One of my favorite things about living in the Triangle is how easy it is to take weekend trips! We have mountains to one side of us and the coast to the other! And unlike my home state of Texas, you don’t have to drive a full day to leave North Carolina! Here’s a list of some of my favorite destinations within driving distance of the Triangle. Just like my other guides, this post will be routinely updated as I continue to explore this part of the country!
(This guide was last updated in 12 2022.)
Chase Sunsets in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is everything you want in a vacation destination, with white sandy beaches, gorgeous water, and incredible seafood. It’s just a 3.5-hour drive away from Chapel Hill, and It’s chock full of fun attractions like the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, and it’s nearby Huntington Beach State Park. You can see my blog post about Myrtle Beach here.
Eat well during a weekend in Columbia, South Carolina!
I spent a girls’ weekend in Columbia, South Carolina which was just about 3 hours drive from Chapel Hill. I had no idea what a delicious destination the capital of South Carolina was. Here’s my Top 10 Restaurants to eat in Columbia list.
Magical Dollywood is just around five hours away in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!
West on 1-40 just about 5 hours away from Chapel Hill or 5.5 hours away from Raleigh, is a magical land called Dollywood! I spent just under two days barely scratching the surface of Dollywood! If you check my Instagram, there is an Instagram highlights reel for you to click through.
Experience some Low Country Culture in Charleston, South Carolina
About five hours south is Charleston! I spent a full week here in January and can’t wait to put together that restaurant guide for you! In the meantime, don’t forget to put Angel Oak on your Charleston visit and read about these Instagrammable desserts in the area. You can see my story highlights for Charleston here.
Our Nation’s Capital is Just a Five-Hour Drive Away
The Triangle is just under 5 hours away from the gastronomically diverse city of Washington, DC! Check out this restaurant guide to D.C. and read about the Conrad Hotel.
You’re going to want to stay longer than just a weekend in Richmond, Virigina
Even closer than D.C., is Richmond, Virginia. After about a three-hour drive from the Triangle, you can be in Richmond! You are going to want to spend more than just a weekend in Richmond once you visit even once. Here’s how I spent a day in Richmond to get you started! Don’t forget to grab a bite at Perly’s!
Wilmington is more than just a Beach Town
Just 2-3 hours from the Triangle is the coast! The coastal town of Wilmington has such a robust food scene but there’s so much to do than just beach time!
Carolina Beach for some Vitamin Sea and Donuts
For more beach vibes, visit Carolina Beach! Dip your toes in the ocean and visit Carolina Beach and eat one of my favorite donuts in the state (Britt’s)! You can read about how I spent a weekend at Carolina Beach here.
Staycation at Winston-Salem
I know just the hotel to stay at while you’re in Winston-Salem too! Have a relaxing night at The Cardinal and dine at their restaurant, The Katharine. I posted how I spent 24 hours there in my Instagram Winston-Salem Highlights. (Give me a follow while you’re at it!)
Chase waterfalls, visit the Biltmore and dine at delicious award-winning restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina.
I love being so close to one of my favorite towns! You can make the most of your weekend trip to Asheville, from hiking and chasing waterfalls in beautiful parks like Catawba Falls, to visiting the Biltmore, or just eating your way through the delicious town. The Asheville Art Museum just recently finished its beautiful renovation too! Check out my 20+ restaurant guide to Asheville.
More Mountain Views in Highlands, NC
And less than 2 hours from Asheville (about 5 hours total from the Triangle), is a quaint mountain town called Highlands, North Carolina. They have amazing hiking trails and cute shops to explore in their downtown. Pictured above is Sunset Rock.
Give Wilson, North Carolina a Whirl!
I visited Wilson during the annual Whirligig Festival in Wilson, NC. Their famous Whirligig Park is open year-round and will tickle your childlike sense of wonder!
And there you have it! A list of easy weekend trips from Triangle!
Want more North Carolina trips? Check out my guide to NC Wineries and Vineyards.
For more content about the Triangle, visit my Ultimate Guide to the Triangle!
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