
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Raleigh, United States
1. Beautiful Beaufort, SC
A charming coastal town with historic homes and a marina, perfect for a weekend of relaxation.
- Historic District: Stroll through the beautifully preserved Historic District filled with antebellum mansions.
- Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking, fishing, or sailing in the calm waters of the Beaufort River.
- Gastronomic Delights: Savor local seafood and Lowcountry cuisine at various waterfront restaurants.
2. Charming Chapel Hill, NC
A vibrant university town with a lively downtown scene and stunning natural beauty.
- University of North Carolina: Visit the iconic campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Southern Comfort Food: Indulge in delicious Southern comfort food at traditional eateries like Crook's Corner.
- Hiking Trails: Explore the beautiful trails of the Shenandoah National Park nearby.
3. Artistic Asheville, NC
A mountain town brimming with art galleries, craft breweries, and stunning natural beauty.
- Biltmore Estate: Tour the opulent Biltmore Estate, America's largest home.
- Craft Breweries: Sample local craft beers at numerous breweries throughout the city.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking mountain views.
4. Scenic Wilmington, NC
A coastal city with beautiful beaches, a historic district, and a vibrant arts scene.
- Historic District: Explore the well-preserved Historic District filled with charming architecture.
- Beaches: Relax on beautiful beaches like Wrightsville Beach and Topsail Island.
- Forts & Lighthouses: Visit historic forts like Fort Fisher and iconic lighthouses like Cape Fear.
5. Natural Black Mountain, NC
A peaceful mountain town surrounded by natural beauty, perfect for a serene weekend getaway.
- Mount Mitchell State Park: Hike to the top of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi.
- Dark Sky Park: Stargaze at the pristine skies of Chimney Rock State Park, a designated Dark Sky Park.
- Glass Blowing Studios: Visit glass blowing studios like Penland School of Crafts and create your own art piece.
6. Historic Williamsburg, VA
Step back in time at the historic colonial settlement of Colonial Williamsburg.
- Living History Museum: Experience history come to life as costumed historians reenact daily life in the 18th century.
- Colonial Williamsburg: Explore the historic district, including the Capitol Building and Governor's Palace.
- Jamestown Settlement: Visit Jamestown Settlement to learn about the earliest English settlement in America.
7. Cultural Richmond, VA
A vibrant city with rich history, world-class museums, and a thriving arts scene.
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Explore the impressive collections at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
- Edgar Allan Poe Museum: Visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, dedicated to the life and work of America's greatest poet.
- Capital City Market: Shop for local goods at the historic Capital City Market.
8. Historic Charleston, SC
A charming coastal city with beautiful architecture, delicious food, and a rich history.
- Historic District: Explore the well-preserved Historic District filled with colorful houses and horse-drawn carriages.
- Fort Sumter National Monument: Learn about the American Civil War at Fort Sumter National Monument.
- Gastronomic Delights: Savor Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits, oysters roast, and she-crab soup.
9. Lively Myrtle Beach, SC
A coastal city with beautiful beaches, a vibrant boardwalk, and numerous entertainment options.
- Beaches: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Myrtle Beach or take part in various water sports.
- Boardwalk & Amusements: Stroll along the lively Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and enjoy amusement park rides.
- Golf Courses: Play golf at one of the many world-class golf courses in the area.
10. Rustic Blowing Rock, NC
A picturesque mountain town with stunning natural beauty and numerous outdoor activities.
- Museum of Art: Visit the charming Blowing Rock Art & History Museum.
- Hiking Trails: Explore beautiful hiking trails like the Johns River Gorge and Grandfather Mountain.
- Chimney Rock Park: Visit Chimney Rock Park for breathtaking views of Hickory Nut Gorge.
11. Scenic Charlottesville, VA
A charming college town with beautiful vineyards, historic sites, and outdoor activities.
- Monticello: Visit the home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello.
- Virginia Wine Country: Tour local vineyards and enjoy wine tastings in Virginia Wine Country.
- Shenandoah National Park: Hike the scenic trails of Shenandoah National Park or drive along Skyline Drive.
12. Natural Asheville, NC
A mountain town surrounded by natural beauty with numerous outdoor activities and art galleries.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking mountain views.
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Explore the beautiful trails and waterfalls of DuPont State Recreational Forest.
- Art Galleries & Studios: Visit local art galleries and studios like the River Arts District.
13. Historic Savannah, GA
A charming coastal city with beautiful architecture, delicious food, and a rich history.
- Historic District: Explore the well-preserved Historic District filled with colorful houses and squares.
- Fort Pulaski National Monument: Learn about the American Civil War at Fort Pulaski National Monument.
- Gastronomic Delights: Savor Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits, oysters roast, and she-crab soup.
14. Lively Virginia Beach, VA
A coastal city with beautiful beaches, a vibrant boardwalk, and numerous entertainment options.
- Beaches: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Virginia Beach or take part in various water sports.
- Boardwalk & Amusements: Stroll along the lively Virginia Beach Boardwalk and enjoy amusement park rides.
- Military Aviation Museums: Visit military aviation museums like the Naval Aviation Museum and the Military Aviation Museum.
15. Scenic Williamsburg, VA
A city rich in history with beautiful gardens, historic sites, and a charming downtown.
- Colonial Williamsburg: Explore the well-preserved Historic District of Colonial Williamsburg.
- Williamsburg Botanical Garden: Relax and unwind at the beautiful Williamsburg Botanical Garden.
- Historic Jamestown: Learn about the early history of America at Historic Jamestown.