Travelling for a weekend in North Carolina but don’t know how to spend your time?

From urban adventure in cities life Raleigh and Charlotte, to the tranquility of the Outer Banks, the following are weekend getaway ideas for 48 hours in North Carolina!

Ideas for a Perfect Weekend in North Carolina

48 Hours in Raleigh

The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is a great place for a weekend getaway if you’re looking for a combination of great food and music, history, museums, and exciting nightlife.

Of notable attractions here, first built in 1840 the North Carolina State Capitol is famous for its Greek Revival design. It’s a beautiful historic sight and is perfect for anyone who holds an interest in politics and history (admission is free).

Across from the Capitol is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This is the largest natural science museum in the southeast, and from dinosaur exhibitions to the stunningly brilliant butterfly room, is a great place for traveling with children.

Other museums in the city include the City of Raleigh Museum and the North Carolina Museum of History. Inbetween museum hopping you can spend time in nature at Pullen Park, and choose from walking trails, bike rentals, or even a miniature railway.

There are three major universities here, so Raleigh has a very young, student vibe, and after a full day of exploring and history, there’s a lively nightlife. Plenty to fill your weekend days and nights!

An Active Weekend in Asheville

A weekend in Asheville will provide you with the perfect base for hiking and spending time in the outdoors; it’s the gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and there are plenty of scenic hikes, waterfalls, and viewpoints to explore.

While there’s the uber luxurious Biltmore House, another great place to stay is the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House; an authentically restored Queen Anne Victorian Mansion in the Montford district. For those traveling with furry friends and looking for a pet-friendly hotel in downtown Asheville, numerous options welcome pets with open arms, ensuring you and your companion enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay in the city’s heart.

After you’ve checked in, lace up your shoes to hike a piece of the Appalachian Trail, and plan to drive a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can do small pieces of both of these, without having to complete the whole expanse of them.

Exploring Biltmore even if you’re not staying at the Inn is a must, and in addition to walking through the historic mansion (now a museum) there are many colorful gardens and trails which overlook the mountains.

When it comes time to eat, anywhere you go in Asheville you’ll find delicious menu’s full of farm-to-table Southern cuisine. This is a great way to spend an active weekend getaway in North Carolina.

A Weekend of Food and Wine in Charlotte

If you’re an urbanite and foodie you’ll be well set for a weekend in Charlotte, where you can hop between cafes, restaurants and bars to your hearts content – all weekend!

Start with breakfast at Flying Biscuit, who serve southern style breakfasts and have the best french toast you’ll ever eat. The move onto littleSpoon Eatery for brunch / lunch – a fun neighborhood cafe with farm fresh food (they have boozy brunch on Sundays!)

You can spend your afternoons exploring the Charlotte-area wine country on the Swan Creek Wine Trail (4 vineyards, 5 miles apart!), and several other vineyards like Childress Vineyards and Shelton Vineyards.

Haberdish is then a great option for dinner and cocktails; a mill town southern kitchen and craft cocktail bar. Head here for a hearty dinner of Carolina inspired cuisine (like southern veggies, and crispy fried chicken).

An Oceanfront Vacation Near The Outer Banks

The North Carolina Outer Banks is a fabulous destination for a weekend getaway, especially if you’re after some rest and relaxation by the sea (book a luxurious oceanfront home-like these vacation rentals in Corolla).

A beach break is a great idea for escaping the city, or other overrun vacation spots; this is a region known for it’s 100 + miles of coastline, tranquil seaside villages, and remote barrier islands. You might not even encounter another human being!