20+ Amazing Road Trips from Charlotte, North Carolina
One of the things I loved most about living in Charlotte, NC is the accessibility to so many other cities! Charlotte is nestled between the beach, the mountains, large(r) cities, and more! While there is so much to do in Charlotte (see full guide HERE), it’s also fun to explore outside of the city!
You’ve got everything you could ever want and need within a 4 hour drive from Charlotte! Some of the Best Road Trips from Charlotte are perfect for a quick day trip while others are great for a weekend getaway. You can access all of the best sites in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia – that’s four states in driving distance!!
Looking for destinations that are a bit closer? Check out my Best Day Trips from Charlotte Guide (everything is under 2 hours)!
Best Road Trips From Charlotte, NC below!
- Winston Salem, NC | 80 miles
- Asheboro, NC (Getaway Cabins) | 90 miles
- Columbia, SC | 95 miles
- Lake Lure, NC | 95 miles
- Blowing Rock, NC | 95 miles
- Greenville, SC | 100 miles
- Grandfather Mountain, NC | 105 miles
- Linville, NC | 110 miles
- Boone, NC | 117 miles
- Asheville, NC | 125 miles
- Cherokee, NC | 165 miles
- Raleigh, NC | 165 miles
- Hot Springs, NC | 165 miles
- Myrtle Beach, SC | 175 miles
- Bryson City, NC | 180 miles
- Wilmington, NC | 200 miles
- Pigeon Forge, TN | 203 miles
- Charleston, SC | 208 miles
- Atlanta, GA | 245 miles
- Savannah, GA | 250 miles
- Nags Head | 365 miles
Winston Salem, NC
80 miles // 1 hour and 10 minutes from Charlotte
Winston-Salem is a city located in the central region of North Carolina, USA. It is known for its rich history, culture, and contributions to the arts.
A popular attraction in Winston-Salem is the Old Salem Museums and Gardens, which is a living history museum that showcases life in Salem during the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, gardens, and shops, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Moravian settlers who founded the town.
Getaway Tiny Cabin (Asheboro, NC)
89 miles // 1 hour and 30 minutes from Charlotte
Getaway is a Tiny House Cabin with locations sprinkled around the USA. There is a Getaway Cabin about 90 minutes outside of Charlotte that offers a perfect weekend retreat. Escape into nature for a few days.
Your Tiny Cabin has a bed, small kitchen, toilet, shower, campsite, and more. They provide you with a lock box for your phone to truly escape (if interested). This is the best spot to be one with nature and truly leave your worries at home. BONUS: Dogs are welcome!
Use code WANDERLUSTLISA for $25 off your stay!
Read more about my experience at Getaway house here!
Columbia, SC
93 miles // 1 hour and 30 minutes from Charlotte
Columbia, SC is the capitol of South Carolina and offers a wide range of activities! I lived here for 4 years during college and loved to explore this dynamic city. Fair warning – it is HOT in the summer. Check out a few favorites below:
- Riverbanks Zoo located in Columbia, SC is a great place for a day trip. There are over 300 different animal exhibits here featuring everything from lions, to tigers, to bears (oh my!).
- University of South Carolina is a beautiful campus to walk around and have a picnic. Check out one of their many sporting events too to get the full USC spirit!
Lake Lure, NC
92 miles // 1 hour and 45 minutes from Charlotte
Where are all my Dirty Dancing fans at?! The classic romance movie, Dirty Dancing, was filmed here in Lake Lure. There is even an annual festival each September to celebrate the movie! Be sure to check out some of the sites where the movie was filmed!
Not into Dirty Dancing? No worries – there is still so much Lake Lure has to offer! Drive up to Chimney Rock for the best panorama of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can also visit a Train Museum, 4 Different Golf Courses, or explore the lake.
Blowing Rock, NC
93 Miles // 1 hour and 40 minutes from Charlotte
Blowing Rock is a small town located in the northwest region of North Carolina, USA. It is situated in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational activities.
One of the main attractions in Blowing Rock is the Blowing Rock itself, which is a cliff that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The town is also home to several parks and trails, including the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and the Glen Burney Trail, which offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
In addition to outdoor activities, Blowing Rock has a charming downtown area with shops, galleries, and restaurants. The town hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Blowing Rock Winterfest, the Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival, and the Christmas in the Park celebration.
Related Post: 15 Things To Do in Blowing Rock, NC
Greenville, SC
103 miles // 1 hour and 30 minutes from Charlotte
Greenville is a city located in the northwestern region of South Carolina, USA. It is known for its charming downtown area, outdoor activities, and cultural events.
One of the main attractions in Greenville is Falls Park on the Reedy, which is a beautiful park located in the heart of downtown. The park features a waterfall, walking trails, gardens, and several outdoor art installations.
Greenville is also known for its culinary scene, with several award-winning restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine, from Southern comfort food to international fare.
In addition to its urban attractions, Greenville is located near several parks and natural areas, including Paris Mountain State Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which is a popular hiking and biking trail that runs through the city.
Grandfather Mountain
105 miles // 2 hours from Charlotte
Looking for an adventurous day trip or weekend trip?! Grandfather Mountain is a stunning state park that offers beautiful mountain views, tons of hikes, an animal reserve, fudge shop, and more! It is most known for the “Mile High Swinging Bridge” and has been deemed NC’s #1 Scenic Destination! Read my full blog post about Grandfather Mountain for more info – you’ll quickly see why its one of my favorite road trips from Charlotte, NC.
Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Grandfather Mountain
Linville, NC
110 miles // 2 hours from Charlotte
Linville is a small community located in the western region of North Carolina, USA. It is situated in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
One of the main attractions in Linville is the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, which is a protected wilderness area that offers hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The area includes the Linville River, which is popular for trout fishing and white-water rafting.
Linville is also home to several other parks and trails, including Grandfather Mountain State Park (featured above) and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offer scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The town of Linville itself is small but charming, with a historic inn, several restaurants, and local shops. Nearby attractions include the Linville Falls, the Linville Caverns, and the town of Boone, which is home to Appalachian State University.
Related Post: Best Things To Do in Linville, NC
Boone, NC
117 miles // 2 hours from Charlotte
Boone is the perfect place for outdoor lovers. I love this full guide to Boone, NC.
During the winter season, folks flock to Boone to enjoy the snow covered mountains and participate in the snow sports. You can ski, snowboard, or sled here in Boone all winter long!
The summer here is just as fun though with white water rafting and hiking trails galore! My favorite hike is the Mile High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain!
Asheville, NC
128 miles / 2 hours and 20 minutes from Charlotte
One of the best road trips from Charlotte is Asheville, NC and it is easy to see why!! Asheville is a beautiful mountain town that features tons of local breweries, artsy shops, and the infamous Biltmore Estate. The Biltmore Estate is a breathtaking historic home with their own winery, garden, and more!
You could spend the entire weekend just at the Biltmore enjoying the wines and garden or venture into downtown Asheville for a fun, hip vibe.
Great Things To Do in Asheville:
Cherokee, NC
165 miles // 2 hours and 30 minutes from Charlotte
Cherokee is a town located in the western region of North Carolina, USA. It is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is situated within the boundaries of the Qualla Boundary, which is a territory owned by the tribe.
The town has a rich history and culture, with several museums and historical sites dedicated to preserving and showcasing the Cherokee way of life. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, for example, has exhibits that highlight the tribe’s history, art, and traditions.
Cherokee is also a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills.” Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and white-water rafting in the area.
Related Post: 15 Things To Do in Cherokee NC
Raleigh, NC
165 miles // 2 hours and 37 minutes from Charlotte
Looking to escape to another populated city? City to city road trips are just as fun! Raleigh takes the lead for the most concerts in North Carolina. On top of that, there are over 25 local breweries all over Raleigh. The DMC in Raleigh has complied a list of the top 30 attractions here in Raleigh – check it out here!
Hot Springs, NC
165 miles // 2 hours and 45 minutes from Charlotte
Looking for a relaxing mountain getaway? Look no further. Hot Springs, NC features 12 different natural hot mineral waters for the ultimate relaxation getaway.
If that doesn’t convince you to visit Hot Springs, maybe the hundreds of hiking trails, beautiful mountain views, horseback riding, or white water rafting will tempt you! No matter what activity you choose here in Hot Springs, you won’t be disappointed.
Related Post: Road Trip Travel Essentials
Myrtle Beach, SC
175 miles // 3 hours and 28 minutes from Charlotte
The Carolina’s have deemed Myrtle Beach “Dirty Myrtle” but don’t let that stop you from visiting. Myrtle Beach is a classic beach town with resorts all along the ocean. It’s a fairly cheap city so you won’t have to break the bank on this beach vacay which makes it one of the best road trips from Charlotte!
Bryson City, NC
179 miles // 3 hours and 8 minutes
This small town located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains will completely blow you away – its a great destination for camping, hiking, exploring, and more! You’ll find so many amazing things to do here in Bryson City – and its fun for all ages!
Bryson City quickly became one of my favorite cities in North Carolina because of the variety of things to do. All in one weekend, I was able to experience a spa at Lakeview Fontana, go white water rafting, hike in the Smoky Mountains, walk down Main Street, go Ziplining, and so much more.
Read More: Top 15 Things To Do in Bryson City, NC
Wilmington, NC
200 miles // 3 hours and 25 minutes from Charlotte
Ah, there’s nothing better than a beach getaway. Wilmington is the best of both worlds because it offers amazing beach access with a fun town that still offers a lot to do. If you’re looking for a great way to see the town, try a Guided Bike Tour through Wilmington! If you prefer to get out on the water, try a Wilmington Sailboat Cruise!
My personal favorite thing to do is a Self-Guided One Tree Hill Tour to see all the filming locations from the TV Show. Growing up, I was obsessed with One Tree Hill so it was amazing to see it come to life right in front of me.
Pigeon Forge, TN
203 miles // 3 hours and 50 minutes from Charlotte
Pigeon Forge is a tourist destination with hundreds of options! Visit Dollywood, The Titanic Museum, race go-karts, try white water rafting, sip on moonshine, … the list just goes on and on. This tourist destination is in the mountains which makes for a fun escape from the city.
Charleston, SC
208 miles // 3 hours and 14 minutes from Charlotte
I moved from Charleston, SC to Charlotte, NC so I have a connection and love for both cities. Charleston, SC is the most historic and charming southern city in the USA. It’s easy to spend a weekend (or a full week) exploring Charleston’s history and culture. My full Charleston, SC guide is here.
Atlanta, GA
245 miles // 3 hours and 55 minutes from Charlotte
Many people compare Charlotte to Atlanta and say it’s a smaller, better version of Atlanta with less traffic. That may be true, but Atlanta still takes the cake for largest city with the most to do! Explore my Guide to Atlanta, Georgia here. At just four hours away, this is a great road trip from Charlotte for a weekend getaway!
Bonus: There is a fun scavenger hunt in Atlanta for the Tiny Doors (full post here) – how many can you find?
Savannah, GA
252 miles // 3 hours and 45 minutes from Charlotte
As I walk down the cobblestone streets of Savannah, I am transported back in time to the city’s rich history and charming Southern hospitality. The city’s famous oak trees draped with Spanish moss line the streets, providing a cool respite from the Georgia sun.
My favorite things to do in Savannah include visiting the Forsyth Park, which is known for its picturesque fountain and beautiful green space. The park is a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and outdoor activities, and I enjoy wandering through the park and taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
You can’t miss River Street in Savannah, which is a bustling area along the Savannah River filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. I always grab a bite to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants and take in the beautiful views of the river and the historic architecture of the city.
Nags Head Island (Outer Banks, NC)
365 miles // 5 hours and 35 minutes
Okay, this is a long drive but hear my out. Nags Head Island is located in the central Outer Banks area. It’s a beach lovers paradise with white sand and ocean waves. But that’s not all – explore the light house or Jennette’s Pier. The official Outer Banks website has all of the details on what to do and best tips for Nags Head Island.
Final Thoughts on Road Trips from Charlotte, NC:
These are just a handful of options that are in driving distance of Charlotte, NC. The list is truly endless with so many great options for anyone. Hikes, beaches, and cities are all plentiful and within a 4 hour drive. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next weekend road trip from Charlotte, NC!
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- Day Trips from Charlotte, NC (1.5 hours and less)
I just got back from a trip to Charlotte, Asheville and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and had the best time! North Carolina is a thriving state and so many people have moved there over the past couple years and I can totally see why! It’s a beautiful state that offers so much. I really want to get to Wilmington at some point and see the Outer Banks. 🙂 Great guide Lisa!
I love road tripping, it is the best travel style. North America is still on my travel list so I will for sure take some of your suggestions from this post once I go there. I think my favourite ones will be the Pigeon Forge and the Hot Springs :).
So great to see so many great road trips from Charlotte North Carolina. An amusement park and a drive in theatre would provide great entertainment. We might even plan an overnight stay if we could book one of those Tiny Cabins! And a nostalgic visit to Lake Lure would definitely have me wanting a little Dirty Dancing. A trip to the Atlantic Coast though would probably mean a longer road trip for us.
So many places to see! I’ve been to a few, but there are others that I haven’t that are interesting. Makes me long for traveling again!
Lake lure and Asheville would be on the top of my lists to road trip too, but would love to visit every place on this list
There is so much to do around Charlotte NC! Each of these road trips seem awesome. I’d love to visit York and try apple picking at the orchards; Getaway Tiny Cabin has to be on my list, I love such places! Also, Lake Lure looks gorgeous!
I recently moved to NC and I’m very excited to check out so many of these places!! Thanks for the recommendations!