth keeping an eye out for if you’re traveling with kids!

Attached at Burlington’s hip is Graham, an adorable small town home to the must-try Soda Shop. Our little one loves the Children’s Museum of Alamance County. If you’ve got a young child yourself, Burlington is the next-day trip from Greensboro for you to embark on!

Kernersville

Distance from Greensboro: 19 miles | 25 minutes

birdhouses hanging at Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden — Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden.

Kernersville shares Forsyth County with Winston-Salem and is home to at least a couple of fun things for day trips from Greensboro.

Inside its Historic Downtown District is the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. This is the only public garden between Raleigh and Charlotte, though it’s still in development. We’re excited to keep checking in on its 25 individually-styled garden areas, event spaces, greenhouses, and children’s areas.

The biggest name around here, especially around the holidays, is Körner’s Folly. This historic home is beautiful to visit any time of year, but it truly comes alive during the holiday season. Its three stories, seven levels, and 22 rooms become fully decorated and look fantastic!

Asheboro

Distance from Greensboro: 27 miles | 30 minutes

While Greensboro is close to the center of the state, Asheboro and its Randolph County surroundings are literally in the heart of North Carolina. Perhaps one of the best day trips from Greensboro is a visit to the NC Zoo! As the world’s largest natural habitat zoological park, the NC Zoo definitely won’t disappoint.

However, there’s still so much more to Randolph County than just the zoo.

There’s the amazing Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur, the epic racing history at the Petty Museum in Randleman, and so much more to discover.

We’re not done with Randolph County yet, so keep reading!

Mebane

Distance from Greensboro: 32 miles | 36 minutes

Stroll down Clay St in Mebane, and it’ll become abundantly clear why its motto is “Positively Charming!”

While in Mebane, you’ll find some interesting places to shop downtown, including Melville Trading Company and the Curious Peddler. The charming Fifth Street Books is also here, one of our favorite bookstores in North Carolina!

You can get here via I-85/I-40, but we like the more relaxed approach of running into Mebane along US-70. Give both a try, and let us know what you think!

Lexington

Distance from Greensboro: 32 miles | 37 minutes

Lexington is the only one of our day trips from Greensboro that has a style of NC barbecue named after it. Visit this town and explore its smoked pork, hushpuppies, and tomato-based sauce!

A massive barbecue festival typically commences here each October, with Lexington barbecue, tons of vendors, music, and more. Beyond the historic barbecue fun, Lexington is also home to the legendary pimento cheese at Conrad & Hinkle.

Childress Vineyards, one of the best North Carolina wineries and vineyards in North Carolina, also calls Lexington “home.” It’s one of the best wineries in Lexington, sharing the area with neighbors Curran Alexander and more!

Regardless of what brings you to Lexington, be sure to bring your appetite and enjoy the vast dining options in one of our favorite small towns.

Saxapahaw

Distance from Greensboro: 34 miles | 38 minutes

With such a fun name to say out loud, Saxapahaw also bursts with its own unique vibe. Start exploring with lunch at the five-star gourmet gas station also known as the Saxapahaw General Store.

Stroll down the street and grab a brew at Haw River Farmhouse and Ales. Find a souvenir to take home among the incredible meat selections at Left Bank Butchery to remember your Saxapahaw day trip.

We hope you try your very hardest to stick around here for a summer evening, as the “Saturdays in Saxapahaw” concert series makes for a beautiful end to a day. More things to enjoy here include walks at Saxapahaw Island Park, shows at the Haw River Ballroom, and paddling the Haw when it’s warm out!

Seagrove

Distance from Greensboro: 40 miles | 41 minutes

We told you we weren’t done with Randolph County, not with Seagrove still to discuss! Known as the “Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States,” Seagrove is one of the most niche day trips from Greensboro.

Over 100 potters live and work within a 20-mile radius of Seagrove. Most of them will open their studios for visitors like you and me to get a close look at the pottery process. As a reminder of your Seagrove visit, take home some unique pottery pieces from the studios.

Hillsborough

Distance from Greensboro: 42 miles | 43 minutes

a rusted car along the Occoneechee Speedway Trail — Occoneechee Speedway Trail.

Hillsborough in Orange County is the last place you’ll pass if you’re heading toward Durham on I-85. This small historic town ranks high on our list of places we might like to live in someday.

While we haven’t decided on living here yet, we can tell you to park at Weaver Street Market, grab a coffee and a bite, and then head down the River Walk. From there, you can walk to Gold Park, take in some beautiful scenes along the Eno River, and enjoy the playground with your kids.

Walks at the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail are also great. This was once a NASCAR dirt track, making it one of many historic places to visit in Hillsborough.

Additional food options include The Wooden Nickel (great wings!), Hillsborough BBQ Company, and the delightful Matthew’s Chocolates!

Pittsboro

Distance from Greensboro: 48 miles | 51 minutes

Pittsboro in Chatham County is a wonderful small town to visit. While here, grab a bite to eat at S&T’s Soda Shoppe and learn some information about the county at The Chatham Historical Museum.

One of the best reasons to come to Pittsboro is to visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue. This is a nonprofit that provides treatment and, in many cases, a new life to rescued wildcats.

Also nearby is Fearrington Village. It’s home to tasty food, great shopping, and plenty of space to watch the beautiful farm animals run around!

Salisbury

Distance from Greensboro: 52 miles | 51 minutes

Another great idea for day trips from Greensboro is Salisbury, a charming town in Rowan County. It’s much more than just the home of Cheerwine and Food Lion, though you’ll see the former all over.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during May, you can celebrate all things cherry-flavored during the annual Cheerwine Festival. During the rest of the year, the town’s five historic districts are one of the hottest tourist spots.

Just a few miles down the road from Salisbury is the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer. The entire family is guaranteed to love this place!

Carrboro

Distance from Greensboro: 46 miles | 53 minutes

Carrboro is more than just an extra set of streets attached to Chapel Hill. This is one of our favorite small towns in the Triangle, with tons of great restaurants and a real community vibe felt throughout.

You’ll find one of North Carolina’s best farmer’s markets (held each Saturday until noon), the beautifully located Honeysuckle Tea House, and much more when you visit this great town.

Kannapolis

Distance from Greensboro: 69 miles | 1 hour 7 minutes

Our daughter looking out the winder of a cafe in Kannapols

Shared by Cabarrus and Rowan counties, Kannapolis is home to the Dale Trail and a statue dedicated to the late great Earnhardt Sr.

As many NASCAR fans know, Kannapolis was the home of the Intimidator. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is also in Kannapolis, where you can learn more about our state’s best bands and musical icons who are now hall inductees.

If you’re interested in responsibly tasting some wine, check out Douglas Vineyards while on your day trip to this town.

Mount Airy

Distance from Greensboro: 64 miles | 1 hour 7 minutes

This day trip from Greensboro is known for its great food options! Mount Airy’s quaint, cozy downtown boasts restaurants like The Snappy Lunch and Walker’s Soda Fountain.

Mount Airy is also not limited to fans of The Andy Griffith Show, but feel free to call this fun small town “Mayberry” as much as you want! For fans of the show, be sure to visit the Andy Griffith Museum!

Mayberry Spirits Distillery and Round Peak Vineyard are fun Mount Airy spots if you like great spirits and wine!

Elkin

Distance from Greensboro: 72 miles | 1 hour 11 minutes

calm shopping street in downtown Elkin during midday

Elkin shares Surry County with Mount Airy, with some parts of the town also in Wilkes County.

Elkin is located in the heart of the Yadkin Valley wine region. With many wineries in this area, including Adagio and Slightly Askew, any wine lover is sure to discover many new flavors here. Those two sit along the Surry County Wine Trail, which hosts about 20 of the area’s wineries.

If hops are preferred, check out Skull Camp. This is a cool spot to enjoy some beer, wine, and yummy smoked food.

Downtown Elkin, the Elkin & Alleghany Rail Trail, and Carter Falls (0.4 miles round trip) are a couple of places to walk all that food off before heading back to Greensboro.

Statesville

Distance from Greensboro: 72 miles | 1 hour 11 minutes

We’ve become huge fans of Statesville for many reasons, one of which is the incredible ballooning opportunities that await. Carolina Balloon Fest typically takes place in October and is a huge event that colors the skies and fills the streets of Statesville with fun all around.

In case you didn’t know, you can fly the skies around Statesville throughout the year. Contact an operator like Big Oh! Balloons, and they’ll set you up.

Beyond balloons, you can dig into some unique French and Indian War history at Fort Dobbs. The Statesville Greenway is another fun way to enjoy the outdoors in the area, too.

If you’re into exploring NC beer and spirits, check out Red Buffalo Brewing and Southern Distilling Company, respectively.

Pinehurst

Distance from Greensboro: 75 miles | 1 hour 16 minutes

We mentioned Weymouth Woods earlier but failed to mention that Pinehurst is nearby, too. During the first of many day trips from Greensboro, you can browse and shop at unique boutiques and galleries at Pinehurst Village!

Head to Pinehurst Resort, where you can tee off on the same greens that many PGA winners have played on. This place will make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto the ultimate Southern luxury retreat.

Wilkesboro

Distance from Greensboro: 83 miles | 1 hour 17 minutes

Bring a designated driver if you’ve come to Wilkesboro for spirits and wine. This town has long been known as the Moonshine Capital of the World. It’s also home to some amazing wineries, including Raffaldini and Piccione.

If you don’t know your NASCAR history, the neighboring town of North Wilkesboro is the site of the first-ever NASCAR track. After being closed for many years, the North Wilkesboro Speedway reopened in 2022, paving the way (no pun intended) for racing to return to the area!

Music lovers (like me!) may also know Wilkesboro as the site of Merlefest, an amazing festival that typically happens each April. If you’re in the area during this time, watch as the town comes alive and prepares for the festival.

Of course, there are still plenty of fun things to do in the area during the rest of the year as well.

Mooresville

Distance from Greensboro: 75 miles | 1 hour 18 minutes

a small waterfall falling into a reservoir at Carrigan Farms — Carrigan Farms.

Mooresville is one of Statesville’s neighbors in Iredell County. It’s not too far from Lake Norman and a short drive from both Charlotte and Greensboro.

You can tour many of the top NASCAR team shops while in Mooresville, as JR Motorsports, Team Penske, and Kyle Busch Motorsports are all based here. Inside their shops, you’ll find cars, trophies, memorabilia, and special swag to take home.

Another amazing spot to visit in Mooresville is Carrigan Farms. It’s a fifth-generation farm where you can pick in-season fruits and vegetables. During hot summer days, their natural rock quarry swimming hole is perfect for cooling off.

Southern Pines

Distance from Greensboro: 83 miles | 1 hour 24 minutes

a cheeseburger with cheesy fries in a basket

Head over to Pinehurst’s Moore County neighbor in Southern Pines. The town was originally founded as a health resort for Northerners.

Today, it’s home to some of America’s top golf courses, a thriving arts community, and a family-friendly downtown. Book lovers can pick up a new read from the Country Bookshop and visit other shops around the town.

Chapman’s Food and Spirits is one of the best places to eat in town, though we’re very partial to the burgers and dessert at the Ice Cream Parlour. Of course, you can’t leave without stopping at Southern Pines Brewing Company for a pint or a 6-pack to take home!

Davidson

Distance from Greensboro: 84 miles | 1 hour 25 minutes

Davidson is a wonderful Mecklenburg County college town. It’s close to Lake Norman and home to Davidson College where Steph Curry played basketball. Enjoy a walk or ride on Davidson’s 6 miles of tree-lined greenways.

While the town is great throughout much of the year, there are a couple of events you simply can’t miss. Christmas in Davidson is one such event, taking place on the first weekend of December with a massive celebration of music, vendors, Santa, and much more!

Warrenton

Distance from Greensboro: 106 miles | 1 hour 40 minutes

Carl and our daughter holding hands on the sidewalk

Warrenton is one of the most overlooked Greensboro day trips. This historic town near Raleigh and Durham is experiencing a renaissance and we want to help you enjoy all the wonderful things to do in Warrenton and nearby.

Explore the historic downtown, eat at local restaurants, and venture out to Warrenton’s surroundings in Warren County, and you’ll see why we love this area.

Benson

Distance from Greensboro: 109 miles | 1 hour 41 minutes

Benson is the first of our Johnston County day trips from Greensboro. It’s home to Broadslab Distillery, North Carolina’s first farm-to-distillery spirits, and sits near I-40 and I-95.

Also off I-40 (319) is Redneck BBQ Lab. Even during busy times, the wait isn’t too bad for their amazing barbecue, brisket, sides, and more, and they also have a drive-thru.

The Benson Museum of Local History will introduce you to the area’s history and traditions. One particularly important event is Benson Mule Days in September, an annual tradition that I once attended as a child.

Smithfield

Distance from Greensboro: 107 miles | 1 hour 44 minutes

Also in JoCo is Smithfield, a small town with a nice walkable downtown. Here, you can visit the Ava Gardner Museum, which recognizes the iconic Johnston County native. You can also visit key landmarks in Ava’s life via this heritage trail put together by Visit Johnston County.

We are always on the lookout for good barbecue–and Smithfield didn’t disappoint! White Swan is a popular BBQ place that’s been around for a long time, with two very good locations. Holt Lake is another tasty option, and if hops are more your thing, a pint at Double Barley Brewing will definitely do the trick.

While you’re in the area, check out the Bentonville Battlefield for a look at the final major battle of the Civil War.

Gastonia

Distance from Greensboro: 110 miles | 1 hour 45 minutes

inside the Schiele Museum — Schiele Museum.

We swing back west to the other side of Mecklenburg County with Gastonia and its Gaston County surroundings. We already mentioned Crowders Mountain earlier but thought you should know about the rest of the county.

Anyone familiar with the area will be happy to share memories of the Schiele Museum. It has been sharing science and the natural world to Gastonians since 1961.

Gastonia is home to quaint antique stores and the Carolina Speedway, one of the oldest dirt racetracks in the South. The track was built in 1962 and remains open every March to October.

We’re always searching for greenways to walk and bike, and George Poston Park is an awesome one within two hours of Greensboro. Here, you’ll find trails for all levels that snake through stunning scenery.

Also in Gaston County is Belmont, a town with a nice historic district and the gorgeous Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Morganton

Distance from Greensboro: 118 miles | 1 hour 52 minutes

a glass of beery from Fonta Flora Brewery and picnic tabels in the feild

We think of Morganton as the gateway to Burke County, though you’ll pass Connelly Springs and Valdese along I-40 from Greensboro. We hope you plan additional day trips from Greensboro to stroll around the latter’s cute downtown and at least grab some lunch at JD’s in Connelly Springs.

After visiting Morganton, you’ll want to come back. I know we do! The town itself is a charming collection of hilly streets lined with an array of shops and restaurants.

Morganton General Store is a great one-stop shop to grab everything and anything you need. The food upstairs at Swede’s Cafe is also a must, so come hungry!

Speaking of food, Root & Vine is one of our favorite places to eat in Morganton, as we love their outdoor seating! Morganton is also home to Silver Fork Winery and Fonta Flora Brewery, in case you’re searching for some of North Carolina’s finest wine and beer.

Additional fun spots within arm’s reach of Morganton include:

We didn’t include them in our “Outdoor Day Trips” section because they’re a bit more than two hours away from Greensboro.

You can also stay closer to town with a ride or walk on the Catawba River Greenway, one of our favorites in North Carolina. No matter which path you follow, you will fall in love with this area!

Read More: Day Trips from Asheville

Lincolnton

Distance from Greensboro: 119 miles | 1 hour 53 minutes

Lincolnton and its surroundings in Lincoln County sit between Hickory and Gastonia off I-40. This area belongs on this list of day trips from Greensboro any time of year.

The annual Apple Festival in October is typically the most popular time to be visiting here. More than 80,000 visitors descend upon Main St for music on two stages, a farmer’s market, tons of apple-inspired food, and much more!

If you can’t make this massive event, don’t worry, because there’s still plenty to do! Stroll along Main St and window shop, or head into one of the many locally-owned businesses like Art on Main or North State Books.

The Carolina Thread Trail runs through here, connecting 15 counties from both the Carolinas. Lincolnton’s portion is the South Fork Rail Trail, which is a 2-mile path on the Rhyne Preserve.

Boone

Distance from Greensboro: 113 miles | 1 hour 54 minutes

The last two of our western day trips from Greensboro are a bit further north and among the most popular. First is Boone, which is a truly special place even for those who didn’t attend Appalachian State University.

We recommend parking somewhere downtown to start exploring all the things to do. While here, be sure to pay your respects to the Doc Watson statue at the corner of King and Depot streets.

From there, walk up the hill to Lost Province, one of Boone’s awesome breweries. It’s a great place to begin your tour of the town’s food and beer scene, with plenty of restaurants to choose from nearby.

If the weather is cooperating, there are plenty of hikes near Boone worth investigating. Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and explore the trailheads for Rough Ridge and Beacon Heights, among many other stops.

Of course, we can’t leave out our favorite waterfalls in the area. I’ll go out on a limb and say Otter Falls is probably my favorite, but there are so many more in the area, including three falls along the Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock.

Spoiler alert: we didn’t include Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, along with some other High Country favorites in this list because they take a bit longer to reach from Greensboro. Elk Knob State Park is another that we won’t judge you on if you extend your drive and decide to visit!

You can always extend your time with one of these awesome Airbnbs in Boone and in nearby High Country towns!

Read More: The Best NC Mountain Towns

West Jefferson

Distance from Greensboro: 113 miles | 1 hour 58 minutes

a viewpoint over the rolling hills of Ashe County

Luckily for you, Ashe County and the wonderful West Jefferson are just within a two-hour drive from Greensboro. This place is also listed in our guide to day trips from Boone in case you extend your stay in that area.

West Jefferson is a lovely town, filled with art galleries, shops, and murals. You can easily spend a day wandering up and down the town. Boondocks Brewing and New River Brewing will hook you up with some tasty NC Beer and food.

We can’t talk West Jefferson without discussing the Ashe County Cheese factory, where you can watch professionals make some of the finest cheese in the state! Ashe County is also well known for its Fraser Firs, so visit one of their Christmas Tree farms and take one home with you for the holidays.

Outdoor fun also awaits in Ashe County! Look down on West Jefferson and its surroundings from one of Mount Jefferson’s overlooks. The very old New River also runs through here and is very popular among kayakers, fishermen and -women, and campers.

Read More: Christmas in North Carolina

Wilson

Distance from Greensboro: 127 miles | 1 hour 59 minutes

The last of our day trips from Greensboro is Wilson, to the east of Raleigh. Speaking of which, Wilson was also the final place we discussed in our guide to day trips from Raleigh.

Wilson is a place known for its kinetic sculptures, the Whirligigs, which are quite a sight to see! The Wilson Whirligig Festival is a massive event that typically happens each November.

Beyond the Whirligig Park, we’ve discovered a lot of other things to do in Wilson! Walks at Lake Wilson are a must, specifically after enjoying amazingly delicious and historic Eastern NC barbecue at Parker’s (or Marty’s) or epic dinners at The Beefmastor Inn.

Ready to Explore These Day Trips from Greensboro?

If you’re familiar with Gate City, you know there are plenty of things to do, great restaurants, and fun outdoors to explore. You’re also blessed with so many day trips from Greensboro, all listed in this guide!

This guide has the most options for day trips save for our guide to day trips from Asheville, which boasts 60 destinations!

If you’ve been lucky enough to spend time in this area, we’d love to know what your favorite day trips from Greensboro are. Is there anything that we should add to the mix? We’re always eager to find new spots, so please feel free to kindly let us know!