road trip from north carolina to washington state

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North Carolina to Washington drive

North carolina to washington road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from North Carolina to Washington. If you're planning a road trip to Washington, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start at North Carolina drive for about 4.5 hours

1:30 pm   Charleston (West Virginia) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:30 pm drive for about 5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 9.5 hours find more stops

11:00 am  leave from Indianapolis drive for about 3 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 3 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from The James Chicago Hotel drive for about 6.5 hours

day 3 driving ≈ 6.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America drive for about 3.5 hours

1:37 pm   West Fargo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:37 pm drive for about 5 hours

day 4 driving ≈ 8.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Theodore Roosevelt National Park drive for about 6.5 hours

day 5 driving ≈ 6.5 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Bozeman drive for about 3 hours

11:53 am   Missoula eat at Five on Black stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:53 pm drive for about 7 hours

8:05 pm  arrive at Washington

day 6 driving ≈ 10 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Charleston (West Virginia)   (20 answers)     questions about Charleston (West Virginia):         Best live music venue?         Historic sites Indianapolis   (60 answers)     Indianapolis Museum of Art   (4 mentions)     Indianapolis Zoo   (2 mentions)     questions about Indianapolis:         What is your favorite restaurant in Indianapolis?         Your Favorite Holiday Events in Indianapolis         Best free things to do in Indianapolis?         Awesome food trucks?         Safe area? Chicago   (337 answers)     Millennium Park   (54 mentions)     The Art Institute of Chicago   (48 mentions)     Shedd Aquarium   (46 mentions)     Willis Tower   (38 mentions)     Lincoln Park Zoo   (35 mentions)     restaurants around Chicago:         Lou Malnati's Pizzeria         Pequod's Pizza         Girl & the Goat         Big Star         Au Cheval     hotels around Chicago:         The James Chicago Hotel         Hotel Palomar Chicago         Acme Hotel Company Chicago         Virgin Hotels Chicago         Thompson Chicago     questions about Chicago:         What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago?         Best Chicago pizza?         What to do in one weekend in Chicago?         airport transportation         Chicago - Should we rent a car or no? Minneapolis   (71 answers)     Lake Calhoun   (23 mentions)     Lake Harriet   (21 mentions)     Lake Of The Isles   (17 mentions)     Minnehaha Falls   (10 mentions)     Minnehaha Park   (8 mentions)     restaurants around Minneapolis:         The Bachelor Farmer         112 Eatery         Sea Salt Eatery         Midtown Global Market         Psycho Suzi's     hotels around Minneapolis:         Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America     questions about Minneapolis:         Best free things to do in Minneapolis?         Is the Mall of America worth visiting?         Fine dining in Minneapolis?         What are the best lakes in and/or around Minneapolis?         What are your favorite restaurants in Minneapolis? West Fargo   (5 answers)     questions about West Fargo:         What is your favorite restaurant in West Fargo?         rv campgrounds Theodore Roosevelt National Park   (9 mentions) Bozeman   (31 answers) Missoula   (16 answers)     restaurants around Missoula:         Five on Black     questions about Missoula:         What is your favorite restaurant in Missoula?

What are some things to do in Washington?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Washington. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Washington.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Washington to North Carolina drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from North Carolina to Washington . Or get a full North Carolina to Washington flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know North Carolina well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about North Carolina!

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Ultimate Washington Road Trip Guide | 2-Week Itinerary

By Author Emily Junda

Posted on Last updated: May 3, 2023

Categories Hiking , Road Trips , Travel Guides , Washington

Washington State is home to 3 absolutely breathtaking National Parks. There is so much to explore within these areas, that this will simply absorb most of your time along this Washington Road Trip Guide.

Washington is a large state, and you could easily spend a lifetime exploring the ins and outs of this beautiful state. But in this specific Washington Road Trip Guide, we will take you to the coolest spots we found while exploring the state for just over a month and try to condense it into an epic 2-week itinerary.

We are pretty avid hikers, so be aware that this guide is geared towards putting in some serious miles on the trails. But the payoff for hiking in Washington rewards you with some of the most beautiful views in the country! However, we do make time for “rest days,” where you can enjoy some more leisurely activities like eating out, river floating, or going to breweries.

We will include a few additional add-on activities if you have the pleasure to explore Washington for longer than just a couple of weeks! But ultimately, we want to make sure you make it to the 3 National Parks, because well, they are National Parks for a reason after all! So let’s dive into this Washington 2-week itinerary. 

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy .

Accommodation Along This Ultimate Washington Road Trip:

Do note, that we travel in our camper van full-time when we travel on these trips. We will include places we personally camped along the road trip or make a suggestion of locations.

We think this road trip would best be explored via car camping, campervan or RV, since there are so many areas where it will save you so much time camping versus finding hotels or vacation rentals. Therefore, we suggest renting a camper van or RV from Outdoorsy , RVezy or RVshare .

Also, food in some of these National Parks can be few and far between, and honestly be sub-par meals. Therefore having a kitchen with you can be great for making your own meals and honestly saving you some money during this Washington State Road Trip !

Some areas and campgrounds do require advanced reservations, so if you know the dates you will be visiting Washington State, it might be wise to book some of the campsites ahead of time to ensure your accommodation.

We have a Harvest Hosts & Boondockers Welcome membership which allows us to stay at wineries, local farms, breweries, golf courses, museums, local home driveways and more! The membership for harvest hosts is $99 annually, but if you use this Harvest Host Link , you can save 15% off at checkout! We even wrote a whole Harvest Hosts review , where you can learn everything you need to know if it is the right membership for you! And if you add on Boondockers Welcome (which are locals offering up their driveways or land for a place to park), you can combine the two platforms for a lower annual rate.

When there are no Harvest Hosts or Boondockers Welcome locations nearby, we use the app iOverlander. This is a super useful resource for finding camping on the road and can be used offline too. We will suggest places to stay, but you may travel at a little different pace, or choose to drive more or less than us.

Therefore, we suggest downloading and using this free and helpful resource along this Washington road trip!

But if camping isn’t your jam, there are still great vacation home rentals on VRBO s or hotels on Kayak that will help accommodate you for the night! Especially because this Washington Road Trip Guide is 2 weeks long, you might want to stay in a vacation home rental or a hotel midway through the trip to reset for other camping excursions.

Day 1 | Fly into Seattle & Head To Olympic National Park: 

Today will be a long travel day, but I promise it will set you up for a fun adventure day tomorrow! 

First stop, Seattle. Unless you border the state and can drive here, it is one of the harder western states to visit. Therefore most of you will be flying here. We suggest using Kayak to get the best deals on flights and rental cars. Or like mentioned above, rent a camper van or RV from Outdoorsy , RVezy or RVshare .

In this ultimate Washington road trip guide, we are going to skip exploring Seattle altogether, because you could easily spend a whole week or so here exploring the wonders of the city. There will be time at the end of the trip if you really want to explore Seattle.

We just feel like the surrounding areas are not to be missed, and when you only have a week or so to explore, then you might want to skip the city. But if you are able to explore Washington for longer this Washington 2-week itinerary, then here are some great Seattle travel guides . 

Once you get settled with your rental car or camper van/RV rental, we suggest heading to Olympic National Park via the North Route through Port Angeles.

Either stock up on groceries in Seattle or Port Angeles, unless you want to eat out for most meals. But having snacks for some of these hiking adventures is a good idea. And there aren’t a ton of restaurant options in some of the more remote areas of the National Parks.

Camping on Day 1 Of This Washington Road Trip: 

Tonight’s stop will depend on the time your flight gets into Seattle and how far you want to drive. If you have the energy to drive to Port Angeles, then some great Harvest Host locations are: Fleurish Lavender of Lost Mountain or Rain Shadow Lavender Farm. 

If you have a little extra energy, a great campground near Lake Crescent (a destination for tomorrow’s adventure) is Fairholme Campground. The cost is $24 and advanced reservations for Fairholme Campground can be made online at recreation.gov . 

If you are looking for a free place to stay there is a large pull-off near Highway 101 .

Day 2 | Mt. Storm King

One of my absolute favorite hikes in Olympic National Park is Mt. Storm King. It is a challenge, but one of the most rewarding hikes. The hike is 5.3 miles with 2076 ft elevation gain. Don’t forget to add the short detour to Marymere falls, which will add on about .7 miles round trip. 

The hike starts off pretty mellow till you reach the intersection to head up to Mount Storm King or head toward Marymere Falls. So once you make the detour and reach this intersection on your way back, the trail heads up which is a steady incline to the top.

About 1 mile from the intersection you will get a sneak peek of Lake Crescent from above. But I promise it only gets better at the top. Another .2 miles is where you will run into the “end of maintained trail” sign. 

Here you will run into the most difficult part of the trail. It’s best for experienced and confident hikers. There are ropes in place to help you safely climb up this section.

If there is recent rainfall, then the trail might be impassible at this point. As it would get pretty muddy and slick. But there are leftover gloves left by other hikers to help keep your grip on the rope to the top.

This section will most likely seem longer than it actually is (.2miles). But literally, the hard work will pay off instantly when you reach the top. Bonus if you can get here for sunrise or sunset. The hike is an out and back, therefore you return down the steep decline back to the parking lot.

After hiking Mount Storm King, it’s time to jump into the refreshing Lake you were just looking down upon. Or even better, rent a kayak to get out on the water. And if the timing works out, you can get a magical sunset over the lake.

Camping On Day 2 Of This Washington Road Trip:

You will probably be pretty tired after hiking Mt Storm King. So you might just want to head back to one of the camps near Crescent Lake: Fairholme Campground , Klahowya Campground .

For a free dispersed camping option, you could check for some spots down Forest Road 29 . 

Day 3 | Visit the Washington Coast

On Day 3 of this Washington Road Trip, we are going to be heading to the coast. But first, there is one more cool hike in Olympic National Park that should not be missed.  

Sol Duc Falls is 1.6 miles with 226 ft elevation gain, so it is a rather easy stop as we head to the ocean. It’s great for getting a little exercise before driving to the coast. The hike starts through dense lush forest and leads to 3 gushing falls. You might even be able to see a rainbow above the waterfalls.

Next, head back into the car and we are headed toward Rialto Beach. A popular destination is Hole in the Wall.

The hike is 3.3 miles with 108 ft elevation gain. Jake and I had our backpacking stuff with us, so we decided to backpack to this location ( permits are required ). But as you can see the mileage is rather easy, so by no means does this need to be done as a backpacking trip (most people hike much farther down the beach, but we just took the only permits available).

You will want to check for low tide , so you can safely cross to the other side and at least walk through the hole. 

If you have more time on your trip, some other great stops are Ruby Beach and the Hoh Rainforest. The only reason we don’t include these stops is because we include Rialto Beach which we personally found cooler. And there is so much dense and lush forest in Washington that you could maybe save the Hoh Rainforest for a different time. But if these two spots are of high interest to you, then they could easily be worked into the Washington Road Trip Guide.

Camping On Day 3 Of This Washington Road Trip: 

Camping or accommodation for this evening will depend on what time you got done with today’s activities. But tomorrow we will be heading to Mt. Rainier National Park and it’s about a 5+ hour drive. So we suggest choosing a camping spot on iOverlander that you think you can reach tonight. 

A good midway point would be near Rock Candy Mountain. There are 2 free primitive spots along the route. One being right off the highway , but you will need a Washington Discover Pass . And another one being about 15 minutes off the highway with nice mountain views.

There is also a Walmart in Aberdeen, WA, but it is a little out of the way and you will need to be in a self-contained camper van or RV to park here.

Day 4 | Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier is seriously one of the most mesmerizing mountains to look at. Jake and I have lived in Colorado in previous years where 14’ers (mountains over 14,000 ft high) are everywhere. But I think what makes Mt. Rainier so majestic is because it sits alone making it look so grand! 

Today we suggest driving into the park and stopping at a few viewpoints on your way to Skyline Trailhead. Some scenic stops are Christine Falls, Ricksecker Point, Narada Falls, and Reflection Lake. 

Also, if you are up for doing 2 hikes in one day, then you should consider doing Comet Falls before Skyline Loop trail. T

he Comet Falls hike is 3.2mi with 1279ft elevation gain. It may seem like an easy and short hike, but it has a decent climb up to the falls. But it will definitely be worth it with the beautiful rainbow that comes off the falls.

Next, head up to the top where you will find Skyline Trail Loop Trailhead. This is where you will find one of the main lodges (Paradise Inn) and the ranger station.

If you decided to indulge in Comet Falls first, then maybe consider getting a nice lunch break/early dinner at Paradise Inn. Which offers American-style cuisine.

Or you will also find the Tatoosh Cafe here too. This area has a large parking lot, but during peak season, it can be hard to even snag a spot. Although people do come and go rather often, so you might just have to wait a few minutes for someone to leave from their hiking adventure.

The Skyline Loop Trail is one of the best hikes in the park, offering absolutely stunning views of Mt. Rainier while it towers over you.

The hike is 6 miles with 1700 ft elevation gain. You can either go clockwise or counterclockwise.

Jake and I chose counter-clockwise to ease into the accent versus the other route. But nonetheless, they both lead you up with epic views of Mt. Rainier. And don’t forget to look back occasionally, because you get 360 views of breathtaking mountainous wilderness. 

If you choose to go counter-clockwise, you will run into Myrtle falls about .4 miles along the trail. A rushing waterfall with a view of Mt. Rainier directly behind it! If you go clockwise, then you can hit this stop on your way out.

Camping on Day 4 Of This Washington Road Trip:

Tonight, you are going to be heading out of the park and staying on National Forest Land right outside the park. The camp is along the White River and has some great views right from your campsite. And if it’s warm, you can even take a dip in the river.

The road can be a bit rough if you want to get super close to the river, but there are a few spots closer to the road if you don’t have high clearance. 

Day 5 | Sunrise Hike to Mount Fremont Lookout:

Day 5 on this Washington road trip is going to be an early one. That’s because this location can have some awesome cloud inversion if you get here early enough. And the sunrise over these mountains is unreal.

Oh and you will be hiking with the view of Mt. Rainier right next to you, so it’s pretty epic!

You might even see the light from some headlamps of people summiting Mt. Rainier. The hike is 5.6 miles with 1200 ft elevation gain. 

Depending on the time of year you are doing this hike, check the sunrise time. Plan for this hike to take you at least 1.5 hours to get to the top and maybe add in a little extra buffer time. 

The hike climbs steadily the whole route. It’s rather well-maintained but there are a few spur trails to be aware of. You will follow the Sourdough Trail until you reach Frozen Lake.

Here there are 3 different trails that merge. This is where you follow Mount Fremont Trail. This leads you up to a fire lookout. You can’t go inside, but you can see how rangers used to post up and look out for wildfires (and sometimes still do). 

After this hike, you will probably be pretty tired from waking up super early. So either grab a coffee at the Sunrise Day Lodge or consider taking a quick nap in your car. Because we have a drive ahead of us for the second portion of the day. 

Camping On Day 5 Of This Washington Road Trip:

Depending on how much driving you want to do today, there are a few different camping options along your drive. The drive from Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout trailhead to Leavenworth is just under 4 hours. Just past Liberty, WA there is a decent spot off the highway where you can camp for free. Or another one a little closer to Leavenworth.

Or if you want to drive the whole way to Leavenworth, then refer to camping on Day 6.

Day 6 | Exploring the Town Of Leavenworth

Leavenworth, WA is one of my favorite towns in Washington and has honestly been one of the highlights of vanlife. I think when we run into a super cool town that wasn’t completely on our radar is super special.

Jake and I plan our road trips thoroughly, so we don’t miss anything. But this town was super cool and something we found as we were traveling North. And honestly ended up spending a few days here enjoying the amazing vibe.

It’s a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains. You will get the feel as soon as you enter this unique town because even the fonts on all the business signs are the same, the building structure, and the restaurants are all Bavarian-styled. 

Today is going to be more of a touristy day, and after the hiking you’ve done, I’m sure you could use a nice break. 

Check out our post for the Ultimate Guide to Leavenworth Washington for everything you gotta do while you are here! Including the best restaurants, bakeries, museums, breweries, and more.

A couple highlights from our trip are the 3 breweries (Blewett Brewing Co, Icicle Brewing Co, & Doghaus Brewery), Rhein Haus restaurant for a pretzel and bratwurst, waterfront park trail, Munich Haus and the Danish Bakery. There are also various shops you can explore which can easily kill a whole days worth of your time.

Camping On Day 6 Of This Washington Road Trip:

If you are traveling in a camper van or RV, then Leavenworth has an awesome opportunity for an overnight stay. If you are tent camping, then there is National Forest Land nearby where you can stay for the night.

There is a free parking lot on the Southwest edge of town (walking distance) where you can park for 24 hours. So you can grab that extra bier stein at one of the bavarian pubs because you don’t have to drive tonight! 

There are also two great campground options near Leavenworth Washington.  Alpine View RV Park  is located less than 1 mile from downtown. There is a dump station on-site, complimentary showers for guests, and free wifi. 

There is also the  KOA Holiday Leavenworth , which is also less than a mile from town. They offer a luxurious style of camping with both RV and tent sites. It’s located just a short walk from the Wenatchee River, so during those summer months, you can take a nice dip to cool off. There is complimentary wifi, cable TV, pool, hot tub, and even fun campground recreation to keep you and the kids entertained. 

Day 7 | The Enchantments 

The Enchantments are one of the most popular backpacking trips in Washington. And if you are lucky enough to snag a permit, there is an amazing thru-hike, which you absolutely should do. But you can also hike to one of the coolest lakes on this backpacking trip as a day hike. So that is what we suggest doing on Day 7 of this Washington Road Trip. 

The day hike leads up to Colchuck Lake which is 9 miles with 2283 ft elevation gain. The hike starts off as a mellow incline and gradually gets steeper along the route.

Especially during peak summer, getting to the lake is so worth it, because you can take a dip in the majestic aqua blue water with towering mountains along the opposite shoreline. It can be a challenge to find an accessible spot to the lake, but there are various paths that will lead you to one.

Be sure to pack along a snack or lunch to enjoy the beautiful mountain views. 

Because the weather was so nice Jake and I spent a few hours enjoying this beautiful setting. But the hike back down was a little buggy, so I would assume during certain times in summer, the bugs could be a problem up at the lake (which we experienced hiking to various other lakes throughout the summer).

Camping/ Accommodation on Day 7 Of This Washington Road Trip:

There are a few campgrounds in Leavenworth that could be worth reserving in advance, so you can explore more of the lovely town of Leavenworth. Otherwise, consider checking out a spot nearby via the iOverlander app. 

Day 8 | Float The Wenatchee River

One of our favorite things we did besides hiking on this Washington Road Trip was floating down the Wenatchee River. There are a few tours that you can pay for that provide the tubes and a shuttle ride to the start of the float trip.

Or you can choose your own adventure. Jake and I have the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak , so we decided to park at the “take out” and walk to the start of the float trip to get some extra exercise, and float down the river back to our car. The hike was a bit longer than we thought, but worth it if you are on a budget and want to save a few bucks. 

One of the tubing rental companies is the Leavenworth Outdoor Center . You can park in their grass lot for $10 or somewhere in town and they will shuttle you to the launch point. You can choose between a 2-mile or 4-mile float trip. But do note the 4-mile float trip is only offered in July due to water levels. The price ranges from $25-$30 per person.

Other companies that offer tubes and shuttle services are Blue Sky Outfitters , River Riders , and Osprey Rafting Co . If you want to step up your game from the lazy float down the Wenatchee River, each of these companies also offers White Water Rafting earlier in the season.  

Camping on Day 8 Of This Washington Road Trip:

If you are like us, then you might have indulged in a few beverages along the float trip, making it not a great idea to drive afterwards. So we suggest either staying at the campgrounds in town, a discount hotel from Kayak , or a VRBO .

You could try out one of the various breweries or check out a different local cuisine in the area. 

Day 9 | Head Toward The North Cascades: 

On Day 9 of this Washington Road Trip guide, we are going to head to The North Cascades National Park. Once you get here, take a drive through the park. 

The first stop on the drive is Blue Lake Trailhead. Another stunning blue lake with gorgeous mountain peaks along the lake’s edge. The hike is 5mi with 1100ft elevation gain. 

The hike meanders through open meadows and subalpine forests with beautiful wildflowers during the summer season. Blue Lake Trail is rather mellow and well-maintained. Definitely bring a packed lunch or snacks to enjoy at the lake.

Camping On Day 9 of This Washington Road Trip:

If you are traveling in a camper van or RV, then you can park in the Blue Lake Trailhead (there weren’t “No Camping” signs at the time we visited). There were also a few other campers and RV’s sharing the lot with us as well.

If you want a more official campground for the night, Lone Fir Campground is based on a first-come, first-serve system. There are 27 sites, but during peak season, this campground tends to fill up quickly.

Day 10 | Hike Maple Pass Trail:

Day 10 of this Washington Road Trip Guide brings you to one of the most popular hikes in the park. And for good reason. Maple Pass Trail hike is 6.6mi with 2145ft elevation gain. It is a bit more challenging, but amazing views as soon as you leave your vehicle. 

The hike starts from Rainy Lake Trailhead and can be done in either direction. The trail starts off as a steady incline through a forest and opens up to a meadow with beautiful wildflowers in the summer season. If you go counter-clockwise, which is a more gradual ascent, you run into Lake Ann.

There is a short detour to Lake Ann if this is of interest. We decided to forgo the detour, but if it’s a hot day, it could be a nice place to stop for a swim.

At 2.5 miles into the climb, you will encounter Heather Pass Trail. Continue to the left on Maple Pass Trail. Here the trail circles around Lake Ann and continues the climb to the summit of Maple Pass where you will have panoramic views of the area.

Then, the descent starts, which can be slow going miles. It was super nice to have hiking poles on this section of the hike. Lastly, toward the end, you will be blessed with a top-down view of Rainy Lake.

After the hike, there are a few cool viewpoints to check out on your way out of the park. Of course, if you come to North Cascades National Park, you have to stop at the famous Diablo Lake Vista Point. You get to look down upon the aqua, blue-green water surrounded by mountain peaks.

There is a cool waterfall along the bridge that goes over Gore Creek. You can park on either side of the bridge in the designated parking lots and walk along either side of the bridge.

If you don’t like heights, you may want to skip this one or at least “don’t look down”. The bridge pathway is see through and a long way up from the ground.

The waterfall is roughly halfway along the path. 

Camping on Day 10 Of This Washington Road Trip:

There are a few great campgrounds in the park for camping on day 10 of this Washington Road Trip. Two great campgrounds that are near Diablo Lake are Gorge Lake Campground and Colonial Creek South . Reservations can be made in advance at both campgrounds.

North Cascades National Park also has some unique camping options if you have the time. There are a few locations that allow boat-in camping to Ross Lake, Diablo Lake and Lake Chelan. A backcountry permit is required for each wilderness area.

If you have more time on your road trip, you can also visit Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest & Mount Baker Wilderness. Sadly when we visited we ran out of time, and quite frankly, got a little burnt out from mountain hikes. But again, pretty high on our list of awesome places to visit when we come back to Washington. Some hikes that are on our bucket list are Chain Lakes Loop Trail and Heather Meadows & Artists Point Trail. 

Day 11 | Head To Anacortes:

One activity Jake and I regret not doing while visiting Washington was kayaking the San Juan Islands. But it is definitely high on our list for the next time. 

Kayaking the San Juan Islands does take some extra planning because in order to get to the islands you need to take a ferry . And then you can get a kayaking tour from there.

Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor are two of the more popular starting locations for kayaking the San Juan Islands.

The ferry for passengers from Anacortes to Friday Island is about an hour long and costs $15/person.

Therefore, we suggest after visiting the North Cascades heading to Anacortes. This could be a relaxing day before your last adventure exploring the San Juan Islands. You can either choose to explore the small town of Anacortes or Friday Harbor.

Tonight you should treat yourself to a nice seafood dinner since you are near the coast.

Some restaurants you could try out for fresh seafood near Anacortes are Secret Cove, Adrift Restaurant or Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon. Sadly, I can’t personally recommend one of these locations from personal experience, but these places come highly reviewed for seafood restaurants.

Restaurants you could try in Friday Harbor for fresh seafood are The Bait Shop, Downriggers, or Coho Restaurant. You could also check out the San Juan Island Brewing Co if that is of interest to you!

Camping/ Accommodation For Day 11 Of This Washington Road Trip Guide:

Camping near cities gets a bit more difficult. If you want to stick with the camping theme of this trip, then you could ride the ferry over to Friday Harbor the night before your kayaking trip around the San Juan Islands.

If you are traveling in a camper van or RV, you can also ferry your vehicle over, it will just cost more. The fares for taking your vehicle across start at around $43, but you can check the ferry fares here for your specific vehicle details. But Friday Harbor has a nice campground called Lakedale .

If you have a Harvests Host Membership, then you could stay at the Amaro Farms on Friday Harbor.

But there are also great VRBO s or great hotel deals on Kayak , that can accommodate you for the night.

Day 12 | Kayak The San Juan Islands

Now is for the final fun adventure to truly explore Washington State. There are a few different guided tours around the islands. One company that stands out is the San Juan Kayak Expedition . They offer both day trips and multi-day trips. So you can choose your own adventure.

But on this specific Washington Road Trip Guide, we suggest the full-day tour where you can either visit the Lime Kiln or Griffin Bay. The price for a full-day tour is around $150/person.

A full-day tour is about a 6-hour journey, with 4 hours on the water, 2 hours for lunch and a coastal hike at the Lime Kiln Point State Park. You will often witness marine wildlife such as River Otters, Porpoises, Harbor Seals and even Orca Whales.

Camping / Accommodation on Day 12 Of This Washington Road Trip Guide:

Refer to Day 12 for camping info about Lakedale or Amaro Farms with Harvest Hosts. Or use the links above to find a great deal on a VRBO or a great hotel deal through Kayak.

Day 13 | Head Back Toward Seattle

Day 13 is a travel day back to Seattle. Here you could catch an evening flight out, or get a hotel close to the airport and take off the next morning.

Some popular tourist attractions are the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Pike’s Place Market, The Gum Wall, etc. And of course, they have a great brewery scene which always entices Jake and me!

As mentioned above, Jake and I mostly avoid cities when we travel (not a great fit with vanlife), so here are some great Seattle guides  if you want to explore more of the city when on this Washington Road Trip.

Day 14 | Traveling Home

Sadly, this Washington Road Trip has come to an end. And while you are probably exhausted from this awesome adventurous Washington Road Trip, it will probably leave you craving to see more of this beautiful state. 

But this is one absolutely EPIC Washington Road Trip and in my opinion, gives you such a great idea of what Washington State has to offer. Obviously, there is so much more to explore, but you can leave that for next time.

We hope you enjoy this comprehensive guide for a Washington Road Trip and that you are able to explore the beautiful wonders of this state. Let us know if you are planning a trip or if you have visited and we missed something epic! Have a great road trip! 🙂

Honorable Mention For A Washington Road Trip Guide:

All of these honorable mention hikes deserve a spot on this Washington road trip guide, but like mentioned above, sometimes there just isn’t enough time. But if you get lucky and have longer than 2 weeks to travel the beautiful state of Washington, these should totally make it into your Washington Road Trip!

Hoh Rainforest:

Fit this after Day 3. There is a pretty easy 1-mile loop that goes through the Hoh Rainforest called Hall Of Moss. I think the Hoh Rainforest is a unique vibe of Washington State and offers lush green forest.

Ruby Beach:

Fit this in after Day 3. Ruby Beach is another cool beach along the Olympic National Park Coast with unique formations along the coastal shore. You can explore the area and make the walk as short or as long as you would like.

As mentioned above, we just felt Rialto Beach was a bit cooler, and this gives similar vibes to that scenery. And like our picture above, during mid-day cloudiness, it didn’t quite do it for us. But if you can fit this in for a sunrise or sunset with beautiful colors, then this could be a great stop along this Washington Road Trip Guide.

Jade Lake & Marmot Lake:

Fit this in after Day 5. Jade Lake and Marmot Lake is probably one of the coolest backpacking trips Jake and I have ever been on but also one of the most challenging. Jade Lake is simply breathtaking and extremely rewarding once you get there. BUT, the bugs on this backpacking trip are some of the worst we have ever encountered in our life . And I’m from northern Wisconsin, where the bugs are ruthless. To say we each ate about 5+ bugs is probably an understatement. 

There is also a creek crossing in order to get to the trailhead. Therefore, it is often impassible until mid-summer.

As I said, this hike is a challenge. The length of this hike is 20.7 miles with 4284 ft elevation gain. So with a heavy backpack on, this is no easy task.

The main reason we leave this backpacking trip out from this Washington Road Trip Guide is because it will take up about 3+ days of your road trip. And there is just so many amazing stops along this trip that we don’t want you to miss out on. We did the backpacking trip as a 2 day trip, but we would most definitely suggest doing it as a 3 day trip if possible. (AND BRING BUG NETS).

We were absolutely exhausted when we got back, so we had a whole rest day before moving on to the next adventure. But with that being said, it is absolutely one of the most stunning aqua blue lakes we have ever witnessed. So if you crave an absolute adventure, then check out our Jake Lake & Marmot Lake Backpacking Guide .

Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout:

Fit this in after Day 5. This hike will be a fair amount out of the way as it is not located near many of the other hikes in Mt. Rainer National Park. The hike up to Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout is 5.5 miles with 1600ft elevation gain. The time we visited this area the weather wasn’t totally cooperating with us and was super foggy. Therefore, we almost felt like the long trek out here wasn’t totally worth it. But that is not to say, you will have the same luck. It was definitely still pretty cool with the mystic fog.

Thornton Lakes Trail:

You can fit this adventure in after Day 10. The hike up to Thornton Lakes is 10.9 miles with 3057 ft elevation change. The reason we left this hike out is because of its difficulty, especially toward the end of the trip. We found Blue Lake and Maple Pass Loop to be the two best hikes in the park, and assume you might be pretty tired after this trip to add in a challenging hike to another lake. Therefore, if you have time, this hike looks absolutely beautiful but could be worth saving for another time.

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The driving distance from North Carolina (NC) to Washington (WA) is:

2,790 miles / 4 490 km, map of driving directions from north carolina to washington.

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Driving distance from North Carolina to Washington

The total driving distance from North Carolina to Washington is 2,790 miles or 4 490 kilometers .

Your trip begins in the state of North Carolina. It ends in the state of Washington.

If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from North Carolina to Washington so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination.

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38 Best Stops Between Charlotte and Washington DC

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How long is the drive from Charlotte to Washington DC?

The direct drive from Charlotte to Washington DC is 401 mi (646 km) , and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 11 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Charlotte to Washington DC, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Richmond , Raleigh , Durham , Greensboro , Winston Salem , Fredericksburg , Concord , and Chapel Hill , as well as top places to visit like SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord, or the ever-popular Lake Norman.

Top cities between Charlotte and Washington DC

Winston-salem.

Chapel Hill

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Fredericksburg

Best stops along charlotte to washington dc drive, lake norman.

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

Great wolf lodge water park | concord, charlotte motor speedway, richard childress racing, world's largest chest of drawers, high point city lake park, jordan lake state recreation area, american tobacco trail, duke university chapel, sarah p. duke gardens.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Durham Performing Arts Center

North carolina museum of art.

Pullen Park

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Marbles Kids Museum

North carolina museum of natural sciences, metro richmond zoo, virginia museum of fine arts, hollywood cemetery, white house of the confederacy, lewis ginter botanical garden, prince william forest park, national museum of the marine corps.

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Manassas National Battlefield Park

Nra national firearms museum, george washington's distillery & gristmill, george washington's mount vernon, mt vernon trail, top searches in washington dc, other popular road trips from charlotte, explore nearby places.

• Washington DC
• Capitol Heights
• Bladensburg
• Temple Hills
• Hyattsville
• Takoma Park
• Riverdale Park
• Baileys Crossroads
• National Harbor
• District Heights
• Forestville
• College Park
• Silver Spring
• Chevy Chase
• Camp Springs
• West Bethesda
• Falls Church

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Washington DC throughout the year

• Washington DC in January
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Washington DC?

Get inspired for your trip to Washington DC with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Washington DC Itinerary
• 2-Day Washington DC Itinerary
• 3-Day Washington DC Itinerary
• 4-Day Washington DC Itinerary
• 5-Day Washington DC Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from charlotte to washington dc.

Yes! You can drive from Charlotte to Washington DC.

How far is Washington DC from Charlotte by car?

The drive from Charlotte to Washington DC is 401 miles (646 km).

How long does it take to drive from Charlotte to Washington DC?

Driving from Charlotte to Washington DC should take you 6 hrs 11 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Charlotte to Washington DC?

Gas from Charlotte to Washington DC would cost around $35 to $82 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Charlotte to Washington DC?

You could check out SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord, or the always popular Lake Norman!

What are the best cities to visit between Charlotte and Washington DC?

People love visiting Richmond, Raleigh, and Durham, among others.

What's the weather like in Charlotte?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Charlotte in January
• Weather in Charlotte in February
• Weather in Charlotte in March
• Weather in Charlotte in April
• Weather in Charlotte in May
• Weather in Charlotte in June
• Weather in Charlotte in July
• Weather in Charlotte in August
• Weather in Charlotte in September
• Weather in Charlotte in October
• Weather in Charlotte in November
• Weather in Charlotte in December

What are some other road trips from Charlotte?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Charlotte.

• Charlotte to New York City drive
• Charlotte to Orlando drive
• Charlotte to Washington DC drive
• Charlotte to Gatlinburg drive
• Charlotte to Atlanta drive
• Charlotte to Charleston drive
• Charlotte to Chicago drive
• Charlotte to Savannah drive
• Charlotte to Myrtle Beach drive
• Charlotte to Nashville drive
• Charlotte to New Orleans drive
• Charlotte to Toronto drive
• Charlotte to Asheville drive
• Charlotte to St. Augustine drive
• Charlotte to Boston drive
• Charlotte to Philadelphia drive
• Charlotte to Niagara Falls drive
• Charlotte to Baltimore drive
• Charlotte to Williamsburg drive
• Charlotte to Miami Beach drive
• Charlotte to Montreal drive
• Charlotte to Memphis drive
• Charlotte to Chattanooga drive
• Charlotte to Pittsburgh drive
• Charlotte to Tampa drive
• Charlotte to Greenville drive
• Charlotte to Cleveland drive
• Charlotte to Louisville drive
• Charlotte to Saint Louis drive
• Charlotte to Branson drive

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traveling from se nc to Seattle mid Jan. will be driving a 2000 Ford F-350 diesel dually and towing a 30 foot 7,500 lb travel trailer behind. I am currently looking at taking either I-80 or I-90 to get there. Could anybody give me any advice or suggestions in regards to fuel/ ease of drive. I think I-80 is less mountainous but I could be wrong. I will have three weeks to get across country so time is not an issue if I need to stop for winter storms. Also I will have two sets of tire chains for my tow vehicle. Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance.

Read through this thread (current as of today) about driving from the SE USA to the NW.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k9021236-Best_Winter_Route_to_go_from_Northern_TN_to_North_Central_WA-Road_Trips.html

Of particular interest is comment #4. Look at the links provided.

If you are concerned about too much snow and ice at that time of year with a northern route, a reality that could happen, you could drop down to I-20 and take I-10 to the LA Metro and then I-210 to I-5 North. You may encounter some snow over the Siskiyou's in southern Oregon but that route would most likely be the most snow-free trip available for the points that you are driving.

Do read Connie's link. I would also plan for 3 routes - I90/I80/something much further south. Part of it is going to depend on what the weather is doing at the time. Last year a big storm blew in around Portland and thus up the Columbia Gorge and across I84 across Southern Idaho. Those road were iced shut for a couple of days whereas I90 was open and as clear as you are going to get that far north during winter.

On I90 in Montana and Idaho, your big passes are Homestake just east of Butte, Lookout at the ID/MT line, 4th of July just east of Coeur d'Alene (this one is pretty low but collects a lot of snow and ice) and then of course going over Snoqualmie in the Cascades. There is also a real bad patch of I90 at Livingston MT which is the Yellowstone River valley. This is a big wind area and if a storm is moving thru this section can close due to the wind.

Here is a website that can give you information on I90 across states. You are going to need to check AM before you leave and PM for the next day.

I suggest you plan to drive only when you have daylight. Once the sun goes down it is likely to start getting slick on I90. Go to http://www.sunrisesunset.com for your daylight times across the country.

Have paper maps in case you need to divert. Don't follow GPS if it wants to lead you off a paved main road. Have supplies in your rig...extra jackets, blankets, food and water.

Here is a terrific article written by the folks on the Canada forum.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g153339-c55003/Canada:Winter.Driving.html

I'm going to guess that you are being transferred and this is not actually a pleasure trip?

I'm actually scheduled to attend school starting Feb 1. I am flying a friend from Seattle to ride with me and be another set of eyes and judgement, but I've only ever gone cross country on southern routes before and as I've lived in Ga/ and se nc for the past 16 years, my snow driving skills may not be up to snuff. I have to take the camper with me as I will probably have job placement right out of school in 6 months and will not have enough time to drive back to NC to pick it up.

PS after watching some of those snowy pileups on YouTube, I'm leaning toward a longer, southern route.

>>I'm leaning toward a longer, southern route.

I have family that lives in Bozeman, Montana and travels I-90 frequently in the winter... According to him, while you might get a little snow, the roads are almost always plowed prior to any significant build up. He also said they don't seem to get as many white out blizzards. I am also looking to travel this route during December, and will probably travel via I-70 until Denver, then hit I-25 North to Montana where I'll hook up with I-90. I will definitely post an update upon my arrival in Washington!

Awesome! That would be much appreciated. It's obviously going to boil down to weather. If I can get a clear 10 day, I'll go north. If not, I'm eyeing I-40 to LA then I-5 north, though I've heard I-5 can get dicey too. But please do post an update here if you can remember. That would be very helpful! Safe travels!

I-5 could be "dicey/icey" in the Siskiyou Range -- top of California and bottom of Oregon with rain to the north of that area. I would still go on I-5. Done the trip in all seasons. Patience and smart driving is a virtue.

Even if you took I-10 to California, then either I-5 or (worst case) US 101 north, you're probably only adding a couple of days of driving, with the added benefit of longer daylight on the southern route.

On the I-80/84/90 routes you may avoid high passes but not high plains, where winds and whiteout conditions can occur. Of course with the time you have you could just hunker down for a day or two, but by going the southern route you could (probably) avoid much chance of snow and ice, and the attendant PITA they represent.

No problem! I've also gone via I-40, and will be able to compare after December. The big thing I experienced with I-40, is that when we encountered a (albeit rare) snowstorm, the road crews weren't even close to prepared. The roads got bad fast, and the drivers were just as unprepared. So while there is a much smaller chance of a storm down there, if it does happen, the crap hits the fan quick.

However, like it has been said multiple times before, if it looks like there's a chance of storminess on the more northern routes, just go for I-40.

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

15 Fun North Carolina Road Trips For Your Bucket List

March 2, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

If you’re looking for a fun North Carolina road trip, then you’ve come to the right place. Southern Trippers has researched, mapped out and detailed every single best North Carolina road trip you could possibly take!

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly North Carolina road trip through the big cities, or an adults-only romp in the vineyards, there’s something for you!

Artists and history buffs will love trips that feature the North Carolina Pottery Center and even stops at some of the state’s most historic sites. You can even see some of the most beautiful waterfalls!

At the very least you can enjoy a North Carolina road trip to see the leaves change. There could be nothing more romantic ! So pack up the car and hit the road for these very best North Carolina road trips.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

• Roanoke Island
• Cedar Island
• Points Harbor

As you drive the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the coast, you’ll be be able to see some of the most beautiful beaches, museums, and even lighthouses!

Start in Points Harbor and head towards Ocracore. Make sure your camera has space for the stunning vistas of US-158. Then hit up Jockeys Ridge State Park!

Then head west to Roanoke Island to learn the area’s spooky history. You can even tour a reproduction of the Elizabeth II, a merchant ship. You can set the sails, swab the deck, and raise the anchor with actors in costumes.

NASCAR Road Trip

• Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Moorseville

No doubt if you love NASCAR, then your next North Carolina road trip needs to start at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Even though races are in May, the track will still be open to visitors.

Then in Kannapolis, visit the hometown of Dale Earnhardt. Take the Dale Trail through his childhood neighborhood to see his racings humble beginnings.

Lastly, head to Moorseville, where you can see the racing garages of Penske and DEI. Many other racing teams’ garages are open with huge showrooms with their winning cars.

North Carolina Waterfalls Road Trip

• Linville Falls
• Crabtree Falls
• Looking Glass Falls
• Moore Cove Falls

This North Carolina road trip will take you north to south across the state to see some of its most breathtaking waterfalls! Definitely bring your camera, and don’t be afraid to get a little bit wet!

First, begin at Linville Falls near the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a relatively easy four-mile hike, but then you’re afforded views from five different lookout points. Crabtree falls isn’t too far away either, and is equally beautiful.

Then head down to Looking Glass Falls, where you can actually take a nice swim in the hot summer months. Next hit up, Moore Cove Falls. This waterfall looks like something out of a video game where you can walk behind the falls.

Cove Creek Falls will be your most family-friendly waterfall for kids and adults! Finally, take in the awe of Whitewater Falls. 811-feet high, this is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains!

Haunted Road Trip

• Great Dismal Swamp
• Maco Lights
• Devil’s Tramping Ground
• Grove Park Inn

You’ll experience some history on your other North Carolina road trips, but it’s time to get get spooky! This North Carolina road trip is best taking in the fall months to get ready for Halloween!

First, visit the Great Dismal Swamp. Dreary and dead-looking, this site inspired novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe. An overnight stay at an Airbnb will make your time here extra spooky. You might hear sounds or see a ghost!

Next, stop at the Maco Lights, where a man named Joe Baldwin was decapitated by a train. Then, head to Cry Baby Lane where a fire destroyed an orphanage outside of Raleigh.

Visit the Devil’s Tramping Ground, a circle where nothing will grow. Finally, stay at the Grove Park Inn where the infamous Pink Lady fell to her death from a fifth-floor balcony.

Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip

• Cumberland Knob
• Rough Ridge Trail
• Little Switzerland

Of the road trips in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway may be the most infamous. Running 469 miles through the state, you’ll see the Great Smokey Mountains, waterfalls, and more!

Along America’s longest National Parks Unit road, stop at Cumberland Knob with scenic views and a beautiful recreation area. Linville Falls is just down the road as well!

Make sure to visit the Moses H Cone Memorial Park, a beautiful park with cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and more! There’s even a gorgeous mansion to tour.

Next up, make sure to hit up the jewel of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland. It perfectly channels the area with quaint shops, charming eateries, and an infectious atmosphere. Then down the road, get your cameras ready for Crabtree Falls.

Little Switzerland is truly one of the best Mountain Towns In North Carolina!

Forest Heritage Scenic Byway Road Trip

• Pink Beds Hike
• Cradle of Forestry

This next North Carolina road trip not only affords you views of some great waterfalls, but it’s an excuse to visit Brevard!

Start in the Sycamore Flats Picnic Area where you’ll head past Looking Glass Falls. Then you’ll pass some other waterfalls like Moore Cove and Sliding Rock.

As you near Asheville, make sure you stop at the Cradle of Forestry. Rhododendrons cover the Pink Beds that make up the area, making a truly beautiful photo opportunity.

Little Parkway Road Trip

• Mile-High Swinging Bridge
• Green Mountain Creek Falls
• Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

This North Carolina road trip takes place on US 221 between Blowing Rock and Linville. You’re on the Little Parkway! While short, this curvy stretch of the highway connects some beauties on the side of Grandfather Mountain.

Pass the entrance to Grandfather Mountain State park and then you’ll find the Mile-High Swinging Bridge. While horrifying to some, you can walk across this terrifyingly high bridge with a spectacular view of the mountain.

Next, hit up the roadside Green Mountain Creek Falls. It’s a small stop and its not out of your way, so it’s definitely worthy of the stop.

Lastly, continue on and you’ll pass the charming town of Westglow to get to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Here enjoy horseback riding, and a lovely tour of the mansion that calls this park home.

Mount Mitchell Road Trip

• South Toe River Valley
• Blue Ridge Parkway

This North Carolina road trip will take you to the top of Mount Mitchell. While you climb thousands of feet in your car, your ears will definitely pop, so bring some gum for the ride!

You’ll pass the South Toe River Valley, where you can enjoy fishing. You might even see a few neon orange-red eft salamanders, yourself!

Make sure to stop off in Madison and Yancey for some delicious breakfasts and to pick up some homemade jellies and jams. You’ll ascend further on the Blue Bridge Parkway and its views before turning onto NC 128 for the final, breathtaking ascent.

Pisgah Loop Road Trip

• Pisgah Loop Scenic Byway
• Wisemans View

History buffs, rejoice, this North Carolina road trip will take you along the Pisgah Loop Scenic Byway. Here you’ll be following the same path used by Kirk’s Raiders in the Civil War

As you get to Pisgah National Forest, you’ll be able to see Hawksbill and the gorgeous Table Rock Mountain. You’ll cross the Linville River, then continue onto the Kistler Memorial Highway.

As the road turns to unpaved areas, don’t worry. Keep going and you’ll explore Linville Falls and Wisemans View. Make sure to check out the High Country hikes here, too.

Vineyards Road Trip

• Brushy Mountain Winery
• Shelton Vineyards
• Pilot Mountain

This North Carolina road trip is not for the kids, so find a sitter. If you like a little scenic road trips with your wine, then you’ll want to take the Yadkin’s Valley Scenic Byway with time on farmlands, foothills, and mountain terrain.

As you begin in Elkin , you’ll cross the Yadkin River and hit a slew of North Carolina wineries! Up comes the Brushy Mountain Winery, RagApple Lassie Vineyard and Winery, and Shelton Vineyards

Make sure you check each wineries’ special offers, tours, and tastings. Some have restaurants on the premises, and others will allow you to bring a picnic lunch while enjoying a glass on the grounds.

Inbetween every vineyard, you’ll be able to see lush, rolling mountainside. Look out for the Amish-owned general stores for some true oddities. You’ll also be able to grab a sighting of Pilot Mountain along the journey!

Pottery Road Road Trip

• North Carolina Pottery Center
• Whynot community

This North Carolina road trip is perfect for art lovers, especially potters. The Pottery road trip will give you a hands on look at the area’s first potters and their creations.

Start at the North Carolina Pottery Center. The docents will give you information about which specific potters and studios to visit on your drive. You’ll also see an incredible collection here, and have the ability to take classes.

Then continue on 705 where you’ll pass the well-known potters of Seagrove and Randolph County. You’ll also pass the Whynot community. People there couldn’t decide on a name for their post office, so they agreed on “Why not!”

Finally, you’ll ass through Westmoore and Robbins. Ask the locals about the town’s interesting history before driving through the tree-lined Cedar Road and Eagle Springs.

Uwharrie Scenic Road Trip

• Southern Grace Distilleries
• Reed Gold Mine
• Lick Creek Baptist Church
• North Carolina Zoo

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Charlotte or Greensboror, hop off around Concord County. You’ll be lead to Asheboro and the Uwharrie Scenic Road.

Along the way, you’ll see the beautiful Uwharrie Mountains and Mount Pleasant. Make sure to stop off at Southern Grace Distilleries for a tour and a tasting.

Then you can check out the Reed Gold Mine in Midland, where you can walk through the old mine! Then you can go to Lick Creek Baptist Church, one of Davidson County’s oldest landmarks.

Meteor Lakes Road Trip

• Cape Fear River
• Turnbull Creek Valley
• Singletary Lake

On this North Carolina road trip, you’ll take the Meteor Lakes Byway where it meets Elizabethtown at US 421. Here you’ll see some of the most beautiful bodies of water North Carolina has to offer.

The road first crosses the iconic Cape Fear River (try not to hum those four notes from The Simpsons) into Bladen Lakes State Forest. This is where your waterway journey begins.

These three great Carolina bays, or meteor lakes, are believed to have been formed from meteor showers many years ago. Here you’ll find Jones Lake, Singletary Lake, White Lake, and just outside the park, Lake Waccamaw.

NC 242 between Elizabethtown the highway’s intersection with US 421 is also known as the Meteor Lakes Byway. The road crosses the Cape Fear River and passes through Bladen Lakes State Forest.

That’s where you’ll find three  Carolina bays  or meteor lakes. They are believed to have formed following meteor showers many many years ago. The bays give this  Eastern North Carolina  byway its name and include Jones Lake, Singletary Lake, and White Lake inside the park and  Lake Waccamaw  just outside it.

For additional fun, you can just continue west on NC 242 from Elizabethtown to go on the North Carolina’s Green Swamp Byway for some more watery goodness.

Fall Foliage Road Trip

• Chimney Rock
• Linville Gorge
• DuPont State Forest

Let’s face it, there’s nothing better than watching the leaves change colors in the fall, and this North Carolina road trip will let you see the best of the best. Start at Grandfather Mountain and head south.

As you head towards Asheville, then veer east for Chimney Rock. A 535-million-year old granite monolith, its totally climbable. From here, you’ll get a 75-mile panoramic view of the leaves of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

Then you’ll head south to DuPont State Forest. Here you’ll find waterfalls, hiking trails, camping spots. This is truly the best place for a weekend of fall foliage.

Finally head to Max Patch for something completely different. Near the Tennessee border, this is a grassy bald. From the top of this completely open field, lay down a picnic blanket and take in 360-views of the mountains and the leaves.

Piedmont Triad Road Trip

• Andy Griffith’s childhood home
• Bennett Place
• Duke Homestead

The Piedmont Triad road trip will take you through three of North Carolina’s largest cities. But on this North Carolina road trip, you’ll get to truly appreciate the small, rural surrounding towns and their charm.

Start in Mount Airy to see Andy Griffith’s childhood home. Here, history still has a strong foothold on the community. Make sure to grab the famous pork chop sandwich at Snappy Lunch.

Then head on US 52 to Old Salem. Founded by the Moravians in 1766, this colonial village represent living history. Stop by the Winkler Bakery for Moravian sugar cookies to take with you on the road.

Then you’ll head to Durham for two major sites. First visit Bennett Place, where the largest number of troops surrendered in the American Civil War. Then head to the Duke Homestead, where Duke University’s namesake grew up and created the largest tobacco company.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed any and possibly all of our North Carolina Road Trips! Each one is special to us, and we hope they bring joy to you and your families

North Carolina Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Jasmine Vieau

Hello! I was born and raised in Toronto, lived in Miami for a decade, attended the Miami International University of Art & Design, and have resided in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, for the past 15+ years. I enjoy traveling all over the United States, Canada, and Europe - though I have a great appreciation and love for the southeastern parts of the US in particular. My past expertise lay in hospitality in the restaurant and retail world. Aside from writing, I now run an Airbnb in my home and sling vintage, so I'd like to think this all helps me with what it takes to find the best restaurants, lodging, and fun things to do and see in your state. I am an avid reader, love exploring the arts, and discovering the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Nice to meet you!

More by this Author

North Carolina road trips are a great way to see the sights of the Tar Heel State. You can choose whatever route you would like, and there are endless stops for you to explore. Whether you are chasing waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest or checking out some beautiful scenery on your drive down the Cherohala Skyway – these road trips through North Carolina will have you seeing the state from a different point of view and are the perfect getaways for road trip lovers.

1-Day Road Trip In North Carolina

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• Route: Santeetlah Gap > Hooper Cove > Shute Cove > Huckleberry Knob > Hooper Bald > Santeetlah Overlook > Big Junction Overlook > Stratton Ridge > Cherohala Skyway Welcome Plaza > Unicoi Crest > Falls Branch Falls Trail > Lake View Overlook > Turkey Creek Overlook > Forest Service Road 345/Indian Boundary Road > Forest Service Road 210/River Road > Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center and Charles Hall Museum
• Distance: 43 miles
• Trip Time: 3 hours driving time

• Route: Hooker Falls > Sliding Rock > Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead
• Distance: 31 miles
• Trip Time: 51 minutes driving time

• Route: Crabtree Falls > Craggy Pinnacle Hike > Lake Lure's Flowering Bridge > Bullington Gardens > Juney Whank Falls Trail
• Distance: 166 miles
• Trip Time: 4 hours driving time

• Route: Bodie Island Lighthouse > Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Distance: 43.3 miles
• Trip Time: 53 minutes driving time

• Route: Stop 1 > Stop 2 > Stop 3 > Stop 4 > etc.
• Distance: 180 miles
• Trip Time: 12 hours driving time

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• Route: Roanoke River Lighthouse > Currituck Beach Lighthouse > Bodie Island Lighthouse > Cape Hatteras Lighthouse > Ocracoke Lighthouse > Cape Lookout Lighthouse > Oak Island Lighthouse
• Distance: 463 miles
• Trip Time: 15 hours driving time

• Route: Hanging Rock State Park > Linn Cove Viaduct > Roan Mountain > Linville Gorge > Mount Mitchell > Chimney Rock > Great Smoky Mountains Railroad > Cherohala Skyway
• Distance: 431 miles
• Trip Time: 10 hours driving time

• Route: Dillsboro > Biltmore Estate > Forest City > McAdenville > Charlotte Motor Speedway > Tanglewood Festival of Lights > New Bern > Manteo
• Distance: 629 miles
• Trip Time: 10.5 hours driving time

• Route: Old Gillam Mill Park Covered Bridge > Kimesville Covered Bridge > Pisgah Covered Bridge > Bunker Hill Covered Bridge > Gaddy Covered Bridge > High Falls Covered Bridge > Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge
• Distance: 498 miles

• Route: Outer Banks > Jockey's Ridge > Lake Mattamuskeet > Pilot Mountain > New River State Park > Linville Gorge > Mt. Mitchell State Park > Chimney Rock > Looking Glass Rock > Whitewater Falls.
• Distance: 720 miles

• Route: Beaufort > New Bern > Bath > Hillsborough > Boone > Banner Elk > Hot Springs > Bryson City
• Distance: 583 miles
• Trip Time: 11 hours driving time

Have you taken any of these road trips? We’d love to hear your thoughts – let us know! Need more North Carolina road trip ideas with outdoor adventures? Spend the day exploring these hiking trails with three swinging bridges ; one will even take you to Grandfather Mountain or this hidden beach road trip , where you’ll see wild horses.

For road trip planning and packing tips, check out OnlyInYourState’s Ultimate Road Trip Packing List . Whether you’re leaving for a single day or a week-long road trip, you can’t forget the snacks: here are 50 on-the-go snack ideas perfect for traveling.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

What are the most popular landmarks to visit in North Carolina?

Some of the most popular landmarks to visit in North Carolina include:

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Battleship North Carolina
• Wright Brothers National Memorial

What are the most popular state parks to visit in North Carolina?

There are 41 state parks in North Carolina , each offering unique natural beauty. Some of the most popular state parks to visit in North Carolina are:

• Chimney Rock State Park
• Mount Mitchell State Park
• Lake James State Park

What are the major highways in North Carolina?

Some of the major highways in North Carolina include:

North Carolina also has several scenic byways and highways like the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, which stretches a total of 138 driving miles and 25 ferry miles.

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More joy. More adventure. More life.

North Carolina , Road Trips , Travel

The Ultimate North Carolina Road Trip Itinerary for Families: Top 10 NC Towns to Visit

Planning to Road Trip NC?

Sweet!! You’re going to love NC! We sure do. Follow our ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerary to see the best of what NC has to offer.

There are seriously so many family friendly things to do in North Carolina. North Carolina is a state known for its pristine beaches, lighthouses, NASCAR, waterfalls, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and more.

How long does it take to road trip across North Carolina?

To be totally honest, North Carolina is a pretty difficult state to road trip all in one fell swoop. While you can drive north to south in approximately three hours, driving across the state west to east will take you upwards of at least eight hours.

Where should I go on a road trip to North Carolina?

If you’re looking to explore North Carolina a little bit at a time, here are 7 awesome NC road trips to get a real taste of the Tar Heel state:

• Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip – With views for days, hiking, waterfalls, state parks, and cute mountain towns, you can easily spend an entire week exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC.
• NASCAR Highights – Do you feel the need for speed? See all things NASCAR on an NC road trip through Charlotte, Kannapolis, and Moorseville.
• Outer Banks Road Trip – Explore the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Wright Brothers Memorial, lighthouses, beautiful beaches, and more.
• North Carolina Filming Locations – Did you know North Carolina is a hotspot for filming? Check out famous movie locations from The Hunger Games, Dirty Dancing, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Talledega Nights, and Nights in Rodanthe. Wilmington alone has been home to many tv series including Dawson’s Creek, East Bound and Down, Sleepy Hollow, and One Tree Hill.
• Fall Foliage Road Trip – North Carolina is beautiful all year long, but in the fall the western half of the state really puts on a show. Road trip through Blowing Rock, Boone, and Asheville during October to see peak fall foliage. We highly recommend visiting some of NC’s epic waterfalls during this road trip as well.
• NC BBQ Trai l – There’s no shame in my game. We’re all about searching out the best places to eat when we travel. And North Carolina knows how to do BBQ! Our favorites are Prime in Knightdale, B’s Barbecue in Greenville, and
• Coastal North Carolina – Hit up some of the lesser known beaches along the incredible NC coastline. We suggest Wrightsville Beach , Sunset Beach, Kure Beach, and Topsail Beach.

NC Road Trip

If you’re trying to hit all the highlights in one big NC road trip, I’ve put together this ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerar y for your family. But, because I’m also a realist, I’ve split up this itinerary into two seven day itineraries for those of you who can’t swing a two week trip.

If you can do it all at once, rock on. If you only have one week of vacation, choose the eastern 7 day North Carolina itinerary one year for a summer vacation and choose the western 7 day itinerary the following year for a fall vacation.

Are we there yet? Check out our epic list of 250 road trip questions to keep the whole car entertained along the way!

The Ultimate North Carolina Road Trip Itinerary

So…without further ado, here is my ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerary including my top 10 picks of cool cities to visit in NC:

• Day 1: Raleigh
• Day 2: Rocky Mount
• Day 3: Outer Banks: Kill Devil Hills
• Day 4: Outer Banks: Nags Head
• Day 5: Outer Banks: Ocracoke
• Day 6: Wilmington
• Day 7: Wilmington
• Day 1: Charlotte
• Day 2: Charlotte
• Day 3: Asheville
• Day 4: Asheville, Cherokee
• Day 5: Asheville
• Day 6: Boone
• Day 7: Boone, Depart for Home

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Outer Banks, soak up some sun along our amazing National seashore, see epic North Carolina waterfalls, or have been planning a road trip to the Biltmore Estate or scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, then we have got you covered. We’re hitting all the best things to do in North Carolina in one ultimate NC road trip.

Ready? Let’s get this road trip party started!

Road tripping is the perfect family vacation!! Need help planning? Don’t forget these road trip essentials or simply grab our free printable worksheets below!

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Best Cities to Visit in North Carolina on a NC Road Trip

We’ll be highlighting some popular cities in NC but also some of the best small towns along the way!

We’re kicking off this road trip in Raleigh or Charlotte . Why? Well, because if you’re flying into the area, you’re likely to start your road trip from one of our major international airports: RDU in Raleigh or CLT in Charlotte.

Raleigh, NC

Welcome to the state capitol, Raleigh, North Carolina! Head downtown to check out the shopping and art scene , Fayetteville Street, museums, and Marbles Kids Museum .

Want to get outside? Check out Pullen Park, Umstead Park, or the NC Farmers Market. If you have time, be sure to catch a Hurricanes hockey game or one of our epic college sports match ups! There are so many fun things to do in Raleigh , you could easily spend a few days here.

Raleigh is an up and coming foodie destination! Wondering what to eat and drink in Raleigh? We recommend:

• The Pit Authentic Barbecue or Cowfish
• Brewery Bhavana , Vidrio or Poole’s Diner for an adult dinner.
• Fresh Local Ice Cream or Bittersweet for drinks and dessert.

(If you’re road tripping with kids here are a few more ideas of things to do in Raleigh with kids and family friendly restaurants .)

Rocky Mount, NC

Rocky Mount, NC is the perfect stop for any road trip through North Carolina! Situated conveniently at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Highway 64 there are a ton of fun things to do in Rocky Mount!

Since you only have one day, you cannot miss visiting the Rocky Mount Mills, a restored cotton mill now housing five craft breweries, three restaurants, and the cutest coffee shop you ever did see! There’s also a ton of room for kids to run and play to get out some of that energy.

Love the outdoors? Spend some time exploring the trails at Battle Park. For a completely unique experience, make sure to spend the night stay at River & Twine , the world’s largest tiny house hotel!

Want more details? Read more in my family friendly guide of things to do in Rocky Mount, NC , extensive guide to the Rocky Mount Mills , and find out our top choices of where to eat in Rocky Mount .

NC’s Outer Banks: Kill Devil Hills, Nags, Head, & Ocracoke

Pack up the car, it’s time to head 2.5 hours to the OBX! With over 200 miles of coastline, you’ll never cover the entire Outer Banks in just a few days, but you can certainly see some of the highlights. The Outer Banks is a must on any NC road trip.

We recommend staying in the centrally located Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head so that you can make the most of your visit. In just two days your family can visit the Wright Brother’s National Memorial, Jockey’s Ridge State Park (the tallest active dune system on the east coast of the USA), Bodie Island Lighthouse, and spend some time on the beach. If you’re up for a little more driving, head north an hour to Corolla to see the wild horses, an absolutely unforgettable experience!

Need more ideas of what to do in the Outer Banks? Read my family friendly guide to the Outer Banks and Corolla .

OBX : What does OBX mean? OBX is simply a local abbreviation for the Outer Banks. From hang gliding, to history, to getting your foodie fix there are endless options in the Outer Banks!

Last on our Outer Banks tour, you’re going to head south to Ocracoke. Make sure to set your alarm as you’ll have to catch the ferry to get to this picturesque North Carolina destination. Ocracoke definitely belongs on any NC bucket list . Slow down and savor this tiny island’s pristine beaches, cute shops, and friendly locals. But if slowing down really isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can also choose to spend your day surfing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, fishing, or kayaking. The village wide speed limit is 20 mph and you’ll see most people walking, biking, or using a golf cart to get around!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO : Make your ferry reservation in advance during the busy summer months so you don’t miss out on precious time on the island!

Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out these awesome family friendly AirBnB’s in the Outer Banks and our family favorite place to stay: The Saturday House .

Wilmington, NC

Get up bright and early because today will consist a lot of travel time! The ferry to Cedar Island from Ocracoke takes around two hours. Enjoy your time on the ferry soaking in the beautiful views because you’ll have another three hours in the car driving the rest of the way to Wilmington. Not to worry though, you’ll have plenty of options for small cute NC towns to stop for food, to stretch your legs and find some fun things to do!

Once you’ve arrived in Cedar Island, we recommend driving one more hour to Beaufort, NC for some lunch. Spend some time wandering this absolutely adorable small NC town! It will steal your heart, I promise. Already been to Beaufort? Try stopping in one of these other unique small towns in NC on your way to Wilmington: Morehead City, Surf City, or Topsail Beach.

Since you’ll be arriving in Wilmington later in the day, we’d go straight downtown to explore the Riverwalk area, maybe take a carriage tour, and grab dinner.

Fill your second day in Wilmington with a visit to the Battleship North Carolina, historical Fort Fisher, Carolina Beach State Park, more water sports, or just lounging on the beautiful beaches.

Need more ideas of fun things to do? Read our family friendly guide to Wilmington, NC , Wrightsville Beach , and Carolina Beach, NC !

Trying to decide where to eat in Wilmington? Our quick picks of where to eat in Wilmington:

• K38 Baja Grill (Best Mexican on the face of the planet.)
• Dockside (Waterfront dining)
• Indochine (Thai/ Vietnamese)
• Circa 1922 (Tapas and sushi)

For a full list, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Wilmington .

Need somewhere to stay? We recommend the Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront and the Courtyard Wilmington Downtown .

Charlotte, NC

On the road again…drive 3.5 hours to Charlotte, NC! Here are some fun things to do in Charlotte depending on the time of year you are visiting:

• US National Whitewater Center – check out the whitewater rafting, ropes course, or the many mountain biking trails.
• Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame or catch an actual race!
• Love a theme park? Spend the day at Carowinds .
• Get your art on at The Mint Museum.
• Find some family fun and learn something too at Discovery Place.
• Soak up the beauty of Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.
• Catch a pro football game at the Bank of America stadium, a show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, or even a concert at the Spectrum Center.

Need somewhere to stay? We really love the AC Hotel by Marriott if we’re looking to stay downtown and the Courtyard Charlotte Concord if we’re staying near the racetrack.

Pro-Tip: If you’re into fall foliage…then these next three stops are where it’s at! But make your plans in advance, this area gets super busy in October for peek leaf peeping!

Asheville, NC

Hop into the car for your two hour drive this morning to Asheville, NC! Asheville is one of the coolest cities in NC with a ton of unique things to do! Don’t miss a visit to The Biltmore Estate , Chimney Rock State Park , Sliding Rock, and diving head first into the amazing food and beer scene! If you’ve been planning a road trip to the Biltmore Estate or wanting to see some North Carolina waterfalls, here is your chance!

There are a ton of unique places this area of the state like fun mountain cabins and these cool North Carolina treehouses . If you’re looking to stay in downtown Asheville, we highly recommend the Renaissance Asheville Hotel .

Need more details? Check out our guides to visiting Asheville and The Biltmore Estate.

Cherokee, NC

Although we recommend staying in the Asheville area as your home base for this North Carolina road trip (to minimize switching accommodations every night) a day trip to Cherokee, NC is a must! Cherokee is your gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here you can spend your time hiking, biking, or swimming and learn about the Cherokee Indians! And if gambling is your thing, then make sure to check out one of the best casinos in the Southeast: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

This morning’s scenic drive is about an hour and a half to get to Grandfather Mountain . Spend the morning here before driving on a half an hour to Boone, North Carolina! Check out the views on the Blue Ridge Parkway , enjoy some serious family fun at Tweetsie Railroad , go gem mining, and check out the adorable town of Blowing Rock! Fit in a trip to Linville Gorge and Linville Falls your final morning before heading back home.

Insider Tip: Visit to the Mast General Store and the Daniel Boone Inn for a unique North Carolina experience!

What is the best time of year to travel to North Carolina?

North Carolina is beautiful year round, however there are pros and cons to each area and travel season.

• SUMMER in NC : We love to recommend travel to NC in the spring and fall but if you’re really looking to enjoy our amazing beaches, you may want to travel during the summer. But beware! Most of the state gets very hot and humid throughout the summer. Our beaches are insanely popular during the summer so make sure to plan in advance so you don’t miss out!
• FALL in NC : If you’re looking for incredible fall foliage and more mild beach weather, then consider traveling in autumn. But beware! We are smack dab in the middle of hurricane alley. There is always a chance of a hurricane in late summer, early fall. The mountains are also very popular this time of year so book early to guarantee you get a reservation.
• WINTER in NC : Winter is generally very mild in NC but you may have a chance of snow in the western half of the state. Pack a warm coat and you should be just fine.
• SPRING in NC : Finally spring is lovely time to travel the entire state as long as you can handle the pollen! The temperatures are warming up, the flowers are blooming, but you the ocean may be a little too cold still for swimming.

Share your epic road trip on social media with these inspiring road trip captions and quotes !

Bonus 10 Day NC Road Trip Itinerary

IF you’ve been around a while, you’ll know our family loves a ten day vacation. For some reason that amount of time works for us. So…I put together a fun 10 day NC road trip itinerary . You won’t see as much of the coast but you can still see many of the highlights.

• Day 1: Rocky Mount
• Day 2: NC’s Outer Banks
• Day 3: NC’s Outer Banks
• Day 4: New Bern, Wilmington
• Day 5: Wilmington
• Day 6: Charlotte
• Day 7: Asheville
• Day 8: Asheville
• Day 9: Boone
• Day 10: Raleigh

Fun Things to Do in North Carolina

So… have we provided enough ideas for you to figure out what to do in North Carolina?? We’re proud to call NC home and love exploring our state. We’re always discovering new and fun things to do! Are you ready to start planning your ultimate North Carolina road trip itinerary? We love trip planning and are happy to help create an itinerary that fits your travel needs and wants. Feel free to reach out by leaving a comment below or DM me on Instagram with questions.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do during your NC road trip?

Pin this Ultimate North Carolina Road Trip Itinerary!

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27 comments.

Goodness you have sooo many fun sounding ideas. I have to admit, I am not a big fan of cities, so I might adjust it to spend more time on the island and then loooads of time hiking in the mountains and searching for waterfalls!

Still, however you split your time, NC looks like great fun, especially in the summer!

There are so many great places in NC to enjoy the outdoors and the cutest small towns too!!

Asheville has been on my wish list for years. Pinned your post and I hope to plan a trip to NC in the future!

Asheville is amazing!! Definitely worth a visit!!

This road trip looks awesome! I would love to ride the white water and see Biltmore Estate and see all of the other sites you mentioned. I’m bookmarking this for later this year!

I just moved to North Carolina in February and am very much looking forward to exploring. My hubby and I love road trips – so your post is perfect!

Welcome to NC!! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!!

I have never thought of North Carolina as a travel destination. But this itinerary is such a fun way to experience the best this state has to offer. Very impressive. Thank you!

I think NC is overlooked a lot as a travel destination!! So much to discover!!

The whitewater center looks especially fun! I’ll definitely keep this guide handy when I visit NC. Thanks for this! 🙂

North Carolina looks so beautiful! In addition to New Hampshire, North Carolina is also a state I still haven’t explored on the east coast. My two top travel destinations in NC are Charlotte and Asheville. I’m definitely keeping this post handy. 🙂

This sounds like an amazing road trip! I’ve been to Raleigh but haven’t had the chance to see the rest of the state. I’d love to visit Charlotte, Asheville and the Outer Banks. Great tips and route info!

I haven’t been to NC in a couple years, but I’ve been to Raleigh, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Asheville! <3 Loved the beaches in Wilmington and loved pretty much everything about Asheville–I'd love to go back again someday! *-*

Thanks for this wonderful guide! North Carolina is somewhere I’d love to visit so I’m going to keep your post handy for a future visit!

Hannah | https://getlost.blog/

North Carolina is one of the best states in the Eastern part of the US. So diverse. Great ideas here for sure!!

Your road trip itineraries are THE BEST! I get done reading and want to go…like now! Thanks for sharing these details and for making this trek feel totally do-able!

NC Is my happy place! My family is in Cary, so we spent alot of time there. Last summer we went to Kure Beach, it was so great! I love the OBX too. Have not explored more to the west.

So many beautiful places to explore in NC. Asheville and Outer Banks are on my list. Saving this!

I’ve never been to NC but this post just made me put it in my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!

So many places to visit. I haven’t been to this area so looking forward to trying some of your suggestions.

This is wonderful! I just added a ton of notes to my Roadtripper Itinerary for our SE Road trip. The restaurants in Wilmington look amazing! I’m already drooling! 🙂 – Linzey @thefamilyfuntour

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The best road trip to take in all 50 states

Posted: November 24, 2023 | Last updated: November 24, 2023

Life is a highway, especially if you take a road trip on one of the country’s great highways and byways. A road trip is truly one of the best ways to discover America’s natural glories, small towns, and great metropolises en route. Whether you want awesome views of glaciers, mountains, plunging waterfalls, placid lakes or sunbaked deserts, every state has a road trip worth taking. Hook up your trailer, fire up your engine, and let’s get started.

Alabama: The ultimate Alabama road trip

Only in Your State promises large—“the ultimate” Alabama road trip—and seems to deliver with a 918-mile journey to eight of the places that “truly define” the state. Taking less than 17 hours to drive, depending how long you stop at attractions, the looping route goes by attractions such as Cheaha Mountain, Gulf Coast Beaches, and Ted’s Restaurant in Birmingham, serving homestyle food since 1973.

Alaska: Anchorage to Valdez

This spectacular 300-mile route, connecting the Glenn and Richardson highways, takes you past spectacular glaciers and mountain ranges with skyscraping peaks. The Spirit Houses of Eklutna Village, the Matanuska Glacier scenic turnout, and an easy hike along Thunderbird Falls Trail to see a memorable 200-foot waterfall are among the road-trip highlights on the Anchorage to Valdez route . And find out why Valdez is known as the Little Switzerland of Alaska.

Arizona: Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive

Just south of Flagstaff, follow Arizona State Route 89A to enjoy sights ranging from a breathtaking series of switchbacks into a scenic, smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon . The route is famous for its spectacular scenery, including colorful rocks and unique formations. There are plenty of overlooks, picnic areas, swimming holes, fishing spots, and hiking trails along the way. As you leave the canyon, you can continue past Sedona through Red Rock Country.

Arkansas: Natural wonders road trip

This road trip takes you past 10 of the state’s natural wonders . You can do it in as little as 11 hours but give yourself a few days so you can linger and enjoy. The sights include the living cave system of Blanchard Springs Caverns, reflecting still waters of Mirror Lake, stark bluffs rising above the Buffalo National River, and Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area.

California: Highway 1 to Big Sur

Hugging some of the most dramatic coastline on the west coast, this magnificent stretch of Highway 1 runs from Santa Cruz through Big Sur . You take the twisting road past rocky cliffs, bashing surf, and the desolate silhouettes of twisted Monterey cypress trees. Catch a wave surfing, sip a cold and delicious local brew, and cross Bixby Street Bridge, soaring 260 feet above ground in a graceful arch.

Colorado: San Juan Skyway

The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop that takes you through river valleys, mountain peaks, breathtaking overlooks, and historic mining towns such as Telluride, Durango and Silverton. The Chimney Rock Archaeological Area preserves 200 ancient homes and buildings of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples of the Chaco Canyon. Other worthwhile stops en route include Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and the Ute Indian Museum, in Montrose, slightly north of Ridgway.

Connecticut: Last Green Valley Scenic Byway

The lush Last Green Valley is a scenic route and 35-town National Heritage Corridor in eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts. The 1,100-square-mile area is defined by the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers systems and the hills surrounding them. Throughout the region you’ll find farmer’s markets, nature centers, vineyards, campgrounds, museums and all sorts of great stops to have fun.

Delaware: Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway

Starting in Wilmington, this picturesque 12-mile route through the Brandywine Valley goes by so many estates and gardens that it’s been dubbed both “Chateau Country” and “America's Garden Capital.” Stops along the way could include the du Pont family estates and gardens, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, and Montchanin Village, with buildings dating back to the 1700s.

Florida: Overseas Highway – Miami to Key West

Made famous in commercials and movies, the Overseas Highway is even more impressive when driven in person. It spans the green-blue seawater in a series of bridges that take you through the Florida Keys. The 150-mile trip is actually the southernmost leg of Highway US 1, and is built on an old, narrow railroad bed so the highway is often just two lanes, making the trip from Miami to Key West between 3.5 and four hours. But the scenery is great and there are a lot of nifty places to stop, so you won’t complain.

Georgia: Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway

Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway wanders 40 miles through Georgia’s mountain country, and takes in Brasstown Bald (the state’s tallest peak), granite canyons, and the Chattahoochee River. Hike the Appalachian Trail, enjoy the beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest, fish in cold mountain streams, and stop at scenic overlooks to enjoy awesome views of the mountains and piedmonts.

Hawaii: Hana Highway

The 52-mile Hana Highway, aka Road to Hana , isn’t one that you will want to take quickly, with its 617 hairpin curves, 59 one-lane bridges, and many blind spots along the way. But you won’t mind the 25 mph speed limit because it will give you more time to drink in the waterfalls, boulder-strewn Pacific coastlines, rainforests, snow-capped mountains and black lava beaches.

Idaho: Sawtooth Scenic Byway

Offering a captivating experience of the Idaho Rockies, the 116-mile road connects Shoshone to the resort towns of Sun Valley, Hailey and Ketchum. While you could drive the Sawtooth Scenic Byway in three hours, you’ll want to take much longer to visit the Ernest Hemingway Memorial, see the amazing view 8,700 feet up at the Galena Summit, enjoy boating and fishing at scenic mountain lakes, and admire the surreal, lava-rock sculptures of Black Magic Canyon.

Illinois: Route 66 Byway

Possibly the most famous road in America, Route 66 begins its wandering journey through America, connecting the Midwest to the coast, in Illinois. The “Mother Road” goes by enough roadside attractions, restaurants and museums to keep any traveler happy. Rather than seeing Ford Model Ts navigating a dirt track in 1926, today you’re more likely to view camper vans sailing down its black ribbon.

Indiana: Fort Wayne to Evansville via I-69

You get to enjoy a lot of good old Midwestern charm traveling through towns between Fort Wayne and Evansville on I-69. Attractions along the way can include covered bridges, museums, the state capitol, rustic barns, nature preserves and Johnny Appleseed’s gravesite. While nice to drive anytime of year, the route is particularly beautiful when bursting with fall colors.

Iowa: Covered Bridges Scenic Byway

See the system of bridges celebrated in the book, play and movie The Bridges of Madison County . The Covered Bridges Scenic Byway connects an old townsquare, the birthplace of John Wayne, the Iowa Quilt Museum, recreational parks and trails, and historic sites. Of course, the 82-mile route also serves up lots of beautiful covered bridges.

Kansas: Prairie Trail Scenic Byway

A drive down the Prairie Trail is a journey through early America, once traveled by Native Americans, explorers, pioneers and Western celebrities such as Zebulon Pike and “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Driving along I-70, you can see the unique chalk formations of the Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark, the eccentric sandstone formations of Mushroom Rock State Park, and the abundant wildlife of the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.

Kentucky: Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

If you want to see the land the way it was thousands of years ago when the Kaw, Osage and other native tribes lived here, then drive the Flint Hills Scenic Byway . You’ll get amazing views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie, as well as green rolling hills with colorful wildflowers. You can arrange a ranger-led tour at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and stop at the Scenic Byway Overlook for a panoramic view of tallgrass prairie.

Louisiana: The Great River Road

Taking about 36 hours of straight driving, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Louisiana stretch of the route includes Baton Rouge, the old state capitol; Cajun Country; and New Orleans with its French Quarter and delicious Creole cuisine.

Maine: Acadia All-American Road

Fresh lobster feasts, beaches, swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, water and mountain views, scenic ocean cruises and abundant wildlife are among the things you can enjoy on Maine’s Acadia All-American Road . The 40-mile route crosses a bridge to Mount Desert Island, where you’ll find Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Take a side trip up Cadillac Mountain, the highest East Coast peak north of Rio de Janeiro.

Maryland: Blue Crab Scenic Byway

In “Tidewater Maryland,” the Chesapeake Country Blue Crab Byway takes you on a 210-mile journey from the Nanticoke River toward the urban center of the region, Salisbury. Located between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, it lets you enjoy rivers, wetlands, marshes, coves, beaches, fresh-caught crab, abundant farmland, unique dialects and historical structures, including 200-year-old neoclassical Teackle Mansion.

Massachusetts: Old King’s Highway

Originally a Native American trail and then a cart path for settlers, Old King’s Highway is an alternate route to Cape Cod, the playground of the rich and famous. Charming seaside towns, outstanding clam chowder, unspoiled beaches, the 43,000-acre Cape Cod National Seashore established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, and the resort joys of Provincetown are some of the attractions of this route.

Michigan: Heritage Route 23

While Route 23 may extend down to Florida, its best part is the final 200 miles in northern Michigan, traveling along Lake Huron’s Sunrise Coast. The panoramic route winds through hardwood forests, waterfalls, sand dunes and freshwater beaches. Travelers can also enjoy 468 miles of multi-use trails and 109 miles of exclusive footpaths, as well as more than 150 historic sites, and arts and cultural venues.

Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive

The stunning scenery of the North Shore of Superior , including eight state parks, has earned this route ​​a national designation as an “All-American Road.” Also found on this trip are many hiking trails, Minnesota’s largest waterfalls, fur-trading and fishing museums, small towns serving fresh-caught fish, scenic golf courses and the city of Duluth, with its Great Lakes Aquarium and Aerial Lift Bridge.

Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway

Traveling across three states, the 400-mile Natchez Trace Parkway was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps following the Native American trading route. The route offers lots of history, beautiful scenery and music. The Mississippi section of the parkway boasts Tishomingo State Park (named for the leader of the Chickasaw nation who served in the War of 1812); Tupelo, where Elvis Presley was born; and Natchez, where the route ends.

Missouri: Glade Top Trail Scenic Byway

USDA Forest Service tells us: “This 23-mile Scenic Byway is named for the beautiful glades that surround the ridge tops where the Scenic Byway traverses.” The trail boasts seven overlook “pull-outs” that provide panoramic views of Springfield Plateau, 20 miles to the northwest, and 40 miles south to the Boston Mountains in Arkansas. The all-weather gravel road follows narrow ridge tops rising about 500 feet above the surrounding countryside.

Montana: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Built in 1932, this 50-mile road lives up to its evocative name, carving its way through and by impressive glaciers, beautiful valleys, cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, colorful wildflowers and lots of photogenic wildlife. Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, and because it goes through mountainous terrain it is only open seasonally.

Nebraska: Oregon National Historic Trail

Step back in time and follow the Oregon National Historic Trail that passes through six states. Nebraska offers some of its most iconic features, including Chimney Rock National Historic Site, California Hill and Fort Kearny State Historical Park. You’ll pass by the massive clay and sandstone rock formations of landmarks such as the Courthouse and Jail Rocks, viewed by early pioneers following the same route.

Nevada: The loneliest road in America

In 1986, Life magazine dubbed the 400-or-so-mile stretch of Highway 50 cutting across Nevada “the loneliest road in America,” because of its desolate, wide-open spaces and harsh climate. Rather than being put off by the description, many people have chosen to navigate the route, taking in the unforgiving vistas, ghost towns, historic mining communities, state parks and sagebrush saloons along the way.

New Hampshire: Kancamagus Scenic Byway

Known by the locals as the “Kanc,” the Kancamagus Scenic Byway is best experienced in September or October when the fall colors are at their height. The 34.5-mile section of Route 112 running through the White Mountain National Forest is particularly known for its dazzling autumn displays. Walking trails, historic farmhouse museums, self-guided bike tours and highland games are also on offer.

New Jersey: Atlantic City to Cape May

This road trip takes in the full gamut of what Jersey has to offer, ranging from the nightlife and gambling of Atlantic City to the quiet coastal charms of Cape May. Along the way you might want to stop for a Ferris wheel ride at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier or walk to Playland’s Castaway Cove for other kinds of amusement rides. Tranquil Cape May is the oldest of the New Jersey beach towns, with historical buildings, and a large wetland and beachfront nature reserve that are great for beachcombing and bird-watching.

New Mexico: El Camino Real Scenic Byway

First traveled more than 400 years ago, the El Camino Real Scenic Byway begins just north of Las Cruces, in Fort Selden, and continues to cross 90 miles of flat, waterless desert, the Jornada del Muerto (“journey of the dead man”), before reaching Socorro. It then heads north to Albuquerque and the historic town of Santa Fe, reaching its final destination at San Juan Pueblo, the first capital of New Mexico.

New York: Lakes to Locks Passage

Known as the “Great Northeast Journey,” New York’s Lakes to Locks Passage is a 225-mile journey along the interconnected waterways of Lake Champlain, Lake George, Champlain Canal and the Upper Hudson River. The route also features many historic and recreational sites, including a network of 32 “Waypoint Communities,” which work together to offer visitors walking, biking, and driving tours of the region.

North Carolina: Outer Banks Scenic Highway

North Carolina's Route 12, aka the Outer Banks Scenic Highway , starts at Bodie Island Lighthouse in the north and goes by the narrow spits of land that make up the barrier islands, protecting the mainland from the ocean. Along the way you can see wildlife, shipwrecks, lighthouses, beaches and Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers made their historic flight.

North Dakota: Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway

This 64-mile byway takes in some of the most scenic areas in North Dakota, ranging from the Killdeer Mountains to the Little Missouri River Breaks and Badlands. You can experience the culture and history of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes, as well as cowboy and rodeo lifestyles, along the way. Stops of interest include the Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge, the Killdeer Battlefield State Historic Site, and the Crow Flies High Butte overlook.

Ohio: Waterfalls route

Ohio isn’t just about its rivers and lakes—it has many beautiful waterfalls that this route will take you by in a roughly 10-hour, looping journey (depending on how long you stop). Some of the highlights you’ll fall for include Hayden Falls in a suburb of Columbus, Big Lyons Falls tumbling into a 300-foot-deep sandstone gorge, the breathtaking 65-foot waterfall flowing from Brandywine Creek, and the falls at Lanterman’s Mill.

Oklahoma: Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway

If you haven’t heard of this scenic byway , you don’t know what you are missing. You can take in mountains, of course; and countless wildflowers in summer and exploding colors in the fall. You travel through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, hosting more than 50 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 64 species of reptiles and amphibians, 36 fish species and 806 species of plants. Iconic bison and endangered species such as the black-capped vireo are also part of the show.

Oregon: Oregon Coast Highway 101

California's Pacific Coastal Highway may get all the attention, but the Oregon Coast Highway 101 deserves equal kudos. The seven-hour coastal route snakes by or through redwood forests, wonderful beaches, including Cannon Beach (the charms of the seaside town celebrated in movies such as The Goonies and Twilight ), small towns such as Seaside and Newport, state parks, and the Myrtle Tree Trail, a quarter-mile walk leading to what may be the world’s largest known eucalyptus tree, with a canopy that’s almost 70 feet across.

Pennsylvania: Route 6

About 400 miles of cross-continental Route 6 pass through northern Pennsylvania, going through bustling cities, small towns and lots of natural attractions. Trip highlights include the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (almost 1,500 feet deep), the Tioga-Hammond Lakes recreation area, the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, the Allegheny Reservoir, and Kinzua Bridge State Park, with “one of the world’s Top 10 most beautiful skywalks.”

Rhode Island: Ten Mile Drive

Any Rhode Island road trip is bound to take you by fantastic seascapes, colonial-era towns and great mansions. The Ten Mile Drive immerses you in the summer neighborhoods of the ultra-wealthy, who started coming to the island to escape the New York City heat in the 1800s. The journey has four legs: Brenton Cove Shore, East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Ocean Drive, and Bellevue Ave. (where many of the early huge mansions were built).

South Carolina: Lowcountry road trip

Between Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, lies the lowcountry, a coastal area lined with oak trees, pristine shores, and all the fresh seafood and barbecue you can consume. In South Carolina, the lowcountry road trip takes you to the historic city of Beaufort; one of the newest National Park sites, Penn Center (the first school in the South for former slaves); and Charleston, with its great food, drink and sightseeing opportunities.

South Dakota: Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway

The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway in the Black Hills of western South Dakota features fantastic granite pinnacles, hairpin curves, wooden “pigtail” bridges, mountain tunnels and the famous four faces on Mount Rushmore. Driving to Custer State Park along the Needles Highway, you’ll see the granite formations that attract rock climbers from around the globe.

Tennessee: Cherohala Skyway

Named a National Scenic Byway, the Cherohala Skyway delivers an amazing scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. The 41-mile route ascends about 4,500 feet and winds around mountain peaks and provides scenic outlooks from a mile up. A lovely hidden waterfall, a lake beach, many mountain vistas and tons of hiking trails are among the other attractions on the skyway.

Texas: Hill Country Route

Running across Edwards Plateau, the Hill Country Route covers rugged hills, flowing rivers and small towns such as Fredericksburg, Lampasas, and New Braunfels. Along the way you can enjoy wine tastings at award-winning vineyards, antique hunting, horseback riding, hiking, and stopping at great natural attractions such as the Hamilton Pool Preserve, where a 50-foot waterfall spills over limestone outcroppings into a green swimming pool below.

Utah: Byway 12

Connecting the Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 delivers one amazing natural scene after another in almost 123 miles of driving bliss. Some of the highlights include the one-of-a-kind geological features of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, the hairpin turns of the “Hogsback” between Boulder and Escalante, and multiple state parks, like Kodachrome Basin, Escalante Petrified Forest and Anasazi State Park Museum.

Vermont: Route 100

Sometimes called Vermont’s “Main Street,” Route 100 is the state's longest state highway at 216.6 miles, providing a great scenic summer tour through the Green Mountains and a lot of quaint New England villages. Running from north to south in the center of Vermont, the highway provides lots of opportunities to pitch a tent in campgrounds, enjoy amazing vistas, and discover gorgeous lakes and hidden swimming holes.

Virginia: Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains along the North Carolina/Tennessee border, meandering through 469 miles of mountain meadows, with over 200 breathtaking overlooks. In Virginia, you can follow the long, narrow route 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park. It features some 300 square miles of hardwood forest throughout the northern region of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and more than 500 miles of trails.

Washington: Olympic Peninsula Loop

This 445-mile looping road trip from Seattle takes you around the Olympic National Park, past rainforests, snow-capped peaks, the crashing ocean surf, tide pools, abundant wildlife and much more. Whale-watching, fields of fragrant lavender blooms, placid lakes, warm spring resorts, and remote beaches with sea stacks are also on the travel menu.

West Virginia: Midland Trail National Scenic Byway

Traveling along the 180-mile Midland Trail National Scenic Byway , you’ll be exposed to some of the best of West Virginia. This includes mountain landscapes, waterfalls, authentic Appalachian cuisine and culture, alpine music venues, and chances to do rafting, spelunking, and fly fishing. Families might enjoy the century-plus-old Camden Park with its amusement rides, or Charleston’s Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, with its ElectricSky Theater and the Avampato Discovery Museum.

Wisconsin: Highway 60

Highway 60 is the first corridor to be designated a Wisconsin Scenic Byway , stretching 100 miles along the Lower Wisconsin River from Lodi to Prairie du Chien in the center of the rural Driftless Area. You can stop for winery tours, enjoy the charms of small towns, learn about native cultures and enjoy the sights of the Wisconsin River shifting shape and running through hills, bluffs and valleys.

Wyoming: Snowy Range Scenic Byway

Originally a wagon-road built in the 1870s, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Hwy. 130) in southeastern Wyoming takes you through a majestic mountain range, past icy glacial lakes, meadows, rushing streams, and wildlife such as yellow-bellied marmots, bighorn sheep, pikas, and blue grouse. While you could drive the route in a day, plenty of scenic overlooks and inviting campsites might tempt you into making it a multi-day excursion.

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