Raleigh, North Carolina is one of the fastest growing, and appealing, cities in the US. With the emergence of the Research Triangle, and the new jobs it brings, lower than average taxes and proximity to the Atlantic ocean, Raleigh holds a unique appeal. Recently named the #2 city in the country by Money magazine, Raleigh is also a prime destination for vacationers due to the endless number of attractions both in town and in the surrounding areas.
If you are visiting, or have lived in Raleigh your entire life, this list is for you. Quite often it is the local residents that, though they may have heard of a place near them, have never actually taken the time to visit. I lived just outside of Boston for 12 years growing up and never walked the Freedom Trail until visiting years later as a tourist. Now is your chance to swim in the warm waters of the Outer Banks, visit the town that inspired the Andy Griffith Show or take in a minor league baseball game with the infamous Durham Bulls.
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Driving Distance from Raleigh
Less than 2 hours drive from Raleigh
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 30 min / 25 miles (40 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North West
A little about Durham, NC: Durham, along with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, comprises the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. While best known for the home of Duke University, Durham offers a wide variety of attractions for everyone from jazz festivals and symphony concerts to plenty of parks and greenways for biking, walking, swimming and even fishing. There is a bustling historic district and Durham was recently named the “The South’s Tastiest Town” by Southern Living magazine.
Attractions: Duke University, Sarah Duke Gardens, Duke Lemur Center, Nasher Museum of Art, Eno River State Park, Museum of Life + Science, Durham Bulls (minor league baseball), Gardens at Witherspoon
On the Reel
Bull Durham (1988)
Starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins. Directed by Ron Shelton.
One of the best sports ever made, Bull Durham takes a humorous look at the topsy-turvy world of minor league baseball. All three leads, Kevin Costner, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon shine in their respective roles as the veteran catcher assigned to groom the new and upcoming pitching phenom while both become involved with a local fan. Shot primarily on location in the Raleigh-Durham area including the home park of the Durham Bulls.
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 1 hrs 15 min / 77 miles (124 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North West
A little about Greensboro, NC: Part of the Piedmont Triad (along with Winston-Salem and High Point), Greensboro features over 170 public parks and gardens ideal for walking, running and biking. There are plenty of activities from golfing and museums to nightclubs, antique shops and micro-breweries. One of the more family favorite attractions is the massive Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe water park with its 41 acres featuring 36 water rides (for all ages), 3 million gallons of water and Daredevil Drop with its 76-foot free-falling water chute.
Attractions: Children’s Museum, Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Civil Rights Center & Museum, Greensboro Arboretum, Haw River State Park, Greensboro Science Center
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 1 hrs 20 min / 72 miles (116 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: West
A little about Asheboro, NC: This wonderful mix of urban and rural is best known as the home of the North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. It also has one of only two remaining covered bridges in North Carolina, the Pisgah Covered Bridge. For the eclectic visitor, there’s the largest private collections of Harley Davidson© motorcycles in the country. For the adventurer, there is a zip line with (3) sky bridges covering 3½ miles of cable featuring amazing creek views. To top it off there is even a horse ranch, a winery and, just a 15-minute drive north, the Richard Petty Museum.
Attractions: North Carolina Zoo, American Classic Motorcycle Museum, Bicentennial Park, N.C. Aviation Museum, Sunny Slopes Farm, North Asheboro Park, Pisgah Covered Bridge, Collector’s Antique Mall, Uwharrie National Forest
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 1 hrs 25 min / 86 miles (138 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North East
A little about Scotland Neck, NC: While Scotland Neck is a wonderful little hamlet with plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, boating and camping, the primary reason to take a day trip is the fantastic Sylvan Heights Bird Park. The 26-acre facility is home to the largest collection of water fowl in the world. Its unique layout, divided into the continents of the world, is visitor friendly. There are no blocking poles in any of the aviary’s so bring your cameras and capture some memories!
Attractions: Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 1 hrs 30 min / 73 miles (118 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North East
A little about Lake Gaston, NC: If you enjoy water activities then Lake Gaston makes for a perfect day trip. But it isn’t just boating, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, swimming and splashing . . . there is also wine tasting, golfing (regulation and mini-golf), excellent restaurants with water views and even a movie theater.
Attractions: Lake Gaston
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 1 hrs 40 min / 103 miles (166 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North West
A little about Winston-Salem, NC: Over the years Winston-Salem has emerged as an art and cultural center with (17) museums and multiple historic districts. Be sure to check out ARTivity on the Green for a taste of the local art scene and keep an eye out for murals anywhere downtown. If you visit between mid- November and the New Year be sure to visit Tanglewood park in the evening for the 5-mile route featuring over one million holiday-themed lights and displays. Wander Trade Street offers great boutiques, specialty stores, and galleries and make sure you get to the Shell-shaped Gas Station on E Sprague Street.
Attractions: Bethabara Park & Historic District, SciWorks Museum, Quarry Park, Children’s Museum, Salem Lake, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Salem God’s Acre Cemetery, Old Salem Museums & Gardens, BB&T Ballpark, Gaylyn Estate
On the Reel
Junebug (2005)
Starring Amy Adams, Embeth Davidtz and Ben Mackensie. Directed by Phil Morrison.
This insightful coming-home comedy/drama shines with unique (but not over-the-top eccentric) characters each with their own lives and priorities. It is a refreshingly honest view of some of the culture shock between people raised in the north and south and their preconceptions of each other. The film was shot entirely in Winston-Salem including some on the campus of Wake Forest University.
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 1 hrs 50 min / 129 miles (208 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: South East
A little about Wilmington, NC: If you love water then Wilmington is a great place to spend a few days or even a week. From the Riverwalk, voted as America’s Best riverfront, as it meanders around the Cape Fear River to the (3) island beaches of Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville (our personal favorite). Wilmington is unique as it doubles as both a beach town and a college town (UNC-Wilmington). There is always something happening in this laid back stretch of North Carolina coast.
Attractions: Battleship North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach, Cameron Art Museum, Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Arlie Gardens, Children’s Museum, Bellamy Mansion Museum, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, Cape Fear, Tregembo Animal Park, Wilmington Railroad Museum
Less Than 3 Hours Drive from Raleigh
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 2 hrs / 116 miles (187 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: South East
A little about New Bern, NC: New Bern is actually the first capital of North Carolina when it was just a colony. The Tryon Palace has faithfully restored the original mansion and grounds. If you enjoy southern history New Bern offers plenty to keep you interested from the Firemans Museum and the 1780 John Wright Stanly House to THE $4 million dollar North Carolina History Center and the Birthplace of Pepsi. Best to book a tour before your visit and the trolleys are an ideal way to get a feel for the town.
Attractions: Tryon Palace, Birthplace of Pepsi Cola, Fireman’s Museum, Croatan National Forest, Union Point Park, New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park, John Wright Stanly House, Lawson Creek Park, Cedar Grove Cemetery, North Carolina History Center
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 2 hrs 25 min / 139 miles (224 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North West
A little about Mount Airy, NC: Andy Griffith, of Mayberry fame, grew up in Mount Airy and a casual stroll through downtown is reminiscent of The Andy Griffith Show. There is even a Mayberry’s Day Parade every year in the last week of November. Mount Airy is also situated perfectly for exploring the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, the Yadkin Valley wine region and the unique beauty of Pilot Mountain’s Big Pinnacle peak.
Attractions: The Andy Griffith Museum, Andy Griffith Museum, Gertrude Smith House, Pilot Mount State Park, Edwards-Franklin House, Historic Earle Theatre and Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, J.E.B. Stuart Historical Birthplace, Mabry Mill, Round Peak Vineyard
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 2 hrs 25 min / 138 miles (222 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: South East
A little about Topsail Island, NC: If a relaxing laid-back couple of days is your thing then this is the place. You can choose from one of three towns on the island, North Topsail Beach, Surf City or Topsail Beach. The former is surrounded by water on three sides and has dog-friendly beaches while Surf City is the most commercial and Topsail Beach is your typical little beach town featuring pristine sand and beautiful views from Serenity Point.
Attractions: The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, Surf City Pier, Seacoast Art Gallery, Missiles and More Museum, Topsail Beach Skating Rink, Patio Playground – the Putt-Putt, Jolly Rodger Pier
On the Reel
Nights in Rodanthe (2008)
Starring Diane Lane, Richard Gere and Christopher Meloni. Directed by George C. Wolfe.
This romantic reteaming of Diane Lane and Richard Gere (Unfaithful) can at times be predictable but is still a pleasant tour-de-force for the two veteran actors. Set on the Outer Banks during hurricane season, the lives of the protagonists mirror the weather in this adaption of the Nicholas Spark’s novel. The strength of the story lies with the chemistry between the estranged wife and mother and the visiting doctor with conflicts of his own. A tearjerker with enough good moments to make it worth the watch.
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 2 hrs 35 min / 154 miles (248 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North East
A little about Richmond, VA: Richmond offers all of the amenities one would expect to find in a thriving metropolis yet it has still managed to retain a small-town feel. There are also plenty of outdoor activities including the only class 3 & 4 urban rapids in the entire country and fishing at Deep Bottom Park. Belle Isle features walking trails and mountain biking. For the kids (and the young at heart) there is the fastest outdoor Go-Kart racetrack in Virginia. For the more mature Richmond now has over 30 different craft breweries in town.
Attractions: The Science Museum of Virginia, Belle Isle, Richmond Flying Squirrels, Maymont Children’s Barn & Nature Center, Hollywood Cemetery, American Civil War Museum, Hardywood Craft Brewery, Short Pump Town Center, Riverfront Canal Walk, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Virginia State Capitol, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Less Than 4 Hours Drive from Raleigh
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 3 hrs 5 min / 181 miles (291 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: South
A little about Myrtle Beach, SC: There’ a good chance your primary reason for hopping down to Myrtle Beach is for the . . . beach. Makes sense, but consider how many other things you can do in the water including parasailing, fishing (off the pier or on a charter), surfing, jet skiing and kayaking. The fun doesn’t stop on land either with golfing, skating, bowling, Segway, bike and motorcycle rentals, laser tag, horseback riding, helicopter tours and more. There are zoos, gardens, parks and playgrounds. Safe to say . . . a few days might not be enough.
Attractions: Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show, Ripley’s Aquarium, Seacoast Artists Gallery, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Myrtle Beach Skywheel, Art Museum of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, North Myrtle Beach Farmer’s Market, Wheels of Yesteryear, North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 3 hrs 15 min / 202 miles (325 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North East
A little about Virginia Beach, VA: Virginia Beach is one of the more popular destinations along the eastern seaboard and attracts huge crowds in season. Off-season still has its charms if not the warmer weather. Regardless of when you visit you’ll find everything that makes a leisure vacation what it is including well-maintained beaches, hiking, kayaking, cycling, fishing, golfing, amusement rides, restaurants and nightclubs. There is also the oldest surviving lighthouse in America and a hopping boardwalk. If you do a summer visit, and luck is on your side, you may even get a chance to see some nesting Loggerhead Turtles.
Attractions: Virginia Aquarium, Ferry Plantation House, King Neptune, Military Aviation Museum, Mount Trashmore, Old Coast Guard Station, First Landing State Park, Norwegian Lady Statue, Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, Adam Thoroughgood House, False Cape State Park, Ferry Plantation House, Lynnhaven House, Croatan Beach, Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 3 hrs 20 min / 196 miles (315 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: East
A little about The Outer Banks, NC: The Outer Banks stretch 200 miles running parallel to the eastern seaboard. There are sections of the main highway that are actually on the beach (an interesting experience). There are also many towns to choose from to either stay or visit. Our personal favorite is Corolla not only for the Wild Mustangs but also that wonderful vibe you only get from quaint little beach towns. While the beaches are often the star of the Outer Banks you can also hang glide off of Jockey’s Ridge, see an amazing panoramic view from atop the Currituck Beach Lighthouse or ride horses on the country’s first national seashore at Cape Hatteras.
Attractions: Wild Mustangs (Corolla), Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, The Wright Brothers National Memorial, Nags Head, North Carolina Maritime Museum, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Jockey’s Ridge, Roanoke Island Festival Park, The Elizabethan Gardens, Duck Boardwalk, Bodie Island
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On the Reel
Brainstorm (1983)
Starring Christopher Walken, Natalie Wood and Louise Fletcher. Directed by Douglas Trumbull.
Natalie Wood’s final film is a suddenly topical exploration of Virtual Reality and the dangers of manipulating reality for entertainment’s sake. A cautionary tale but also an interesting character study of the strengths and fallacies of mankind as a species and how good intentions in the wrong hands can go very wrong.
Less Than 5 Hours Drive from Raleigh
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 4 hrs 10 min 280 miles (451 km)
Driving direction from Raleigh: South
A little about Charleston, SC: While there are a plethora of things to see in this amazing town make sure you walk south on East Bay Street, starting in the French Quarter, all the way down to The Battery. You’ll pass the infamous Rainbow Row, the Edmondston-Alston House, the Roper House and the White Point Garden while enjoying the ocean on your left once the street becomes East Battery. The sights along the way will take you back to Rhett Butler’s Charleston. Very much a walking city, Charlestown also has great horse-drawn carriage tours, a wonderful Farmer’s Market, a Pineapple Fountain not to be missed and the obligatory southern ghost tours. If you have a chance, on your way back to Raleigh, head north east for a half-hour to Mt. Pleasant and the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. It is a beautiful property and a real education on life in colonial America.
Attractions: White Point Garden in The Battery, Farmer’s Market, Edmondston-Alston House , Drayton Hall, Angel Oak Tree, The Calhoun Mansion, Mrs. Whaley’s Garden, Patriots Point Maritime Museum, Rainbow Row homes, Washington Square, Waterfront Park, Fort Sumter, Middleton Place, Pineapple Fountain, The Charleston Museum
On the Reel
The Notebook (2004)
Starring James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. Directed by Nick Cassavetes.
This Nicholas Spark’s novel resonated with audiences and critics alike to make it one of the year’s most popular films. On the surface it appears to be the typical rich girl falls for the boy from the wrong side of the tracks story but it evolves into a timeless tale of lasting love, betrayal and tragedy. Most of the film was shot in and around Charleston including The Battery and Boone Hall Plantation.
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 4 hrs 30 min / 287 miles (462 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North East
A little about Washington, DC: We were surprised at how close the nation’s capital was to Raleigh but make sure you time your arrival and departure around missing the Beltway’s infamous rush hour traffic. There are so many things to see in DC that we could dedicate an article on the museums alone. Take some time and learn about how the city was specifically designed and how each monument is strategically placed in relation to each other (hint: there is a pattern). Obviously, the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, as well as the Washington Monument, are a must. For a more humbling experience plan to visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Arlington Cemetery.
Attractions: The White House, Jefferson Memorial, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, National Museum of African American History and Culture, US Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, US Holocaust Memorial Museum, United States Botanic Garden, The Smithsonian, Fords Theatre, International Spy Museum, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, National Gallery of Art
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 4 hrs 40 min / 324 miles (521 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: South
A little about Savannah, GA: Savannah is the epitome of southern charm and grace. Take a walk along River Street with the Savannah River to your north along with restaurants, shops (and a really cool echo spot) and a few statues with even more interesting backstories. Much of the city is easily walkable but there is a great trolley service that takes you all around the city, at your pace. You can jump on and jump off at any of the stop points all day giving you ample time to see the many famous homes, the (22) squares within the city grid, Forsyth Park, the Cathedral of St. John, the Sorrel Weed House and so much more. A few extra treats are a visit out to Tybee Island and, to end the day perfectly, ice cream at Leopold’s!
Attractions: River Street, City Market, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Squares of Savannah, Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, Leopold’s Ice Cream, Tybee Island, Wormsloe Historic Site, Telfair Museums, Mercer Williams House Museum, Fort McAllister State Park, Savannah Children’s Museum, Sorrel Weed House
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 4 hrs 45 min / 318 miles (512 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: South
A little about Hilton Head, SC: While many associate Hilton Head with the (33) world-class golf courses (including the Heritage Classic on the PGA Tour) the island has much more to offer when not on the links. There are walking trails at Mitchelville Freedom Park, mini-golf & arcade, public parks with off-leash dog areas and plenty of pristine beaches to choose from. There are also museums, colonial ruins, nature preserves, wineries, distilleries and even pirate expeditions.
Attractions: Coligny Beach Park, Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island Beach, Harbour Town Lighthouse, Harbour Town Golf Links, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Burkes Beach, Mitchelville Freedom Park, Stoney Baynard Ruins, Heyward House Museum, Audubon Newhall Preserve, Fort Howell
On the Reel
The Longest Yard (1974)
Starring Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert and Ed Lauter. Directed by Robert Aldrich.
This classic sports film stars former college football star Burt Reynolds as a failed pro quarterback now serving time. When the warden asks if he can put together an inmate team to play against his guards he is forced to reexamine his life choices. Not to be confused with the tepid Adam Sandler remake from a few years ago, this gem stars several ex-NFL players which adds to its authentic game footage. Many scenes were shot in both Savannah and Hilton Head.
Driving Distance from Raleigh: 4 hrs 45 min / 278 miles (447 km)
Driving Direction from Raleigh: North
A little about Luray, VA: On the surface, it would appear the only reason to visit this tiny hamlet is for the prodigious caves. The Luray Caverns are worth the trip alone with its Great Stalacpipe Organ (you can actually hear rocks sing), cathedral-sized rooms, crystal-clear pools and soaring stone columns. Above ground, you’ll find the largest hedge maze (1 full acre) in the Mid-Atlantic states that are fun to traverse with a group of family or friends. The local area also offers tremendous hiking (and spectacular views), a rescue zoo, a car and carriage museum, a few parks and Cooter’s Place, a tribute to the popular Dukes of Hazzard TV show.
Attractions: Luray Caverns, Hawksbill Greenway, Luray Valley Museum, Stony Man Mountain Hike, Luray Zoo, The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, Lake Arrowhead Park, Massanutten Storybook Trail, Cooter’s Place
Raleigh is rapidly establishing itself as a hub of activity, economic growth along with access to so many surrounding attractions. If you live in-and-around the Raleigh-Durham area you already know what a special place you call home truly is. Did we miss any other hot spots to visit?
