The Triangle offers such an amazing lifestyle, you may not find a need to leave, but another advantage of living in The Triangle is how central it is to the rest of North Carolina's attractions. Whether you have someone visiting for an extended period of time or you simply would like to get out and explore, here are some great day trips from The Triangle. If you are new to the area or are considering moving, see some of our great resources from dining to neighborhoods.

Wilmington, NC 2 hrs drive


In only two hours you are a world away in Wilmington. This port city offers a charming and historic downtown full of breweries, farm to table restaurants, museums, and stunning Victorian era homes and gardens. Take a horse drawn carriage around downtown, have lunch on the riverwalk, or take a riverboat ride on Cape Fear River, all of these attractions are available just a few hours drive down I-40.

Wrightsville Beach, NC 2 hrs drive


Looking for a beach day? This is the spot. With 4 miles of beach 1,000-5,000 wide, you have plenty of sun and sand. It is between the Atlantic and Intercoastal, giving stunning views and it has great beachy casual dining. Delicious seafood, sand between your toes, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, this makes a great day trip or overnight staycation.

Winston Salem, NC 1 hr 50 minutes


Cobblestone streets, rich history, shopping, and over 40 wineries in the Yadkin Valley, Winston Salem is a great day trip. Originally settled in the 1750s by German Protestants, this has fabulous architecture and a distinct heritage worth learning about and experiencing in its modern incarnation. It also has a history of tobacco farming and manufacturing and is the home of Wake Forest University. Great for a lunch and a historic stroll, definitely keep this on your short list of day trips.

New Bern, NC 1 hr 50 minutes

New Bern is a riverfront town founded in 1710 named after Bern Switzerland. It is along the Neuse and Trent Rivers and was the first capital of North Carolina. New Bern has great antiques, cafes, galleries, and riverfront attractions. Its' town symbol is the bear and it is the setting for The Notebook, if we have romantics in our audience. Nicolas Sparks grew up in New Bern and the movie sets were there. Go for the tours, architecture, civil way, or ghost walk, and stay for a romantic dinner on the river, maybe followed by watching The Notebook!

Pilot Mountain State Park NC 2 hrs drive

Many of our clients are avid hikers and outdoors people, and this list would not be complete without a visit to this Big Pinnacle in Pilot Mountain State Park. This geologic knob is set amidst miles of lush trails you can enjoy by foot or on horseback. There is also great canoeing, rock climbing, and mountain biking. 

Southern Pines NC 1 hr 10 minutes drive

Looking for a quintessential Southern Charm? Southern Pines is it. Founded as a health retreat in 1884, it has one of the most famous golf courses in the US, Pinehurst, and is home to horse farms, plantation-style homes, and great dining. In addition to golfing, there are trails for horseback riding and biking, and great ice cream in town to top you off before a drive home.

Kinston NC 1 hr 30 minutes drive 

Also long the Neuse river and a former hub for tobacco farming and manufacture, Kinston has an edgy and very rich history. It is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, founded in 1791, and food, history, and music run deep in Kinston. Many wars were fought around Kinston including the Tuscarora War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, and during its tobacco days, Kinston was a tour stop for some of the most prolific musicians who played in tobacco warehouses including James Brown. It has great restaurants and is the home of great stories.

We hope you enjoyed these getaways close to home in The Triangle and if we missed something, please write in comments to let us know!

If you are moving to The Triangle and are looking to buy or are looking to sell, We are a boutique brokerage with deep roots and knowledge of this area and all it has to offer. Contant My NC Homes today.


Posted by Larry Tollen on
Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.