15 Epic Summer Road Trip Stops In North Carolina

Long, sun-drenched days and winding scenic highways—summer in North Carolina was made for road trips. But where do you start when the state is packed with waterfalls, historic towns, barbecue trails, and coastal hideaways?

Whether you’re craving cool mountain air in Asheville, a lighthouse climb on the Outer Banks, or a lazy float down a hidden river, there’s a perfect stop waiting for you. I’ve explored these routes myself, from sunrise mountain hikes to seafood feasts by the sea, and every detour has its own story.

So, are you more of a beach cruiser or a backroad wanderer? Either way, this guide will help you plan a road trip full of local flavor, jaw-dropping views, and those spontaneous moments that make summer unforgettable.

1. Biltmore Estate in Asheville

America’s largest home sits majestically in the mountains of Asheville, waiting to blow your mind. Built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, this 250-room château looks like it belongs in a fairy tale, not North Carolina!

Wandering through the gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted feels like stepping into another world. The summer brings vibrant blooms, making it perfect for photos and peaceful walks.

Don’t miss the winery on the estate grounds where adults can sample delicious wines. Kids will love the farm area with friendly animals. Plan to spend a full day here – you’ll need it to see everything this amazing place offers.

2. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the Outer Banks

Standing tall at 198 feet, the black-and-white spiral Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is America’s tallest brick lighthouse and a true North Carolina icon. The distinctive candy-cane stripes make it impossible to miss along the gorgeous Outer Banks coastline.

If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 257 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding beaches. Rangers often give talks about the lighthouse’s fascinating history, including how it was moved 2,900 feet inland in 1999 to save it from the encroaching sea.

Nearby Buxton Woods offers shady hiking trails when you need a break from the sun.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Half a million acres of mountain wilderness await on North Carolina’s western border! The misty blue peaks of the Smokies create a magical backdrop for summer adventures, with temperatures that stay refreshingly cool even in July and August.

Clingmans Dome Road leads to the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet. From the observation tower, you can see seven states on a clear day! For wildlife fans, Cataloochee Valley offers your best chance to spot the park’s famous elk herd, especially at dawn or dusk.

Deep Creek area near Bryson City features three beautiful waterfalls you can reach on easy hiking trails. Perfect for families!

4. Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills

Where humans first took flight! This historic site marks the exact spots where Wilbur and Orville Wright launched their flying machine on December 17, 1903, forever changing our world. Small granite markers show the landing points of each of their four flights that day.

The museum houses a full-scale replica of their original plane and fascinating exhibits about how these bicycle mechanics solved the puzzle of flight. Kids love running down the grassy hill where the brothers made their historic flights.

Climb to the top of Kill Devil Hill to see the impressive granite monument honoring their achievement. The views of the surrounding Outer Banks coastline from up here are simply stunning.

5. Chimney Rock State Park

Jutting dramatically from the earth, the 315-foot granite monolith called Chimney Rock offers one of North Carolina’s most jaw-dropping views. While you can take an elevator inside the mountain to reach the top, the hiking trails offer the most rewarding experience.

Summer brings vibrant wildflowers along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, leading to one of the tallest waterfalls in the East at 404 feet. This impressive cascade was featured in the movie “The Last of the Mohicans.”

Keep your eyes peeled for peregrine falcons soaring overhead! The park’s unique location where the mountains meet the Piedmont creates diverse habitats for rare plants and animals you won’t see elsewhere.

6. Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive

Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this 469-mile ribbon of road hugs the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains with jaw-dropping views around every curve. Summer brings vibrant green mountainsides dotted with colorful wildflowers and refreshingly cool temperatures even in August.

Waterrock Knob at milepost 451.2 offers one of the parkway’s most spectacular sunset spots. A short but steep trail leads to panoramic views that stretch for 50+ miles on clear days!

Linville Falls at milepost 316.4 features a moderate 1.6-mile trail leading to several overlooks of this powerful three-tiered waterfall plunging into the gorge below. Pack a picnic – you’ll find perfect spots with million-dollar views all along the route.

7. North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro

Unlike any zoo you’ve visited before, the North Carolina Zoo spreads across 2,600 acres with spacious natural habitats instead of cages. The largest walk-through zoo in the world lets you journey through North America and Africa in a single day!

Summer brings special animal encounters and feeding demonstrations. Watch polar bears swim underwater through giant viewing windows or see elephants roaming in spaces so vast they seem almost wild.

The ‘Kidzone’ offers splash pads perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Don’t miss the aviary where colorful birds fly freely around you! A tram service helps tired feet cover more ground, which is helpful since walking the entire zoo can mean covering 5+ miles.

8. Sliding Rock Natural Water Slide in Pisgah National Forest

Mother Nature created the ultimate water park ride in the heart of Pisgah National Forest! This 60-foot smooth rock face creates a natural water slide that drops you into a refreshing 7-foot deep pool below. On hot summer days, nothing beats this thrilling yet family-friendly adventure.

The water stays a chilly 50-60 degrees even in August, making it the perfect cool-down spot. Lifeguards watch over the fun during peak season, and changing rooms are available on site.

Bring water shoes for better traction on the slippery rock. After your sliding adventures, explore the surrounding forest’s many trails and waterfalls. Looking Glass Falls, just a few minutes away, offers another stunning natural water feature without the climb.

9. Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington

Across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington sits a massive piece of floating history – the USS North Carolina. This mighty World War II battleship earned 15 battle stars during the war and now serves as an incredible hands-on museum.

Summer visitors can explore nine levels of this massive vessel, from the massive 16-inch gun turrets on deck to the cramped sleeping quarters below. The ship feels like a floating city, complete with a bakery, dental office, and even an ice cream shop!

Evening tours offer a completely different experience, with the ship’s corridors taking on an eerie quality. Look across to the Wilmington riverfront for beautiful views, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle.

10. Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head

Walking across Jockey’s Ridge feels like crossing a desert in the middle of the beach! These massive sand dunes – the tallest on the East Coast – shift and change with the coastal winds, creating an otherworldly landscape that kids absolutely love.

Flying kites takes on a whole new dimension when you launch them from the top of a 100-foot dune. The constant ocean breezes make this one of the best kite-flying spots anywhere. Summer evenings bring hang gliding lessons where you can learn to soar off the dunes.

Sunset transforms the park into a photographer’s dream as the sand takes on golden and pink hues. The views from the top stretch across both the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound – truly spectacular!

11. Cherokee and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Did you know the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have lived in these mountains for over 11,000 years? Their story comes alive at this fascinating museum that uses interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts to share Cherokee history and culture.

Summer brings special outdoor cultural demonstrations like traditional dancing, blowgun shooting, and storytelling sessions. The Oconaluftee Indian Village nearby recreates a 1760s Cherokee community with dwellings, crafts, and daily life demonstrations.

After exploring the museum, wander through downtown Cherokee where you’ll find authentic native crafts and art. The nearby Qualla Boundary (Cherokee reservation) offers beautiful drives along mountain streams where you might spot locals fishing using traditional methods passed down for generations.

12. Grandfather Mountain near Linville

Home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge, Grandfather Mountain delivers heart-pounding thrills and breathtaking beauty in equal measure. This 228-foot suspension bridge dangles a mile above sea level, offering views that stretch for 100 miles on clear summer days.

Wildlife habitats feature animals native to the area, including black bears, eagles, and otters. Unlike traditional zoo enclosures, these spacious natural environments allow the animals to behave naturally while still being visible to visitors.

Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures that require ladders and cables to navigate! The mountain’s unique ecology makes it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with plant life more commonly found in Canada than the American South.

13. Emerald Isle Beaches

Crystal-clear water meets powder-soft sand at Emerald Isle, the crown jewel of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Unlike the more developed beaches of the Outer Banks, this family-friendly stretch offers a more laid-back vibe with less crowding even during peak summer months.

The unique east-west orientation of the shoreline means you can watch both sunrise and sunset over water depending on which side of the island you’re on! Bogue Inlet Pier extends 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, offering exceptional fishing and dolphin-watching opportunities.

Hammocks Beach State Park nearby offers kayak rentals for exploring the peaceful marshlands. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles nesting on the beaches during summer nights – local conservation groups often lead educational walks to spot them.

14. Whitewater Center in Charlotte

An Olympic training facility that’s open to everyone! The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers heart-pounding adventure on the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. Summer visitors can tackle Class II-IV rapids under the guidance of expert instructors, no experience needed.

Beyond rafting, the 1,300-acre outdoor playground features over 50 activities including zip lines soaring through the forest canopy, challenging rock climbing walls, and miles of mountain biking trails. Flatwater kayaking offers a more peaceful option for those seeking calm.

Thursday and Saturday nights bring the River Jam concert series with live music on the banks of the river. Food trucks and craft beer gardens make it easy to spend an entire day here, cooling off between adventures.

15. Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village

Famous as the filming location for the movie “Dirty Dancing,” Lake Lure’s crystal-clear waters nestle perfectly among forested mountains. The lake’s beach area features soft sand imported from the coast and swimming areas perfect for families on hot summer days.

Boat tours reveal hidden coves and stunning lakefront homes while sharing stories about the lake’s history and movie connections. You might recognize several spots from films like “The Last of the Mohicans” and “A Breed Apart.”

The charming village of Chimney Rock sits at the lake’s edge, offering ice cream shops, local restaurants, and quirky stores perfect for browsing. Don’t miss the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge – a former highway bridge transformed into a stunning garden that changes with the seasons.