10+ Day Trips from Raleigh, NC (Under 3 Hours Away)

Taking day trips from Raleigh, NC is always a great idea. With a population of just under 500,000, Raleigh offers a plethora of things to do inside city limits. However, sometimes we all need to get away from the hustle and bustle and to experience the quieter sides of North Carolina. Here are some of the very best day trips from Raleigh…all within a 3-hour drive!

Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

Best Day Trips from Raleigh

I understand that everyone has a different definition of what constitutes a “day trip”. Some people have no problem waking up before sunrise, driving for 3 hours, and spending the remaining hours exploring. However, I know that others prefer not to spend 6 hours in the car for a one-day trip. 

For this reason, I’ve organized this list of the best day trips from Raleigh from shortest distance to longest. 

1) Durham

• Distance from Raleigh: 25 miles
• Best for: Sports-lovers 

Durham, most commonly known as being the home of the famous Duke University, boasts a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. 

During your day getaway, you can visit the grounds of Duke University and the stunning Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Sports fans can catch a game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park or the Cameron Indoor Stadium.

If sports aren’t your thing, you can explore the Museum of Life and Science, the Duke Lemur Center, or Eno River State Park. 

For dinner, I recommend heading down to the Streets at Southpoint where you’ll find many opportunities for indoor or outdoor dining (plus all the shopping!).

2) Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

• Distance from Raleigh: 30 miles
• Best for: Nature enthusiasts 

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is the perfect day trip from Raleigh for those who need a quick nature fix. 

During your visit, you can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and 15 miles of hiking trails. Make sure to bring a picnic to enjoy by the water! 

There is a fee to enter during peak times and the park is pup-friendly (excluding the swimming beach and buildings). 

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3) Saxapahaw

• Distance from Raleigh: 45 miles
• Best for: Small-town vibes

Saxapahaw is a quaint village along the Haw River that will meet all your small-town dreams. 

Start your day by taking a peaceful kayak trip down the river. Then, stop by the Saxapahaw General Store for unique finds and a quick lunch. 

Head to the Saxapahaw Island Park for a relaxing afternoon walking the trails or sitting by the river. The Eddy Pub is a popular place to grab some dinner, and then (if you time your visit right) head to the Haw River Ballroom for some live music!

4) Asheboro

• Distance from Raleigh: 75 miles
• Best for: Animal lovers! 

Asheboro is located just over 1 hour from Raleigh and makes for the perfect day trip. It’s home to the North Carolina Zoo, one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world, the NC Aviation Center, and the Richland Creek Zipline.

The Zoo City Social District is a great place to spend the evening, where you can stroll the downtown district with a drink in hand (Thursdays- Saturdays). You’ll find countless shops, restaurants, and breweries for a fun night on the town. 

5) Pinehurst

Distance from Raleigh: 75 miles

Best for: Golfers! 

Pinehurst is a golfer’s paradise with its world-renowned Pinehurst Resort.

Even non-golfers can enjoy the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens and the Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve. 

For a fancy meal, visit Elliott’s On Linden where you’ll find farm-to-table meals and unique cocktails.

Day Trips from Raleigh Continued

6) Greensboro

• Distance from Raleigh: 80 miles
• Best for: Those who want a mix of everything! 

Greensboro offers a mix of indoor and outdoor activities making it an excellent one-day trip from Raleigh. During your adventure, you should visit the Greensboro Science Center for an aquarium, zoo, and museum experience.

History enthusiasts will love to learn more about the civil rights movement at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. While nature lovers could head to the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden. 

7) New Bern

• Distance from Raleigh: 115 miles
• Best for: Water sports 

New Bern is a waterfront town with plenty to explore. In my opinion, it’s one of the best places to visit near Raleigh, NC. You could spend your day on the water kayaking, boating, or fishing. 

Or, history lovers can explore the wooded trails of the New Bern Historical Society Civil War Battlefield Park. Other unique stops include taking a tour of the Tryon Palace and visiting the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. 

8) Hanging Rock State Park

• Distance from Raleigh: 120 miles
• Best for: Hiking

Hanging Rock State Park is one of my personal favorite state parks within driving distance from Raleigh on this list. The park offers stunning vistas and plenty of outdoor activities. There are over 48 miles of hiking trails to explore with waterfalls, rock outcrops, and caves. 

After working up a sweat, head to the lake for a swim and picnic. There are no fees to enter the park and your dog is able to join you on the trails! 

Plan your trip during peak fall foliage for an especially magical time on the trails!

9) Wilmington

• Distance from Raleigh: 130 miles
• Best for: Beach days

Wilmington is a beautiful coastal city with a historic and bustling downtown area. It’s just under 2 hours away from Raleigh, so be sure to get an early start to have the most time to explore this city. 

During the day, visit Wrightsville Beach for a fun day in the sun. Then, explore the Battleship North Carolina and take a scenic Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River. 

For dining, try Elijah’s Restaurant for waterfront seafood or The Copper Penny for a casual bite. If you don’t mind a late night, a sunset harbor cruise would be a great way to end the day trip. 

10) Myrtle Beach, SC

• Distance from Raleigh: 180 miles
• Best for: Touristy vibes 

And last, but certainly not least, a day trip to Myrtle Beach is sure to be unforgettable. After a 3-hour drive from Raleigh, you’ll find an endless amount of fun. 

Myrtle Beach has it all. From surf lessons on the beach to amusement park rides overlooking the ocean, you definitely will have a full day of exploring.

Once you’ve had your sunshine fix, you can head inside to explore the oddities of Ripley’s Believe it Or Not, shop at the Tanger Outlets, or check out the Hollywood Wax Museum. 

Best Day Trips from Raleigh, North Carolina Recap

Can you believe the amount of adventures that await near Raleigh?! From quaint small towns to peaceful hiking trails to bustling downtowns, the options are truly endless. 

Here’s a quick recap of the day trips on this list! 

1. Durham
2. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
3. Saxapahaw
4. Asheboro
5. Pinehurst 
6. Greensboro 
7. New Bern 
8. Hanging Rock State Park
9. Wilmington 
10. Myrtle Beach

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Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Raleigh

Exploring other parts of town and taking an impromptu trip doesn’t have to be difficult or lengthy. That being said, which day trip from Raleigh are you going to take first?! Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know. Please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here. 

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Photo Credit

Thank you to Charles Givens for the Sarah P. Duke Gardens photo, Colin Rowley for the photo on Saxapahaw, Brandon Griggs for the photo of the parrot, Emma Valerio for the Pepsi Cola photo, Andrew Neel for the Hanging Rock State Park photo, and Rich Font for the photo on Myrtle Beach. I discovered their work from Unsplash.com. Please check them out!

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Disclosure

This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission. This commission comes at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling. 

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