Attractions
Day & Weekend Trips
Plan day trips and weekend getaways from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Tweetsie Railroad
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605
Family Friendly Wild West Theme Park Adventure Featuring an action-packed train ride behind a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive, live interactive shows, kid-friendly amusement rides, Deer Park Zoo, and more!
🚘 Distance: 271.9 miles away
Hanging Rock State Park
1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC, 27016
Hanging Rock State Park, just north of Winston-Salem, boasts picturesque trails leading to waterfalls, mountain views, and even caves. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and paddling, or relax at the lake. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a full range of activities.
🚘 Distance: 287.6 miles away
Kaleideum
120 W 3rd St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Kaleideum is an innovative museum combining arts, science, and exploration, created by merging two beloved institutions. With interactive exhibits and cultural programming, it’s a place where creativity and curiosity flourish for learners of all ages.
🚘 Distance: 300.0 miles away
Biltmore
1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803
The Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is America’s largest privately-owned home, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the 19th century. The estate spans over 8,000 acres, featuring stunning gardens, a winery, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can explore the magnificent Biltmore House, which boasts 250 rooms, impressive architecture, and exquisite art collections. The estate also offers seasonal events, outdoor adventures, and unique dining experiences. With its rich history and beautiful surroundings, the Biltmore Estate provides a memorable experience for all ages.
🚘 Distance: 304.6 miles away
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, ancient mountains, and cultural history, making it the most visited national park in the U.S. The park offers stunning scenic views, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to explore Southern Appalachian culture. Visitors can experience attractions like Cades Cove, waterfalls, backcountry camping, and the famous synchronous fireflies event.
🚘 Distance: 307.8 miles away
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR), located in Bryson City, North Carolina, offers scenic train excursions through the picturesque landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains. Established in 1988 and operated by American Heritage Railways since 1999, GSMR provides heritage and freight rail services along the historic Murphy Branch line, attracting approximately 200,000 passengers annually. Passengers can choose from various excursions, including the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, a 4½-hour roundtrip journey covering 44 miles with a one-hour layover at the gorge . The Tuckasegee River Excursion offers a relaxing ride through the scenic river valley . Special event trains, such as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, provide themed experiences for families and children . In addition to train rides, GSMR hosts events like Railfest, a three-day celebration of railroading heritage featuring live entertainment, local vendors, and activities for all ages . The railroad also offers combination packages like Raft & Rail and Rail & Trail, allowing guests to extend their adventure with outdoor activities .
🚘 Distance: 314.1 miles away
Chimney Rock State Park
431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a premier outdoor destination in western North Carolina, located approximately 25 miles southeast of Asheville. The park's centerpiece is the iconic 315-foot granite monolith known as Chimney Rock, which offers visitors panoramic 75-mile views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Accessible via a 26-story elevator or the Outcroppings Trail featuring over 500 steps, the summit provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to the Chimney Rock itself, the park boasts a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, including paths leading to the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The park's diverse ecosystems support over 90 rare plant species and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.
🚘 Distance: 315.1 miles away
Greensboro Science Center
4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC, 27455
The Greensboro Science Center offers an engaging blend of an aquarium, museum, and zoo, where visitors can interact with zookeepers, watch live performances, and attend educational programs. From animal encounters to immersive exhibits, it’s a place where science and fun collide.
🚘 Distance: 315.7 miles away
Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum
220 North Church Street, Greensboro, NC, 27401
Formerly Greensboro Children's Museum, this venue provides hands-on learning experiences for children and families, focusing on play, creation, outdoor exploration, and STEM activities.
🚘 Distance: 320.4 miles away
Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum
200 Qubein Avenue, High Point, NC, 27262
The Qubein Children’s Museum in High Point features 75,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, an Outdoor Adventure Zone, and engaging educational programs for families.
🚘 Distance: 320.4 miles away
Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park
3910 South Holden Road, Greensboro, NC, 27406
Wet 'N Wild Emerald Pointe is the Carolina's favorite waterpark. One of the largest water parks in NC, the waterpark features over 36 water rides and family attractions. With over 3 million gallons of waterpark fun, Wet'n Wild Greensboro has been rated one of the Top 10 Water Parks in America. Sprawling across 41 acres, our park offers family-friendly fun, relaxation, great special events throughout the year, and a wide variety of family dining options for delicious foods and beverages. Join us for a whole summer of fun at Wet'n Wild water park near Greensboro, NC.
🚘 Distance: 322.9 miles away
Lazy 5 Ranch
15100 Mooresville Rd., Mooresville, NC, 28115
The Lazy 5 Ranch offers a safari-style adventure featuring over 750 animals from six continents. Visitors can tour by wagon or car, enjoying up-close encounters with exotic species. The ranch also hosts seasonal events and supports conservation efforts for endangered animals.
🚘 Distance: 324.5 miles away