Top North Carolina Day Trips

Hike the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this guided day trip to three scenic waterfalls from Asheville. Take in views of the mountains as you tour the classic road in a comfortable van and hear stories about the area’s natural history and culture from your local guide. Watch for blooming laurels and rhododendron as you walk the easy to moderate trails through lush oak and hickory forests. Enjoy light refreshments along the way with plenty of time to relax by the falls before returning to Asheville.

Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Outer Banks road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including three historic lighthouses that you can climb, look for wild horses in the dunes, wander the famous piers, and learn about the Wright Brothers' aviation history at a national memorial. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t. ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use ✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Embark on the ultimate outdoor adventure with the River to Sea Tour, designed for those who crave the thrill of exploring the great outdoors on a high-performance e-bike. This unforgettable journey takes you from downtown Wilmington to the pristine shores of Wrightsville Beach, blending scenic beauty with exhilarating exploration. Before hitting the trail, every tour starts with a comprehensive orientation to ensure riders are confident and comfortable operating their e-bikes. The recommended route includes a luxurious stop at Wrightsville Beach’s prestigious Trailborn Surf and Sound hotel. Riders can choose to dine and enjoy exclusive access to the resort’s lush Lawn & Garden areas, complete with beach chairs, loungers, and direct beach access. Disclaimer: Our self-guided routes are intended for people who are able to strongly navigate on their own. These routes are not for beginners. All self-guided tours require a refundable security deposit of $100 per rider. Add a Tour Guide.

Journey through beautiful and stunning North Carolina on this half-day winery and vineyard tour from the Asheville metropolitan area. Your group will visit three amazing wineries and vineyards and explore North Carolina with an expert guide who handles all the driving leaving your group free to enjoy wineries, so sit back and relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery. This tour is unique because you will have a private chauffeur who will pickup and drop off your group up from your hotel or private residence. Great for couples, anniversaries, birthdays, and friends trip. This tour requires a minimum of 2 and most seating is limited to 6 participants.

Horseback riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a beautiful way to explore the area’s natural attractions. Trot through fern groves, past rows of wild flame azaleas, and into a white pine forest on well-trained, gentle horses. This tour includes a safety training, too, making it a good choice for beginner horseback riders and children.

This private trip to Masonboro Island will be an unforgettable experience for you and the whole family. Come aboard our 31ft Chaparral Signature for a relaxing trip down the Intracoastal Waterway. Our vessel is equipped with a working restroom, sinks, stereo system, and plenty of places for passengers to enjoy any snacks and beverages they would like to bring. Parking is located at our private slip. We will send address to the slip once booking is completed.

Get out into nature and experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains on this private full-day guided hike from Asheville. The experience will be tailored to your interests and preferences. Choose the distance you want to hike, and your guide will take care of the rest. Includes a picnic lunch and trekking poles, if requested.

Discover how our National Forest earned its nickname "the land of waterfalls" as we guide you on a small group hike to explore hidden, off-the-beaten-path, waterfalls within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our small group hike covers 2-3 miles on easy-to-moderate hiking trails. Perfect for most fitness levels, our experienced guides will adapt the hike to different physical abilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls safely. After the hike, return to Asheville via the historic Blue Ridge Parkway. Group is limited to 6 hikers. Meet at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Asheville. You will meet your hiking guide and receive a rundown of the itinerary. 5 hour tour includes drive time and 2.5-3 hours of hiking. Snacks and transportation are included. Your guide will provide trekking poles, a daypack, and/or bottled water at no additional charge upon request. Hikers should arrive prepared for all weather conditions and pack a rain jacket, an extra warm layer, and water.

Kuwohi is a sacred place for the Cherokee people and is the highest point within the traditional Cherokee homeland. Kuwohi is one of the most popular sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with more than 650,000 visitors per year. It is the tallest point in Tennessee and the third-highest summit east of the Mississippi River.

The 3-vineyard wine tour by NC Wine Gals offers a delightful 6-hour experience that combines local wines with a gourmet lunch in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley. The tour includes visits to three top-rated vineyards, a substantial charcuterie board with a glass of wine, at the first 2 vineyards and a tasting/flight of 6–10 wines at the final vineyard. Transportation is provided in a 15-passenger Ford Transit van, accommodating 4–12 guests.

North Carolina’s highlands have miles of quiet trails, scenic overlooks, and tranquil backdrops perfect for photo sessions. Join this tour to see everything from quaint towns to stunning cliffs surrounding the Asheville area. Your guide will zoom you through the highlands, passing by landmarks like the Cullasaja River Gorge and the town of Dillard. You’ll stop for photos at Looking Glass Falls and Whiteside Mountain, as well as walk the Cliffside Lake and Trail.

Journey through beautiful and stunning North Carolina on this half-day tour from the Asheville metropolitan area. Your private chauffeur will pick up your group from your hotel or private residence anywhere in the Asheville metropolitan area, as well as drop you off at the end of the tour. Your group will visit a couple amazing vineyards and explore the small town of Little Switzerland with an expert guide who handles all the driving as your private chauffeur, leaving your group free to enjoy wineries, and shop and dine in Little Switzerland. So sit back and relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery North Carolina has to offer. This tour requires a minimum of 2 and most seating is limited to 6 participants, so you can enjoy a more intimate experience of North Carolina's natural mountain landscapes. 7+ participants will be in multiple vehicles and/or a shuttle van.

Travel along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, with plenty of stops along the way to check out natural and cultural features, with this private guided tour. You'll check out the Folk Art Center, hike to the summit at Craggy Gardens, and see the cascades at Linville Falls and Roaring Fork Falls with your professional, local guide.

Explore Asheville, a beautiful, artsy, relaxed and Bohemian city with a small-town vibe in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountain. Asheville is a beautiful place, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and renowned for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor activities and stunning mountain vistas. On your private full-day tour, you’ll mix it up with driving between destinations, and strolling around Asheville’s various neighbourhoods to soak up the atmosphere and admire the historic architecture. The Downtown Art District is a lively hub of cafes, galleries and museums, you’ll walk past more than 200 locally-owned shops and galleries where you will find everything from pottery and paintings to essential oils, arts and crafts, clothes and shoes. You’ll be able to admire the contrast between Asheville’s historic architecture like the basilica of Saint Lawrence and the many artists’ studios housed in former factories along with the River Arts District.

You will meet us at the Historic River Forest Manor. The house was started in 1899 and completed in 1903. Many famous people over the years have visited the Manor and we will be glad to tell you about some. From there we will leave in our 15 passenger Mercedes van and provide you some history along the way. You will have many opportunities to stop and take photos, sightsee, as well as view wildlife. Eastern North Carolina has the largest concentration of black bears in the world! Come join us for a couple of hours or for the day and enjoy the backroads of Eastern North Carolina.

EZ Electric Bike Tours and Rentals is excited to launch its second location in partnership with the River Hotel of Southport, bringing fun, freedom, and exploration to both residents and visitors. As the only provider of electric bikes in the area, EZ Electric Bike makes it easy for everyone to get out and ride. Spend the day rolling from local boutiques and galleries to historic sites and outdoor dining spots, stopping whenever something catches your eye. With electric assist, you can ride farther, explore longer, and turn an everyday outing into an easygoing adventure close to home. Take your adventure across the water by bringing your e-bike to Bald Head Island and skipping the island rental lines completely. The moment you step off the ferry, you are ready to roam dunes, maritime forests, beaches, and island roads at your own pace. With a range of up to 40 miles on a single charge, the E-Bikes are built for full-day exploring. Please arrive at 10am.

Unlike standard sightseeing trips, this tour is carefully curated to showcase a variety of experiences in a single day—from quirky museums to historic landmarks, tranquil lakes, vibrant mountain towns, and some of the most iconic waterfalls in the region. With Magnolia Heritage Tours, guests enjoy the personal touch of a private guide, smaller groups for a more intimate experience, and thoughtfully chosen stops that highlight both the well-known wonders and hidden gems of Western North Carolina. It’s not just a tour of sights—it’s a journey that tells the story of the mountains, blending history, culture, and natural beauty into one unforgettable day. *Please note that in the winter some roads may not be accessible, but your guide will make plans to visit alternate sites if necessary.

Sharpen your photography skills with a custom half-day photo tour from Asheville. Get picked up at your hotel and meet your guide for a private photography-focused tour. Personalize the itinerary according to your interests and set out for a trip into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn new techniques from a professional photographer and bring home stellar photographs.

Escape the ordinary with a curated day trip to Grandfather Mountain—where winding scenic drives open up to mile-high views and unforgettable moments at every turn. From the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge to sweeping overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this experience blends light adventure with the peaceful beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Your day begins with a morning departure from Asheville Visitor Center at 8:00 AM, where you’ll settle in for a scenic drive into the mountains. At Grandfather Mountain State Park you'll walk across the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge, and take in panoramic views that stretch for miles. You’ll also have time to explore the park’s nature center and wildlife habitats, offering an up-close look at the region’s native species. Midday, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Mildred’s Grill before departing the mountain no later than 2:30 PM.

Rising above the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Mitchell offers a day trip that feels worlds away from the ordinary. With elevations reaching 6,684 feet, it delivers sweeping, mile-high views that stretch across layers of misty ridges-an iconic experience of Western North Carolina. The journey is just as memorable as the destination. Traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll wind through lush forests, breathe in crisp mountain air, and pause at scenic overlooks. A stop at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center offers a chance to stretch your legs. At Mount Mitchell State Park, a short, paved 5-10 minute walk from the parking area leads you to the summit observation deck. Here, the breathtaking 360° views make every mile of the journey worthwhile. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the Mount Mitchell Cafe or picnic on the scenic grounds surrounded by nature. This experience is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape.