These 7 popular day trips are within a 2-hour drive of Raleigh or Durham
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- Day trips from Raleigh offer access to museums, parks and historic landmarks.
- Destinations within 130 miles include lakes, wineries and a barbecue trail.
- Visitors can explore outdoor attractions, cultural sites and local cuisine in one day.
If a change of scenery is calling your name, you don’t have to go very far for a getaway.
Just a short drive from Raleigh can lead you to some of the state’s most popular attractions and parks that you can explore — all in one day.
From outdoor adventures on the water, award-winning wineries and even a beloved soda shop dedicated to one of the world’s favorite soft drinks, there are multiple day trip destinations you can venture out to.
Ready to road trip? Here is a list of popular spots within a two-hour drive of Raleigh:
Asheboro
Distance from Raleigh: About 70 miles
Popular attractions:
- American Classic Motorcycle Museum, home to of the largest private collections of antique Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- The North Carolina Zoo, the largest natural-habitat zoos in the world with hundreds of animals from North America and Africa.
- Sunset Theatre, a downtown staple for special events including concerts, plays and movies.
Greenville
Distance from Raleigh: About 85 miles
Popular attractions:
- Pitt County Brew & ‘Cue Trail, where you can eat eat and drink your way through the some of the area’s best barbecue joints and breweries.
- River Park North, where you can camp, hike, fish or kayak along the Tar River.
- The Wellington B. Gray Gallery at East Carolina University which includes work created by students, faculty, staff and local artists.
Fayetteville
Distance from Raleigh: About 65 miles
Popular attractions:
- Cameo Art House Theater, the city’s “Alternative Cinematic Experience” for independent, foreign and classic films.
- The U.S. Airborne & Special Operations Museum, with exhibits focused on soldiers who have served or currently serve.
- ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure, a multi-zipline course at Carver’s Falls.
Lexington
Distance from Raleigh: About 110 miles
Popular attractions:
- High Rock Lake, the second largest lake in the state.
- Uncorked Touring Company, a local business that offers wine tours and “boozy field trips” to multiple vineyards in the area.
- Pigs in the City, a public art project of painted pig statues around town, including Vincent Ham Gogh, Elvis Porksley and Snoop Hoggy Hog.
New Bern
Distance from Raleigh: About 115 miles
Popular attractions:
- The Birthplace of Pepsi, the actual site where the popular soda was invented that is now filled with Pepsi memorabilia and souvenirs.
- Tryon Palace, which served as the first permanent seat of government for the state — and right next door to the North Carolina History Center.
- Union Point Park, a hotspot downtown with playgrounds, grills and waterfront views.
Wilmington
Distance from Raleigh: About 130 miles
Popular attractions:
- Airlie Gardens, known for 67 acres of multiple gardens, seasonal blooms, art sculptures and more.
- The Battleship, the state’s World War II Memorial with nine levels for guests to explore.
- Downtown Riverwalk, the city’s top attraction along of the Cape Fear River close to public parks, popular shops, restaurants and museums.
Winston-Salem
Distance from Raleigh: About 110 miles
Popular attractions:
- ARTivity On The Green, an art-themed park with a mural wall, interactive installations and occasional live music.
- Old Salem Museums, a living history site about the stories of including Moravian, Black, and Indigenous communities in the American South.
- Salem Lake, outside of downtown with a 7-mile trail, pier fishing and kayak rentals.
This story was originally published August 29, 2025 at 8:00 AM with the headline "These 7 popular day trips are within a 2-hour drive of Raleigh or Durham."