12 Best Day Trips From Greensboro, North Carolina

1. Blowing Rock, NC

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, Blowing Rock is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from far and wide. Begin your exploration by visiting the iconic Blowing Rock, a natural rock formation offering stunning panoramic views of the mountains near Greensboro. Take a leisurely walk along the trails or have a picnic while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Stroll through the charming downtown area for a taste of Blowing Rock’s history and culture. Browse the local shops, art galleries, and restaurants, where you can sample delicious local cuisine and purchase handmade crafts. During winter, one of the top things to do in Blowing Rock is to head to nearby snow-capped ski resorts and hit the slopes.

2. Charlotte, NC

Charlotte — named after the former queen of England, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz — is the largest city in North Carolina, perched some two hours southwest of Greensboro. Just like many other large cities in the country, this place has a vibrant cuisine, history, and culture. One of the main draws to this location is the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which houses the Charlotte Independence of the United Soccer League, Charlotte Hornets, and Carolina Panthers, and also features several films and exhibits about automotive racing.

For something to indulge the palate, you can taste some of the best dishes in the state in local restaurants and bars around the big town. Some popular festivals in Charlotte including Carolina Renaissance Festival and Tuck Fest are also worthy of your time.

3. Hagan Stone Park

Sometimes, being in the wild is a great way to spice up your getaway, and nowhere is better than Hagan Stone Park, a large preserve in the southern part of Greensboro. This park features more than 400 acres (161.9 hectares) of natural space, which provides refuge for local animals, as well as a recreational atmosphere for you and your family. There is a camping ground with tent and trail spots, an aquatic center, kid’s playground, lakes, and lots of hiking and biking tracks.

4. Lake Brandt

If you ever feel like going away from the bustling city life of Greensboro during your vacation to some serene and calm area, then Lake Brandt is your best bet. This human-made lake on an 8,160-acre (330.2-hectare) space combines perfect natural scenery, and it’s ideal for paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. However, if you will instead stay on the shores, there are myriads of biking and hiking trails to uncover. This body of water is only a 19-minute drive from the city center and a must-visit.

5. Burlington, NC

Burlington, which also played an essential role during the Revolutionary Wars and early settlers period, is a great place to experience small-town American life. It is about a 29-minute drive away to the east of Greensboro, making it ideal for quick day trips in North Carolina.

This destination features museums that showcase the city and the nation’s histories. Take a day off at the calm Cedarock Park, and see the Alamance Battleground as well as a 19th-century pioneering homestead. If you are a history buff, then this little city is worth checking out.

6. Durham, NC

A trip to Durham offers a charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Begin your exploration with a visit to Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Step inside to marvel at the intricate details of the stained glass windows and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Wander through the cobbled streets of the city center, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Don’t miss a stroll along the River Wear, where you can enjoy scenic views and even catch sight of the iconic Prebends Bridge. For history enthusiasts, a trip to Durham Castle is a must. Explore the castle’s impressive interiors and learn about its fascinating past.

7. Winston-Salem, NC

A worthy destination for day trips in North Carolina is Winston-Salem. This beautiful city, located only 33 miles (53.1 kilometers) from Greensboro, is set between the crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean and the smoky Blue Ridge Mountains. The location is famous for its original structures of early settlers in Old Salem, which dates back to European colonization in the state.

Aside from touring these vintage buildings, you can also check out several art galleries, breweries, museums, and parks that abound in this place.

8. Seagrove, NC

Sure, there are many exciting day trips from Greensboro. But how about exploring “the Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States?” The extensible collection of medieval reproductions of potteries, collectible art pieces, traditional tableware, and much more that abounds in many galleries and shops around Seagrove draws thousands of individuals from around the globe annually. The city also hosts the Seagrove Pottery Festival, which is held before thanksgiving to preserve the heritage and history of the craft. You can also check out the famous North Carolina Pottery for some extensive historical exhibitions. Interestingly, it’s only a 41-minute drive from Greensboro.

9. Asheville, NC

Asheville, a magnificent city some three-hours-drive from Greensboro, has some astonishing architectural and natural treasures waiting to be uncovered. This city has lots of outdoor spaces to give you a splendid vacation and lush accommodations, including the famous Biltmore Estate. Savor the serenity or swim in the pristine waters of Pisgah National Forest, or hike the Appalachian Trail before hitting the galleries and boutiques along River Arts District. Experience a unique mountain getaway in this beautiful location.

10. Raleigh, NC

Although Raleigh may not be as famous as other cities in North Carolina, it still has some irresistible charm, especially for curious minds and family vacations. Its downtown is steeped with lots of museums — many of which are free — to uncover so many mysteries about the nature and history of America. You can start by checking out the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The museum houses over 25 exhibitions of natural treasures, from Piedmont and Coastal Plain to North Carolina’s Mountains.

This city, founded in 1792, is only 76.6 miles (123.3 kilometers) from Greensboro. Weekend trips here are best enjoyed with your little ones as they can have fun at the Marbles Kids Museum or Pullen Park.

11. Wilmington, NC

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a fun seeker, or an adventurer, Wilmington is worth checking out if you can spare a three-hour-drive from Greensboro. Many of the sights in this place revolve around its history with many antebellum houses, brick-lined streets, classic architecture, and churches lying in its National Register Historic District. This town is also known for the North Carolina Azalea Festival held every April, as well as museums and several sites for performing arts and live music. For some outdoor fun and adventure, you can hit the Cape Fear River and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

12. Asheboro, NC

Asheboro — named after the ninth governor of North Carolina, Samuel Ashe — features historical landmarks, eye-watering cuisines, a famous zoo, and warm people that await your arrival. It’s situated in the heart of the state, which is some 30-minute drive from Greensboro. It’s also the home to the North Carolina Zoo, the largest zoological park on the globe today. Explore the Richard Petty, where you can watch some of the state’s distinguished racecar drivers, and prepare to savor some fantastic dishes around the pubs and restaurants that abound in this busy and fascinating location.

Enjoy more on your memorable getaway

Aside from the fantastic things to do and popular festivals in Greensboro, it’s surrounded by many other cities that promise to take your vacation to a new level. From the water-base vacation around Lake Brandt to the one-for-all city of Wilmington, do more on your memorable getaway with these best day trips from Greensboro, North Carolina.