Day Trip and Weekend Getaway Ideas for Charlotte Locals (2024)
The geographical placement of Charlotte makes it an ideal destination to explore a lot of nearby(s). Whether they are the North Carolina destination or the wonderful attractions in South Carolina, Charlotte’s apt placement feed for them all. Not only that, but there are so many amazing places to explore near Charlotte, even if they are within the States of Tennessee, Georgia, or Virginia. The unusual day trips from Charlotte might not be on your usual radar, but they will undoubtedly take you to better places every single day.
Charlotte has endless quick and easy day trip options within the city’s proximity. While some trips take you to another charming Southeastern city, others will bring close energies that your fast-facing soul for seeking for a long. There are small districts with historic charm, acres of parks and greenways, towns that offer impeccable retail and dining therapy, and the list goes on. You can spend all day enjoying Charlotte’s closer towns and cities, and, in the end, you will still find Queen city closer and reachable.
Day Trip and Weekend Getaway Ideas for Charlotte Locals
With that said, let’s take a look at Popular Day Trips and Weekend Getaway Ideas around Charlotte. Here we go:
1. Gastonia for Day Trip from Charlotte (Distance 23.5 miles)
Also known as the satellite city of the Charlotte area, Gastonia makes up for a quick day trip. Gastonia has many easy and relaxing things to do those travelers can easily cover in a day or two. It is home to tourist attractions like the Schiele Museum of Natural History, the Hall of North Carolina Natural History, and the James H. Lynn Planetarium. Another beautiful destination in the city is Rankin Lake Park, a 242-acre landmark that offers endless recreation and relaxation opportunities. Visitors can go fishing, kayaking, boating, golfing, hiking, and picnicking around the lake. For drinking and dining, the options go from Cavendish Brewing Company to Reginella Italian Pizza and Ristorante, Lotus Bar & Eatery, and the excellent Webb Custom Kitchen.
2. Cornelius for a Day Trip from Charlotte (Distance 20 miles)
Cornelius is a suburban town that makes for an excellent day trip from Charlotte. The town is best known for its setting along Lake Norman and the highly diverse community that calls it home. The Lake Norman visitors count Cornelius as its base, and that’s how the town draws its share of tourism. A day trip to Cornelius will allow visitors to enjoy along gorgeous 70 miles of Lake Norman shoreline and indulge in various water-based sports. However, Cornelius isn’t just ‘Only’ about the lake. Instead, the town has some pretty observable historic old buildings. These structures today are turned into one-off boutiques, art galleries, farm-to-fork restaurants, and craft breweries. And with that being said, visitors always have some great drinking and dining options when in the town.
3. Belmont for a Day Trip from Charlotte (Distance 13 miles)
Belmont is a small suburban city that was once known as Garibaldi Station. It is just 13 miles west of uptown Charlotte and even closer to Gastonia, 9 miles towards it east. The town of Belmont is bordered by two rivers and has a lot of outdoor adventures to offer. A day trip here allows visitors to explore an 1873 pretty historic district and admire the colonial and Tudor architectural styles. For structural and indoor attraction options, one can check out Belmont Abbey, Millican Pictorial History Museum, and Belmont, NC Historical Society Cultural and Heritage Learning Center. Whereas for outdoor fun, the town boasts Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park, which brings an array of options along. Or, reach out the Goat Island Park and indulge in hiking, kayaking, canoeing, golfing or make out a relaxing afternoon family picnic. Also, when in the town, do not miss some excellent shopping opportunities at Catawba River Antique Mall.
4. Gold Hill for a Day Trip from Charlotte (Distance 34.96 miles)
Gold Hill, bringing all truth regarding its name, flaunts the nineteenth-century Gold Mining history of North Carolina and this local neighborhood. This historic gold mining boom town allows enthusiasts to step back into history and enjoy a nostalgic change. Strolling along the Wooden sidewalks of a restored nineteenth-century town is an experience on its own. Gold Hill has kept its heritage alive, and one can check out the annual lighting of the Fall Fires during the holiday season and enjoy the sounds of bluegrass music every Friday at the E.H. Montgomery General Store. For added fun, visitors can explore attractions, including the Gold Hill Rail Trail and the Village of Gold Hill. The latter two allow for hiking, biking, and endless shopping opportunities. Individuals can also check out Morgan Ridge Winery Tasting Room and Rail Walk Micro Brewery to taste some local wine and beer.
5. Salisbury for a Day Trip from Charlotte (Distance nearly 40 miles)
Salisbury, popular for its historic preservation, makes up for an exciting day trip from Charlotte. The city is home to five Local Historic Districts and ten National Register Historic Districts which makes it a treasure for history buffs. On a self-paced tour, you can check out attractions, including Salisbury National Cemetery, Rowan Museum, Dr. Josephus Hall House, and the Rowan County Visitor’s Center. Individuals who are keen on performing art can visit Lee Street Theatre, Piedmont Players Theatre, and Keppel Auditorium. In addition, Salisbury runs Guided Trolley Tours every Saturday during the summer months, and they are indeed the best opportunities for travelers. Or, visit the Lazy 5 Ranch, Patterson Farm, and hand-pick your own pumpkin and strawberries.
6. Asheville for a Weekend Getaway from Charlotte (Distance 125.8 miles)
Popular known for Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers an excellent weekend getaway opportunity to Charlotte locals. The scenic drive from Charlotte to Asheville alone offers spectacular vista views, but they are just the trailer to what a trip here can offer. The thriving craft beer scene, excellent local food, and tons of hiking opportunities ensure engaging every single visitor. And if that’s not what excites you, then you can check out Asheville’s local tourist attraction to make out the most. The list goes from Biltmore Estate to Asheville Museum of Art, North Carolina Arboretum, and Asheville Pinball Museum. What excites tourists the most about Asheville is that regardless of your interest, this city has something exciting for you. You may have a strong musical connection or special interest in art or architecture, and Asheville with undoubtedly entertain you.
Places to Stay in Asheville
- Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
- Haywood Park Hotel
- The Omni Grove Park Inn
- Biltmore Estate
7. Charleston for a Weekend Getaway from Charlotte (Distance 208.9 miles)
The locals of Charlotte gravitate to Charleston, South Carolina, for a number of reasons. This weekend getaway destination near Charlotte, though, is the talk of another state, but reaching here is worth it. Charleston is a beautiful city known for being immensely walkable. The city boasts its own historic district and offers incredible examples of 17th and 18th-century iconic buildings. It is home to the country’s oldest museum, Charleston Museum, which is undoubtedly a must-visit. The list of attractions further extends to Robert Lange Studio, Sullivan’s Beach, King Street, Isle of Palms, and more. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you can also check out Emily Whaley’s garden at 58 Church Street. Though many private gardens in the city are rarely open to the public, this one does welcome people all year round. So whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Charlotte will impress you every single time.
Places to Stay in Charleston, South Carolina
- French Quarter Inn
- Best Western Charleston Inn
- Hilton Garden Inn, Charleston Waterfront
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston
8. Athens, Georgia, for a Weekend Getaway from Charlotte (Distance 194.2 miles)
Located in Northeast Georgia, Athens is a beautiful city that is also known as the Classic City. Home to the University of Georgia, this vibrant college town has a long-established reputation for academia and learning and is full of life. Athens is majorly about students and the young generation, and therefore tourism here goes hand in hand. When on a trip to Athens, there’s so much to do. Downtown Athens alone hosts a hub of exciting and engaging activities. One can find the city’s oldest homes, churches, historic old theaters, and other notable landmarks. In addition, visitors can check out the Georgia Museum of Art, explore the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, or learn art at the Lyndon House Arts Center. Athens has a wealth of affordable boutiques and excellent restaurants and eateries as well.
Places to Stay in Athens, Georgia
- Hotel Indigo Athens
- Graduate Athens
- Hilton Garden Inn Athens Downtown
- Holiday Inn Athens-University Area
- Hampton Inn Athens