Published by Christina Riley. Last Updated on August 29, 2024.
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If your weekdays are spent searching for that next place to explore, we think you’re going to love our favorite weekend getaways in North Carolina, for families, couples, and just yourself!
We’ve included a mix of small towns and cities from the mountains to the sea. They come packed with incredible breweries, outdoor fun (including hikes and waterfalls at state parks and more protected lands), exquisite food, and more of the best things to do.
Because we’ve spent so many weekends exploring our wonderful state, we know this guide will help your search for the perfect getaway.
The perfect NC weekend getaway awaits from the mountains to the sea. Check availability at hotels and inns throughout North Carolina!
Read More: Day Trips in North Carolina
List of Weekend Getaways in North Carolina
Organization Note: We’ve alphabetically arranged these weekend getaways in North Carolina by cities, towns, counties, and regions. Here’s a list of getaways featured:
- Asheville
- Brevard
- Brunswick County
- Bryson City
- Burke County
- Charlotte
- Cherokee
- The Crystal Coast
- Durham
- Fayetteville
- Greensboro
- The High Country
- Highlands
- Jackson County
- Little Switzerland
- Maggie Valley
- New Bern
- Randolph County
- Raleigh and Wake County
- Rocky Mount
- Onslow County
- The Outer Banks
- Topsail Island
- Wilkes County
- Wilmington (and Surrounding Beaches)
- Winston-Salem
Asheville
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Asheville is not just the first alphabetical entry in our guide to weekend getaways in North Carolina. Thanks to countless things to do, this is always one of the first places to visit in Western North Carolina that we mention, no matter who’s asking.
The Buncombe County seat has plenty of restaurants and breweries to keep your belly happy and ready to explore more! Whether you’re walking around Biltmore Estate (especially during Christmas at Biltmore), the River Arts District, or any of the great hikes near Asheville, get ready for a weekend you’ll never forget.
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through here, too, and some of the best BRP hikes are nearby. That’s why Asheville is one of our favorite stops on that iconic scenic road.
We also recommend The Omni Grove Park Inn (of course!) or any of these cool Airbnbs while exploring Asheville. Don’t forget to check out one of these day trips if you have time!
Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do With Kids in Asheville (and Nearby!)
Brevard
We fell in love with Brevard from the beginning. I mean, how can you go wrong with a place known as the land of waterfalls?
It’s also home to white squirrels that lurk around Brevard College, a nice downtown, and tons of gorgeous scenery all around. Many of the beautiful spots are housed inside Nantahala National Forest and Pisgah National Forest.
When you get to this awesome small town, we hope you’ll be able to at least get out and see Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, with the Moore Cove Falls Trailhead in between the two. However, there are many more waterfalls near Brevard, hence the name!
Read More: Pines Country Inn in Pisgah Forest
Brunswick County
Brunswick County occupies the southeast corner of North Carolina and is home to some of Eastern North Carolina’s most beautiful coastal areas and beaches.
For starters, towns like Southport will hook you even if you’re not waiting on a boat to Bald Head Island from there.
Of course, you’ll want to check out the famous seafood at Calabash and the awesome Oak Island.
Near Oak Island Lighthouse at Caswell Beach, you can look across the water at Bald Head Island (and Old Baldy Lighthouse).
We’re huge fans of Holden Beach, also known as North Carolina’s “Family Beach.” You can totally chill out here at your rental, which is likely close to the beach or Intracoastal Waterway.
Another fun spot is Leland, recognizable from the many movies filmed here. Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest is one place that’ll convince you why Brunswick County ranks among our favorite weekend getaways in North Carolina.
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
Bryson City
Near the top of favorite weekend getaways in North Carolina for families is Bryson City. Sitting on the western edge of North Carolina, Bryson City is a quaint small town that packs a punch and their Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a bucket list experience!
Head to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for some rafting, hiking, or just enjoying the river. Afterward, take the kids on the Deep Creek trail for an easy hike to three waterfalls.
The Road to Nowhere is another interesting and quirk place to visit near Bryson City.
Read More: Mingo Falls in Cherokee
Burke County
Morganton is the Burke County seat and a great base for exploring the Linville Gorge Wilderness. Hop in your car and hit the trails at Table Rock Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain, or drive up to Wiseman’s View for equally gorgeous views of the Gorge.
For a flatter walk or ride, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. It’s a lovely, scenic trail that connects two of the mountain town’s best parks.
Fall in love in front of Linville Falls and stop by Silver Fork Winery for a taste of some delicious wine. Add in a lovely view, and this place is a shoo-in as one of the best wineries in North Carolina!
Beyond this place being the perfect North Carolina getaway for outdoorsy couples, we think you’ll enjoy Morganton’s downtown and surrounding towns like Valdese, Connelly Springs, and more.
There are great restaurants and attractions in each of these places.
Before we move further east, we think you should know about the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Some locals have preserved this piece of NC Mill history, but you may also know it as District 12 in the first Hunger Games film!
Read More: High Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park
Charlotte
If you’re seeking excitement, weekend getaways in North Carolina’s largest city are right up your alley.
Charlotte has some of the best restaurants to accompany fun things to do, both indoors and outdoors. The NASCAR Hall of Fame, Freedom Park, and Discovery Place are a few of our favorite examples.
We love coming here to stay in nice hotels like the Dunhill and the Hilton Charlotte Center City. These places are fun throughout the year, but especially so when it’s cold out.
That’s why we’d suggest Charlotte for a winter getaway. If you’d like to bounce around to nearby towns, fun day trips from Charlotte include Huntersville, Matthews, and Davidson in Mecklenburg County, and Concord over in Cabarrus County.
Read More: 20+ Awesome Museums in Charlotte and Nearby!
Cherokee
We think Cherokee belongs on our list of weekend getaways in North Carolina because of its mix of indoor and outdoor fun.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is a luxurious destination that you could never leave. We highly recommend you stay and play there, but we also think there’s more to this special small town.
Start by learning about Native American heritage at the Oconaluftee Indian Village or the Museum of the Cherokee People. Get outside and visit the epic Mingo Falls and gorgeous Soco Falls within the Qualla Boundary.
Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)
The Crystal Coast
The Crystal Coast runs from the Bogue Banks (including Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach) to Cape Lookout National Seashore (including Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks) and Harkers Island. These spots alone put this area on our map of favorite weekend getaways in North Carolina, but there’s even more.
Mainland spots include Beaufort, Morehead City, and Newport, rounding out some of Carteret County’s most impressive small towns. We love coming to this area for weekends (or longer) at Atlantis Lodge in Pine Knoll Shores, along with visits to natural spots like the Rachel Carson Reserve and the well-preserved Fort Macon State Park.
Read More: 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One!)
Durham
We live in the Bull City, so we may be a little biased when we say Durham is one of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina! You can hop around all the city’s different breweries, dig into Durham’s awesome restaurants, or take the kids to the Museum of Life and Science.
Regardless of what things to do in Durham you choose, we guarantee you’ll have a great weekend!
Durham also has an incredible arts scene, with unique and creative murals found all around the city. While visiting, stay at The Durham Hotel or in one of the adorable Airbnbs, and make sure to take a hike along the Eno River!
Read More: 17 Amazing Eno River State Park Trails
Fayetteville
Just off I-95 and the seat of Cumberland County, Fayetteville is full of surprises and plenty of fun things to do, especially for kids!
Stop and smell the roses at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden (one of the most beautiful in North Carolina!), hike around Carvers Creek State Park, learn about our armed forces at the US Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and enjoy some pints by veteran-owned breweries!
While you’re in town, check out some incredible international restaurants in Fayetteville while working it off on outdoor walks and hikes. If you’re into cycling, the Cape Fear River Trail is one of our favorite greenways in the whole state!
Read More: Day trips from Durham
Greensboro
Greensboro is a wonderful city to visit, and thanks to hotels like Proximity and the Historic Magnolia House, it’s also perfect for weekend getaways in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region.
We love strolling along Elm St and elsewhere downtown, the awesome restaurant scene, and so many more things to do (especially with kids!). We also love visiting Gate City for the Greensboro Science Center and the Children’s Museum if we’ve brought our little one along!
From Greensboro’s center, you can bounce around the outdoor spots like Triad Park and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. That latter National Parks site is one of our absolutely favorite outdoor spaces.
The fun town of High Point also awaits nearby (one of our favorite day trips from Greensboro), and on the other side toward Raleigh, you’ll find Red Oak Brewery in Whitsett.
Read More: Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)
The High Country
We don’t like to pick favorites, but if we had to, the High Country would be one of them.
If that name isn’t familiar to you, then maybe the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock will refresh your memory.
There are even more spots to explore in the heart of the High Country, easily a day trip from those two all-stars. Banner Elk and West Jefferson are two of our favorites, but we also can’t leave out the amazing Burnsville, surrounded by those epic Black Mountains.
You can stay in any of these big names and enjoy plenty of mountains to hike. Some favorites include Roan Mountain near Bakersville, the Summit Trail inside Elk Knob State Park, and Rough Ridge Trail just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
We’re also huge fans of the area’s waterfalls (including the pictured Otter Falls) to chase. Throw in some unique and memorable places to eat (especially in Boone and Blowing Rock), and you’ve hit all of our prerequisites for weekend getaways in North Carolina.
Want to book your weekend now? Check out some of our favorite rentals in Boone!
Read More: Ski Resorts in North Carolina
Highlands
Highlands sits in the heart of Western NC and a lovely mountain town in Macon County.
Aside from a quaint and cozy downtown, you’ll find some of our favorite waterfalls in North Carolina here! Two of the bigger names include Dry Falls and the roadside Bridal Veil Falls, not to be confused with the one inside DuPont State Recreational Forest.
A few interesting places to stay await, including the Old Edwards Inn & Spa in the middle of downtown. If you’re looking for a couples retreat, we consider this one of the best romantic getaways in North Carolina!
Read More: 10 Beautiful Roadside Waterfalls in North Carolina for Everyone!
Jackson County
We’ve mentioned Brevard and Highlands but think Jackson County definitely deserves a chance, too.
Jackson County is largely known for these awesome mountain towns:
A few of our favorite waterfalls run through Jackson County, too. They include Soco Falls and Upper Whitewater Falls, with the latter closest to Cashiers. Another great waterfall near Cashiers is Silver Run Falls, a quick walk from the parking lot.
Panthertown Valley is not far from Cashiers, but closest to Sapphire. This backcountry wonderland is home to 30 miles of trails that lead to amazing natural spots, including the beautiful Schoolhouse Falls.
We’re also fans of Tuckasegee, a small Jackson County town that is home to Bear Lake Reserve. This is one of our first choices for weekend getaways in North Carolina, and also, for lakes!
The massive 2,100-acre gated community hosts private residences and rentals that surround the beautiful 500-acre Bear Creek Lake.
Read More: Delicious Restaurants in Sylva and Nearby!
Little Switzerland
Considering its physical size, the smallest of our weekend getaways in North Carolina has to be Little Switzerland. That doesn’t mean there’s little to experience here, which you’ll soon see after hopping off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Whether or not you’re staying at Switzerland Inn, we think you’ll enjoy this lovely little town. You’ll have plenty of time to shop, eat, and peruse at the Switzerland Cafe and General Store. Books and Beans there is one of the best bookstores in North Carolina, in case you’re wondering.
Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!)
Maggie Valley
Maggie Valley is known for quite a few fun things to do, especially skiing and tubing at the famed Cataloochee Ski Area.
It’s also popular for motorcyclists, which are fun to watch as you sit back and relax in this Haywood County town. The Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum is a wonderful tribute to bikes and the museum’s founder Dale Walksler.
We love the food in Maggie Valley, starting with breakfasts at Joey’s Pancake House, lunch or dinner at Brickhouse Burgers and Pizza, and beers (plus food!) at BearWaters Brewing. The latter’s original location sits in Canton.
The outdoors also await in Maggie Valley, with Purchase Knob and Black Balsam Knob within a reasonable drive from town!
Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails
New Bern
New Bern was one of the first historic towns in North Carolina that we visited, and you can believe we keep coming back for more! Tryon Palace hosts charming tours of our state’s first permanent capital and the home of Pepsi also happens to be New Bern.
There are a few more fun facts about North Carolina found in New Bern but even more things to do await beyond these historic tidbits.
We love strolling along both Middle and Front streets, taking in gorgeous sunsets from Union Point Park, and grabbing food at one of the town’s amazing restaurants.
Croatan National Forest is also a short drive from New Bern. A nice collection of coastal trails await here, including Flanners Beach and Neusiok. The city of Havelock is nearby, home to the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.
Read More: 4 National Forests in NC (Things to Do + Why We Love Them!)
Randolph County
Asheboro is the first name that comes to mind when thinking of weekend getaways in North Carolina’s Randolph County. However, this isn’t the only place in the area that appeals to both couples and families.
Couples can spend an entire weekend browsing Seagrove Pottery studios and galleries, viewing new and unique pieces at each stop.
Afterward, head to The Table in downtown Asheboro for its farmhouse vibe and fresh offerings. Asheboro is especially attractive to families, as the North Carolina Zoo is an instant hit among kids!
For the rest of your weekend getaway, make sure to stop by Millstone Creek Orchards for some apple picking and try their incredible cakes and pies.
Read More: Day Trips from Raleigh
Raleigh and Wake County
If you think we should have grouped Raleigh and Durham together, this is your reminder that the two cities are 20 miles and one county apart. Also, the only place named “Raleigh-Durham” is the airport.
Even if you already knew all of that, you still need to know that we’ve enjoyed many weekend getaways in North Carolina’s capital city. You can stay in vibrant downtown Raleigh while exploring the restaurants, including the two food falls (Morgan St and Transfer Co).
For some after-lunch activity, make your way out of the city to Umstead State Park for hiking. Umstead hosts some of our favorite trails in the area, but we especially love the Multi-Use Trail that leads to chainsaw art.
The outdoor fun doesn’t stop here, though, as we’re also big fans of the parks around Shelley Lake and Lake Johnson!
We also recommend biking the Art to Heart trail that begins at the North Carolina Museum of Art (one of the city’s best museums). We also love the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and the NC Museum of History, and both can be enjoyed in the morning, afternoon, or all day!
These museums rank high among our favorite things to do with kids in Raleigh.
You can also pop over to surrounding Wake County towns like Cary, Holly Springs, or some of our Research Triangle favorites!
Read More: Airbnbs in Raleigh
Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount is one of those small towns that doesn’t receive enough recognition for its awesomeness! Some of our favorite things to do here include rides along the Tar River Trail and stays at River & Twine.
Of course, you can easily make an entire weekend getaway at Rocky Mount Mills. The renovated cotton mill has breweries, some of Rocky Mount’s best restaurants, and a beautiful backdrop for rest and relaxation!
Read More: Excellent Day Trips from Wilmington Within 2 Hours
Onslow County
Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune are home to the beautifully constructed Lejeune Memorial Gardens. Many folks may first come here to serve but more than a few stick around and come back to this lovely part of Eastern North Carolina.
There are some wonderful restaurants in Jacksonville and its surroundings in Onslow County. Our favorites change according to the time of day, but we think Jeff’s and the Kettle Diner are two favorites at all times.
We think you’ll love the small town of Swansboro, a shop-heavy spot about 30 minutes away from Jacksonville. The awesome Hammocks Beach State Park also awaits, perfect for birding, hikes, and boating.
If you love beaches, Bear Island is a wonderful spot for camping.
Read More: The Best Beaches in North Carolina (Our Picks!)
The Outer Banks
We admit that we usually like to spend at least a week on the Outer Banks, but it’s still one of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina, too!
Check out the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, hike to see bird migration at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, climb lighthouses, and enjoy all the adorable OBX towns from north to south.
Do you want to know our secret for planning the best Outer Banks getaway? Go during the off-season!
Fall and much of winter in North Carolina are mild enough that you can still have an enjoyable time with lower-priced rentals and fewer people!
Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina
Topsail Island
The southern half of Topsail Island also lies in Onslow County, with the rest shared by Pender County.
We love Topsail’s beaches on the ocean side, gorgeous sunsets on the sound side, and the restaurants and attractions throughout the communities of North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach.
Speaking of Surf City, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is here. It’s one of the most important attractions and a great representation of the area’s conservation efforts.
Read More: 13 Spectacular Restaurants in Surf City for the Foodies!
Wilkes County
Whether you’re a moonshine enthusiast or just visiting for MerleFest, we think Wilkes County is one of the most unique weekend getaways in North Carolina!
Enjoy being close to the Yadkin Valley where many NC wines are made or swing by Stardust Cellars to indulge in craft mead. Some area wineries are featured along with others in these NC wine trails.
For those who love the outdoors, Wilkes County also has plenty of wonderful opportunities to get out. There are world-class mountain biking trails at W. Kerr Scott and hiking trails starting from downtown Wilkesboro.
Don’t forget to stop by Wilkes Art Gallery in North Wilkesboro and enjoy works by local artists. You’ll find a large selection of local crafts here. Just down the same street is the Wilkes County Hardware Store, which carries local handmade goods and a taupe gallery.
The underrated Stone Mountain State Park is shared by Wilkes and Alleghany counties. You’ll like hiking on and around the granite dome, stopping at Stone Mountain Falls, and driving over to Widow’s Creek Falls for a dip.
Read More: Waterfalls in North Carolina
Wilmington (and Surrounding Beaches)
Wilmington is one of the most popular weekend getaways in North Carolina for us since it has the closest beaches to Durham. There are so many that we need to list a few of them here:
- Carolina Beach
- Kure Beach
- Masonboro Island
- Wrightsville Beach
Regardless of where you’re coming from, you’ll love soaking up the sun, relaxing on the beach, hopping around the breweries, or just taking in the sights here! We also love the amazing restaurants in Wilmington (and its surroundings) and can’t wait to share more about them with you.
There are also lots of things to do in Wilmington (especially with kids) including the following:
- Airlie Gardens
- Carolina Beach State Park
- Fort Fisher State Historic Site
- The Wilmington Railroad Museum
- The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- The Wilmington Kids Museum
Walk the riverfront, take a sunset river cruise, and climb down into the depths of Battleship North Carolina.
Read More: Airbnbs in Wilmington (and Nearby)
Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is the last of our weekend getaways in North Carolina but definitely not least! It’s in such a good spot, with easy access to so many beautiful parts of North Carolina!
Thanks to these historic hotels, though, we think you’ll want to stick around Winston-Salem. The fun doesn’t stop there, either, with a great collection of restaurants and breweries in Winston-Salem awaiting.
Some of the best things to do in Winston-Salem (beyond what we’ve mentioned) include the historic Old Salem, the fun-packed Kaleideum (great for kids!), and the very interesting Reynolda House. Those are a few of our favorite museums in the city and great starting points!
There are even some really fun outdoor activities in Winston-Salem, including Salem Lake, Renoylda Gardens, and more!
Read More: 20 Awesome Wineries near Charlotte (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Which of these Weekend Getaways in North Carolina is Your First Pick?
These are some of our favorite weekend getaways in North Carolina! We’ve spent years exploring and researching the best and we’d love to hear from you about our picks.
Did you see something new to explore? We hope so! If you think there are more weekend getaways in North Carolina worth checking out, we’d love to know about them! Feel free to comment below or let us know by email!
