7 Popular Weekend Getaway from Raleigh (2024)

There is so much to see and do in Raleigh, but taking an off from the capital city won’t harm. Raleigh has a lot to offer, but it is time to check out the nearby towns, cities, and villages when the metropolitan fever starts hitting off. Raleigh’s central location boasts multiple weekend getaway options within easy driving distance around the city. You may find yourself amidst a cultural community, within an art and historical heritage, or walking past the beautiful Atlantic coast. Regardless of your choices and preference, you will always find an array of fine holidaying options nearby Raleigh.

Need a weekend getaway with a loved one? Whether you go from Friday to Sunday or on a quick two-day week off, Raleigh’s neighborhood will fulfill your cravings. We’ve got ideas on the best things to do, tips, and tricks within a lesser distance from the city. The best part is while heading towards these destinations; you won’t waste much time driving but enjoy more charm of both the journey and destination.

7 Popular Weekend Getaway from Raleigh

So, what are you waiting for? Here is the list of Popular Weekend Getaway Spots near Raleigh. Have a look:

1. New Bern

One of the North Carolina small towns, New Bern, will treat you with beautiful attractions and friendly people. The town is less than 2 hours from Raleigh and has so much history, art, and outdoor and recreational opportunities. The first thing to check out in New Barn is the Governor’s Palace (Tryon Palace), a place that symbolizes how North Carolina’s first capital was during the Colonial times. If you are a museum buff, check out New Bern Firemen’s Museum and Craven Arts Council and Gallery. Outdoor enthusiasts Union Point Park, Lawson Creek Park, and Fisher Landing Recreation Site. Adults can also visit Brewery99 and try a wide variety of flavourful local beer. For trying your hands on some adventure, head towards Stillwater Kayaking and earn a wonderful experience regardless of your skill set.

Places to Eat and Stay in New Bern

• Morgan’s Tavern & Grill
• The Chelsea
• Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant
• MJ’s Raw Bar and Grille
• Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina
• Hampton Inn New Bern
• Benjamin Ellis House Bed & Breakfast

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

There is no better option for a fabulous weekend getaway from Raleigh than the Blue Ridge Parkway. One can reach here after a 2-and-a-half-hour drive over the scenic routes that span through South and Central Appalachians. Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles of breathtaking gorgeousness, and the journey through it is even more beautiful than any other destination in entire North Carolina. Pass through the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon, Linville Gorge’ and the tallest peak in the eastern United States’ Mount Michell.’ Roadtrippers will also come across the Plateau Region’s New River, the oldest river in North America. If you want a more intimate experience, you can stop by the common attractions, including Asheville’s Biltmore Estate, New Market Virginia’s Museum of the Civil War, and Virginia’s Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Blue Ridge Parkway is also popular for activities like hiking, mountain biking, waterfall hopping, wildlife viewing, and camping.

Places To Eat And Stay In Blue Ridge Parkway

• Paul’s Family Restaurant
• Benne on Eagle
• Farm Table at Monticello
• Black Walnut Inn
• Mena’s Place
• Papa Bear Log Cabin

3. Durham

Durham is a beautiful town and a cultural destination just half an hour from Raleigh. Home to the popular Duke University, Durham is often frequented by students and families. The town has a very peaceful vibe, while it boasts vibrant cultural and rich historical scenes. You can find both indoor and outdoor attractions, and mixing them is easy since Durham is extremely walkable and cycle-friendly. Some must-check-out indoor attractions in Durham include Durham Performing Arts Center, Museum of Life & Science, and Nasher Museum of Art. Whereas for outdoor attractions in Durham, the choices expand from Sarah P. Duke Gardens, American Tobacco Campus, Bennett Place Historic Site, and many more. Not only that but even the Duke University campus host art shows and lectures that are a delight to attend. For antique shops and award-winning dining, consider the Rockwood District in Durham.

Places To Eat And Stay In Durham

• Beamish Hall Country Hotel
• Seaham Hall
• Hotel Indigo
• Lumley Castle Hotel
• Finbarr’s
• The Rabbit Hunt Inn

4. Asheboro

Asheboro is central North Carolina’s beautiful small town, popular for its family-filled attractions and a fine blend of activities. It is about 72 miles from Raliegh, and a drive of about one and a half hours will help you reach it. Asheboro is a city popular for being home to North Carolina Zoo and housing numerous historical structures. This iconic all-American city also offers breathtaking, natural, and stunning views, which undoubtedly have made a large population settle here. When in the town, do check out indoor attractions like North Carolina Aviation Museum, Randolph County Public Library, Motorcycle Museum, and Collector’s Antique Mall. For outdoor fun, you can check out places like obviously the North Carolina Zoo, the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness, North Asheboro Park, and the Pisgah Covered Bridge.

Places To Eat And Stay In Asheboro

• Paw-Paw’s Place
• The Table
• Don Julio Cocina Mexicana
• Magnolia 23
• SureStay Plus Hotel By Best Western Asheboro
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Asheboro

5. Carolina Tiger Rescue and Pittsboro

About 40 minutes drive away from Raleigh, the town of Pittsboro welcomes you to the Carolina Tiger Rescue. If you are a fan of tigers and other exotic cats, you simply can’t miss a chance to check out this place. The Rescue center saves wild cats and protects them within an enclosed environment. They aren’t open to the public like a zoo, but one can tour the site via special reservation. The Rescue Center offers weekend tours where trained volunteers accompany enthusiasts to walk across the wild cat sanctuary and observe them from a safer distance. Visitors can learn about the challenges that these animal face in the wild and in captivity. The tour comes in several options, including twilight tours, private tours, and more. When done with the wild cat, check out a few Pittsboro attractions, including Fearrington Village, Starrlight Mead, Chatham Historical Museum, and Chatham Axes.

Places To Eat And Stay In Pittsboro

• Guglhupf Bakery
• Parker and Otis
• Mami Noras Rotisserie Chicken
• Hyatt Place Chapel Hill/Southern Village
• AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown

6. Greensboro

North Carolina’s third largest city, Greensboro, is just 1 hour and 15 minutes drive away from Raleigh. This city is a popular vacation spot, and it boasts a significant number of attractions, including both indoor and outdoor. Not only is the daytime fun, but Greensboro’s nightlife, too, is equally enjoyable. The town is teeming with that what a fulfilling vacation asks for. When here, do visit Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro Historical Museum, and Antique Market Place for some vintage shopping. The city is also full of gardens, and some must-visits amongst them include Gateway Gardens, Greensboro Arboretum, and the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden. If you are into British Beers and are an adult, do give Pig Pounder Brewery a quick try. This state-of-the-art interactive facility allows an individual to tour and taste all in one place.

Places To Eat And Stay In Greensboro

• O.Henry Hotel
• Hilton Garden Inn Greensboro Airport
• Days Inn Greensboro
• Cugino Forno Pizzeria
• Machete
• Crafted The Art of the Taco

7. Old Salem

Last on our list is the historic district of Old Salem. This large town is within a 1 hour and 42 minutes driving distance from Raleigh and is quite a popular place amongst the neighborhood. Old Salem is an immensely walkable town with its settling history dating back to the year 1766. The town today is often recognized for Salem College, which was also founded in 1772 by the Moravians (settlers). Apart from history, the town is also known for its immense natural beauty, art galleries, parks, museums, breweries, and restaurants. While in Old Salem, begin with exploring the West End Historic District. The historical and cultural significance here will leave you impressed. Other popular attractions in the town include Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Black Mountain Chocolate Factory, Old Salem Museums and Gardens, Historic Bethabara Park, and Frank L. Horton Museum Center.

Places To Eat And Stay In Old Salem

• Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro
• Rooster’s A Noble Grille
• Katharine Brasserie & Bar
• The Zevely Inn
• The Historic Brookstown Inn
• Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center