10 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways In North Carolina, the USA - Updated 2024

weekend getaways in nc
Shruti
Shruti 
Updated
| 4 min read

Nicknamed “Tar Heel State,” North Carolina used to be the leading supplier of naval products such as tar, pitch, rosin, and turpentine during the 1700s. Aside from its prominent role in the naval industry, North Carolina has always been one of the US’s diverse states with a lot of places to visit and activities to do. From an industrialized Hubspot to a more consumer-focused location, this part of the state has a lot to offer its residents and tourists alike. Looking for a weekend getaway? Plan a trip to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse or Biltmore Estate, the state’s largest private residence. If you have no idea where to start, check out our list of the top-rated weekend getaways in North Carolina, the USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.

1. Greensboro (from USD 344)

Greensboro, North Carolina
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ShantellSmith used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Greensboro is famous for being the third-most populous city in North Carolina. With a humid subtropical climate, this city draws millions of tourists and visitors to its world-famous attractions such as Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park, Greensboro Science Center, International Civil Rights Center & Museum, Weatherspoon Art Museum, and Greensboro Ballet and Symphony. The famous Greensboro Coliseum Complex conducts various sporting events and public concerts throughout the year. The city brims with bustling nightlife and shopping plazas and is an ideal getaway to explore during the weekends. Green Valley, where O. Henry Hotel is located, is 131 mi (211 km) from Greensboro via US-421 S.

Stayed at this property?

O.Henry Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 624 Green Valley Road
133.02 km (82.7 mi) from NASCAR Hall of Fame

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden

2. Asheville (from USD 450)

Battery Park Hotel
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Warren LeMay used under CC0

Asheville is one of the most prosperous cities in North Carolina. It allows access to actual architectural delights including Art Deco Asheville City Hall, Battery Park Hotel, Neo-Gothic Jackson Building, and Grove Arcade, one of America’s first indoor shopping malls. Grove Park Inn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boasts a huge display of Arts and Crafts-style furniture. YMI Cultural Center is one of America’s oldest cultural centres that celebrates local African-American history. Asheville is an ideal weekend getaway to check out seasonal festivals and architecture. If you are planning to book a room at Grand Bohemian Hotel, the attractions in Asheville will only be 2.1 mi (3 km) away.

Stayed at this property?

Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Autograph Collection

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 11 Boston Way
158.8 km (98.7 mi) from NASCAR Hall of Fame

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

3. Blowing Rock (from USD 159)

Blowing Rock in North Carolina
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fjmustak used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Blowing Rock is a rocky town, nestled perfectly in Blue Ridge Mountains. People from all over the country visit the town to experience its subtropical climate. What attracts tourists to this area is its unusual rock formation that is around 1500 ft (460 m) above Johns River. Besides the scenic views, a legend about two lovers makes this place even more enchanting. There are nearby parks, mountains, and lakes that offer the resplendent beauty of the landscape. Do include Blowing Rock in your itinerary if you want to experience a paradise-like destination. Hotels like Chetola Resort is just 0.8 mi (1.3 km) away from this rugged nature.

Stayed at this property?

Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock (Lodge)

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 185 Chetola Lake Drive
126.64 km (78.7 mi) from NASCAR Hall of Fame

Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre

4. Charlotte (from USD 361)

NASCAR Hall of Fame Glory Road
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dough4872 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ranked as one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Charlotte is a small town that has stood the test of time. Every year, tourists flock to its iconic sports attractions such as NASCAR All-Star Race, Wells Fargo Championship, NASCAR Hall of Fame, and US National Whitewater Center. Charlotte is indeed a haven for racing enthusiasts. If you stay at Omni Charlotte Hotel, these destinations will only be 0.5 mi (0.8 km) away.

Stayed at this property?

Omni Charlotte Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 132 East Trade Street
648 meters (0.5 ft) from NASCAR Hall of Fame

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

5. Chimney Rock State Park (from USD 229)

Chimney Rock
Source: Photo by Flickr user daveynin used under CC BY 2.0

If you are living in Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is an ideal weekend gateway which is just 27 miles (43.4 km) away. If you are into mountaineering and hiking, the trail to 315-foot Chimney Rock is going to be a worthwhile weekend trip for you. Here, you get to be surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and lakes. The view from the top is simply breathtaking, and you will surely enjoy the journey upwards. Aside from that, the state park also offers a fun day out for the whole family. By renting a cabin here, you will only be 0.3 mi (0.5 km) away from Chimney Rock State Park.

Stayed at this property?
Chimney Rock, North Carolina, United States
129.62 km (80.6 mi) from NASCAR Hall of Fame
338 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a comfortable king bed with stunning views of the mountains through double sliding doors
you can expect a great view and a cozy cabin retreat with an amazingly comfortable bed
the bed is so comfortable and sitting in the hot tub under the star filled sky is phenomenal
wonderful location stunning views and very comfortable cabin
this place was great clean and comfortable with an amazing view would definitely recommend and visit again
Cleanliness:
but incredibly clean inside no bugs and super quiet
the cabin was clean and organized
the place was extremely clean and welcoming
the cabin was clean and had everything we needed
the cabin was clean and exactly the way it is described
Host:
mike was very accommodating and helpful
the hosts did a tremendous job taking care of us and made her birthday weekend very memorable
the owners graciously gave us a credit for the issue
hosts even left some doggie treats to welcome her
mike was super helpful and informed us of great spots for our vacation
Location:
the location is actually not visible street so please ask mike about the location before getting there
amazing quaint cabin walking distance from the main street of chimney rock
fantastic place - absolutely beautiful location extremely comfortable and has everything you need
amazing scenery great place to bring the dogs for a weekend away
it’s a short walk to the town but you also feel like you’re completely secluded in nature
Read more reviews

6. City of Winston-Salem (from USD 179)

Winston - Salem Skyline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user tweber1 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Winston-Salem was awarded the “City of Arts and Innovation” in 2014 and it’s not surprising why. The city boasts local art schools and attractions such as Little Theatre of W-S, Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance, Spirit Gum Theatre, and more. A perfect weekend gateway for people looking for an art-focused getaway, Winston-Salem is sure to delight you with its amazing views. When planning a trip here, consider booking a room at The Historic Brookstown Inn which is just 1.6 mi (3 km) away from old museums and gardens.

Stayed at this property?

The Historic Brookstown Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 200 Brookstown Avenue
110.78 km (68.9 mi) from NASCAR Hall of Fame

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

7. Bryson City (from USD 183)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Famartin used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Just 32 mi (52 km) away from Ashville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes for an ideal weekend road trip. The views are simply mesmerizing, and the scenic beauty of this countryside locale is sure to delight you. Come here to explore the rich biodiversity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. While here, be in awe of the place’s lush green gardens, rivers, and waterfalls. If you’ve got more time, you can also invite your buddies to go hiking in the woods.

Stayed at this property?

Secluded Smoky Mtn Cabin with Hot Tub and Fire Pit!

Wifi Available


241.1 km (149.9 mi) from NASCAR Hall of Fame

Parking Pets allowed Non-smoking rooms Internet services Hot tub/jacuzzi WiFi Available Free WiFi Non-smoking throughout

8. Buxton (from USD 155)

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Source: Needpix

Buxton in Dare County is one of the most popular attractions on Hatteras Island because of the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Buxton offers a wide range of activities to visitors on a weekend getaway. Here, you can engage in activities such as kiteboarding, kayaking, trailing, and windsurfing. Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve and Cape Point should be included in your travel itinerary. Hotels like The Inn on Pamlico Sound is only 1.8 mi (3 km) away from these tourist attractions.

Stayed at this property?

The Inn on Pamlico Sound

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 49684 NC Highway 12
478.97 km (297.7 mi) from NASCAR Hall of Fame

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

9. Ocracoke (from USD 217)

Ocracoke Island
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user bobistraveling used under CC BY 2.0

Just 34 mi (54 km) from Buxton, Ocracoke is a village on Ocracoke Island. Make a weekend road trip to this village if you want to get away from the city’s daily stresses. Ocracoke is one of the famous shelling destinations on Outer Banks that’s why people from across the world visit this place for its diverse shells. The place is rich in flora and fauna and has a humid subtropical climate.

Stayed at this property?

Blackbeard's Lodge

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 111 Back Road PO Box 298
442.55 km (275.0 mi) from NASCAR Hall of Fame

Parking Pets allowed Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Facilities for disabled guests Games room Free parking Internet services

10. Highlands (from USD 320)

Harris Lake Highlands
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user EvanS used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Visit Highlands if you enjoy a subtropical climate. Located on the southern side of Appalachian Mountains, this town is famous for natural parks as well as arts and culinary events. While here, you get to visit iconic venues such as National Register of Historic Places, Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center, and more. Highlands is a perfect weekend trip if you want to go museum-hopping or hiking. If you book a room at The Park on Main Hotel, you will only 0.4 mi (6 km) away from these stunning attractions.

Stayed at this property?

The Park on Main Hotel

Address: 205 Main Street
215.12 km (133.7 mi) from NASCAR Hall of Fame

Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning Safety deposit box Cashless payment available Pets allowed 24-HOUR FRONT DESK WiFi available in all areas Terrace Soundproof rooms

Come and explore the beauty of North Carolina

North Carolina is not only famous for its naval industry but also stunning attractions ranging from mountains and state parks to museums. We hope we were able to help you map your itinerary better when planning a weekend trip to North Carolina.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Shruti Dugar, a writer and traveler, has a strong connection with the 26 alphabets. Her love for exploring new words is a daily practice, considering it the optimal way to maintain a healthy and...Read more

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