How to spend a perfect long weekend in the Carolinas (just in time for Memorial Day)
If you’re looking for a long weekend getaway that checks all the boxes — beaches, mountains, cute towns, great food — the Carolinas are hard to beat. And with Memorial Day weekend coming up, now’s the time to plan a trip that feels like the official kickoff to summer.
Here’s how to spend three laid-back yet adventure-packed days across North and South Carolina either solo or with family and friends.
Friday: Wake Up in the Mountains (Western North Carolina)
Start your trip in the fresh, cool air of the North Carolina mountains. The weather is ideal this time of year. It’s warm in the sun and crisp in the shade. Not to mention the scenery is unbeatable.
Stay in: Blowing Rock, NC
This Blue Ridge town is small but packed with charm. It’s got indie shops, scenic hikes and cozy cabins that feel a world away from city life.
What to do:
Hike the Flat Top Tower Trail at Moses Cone Memorial Park. It’s an easy 5-mile round trip with panoramic views at the top.
Stroll Main Street and pop into spots like Mystery Hill (a quirky roadside stop) or grab a homemade cookie from Stick Boy Bread Co. in nearby Boone.
Head to The Speckled Trout for dinner featuring local trout, craft beer and a patio that feels like a backyard hang.
Saturday: Cruise Toward the Coast (Lowcountry, South Carolina)
In the morning, hop in the car and drive southeast to the South Carolina Lowcountry. It’s a bit of a haul (about 5 hours), but the route is truly beautiful and will give you a true feel for the Carolinas. Bonus: You’ll arrive just in time for golden hour.
Head to: Beaufort, SC
This coastal gem is often overlooked in favor of Charleston, but it has all the charm without the crowds. Think waterfront views, moss-draped oak trees and amazing seafood.
What to do:
Walk the historic district or rent bikes to explore neighborhoods filled with antebellum homes.
Book a cruise with Beaufort Dolphin Adventures for some time out on the water.
Grab dinner at Plums for casual waterfront dining with fresh oysters and Lowcountry classics.
Sunday: Hit the Beach (Barrier Islands)
No Memorial Day weekend is complete without some beach time. From Beaufort, you’ve got easy access to some of the most relaxed, crowd-free stretches of sand in the state.
Beach picks:
Hunting Island State Park (25 minutes from Beaufort): Wild, natural beach with a lighthouse you can climb. Parking fills up fast on holiday weekends, so go early.
Fripp Island (30 minutes away): Quieter and gated, but you can book a day pass or stay overnight if you want a slower pace.
Or, if you’re in the Charleston area:
Head to Folly Beach for a more lively scene with surf rentals, beach bars, and a casual vibe. Grab tacos and a frozen drink at Lowlife Bar.
Local Tips for a Smooth Weekend
Book early: Memorial Day is a popular travel weekend, especially in small towns. Lock in your stays and tours ahead of time.
Start early: Popular hiking trails, parks, and beaches get busy by mid-morning.
Pack light but smart: Bring layers for the mountains, a swimsuit for the coast, and bug spray for the marshes.
Eat local: Skip the chains. Each town has standout local spots worth discovering and supporting.
One Last Thing
This long weekend isn’t about checking off a bunch of boxes, it’s more about slowing down, breathing in the mountain air, sinking your feet into the sand and enjoying some good food and sunshine along the way. Remember the best of the summer is yet to come.
