(All distances are from Enloe to location)
Blue Ridge Parkway Drive (Cascade Falls) day/overnight trip
The Blue Ridge Parkway was mostly completed in 1966 but finished in 1987. Stretching from Virginia through the Blue Ridge Mountains and stopping just short of the North Carolina-Tennessee border, it is a whopping 469 miles long. There are hundreds of hikes, stops, picnic areas, and overlooks along the Parkway. Of those is the Cascades. It’s a short and fairly easy hike to a beautiful waterfall, and the parking lot faces a gorgeous overlook of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Cascades are at mile marker 271.9 and there is plenty of Parkway access not far from it. A one-way trip is a little over three hours.
Highlands and Cashiers Mountains overnight trip
Located a few miles north of the North Carolina and Georgia’s border, these mountains are a great place to spend spring break. The drive from Raleigh is about 5 hours, making it an overnight trip. There are cabins, antique dealers, boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops to spend your time in. There are also lots of hiking trails, waterfalls, and valleys to see. Fun fact: the “mountains” aren’t actually mountains, they are valleys that are a part of a bigger plateau!
Pilot Mountain day trip
Pilot Mountain is nestled perfectly between the Appalachian Mountains and the Piedmont area. With a historical farm nearby, there is a full day of activities waiting. Pilot Mountain has hiking and bridle trails, tent and trailer camping, and paddle-in camping (you canoe or kayak to the camping location). The mountain itself is a beautiful rock feature surrounded by luscious woods. If you’re a fan of giant boulders or geological structures, then Pilot Mountain is for you.
Biltmore Estate overnight trip
Located near Asheville, North Carolina, the US’s largest estate is definitely worth a visit! At about a 3 hour and 45 minute drive from Raleigh, this would be an overnight trip. With tours of the house, gardens, and nearby village, the Biltmore Estate has lots of attractions and fun things to do. There are also many restaurants, shopping complexes, hiking trails, barn tours, and wood workshops. Spend your Spring Break taking a trip back in time to the Gilded Age of America!
Lake Norman day trip
Lake Norman is located about twenty minutes outside of the beloved city of Charlotte. The trip is about a 2 hour and 33 minute drive from Raleigh. The drive is beautiful, and great for a day trip. With boat rentals, art galleries, escape rooms, and wildlife conservatories nearby, Lake Norman has many options as to pass time. Hiking trails, boutique shops, and seasonal events are also very popular.
Fort Macon (Emerald Isle) day trip
Fort Macon sits on the far end of Emerald Isle, just a ways past Atlantic Beach. It makes for a nice day trip but is also a great way to spend the day if you’re staying at the beach. Fort Macon is a state historical site that was used in both the Civil War and World War II. They have an excellent indoor exhibition and gift shop, as well as a nice hiking trail that goes around the fort and onto the beach. There are plenty of great restaurants on Emerald Isle as well, the Crab Shack being a great option.
Nags Head (Outerbanks) overnight trip
Located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Nag’s Head is the perfect little town to spend Spring Break in. Located about 3 hours from Raleigh, it would be an overnight trip. Nag’s Head has high sand dunes, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Bodie Island, art galleries, Jennette’s Pier, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. If you go to the beach between Oct. 1 and April 30, you also might be able to try beach driving, with a proper four-wheel-drive vehicle and a valid state-issued permit.
Topsail Beach day/overnight trip
Situated on the southeastern-most tip of North Carolina, Topsail Beach could be your perfect Spring Break getaway! It’s about a 2 hour drive from Raleigh, making it either a day or overnight trip. With magnificent, breathtaking views of the beach, marina, and pier, this cozy little town is the perfect place to make some unforgettable memories. There are also several restaurants, shops, boutiques, and boating opportunities to fill your time.
Somerset Place (plantation) day trip
Somerset Place is a plantation right off the shore of Phelps Lake. It’s a 2 hour and 21 minute drive and makes for a nice day trip. Unlike many plantation sites, this historical sight does not downplay the horrors of slavery and does a much better job of acknowledging them than other sites. If you love history and old buildings, or just like lakes, this might be the place for you. The plantation includes trails, water access, and a very cute gift shop. It’s in the middle of nowhere but is worth the drive, and is a very educational experience.
International Civil Rights Center & Museum (Greensboro) day trip
Greensboro was home to some of the biggest civil rights protests in North Carolina. The Greensboro Four performed a sit-in at a local diner that rocked the nation and was one of many important protests by Black Americans in their fight for equality. The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is dedicated to these efforts. The museum includes the F. W. Woolworth’s lunch counter, along with other artifacts and interactive exhibits. The museum is a great cover of local history, and there are plenty of nearby restaurants for lunch.
