The Best Weekend Trips from Raleigh, NC

Chances are if you are reading this, you are one of the Triangle’s new residents! Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are exploding with growth thanks to the large companies opening headquarters here. But with the influx of people, you might want to take the opportunity to get away and explore what the mid-South has to offer. I’ve compiled a list of the best weekend trips from Raleigh, sorted by driving distance and then direct flights at the bottom.

This post will be updated frequently, so make sure to bookmark it for your future travel planning.

Weekend Trips from Raleigh, NC approx 3 hours drive

There are so many great weekend trips from Raleigh within a three hours drive. One of the best parts about living in Raleigh is its close proximity to both the mountains and the beach!

retired naval battleship deck covered in rain on a cloudy day in wilmington north carolina — North Carolina Battleship

Wilmington, NC

The most popular weekend trip from Raleigh has to be Wilmington. The first weekend in the spring when the weather is nice there is a line of cars headed to the beach on I40 🤣 The drive to Wrightsville Beach is approximately two hours, which is why it’s so popular. If you want to skip the ultra popular Wrightsville Beach, check out Carolina Beach (dog friendly!), Kure Beach, or Topsail, which will all add about 30 minutes to your drive. Downtown Wilmington is filled with fun and historic activities, from microbreweries, used bookstores, and art to the NC Battleship which is open for tours every day of the year (including Christmas) and only costs $14 to enter.

Charlotte, NC

The Queen City has something to offer everyone on a weekend trip from Raleigh. Sports fans will rejoice when they hear that Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway featuring NASCAR races. Thrill seekers will love Carowinds where you can ride intense roller coasters. Arts & Culture lovers will want to attend a ballet or visit the Betchler Museum of Modern Art. With so much to do and see, you can return again and again!

a couple takes a selfie on a bright sunny date at myrtle beach south carolina with a ferris wheel in the background — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is a hub of both outdoor fun and indoor excitement on a weekend trip from Raleigh. When you’re finished playing in the sand, head to Broadway at the Beach for restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. The complex is divided into themed villages, which makes you feel like you’re visiting other parts of the world while walking from shop to shop. Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum, Aquarium (my personal favorite), or take a helicopter ride over Myrtle Beach for some extra entertainment!

Richmond, VA

There are so many great places to explore in Virginia, and Richmond is one of them. This weekend trip from Raleigh will give you a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. Visit the Edgar Allen Poe Museum (tickets are $10), located in his childhood home, to learn more about the famous macabre writer. Maymont is a popular sight, the historic Victorian mansion home to extensive formal gardens and a nature center.

a radiantly colorful sunset of yellow, orange, and purple fills the sky behind the appalacian mountains in shenandoah national park virginia — Sunset on Skyline Drive

Charlottesville, VA

Charlottesville is a great place to stay if you want to access Shenandoah National Park and still have the amenities of a city. Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Make sure to take a sunset or sunrise drive on Skyline Drive (seasonal, check the National Park Service’s website for up to date info) for epic colors exploding across the Appalachian Mountains!

Weekend Trips from Raleigh, NC under 5 hours drive

Savannah’s famous Spanish moss covered oak trees

Savannah, GA

One of my absolute favorite weekend trips from Raleigh is Savannah. I’m in love with the Spanish moss covered oaks, Tybee Island, and the endless parks and squares filled with historic homes. This trip is best suited for a three day weekend, and at just under five hours drive, prepare your favorite road trip snacks and jams for the ride ahead! Stroll down River Street for a bite to eat overlooking the water after your shopping spree. If you’re feeling adventurous, book a spooky tour of a haunted inn, graveyard, or ghost tour throughout one of the United State’s most haunted cities. Don’t forget to stop at Forsyth Park for a picture with the iconic fountain! Or if you’re a Forrest Gump fan, head to Chippewa Square.

Charleston, SC

Much like Savannah, this charming town along the east coast is rich with history and culture. Make sure to visit the Charleston City Market, a four block market filled with cute shops, artisans, and good food! Wander through Rainbow Row to take colorful photos for your Instagram page, then stroll down The Battery for beautiful ocean views next to beautiful homes. If you’re looking for an aquatic adventure, head to the South Carolina Aquarium and learn about their sea turtle rescue center. Charleston is also a popular girl’s weekend or bachelorette party destination.

Washington DC

Our nation’s capital is only four hours from Raleigh, and it is hands down my favorite city in the US. I’ve been to Washington DC four times now, and each time I discover something different. One of my personal favorites is the International Spy Museum, where you can learn about the history of covert operations and even participate in one as you wander the exhibits. Book these tickets online in advance (adult price is $28) as they tend to sell out quickly! And don’t miss the opportunity to try international cuisines we don’t have in Raleigh! Mari Vanna DC is my favorite restaurant. Order a flight of flavored vodka to try with your meal. You won’t be disappointed!

a wide waterfall spill over smoothed rock into a pool below, creating a natural swimming hole in asheville north carolina — One of the many waterfall slides and swimming holes outside of Asheville, NC during the summer

Asheville, NC

Quirky, fun Asheville is a popular weekend trip from Raleigh. Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, you have plenty of hiking options year round, in addition to many swimming holes in the summer. Visit the Biltmore, America’s largest home, and taste the delicious wine produced on site, explore the gardens surrounding the mansion, or tour the home itself! Tickets are quite pricey, so try going during an off season and buy your tickets online to save money. For free activities in Asheville, wander the streets of downtown and see how many colorful murals you can find!

Outer Banks, NC

Thanks to Netflix’s hit series, Outer Banks, this destination is booming in popularity. Fun fact — the show was filmed in South Carolina! But if you’ve been dreaming of a beach weekend trip from Raleigh, look no further than the Outer Banks. In Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, discover where man first took flight thanks to the Wright Brothers. Head to one of the many lighthouses lining the outermost islands for a tour and panoramic views. And while you’re there, keep an eye out for the Corolla wild horses that live among the sandy dunes.

Weekend Trips from Raleigh, NC by plane

Check out RDU’s website for the latest on direct and nonstop flights!

the light from city of denver glitter far into the distance with a few stars peaking out from the night sky above — Denver at night from the Le Meridien rooftop bar

Denver, CO

Whether you want to scale the Rockies with a backpack in the summer, or you want to hit the ski slopes in the winter, Denver is a great base to get outdoors. This destination is best as a long weekend trip from Raleigh to give you plenty of time to get out to the mountains and back. But if you’d like to stay in Denver, you will find countless breweries and art galleries to browse, as well as a vibrant and growing downtown area filled with museums. Check to see who is playing at the Red Rocks Amphitheater for an epic concert you won’t forget!

Detroit, MI

Delta serves the Motor City with a nonstop flight in just under two hours, making this an easy weekend trip from Raleigh. If you’re in the mood for gambling or sports, Detroit serves you with casinos and a team from every major professional sports league. Auto enthusiasts will love the city’s connection to Henry Ford and the three museums it hosts in his honor. The most popular attraction is the Motown Museum, open once again after undergoing an extensive renovation. And if you’re a foodie, find a Hungarian restaurant and try the country’s famous goulash!

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas. Need I say more? This destination also deserves a long weekend to be fully enjoyed. Drink in the colorful lights on the strip, find a thrilling show for the evening, and bring plenty of cash for when you try your hand at blackjack! Not only does Las Vegas capitalize on the party scene, but also the food scene. Share an enormous plate of nachos at Nacho Daddy, or if you’re looking for a romantic date night, make a reservation at Beauty & Essex and dine in the dark speakeasy named one of the top 100 restaurants in the US. Don’t forget to watch the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel while you’re on the Strip!

a woman walks down a red brick alley lined with string lights in Nashville Tennessee — Downtown Nashville, TN

Nashville, TN

Nashville is definitely the place to go if you want to have a good time with your girlfriends. I went with another blogger during the summer, and the streets were lined with bachelorettes and girls’ weekend goers. Party at a Honky Tonk on Broadway or book sun loungers at White Limozeen, a Dolly Parton themed rooftop pool and bar. During the day, go mural hunting or visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. Make sure to stop at Hattie B’s for some hot chicken (with gluten free options!).

Check out my Girl’s Weekend in Nashville post to learn more!

Iceland

Icelandair has started offering a seasonal direct flight from RDU to Reykjavik! While Icelandair is not a budget carrier, the flight is not terribly expensive, especially if you book further out. At only 6 hours, it makes Iceland an incredible long weekend trip from Raleigh. With a 4 or 5 day weekend trip, you can see wonders like the Golden Circle, massive waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and black sand beaches in Vik.

I’ve written a full 7 day Iceland itinerary, but it will tell you everything you need to know about traveling to and around Iceland.

Final Thoughts on Best Weekend Trips from Raleigh, NC

With so many great road trips or nonstop connections from RDU, it can be hard to pick your next weekend trip from Raleigh. So why not pick them all?

Which destinations do you want to see next on this list? Let me know in the comments!