Places of great beauty to visit on a North Carolina itinerary.
Imagine a road trip that takes you through the Great Smoky Mountains, across Blue Ridge Mountains, to the Piedmont hills, then down to Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast. These are just some of the beautiful places to visit on a North Carolina itinerary. Read on to discover the rest!
North Carolina Itinerary
- 1. The Smoky Mountains
- 2. Blue Ridge Mountains
- 3. Piedmont Region
- 4. Outer Banks
- 5. Crystal Coast
- 6. The Southern Coast
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Local author Karen Dawkins maps out a route through North Carolina from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, and explains why you need to visit this southern East Coast State at least once in your lifetime!
Best Places to Visit on a North Carolina Itinerary
North Carolina is a diverse state, stretching from the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. North Carolina’s rich history, natural resources and vibrant cities make this a spectacular destination for a road trip vacation.
What should you see on a North Carolina itinerary? Well, that depends on what most interests you and how long you’re here for. These are just some of the best attractions to visit, places of great beauty and cultural interest.
This guide is divided by the regions of the state of North Carolina: the Mountains, the Piedmont, and the Coastal Plain.
Map of North Carolina Itinerary
Places to Visit in North Carolina Mountains
The North Carolina Mountains are part of the Appalachian chain, and include the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, an International Biosphere Reserve.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park runs along the border where North Carolina and Tennessee meet on the Newfound Gap. The East Coast’s most stunning National Park, it’s a huge space and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Millions of people visit this nature reserve each year. Park rangers are always at hand, on campsites, picnic areas, and trails, helping visitors and assuring that no one disturbs the wild black bears that live in the dense forest of these misty mountains!
Visit the official website for detailed information on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Entrance is free, but you will need to purchase a Parking Tag.
Asheville and the Biltmore Estate
Not too far away from the Old Smokies, Asheville is one of North Carolina’s top destinations. The Biltmore Estate, ‘America’s Largest Home’, has long been a popular attraction just outside town. Today, the gardens, the vineyard, horseback riding tours and special events make it a must-see on your itinerary.
For a whimsical tour of the Biltmore Estate, I recommend taking the children’s audio tour of the home, which shares stories from the perspective of the family dog. It’s quite entertaining.
Other notable places in Asheville are the art district, and the French Broad River for water activities. Book hotel rooms and make dinner reservations well in advance, as the city is quite popular (the Grove Park Inn is a lovely place to stay).
Pop into the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor’s Centre in Asheville before starting out on the next leg of your trip or check the National Park Service.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
The beauty of the Great Smokies continues across the top of North Carolina to the Blue Ridge Mountains (the name comes from the hazy blue mist which rises from the spruce-fir forests. The Blue Ridge Mountains draw visitors year-round for the remarkable vistas on along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is one of the most scenic fall drives in the US, when the foliage paints the landscape brilliant shades of orange, yellow, red, gold and green.
Apart from exploring the trails of the State Parks and hiking to the waterfalls, don’t forget to stop at the typically American small towns in this northern part of NC. Nicknamed ‘America’s favorite drive‘, places to see on North Carolina’s section of the Blue Ridge Parkway include:
Chimney Rock State Park
A 40-minute drive from Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is part of the Pisgah Region, in the southernmost sector of the Parkway. Chimney Rock Mountain is the iconic site to take photos over the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lurever.
For full information see the Trail Map for Chimney Rock State. The current price of Day Passes are also on the park’s website.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Thirty miles northeast of Asheville in Yancey County, Mount Mitchell sits at an elevation of 6,684 feet. There are miles of hiking trails through the fir forests of the Mount Mitchell State Park, and an observation deck at the summit with panoramic views.
An entrance fee is not charged, and dogs are welcome if kept on a leash. Find out more on the Mount Mitchell State Park website.
Linville Falls and Grandfather Mountain
Continuing along the Blue Ridge Parkway and still in the Pisgah Forest, you’ll find Linville Gorge Wilderness. This is a popular area for overnight camping but permits are restricted and need to be booked in advance. Entrance is free if you’re just here for the day to walk one of the primitive trails.
Linville Falls is one of the most scenic spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From Linville Falls Visitor Centre, it’s a short walk along the trails to the vantage points which overlook the waterfalls, as the Linville River cascades into the gorge below.
You might want to stop off in the small town of Linsville, a well-known summer mountain resort with a quaint historical old town, some 20 minutes further north towards Grandfather Mountain State Park.
It’s a scenic drive up to Linville Peak (5,305 ft) which crowns Grandfather Mountain. From here, you can walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge which is suspended over a deep canyon, to capture the 360º views, especially beautiful in late spring when the mountain rhododendron and azaleas are in full bloom.
Entrance is free to Linville Gorge and Falls. See how to get there on NC National Forest page. Admission is charged to visit this part of Grandfather Mountain, online from the Stewardship Foundation.
Boone to Blowing Rock
Continue driving a few miles through North Carolina high country to Boone, a historic ‘Pioneers’ town in Watauga County (the name means whispering waters referring to River Watauga). One of NC’s ‘lost provinces’ this northwestern corner of the State was pretty much inaccessible until the 1900’s, when a narrow gauge railroad was carved through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Tweetsie Railroad is now a heritage railway and wild west theme park where you can ride on the original steam train listening to the locamotive tweet it’s whistle, just like one of those old TV programmes!
Four miles on, you’ll come to the small town of Blowing Rock. This part of the Blue Ridge was once home to the Catawba Tribe, and the Cherokees who inspired the legend of Blowing Rock itself.
Here’s the Tweetsie Railroad site if you want to plan a visit with your kids.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy is the inspiration for Andy Griffith’s sit com show, Mayberry. Apart from the 1800’s historic buildings in Downtown and the Mayberry-themed attractions (vintage squad cars and filling station, candy store, trading post and the city barbers) you might want to visit Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock State park which are both nearby.
Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock State Park
Like the majority of places mentioned above, Pilot Mountain is on the ‘Mountains To Sea Trail‘, an epic 700 mile hike crossing North Carolina from the mountains to the coast. Interesingly, this mountaintop landmark was used by the Native Americans as a navigation instrument.
Pilot Mountain State Park is great for walks and horseback riding along the mountain tracks and riverside paths. Campsites and picnic shelters are the main amenities.
Outdoor experiences in Hanging Rock State Park include hiking trails, bridle trails and cycle trails leading to cascades and a lake where you can swim in warm weather. If you fancy overnighting here, take a look at the vacation cabins.
Dogs are welcome (must be kept on a leash) and entrance to both parks is free. More on the Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park on the government sites.
Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem city has a rich history centered around the early tobacco industry and the Moravian culture of Old Salem, which was first settled in 1753.
Points of interest are Old Salem, Bethabara Historic District, and Tanglewood Park which typically holds the Festival of Lights from the second week of November to January 1 each year.
The distance along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Winston Salem (via Mount Airy) is roughly 266 miles and takes around six hours, not including stops. Have a look at the parks and towns mentioned above, plan your day around the ones that you really want to see and decide where you want to stay overnight.
Otherwise you can just wing it, as the whole route is stunningly scenic. If short on time, skip Chimney Rock State Park, and leave out the final detour to Mount Airy (from Boone cut straight across to Winston Salem).
Another option is to extend your North Carolina itinerary and to spend more time exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. Or, if you’re a true nature lover, consider leaving out the cities altogether.
Places to Visit in North Carolina Piedmont
North Carolina Piedmont is the foothills region east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, historically known for growing tobacco and cotton. In the mid 18th century, immigrants journeyed southwards along the Great Philadelphia Wagon Route to the North Carolina backcountry to settle there. Towns eventually grew up around the tobacco plantations and the textiles industry that stemmed from cotton. Nowadays, these trades are less prominent in North Carolina but their influence is still felt.
Charlotte and the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Charlotte, North Carolina, which sits just north of the South Carolina border about two hours east of Asheville, is home to the Carowinds amusement park, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and a number of museums. Known as the Queen City, Charlotte has a vibrant food scene, great entertainment and professional sports.
If heading to Charlotte for the museums and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, stay in Uptown. Alternatively, look for accommodation closer to the airport if you’re going to Carowinds theme park.
Durham, North Carolina
Durham is another city that was built around the tobacco industry. In fact, the premier entertainment district in Durham is the American Tobacco Campus, formerly a tobacco processing plant. The Durham Bulls minor league baseball team play here, and there are many restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in the area.
Both downtown Durham and the museums of Duke University add more culture and flair to your visit. The Eno River runs through Durham, offering more opportunities for outdoor adventure like kayaking and hiking.
Raleigh, North Carolina
The state capital of North Carolina is called Raleigh (named after Sir Walter Raleigh when the town was first founded back in 1792).
Downtown Raleigh is home to a number of independent restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The North Carolina Symphony and several state museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and its outdoor sculpture garden, are located in Raleigh.
The city hosts several major festivals each year, drawing people from across the country. While visiting, consider hiking or cycling at Umstead State Park.
Other Places to Visit in North Carolina’s Piedmont
Besides visiting Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham, central North Carolina has many other places worth seeing, each offering a unique cultural experience.
The Haw River, which was essential to the textile industry, has several small riverfront towns that offer hiking, kayaking, and nature trails.
Asheboro is home to the North Carolina Zoo, the largest zoo in the world with wide, open habitats for some 1,700 animals.
Seagrove, just a few minutes south of Asheboro, is the ‘Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States’ and draws visitors from around the world every year.
Places to Visit in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain
Coastal North Carolina is the seventh longest coastline in the United States with 3,375 miles of coastline, which means there is a lot to see and do along the coast!
The Outer Banks
Stretching more than 100 miles, the Outer Banks is a series of barrier islands that run from Virginia at the north end to Ocracoke Island at the southern extreme. Some of the best things to see at the Outer Banks are the wild horses of Corolla, Hatteras Island and the lighthouse, Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the Wright Brothers Memorial at Kitty Hawk.
Outer Banks is great for outdoor adventurers. Activities to enjoy include surfing, kite-surf, horseback riding, cycling and hiking.
New Bern, North Carolina
Not far from Emerald City, the historic town of New Bern is a must see for those who appreciate historical destinations.
As the first capital of North Carolina, New Bern was established before statehood. Visitors can tour Tryon Palace and learn about the early colonial period in the region, as well as North Carolina’s role in early American history.
New Bern is also the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola and when strolling through the quaint downtown village, you can enjoy a Pepsi right where it was created.
The riverfront in New Bern is a popular entertainment district, and is especially charming at the Christmas holidays.
The Crystal Coast
Just south of Outer Banks is the Crystal Coast, another series of barrier islands along Carteret County, which stretches from Atlantic Beach at the north end to Emerald Isle at the south end. It includes Cape Lookout National Seashore, Beaufort and Onslow Bay.
Boating, kayaking, fishing and exploring Cape Lookout are just some of the things to do while you’re here.
The Southern Coast
South of the Crystal Coast is North Carolina’s third coastal region, the Southern Coast, anchored by the town of Wilmington. It stretches from Snead’s Ferry to Ocean Isle.
Carolina Beach is a popular vacation destination along this stretch, known for its boardwalk, seafood and carnival area. Carolina Beach State Park is one of the few places where you’ll find Venus Flytraps growing naturally.
Kure Beach is just south of Carolina Beach, and is home to Fort Fisher, a Confederate fort that was the last supply route available to Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. Today, about 10% of the fort remains for people to learn about this era in history.
Wilmington is a popular destination for movie making, including several Nicholas Sparks’ movies, which you can see on movie tours. You can also visit the Battleship North Carolina, and enjoy fresh local cuisine along the boardwalk.
Planning your North Carolina Itinerary
Wherever you go on a road trip through North Carolina, the state’s rich history, natural resources, and vibrant cities make this a spectacular place to visit. From the Great Smoky Mountains along the Tennessee border to the barrier islands of the Outer Banks, there is something for everyone in North Carolina!
Weather in North Carolina and the Best Time to Visit
The best time of year to visit North Carolina depends on what you want to see and do, as the weather is seasonal and varies in the different regions from hot to humid or snowy.
Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit North Carolina, as the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom. Don’t miss the Azalea Festival in Wilmington! However, spring weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for some showers and chilly nights.
Summer (June to August) is a popular season to visit North Carolina, especially the coast and the mountains. Beaches are warm and sunny, while the mountains offer a refreshing escape from the heat. This is a good time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and camping.
However, summer can be crowded with holidaymakers, and accommodation will be more expensive. You may also encounter some thunderstorms and humidity, particularly in the Piedmont region.
Autumn (September to November) is probably the most beautiful season to visit inland North Carolina. The weather is cool and crisp, and the foliage is absolutely stunning in Fall. Enjoy the harvest festivals and other traditional events, such as the Apple Festival in Hendersonville or the Wine Festival in Raleigh.
Fall can also be busy and a bit pricey, particuarly at weekends. You may encounter tropical storms along the coast, especially in September and October.
Winter (December to February) is low season on the North Carolina coast, a quiet and pocket-friendly time to visit. It can be cold and snowy up in the mountains, which is great if you love skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. You may find road closures due to icy conditions in the higher elevations.
How to Get to North Carolina
North Carolina is a state on the east coast of USA, bordered by Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina, covering an area of 53,819 miles².
International Airports in North Carolina
- Charlotte Douglas International airport (CTL) is located 7 miles from Charlotte;
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is located 13 miles from Raleigh;
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is located 24 miles from Winston-Salem;
- Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is located 3 miles from the city.
Flying into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is a convenient option if you’re traveling to North Carolina from another State. Check connecting flights when arriving from overseas.
Distances to North Carolina by road (quickest routes)
New York to Charlotte: 627 miles (approx. 10h 30m by car);
Washington to Charlotte: 400 miles (approx. 6h 15m by car);
Florida to Charlotte: 525 miles (approx. 7h 45m by car).
About the Author
Karen Dawkins, author and editor at Family Travels on a Budget, has called North Carolina home since 2001. She loves sharing the best of North Carolina and other destinations around the United States with her readers.
14-Day Itinerary for North Carolina
Living locally means Karen usually goes to the places mentioned for a day out, or a weekend getaway. Longer family vacations are spent camping in the mountains, or relaxing at one of the many idyllic beach resorts of North Carolina.
Most helpfully, she’s put together this 2 week North Carolina road trip itinerary for anyone coming from overseas, and indeed from other States. Suggested overnight stops are in the main towns for convenience but you can swap these for rural retreats.
On a 14 day road trip, you can see a lot of North Carolina. The ideal 2 week itinerary can be split into seven days touring the North Carolina mountains and Piedmont plains, and 7 days along the North Carolina coast. It does of course depend on where you are arriving from, but as a reference, Asheville is a good place to start.
7 Day Road Trip in North Carolina Mountains and Piedmont
Day 1: Asheville
Stay in the riverside town of Asheville for a couple of nights. Visit the Biltmore Estate, and enjoy a walk in Mount Mitchell State Park.
Day 2: Great Smoky Mountains
Drive out for a day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Return to Asheville overnight.
Day 3: Blue Ridge Mountains
Leave Asheville behind for a day’s drive into the Blue Ridge Mountains and on towards Winston-Salem. Must-see stops on the route (which takes you along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway state road) are Linville Falls, Blowing Rock, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, and Hanging Rock State Park.
Book accommodation in one of the mountain villages or continue to Winston-Salem for the night.
Day 4: Winston-Salem
Book 2 or 3 nights in town (depending on whether you stayed in the mountains on day 3).
Day 5: Charlotte
Take a day trip to Charlotte to see the city and return to Winston-Salem for the night.
Day 6: Asheboro and Seagrove
Spend the day discovering the Haw River, stopping at Asheboro and Seagrove.
Day 7: Durham, Umstead and Raleigh
Leave Winston-Salem, continuing your journey through NC to Durham and Umstead State Park. Stay at Raleigh for the night.
Now it’s time for the second part of your trip! Head for the Outer Banks on the North Carolina coast.
7 Days Discovering the North Carolina Coast
Days 8 and 9: Outer Banks
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway runs along the whole strip. From Raleigh, drive down to Corolla and see the wild horses, then along the coastal route to Kitty Hawk and Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Stay in Nag’s Head for the night and watch the sun set over the ocean.
In the morning drive southwards to Hatter’s Island, get the ferry to Ocracoke Island, then the ferry to Cedar island. This is easy and economical to do. You’re now on the Crystal Coast. Drive on to Atlantic Beach.
Days 10, 11 and 12: Crystal Coast
Atlantic Beach makes a good base for seeing the Crystal Coast. Go into colonial New Bern, trip along to Cape Lookout National Seashore, and relax on Emerald Isle, or by Onslow Bay.
Days 13 and 14: Southern Coast
Finally, make your way down to the Southern Coast, to Wilmington, Carolina Beach State Park, and Kure Beach.
Adjusting this NC Road Trip Itinerary
- When flying into Charlotte, see the city at the start of you’re trip, then head for Asheville.
- If driving over from the US west coast, plan to drive through Tennessee to the Great Smoky Mountains, and then to Asheville.
- Arriving from New York / Washington overland, you could start on the Outer Banks, follow the coast down to Wilmington, cut up to Charlotte, then continue the route from Asheville on the above itinerary to Raleigh.
- From Florida, drive through South Carolina to Wilmington, up to Charlotte, then Asheville, and follow the circular route back around to Carolina Beach.
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