See the best of the Carolinas with this road trip itinerary packed with fun and food
A weeklong road trip from North Carolina to South Carolina and back is the perfect opportunity to savor the unique culture, landscapes, and cuisine in these two states. If you need a shorter itinerary, you can easily combine several of the half-day plans by making fewer stops along the way. With everything from pristine national parks to bustling beach towns, this Carolinas road trip is sure to have something fun for everyone.
Start off in Raleigh, NC
Whether you’re local or traveling from far away, Raleigh is a great starting point for any North Carolina road trip. If you’re flying in, spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city, including the North Carolina Museum of Art. The brewery scene in Raleigh is also legendary. If you’d rather enjoy a more family-friendly vibe, try Morgan Street Food Hall. Stay at The Mayton Inn for upscale Southern charm.
Travel through Winston-Salem to Boone
The first driving leg of your road trip takes you about 190 miles through North Carolina, from Raleigh, through Winston-Salem, to Boone. Without stops, this drive is about three hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to make it in half a day. Stop for brunch or lunch at The Old Fourth Street Filling Station in Winston-Salem.
When you get to Boone, take time to explore the mountain town. Visit the Tweetsie Railroad wild west-themed theme park for kids of all ages. For a slower-paced activity, head to the Hickory Ridge History Museum for a tour of Appalachian living in colonial times. Have ribs for dinner at Howard Station and stay the night in a renovated 50s-era motel, Blue Ridge Tourist Court. Grab breakfast at Melanie’s Food Fantasy before heading out on day two.
Cruise down the Blue Ridge Parkway
From Boone, join the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” this stretch of highway is part of an extensive national park system that spans two different states. The North Carolina component is breathtaking and worth a visit, even if you’re not usually a nature enthusiast. Some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina are here!
The road between Boone and Asheville covers much of North Carolina’s high country and takes about four hours without stops; but trust us, stopping is the best part of the journey! Include these favorite spots along the way:
Take a detour along “The Little Parkway” near milepost 294 to see one of the best waterfalls in the region, Green Mountain Creek Falls and Grandfather Mountain.
Take a hike along Rough Ridge Trail at milepost 302 for incredible vistas, including the famous Linn Cove Viaduct.
Hike an easy, short two-mile round trip to view Linville Falls at milepost 316, or continue to Crabtree Falls at milepost 339.
Visit the Orchard at Altapass to pick apples and drink cider near milepost 328, or visit Little Switzerland for sweeping vistas and a bite to eat near milepost 334.
See the tallest peak (6,684 feet) east of the Mississippi at Mount Mitchell State Park near milepost 355.
Spend the night in Asheville
Enjoy your afternoon and evening in Asheville. Popular attractions include visiting the Biltmore Estate and Lexington Glassworks, as well as taking a comedy/history/ghost tour with LaZoom Comedy Bus! Eat at the famous Curate tapas bar and stay at the Inn at Amaris Farms for a tranquil spot to unwind after a long day of driving and exploring (plus delicious breakfast in the morning!).
Head to beautiful Charleston, SC
The next day, it’s off to Charleston and the South Carolina road trip portion. This 270-mile drive takes/a little more than four hours, and you’ll want to get to Charleston with plenty of time to explore before dark. Stroll along The Battery for gorgeous seaside homes on Rainbow Row, or take a walking tour of historic Charleston (including ghost sightings!). Stop in Charleston City Market for shopping and a glimpse of commerce dating back to the 1800s, or visit McLeod Plantation for a tour. Stay at the Mills House Hotel downtown for comfort and charm.
Take a coastal drive
The next day, head to the beach in Outer Banks, NC, a drive of 400 miles that takes about seven hours, especially if there’s traffic near Myrtle Beach. Settle in for a day of driving with beautiful coastal views, or spend the night halfway in Wilmington, NC if you’d like a more leisurely drive and extra time to explore this city. Suggestions in Wilmington include dining at Catch, exploring the riverwalk, and staying at The French House B&B.
Explore the Outer Banks
Stretching nearly 200 miles along North Carolina’s eastern coast, the Outer Banks are a popular destination for beach lovers and history buffs. Choosing the right accommodation in the Outer Banks is essential. Depending on your plans, one island may be more appealing than another. Driving between them can be tedious, so be sure to research your choices ahead of time. Staying in Kitty Hawk is a great central location with many commercial hotels and gives you access to the Wright Brothers National Memorial just a few minutes away. If you’d like somewhere more tranquil, stay in The Roanoke Island Inn.
During the day, explore the beaches via horseback, go hang gliding, and stroll on the boardwalks. For a Carolinas road trip jackpot, visit the five lighthouses located in the Outer Banks. The tallest lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, is a quintessential destination.
Return to Raleigh
To finish the trip, return to Raleigh via a 200-mile drive. Stop for food in Rocky Mount at Chew N Chat Café for delicious Southern cooking and a slice of pie. If you missed it on day one, spend the night exploring Raleigh when you arrive!
This road trip through North and South Carolina is the perfect way to experience the best these extraordinary states have to offer!