North Carolina has something for everyone, from the mountains to the sea. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, you will find the perfect overnight trip in North Carolina. We have pieced together some fantastic options throughout this beautiful state but left a little room for your imagination!
Some of these suggestions for North Carolina overnight trips will include details on a specific hotel so you stay close to the action! If you only have one night, maximizing the fun is essential!
Charlotte: North Carolina overnight trips
An excellent choice to stay in the middle of all the Charlotte downtown action is the Ritz-Carlton. Although many other great downtown Charlotte hotels are close to activities and restaurants, this is the perfect spot for North Carolina overnight trips!
Here is some additional information regarding The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte and nearby attractions:
Hotel Details
The property offers 140 guestrooms, luxurious rooms featuring marble bathrooms and sumptuous bedding, an onsite full-service spa and fitness center, and upmarket bistro cuisine at The BLT Steakhouse restaurant.
Nearby Attractions: Bank of America Stadium (0.4 miles), home of the Carolina Panthers football team; Spectrum Center (0.5 miles), which hosts Charlotte Hornets basketball and major concerts/events, as well as the NASCAR Hall of Fame (0.3 miles) nearby attractions.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (0.2 miles away) houses works by Warhol, Giacometti, and Picasso, while Romare Bearden Park (0.3 miles) serves as a public park and outdoor performing arts space.
The Ritz-Carlton’s prime uptown location allows easy walking access to major attractions in Charlotte, such as sports arenas, museums, and arts centers – providing convenient luxury accommodations, southern hospitality, and charm. That makes it high on our list of North Carolina overnight trips!
The Charlotte uptown area is a popular hub, with restaurants and vibrant nightlife. You will stay right in the middle of all this, providing the perfect end to a great overnight trip. The downtown area is easy to get into and out of, which is always a plus.
Greensboro: Enjoy some history in your North Carolina overnight trips!
Greensboro is a fantastic town offering a historical and “college-town” vibe! The city has outstanding activities that can fill a day in a hurry. Our choice for the history and the proximity to many significant events and activities is the O. Henry Hotel.
O. Henry Hotel of Greensboro offers the ideal mix of historical charm and contemporary convenience, featuring an intimate atmosphere, high hygiene standards, and personalized service – a perfect setting for relaxing yet high-end experiences.
Here’s some info about The O.Henry Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina, as well as nearby attractions:
Hotel Details:
The O. Henry is an intimate boutique hotel conveniently situated downtown and named in honor of the famous short story writer of the same name, who resided here.
Elegant southern decor and furnishings feature charming accents at the Green Valley Grill on site for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – evening wine receptions and tea service are also offered at this hotel – in addition to fitness, business center services, and pet-friendly rooms.
Nearby Attractions:
Greensboro History Museum (0.5 miles away) – Provides historical insight, such as information regarding the sit-in movement.
LeBauer Park (0.1 miles away) – A public park offering scenic gardens, a fountain, cafe seating areas, and events.
Center City Park (0.2 miles away) – Boasts manicured lawns, walking paths and an amphitheater.
Triad Stage Theater (0.3 miles away) – Offering professional live theater productions in an intimate setting.
Elsewhere Museum (1.5 miles away) – A unique collaborative arts space and Museum
Tanger Center (0.7 miles away) – New performing arts center offering major Broadway shows and events.
The O. Henry offers guests the perfect downtown Greensboro experience by placing them near museums, parks, theaters, and entertainment for easy walking access. Visitors will experience Greensboro culture through the arts and history, but a vibrant restaurant and bar scene is nearby!
Asheville: Spend a night in the North Carolina mountains
No matter who or what drives you, Asheville in North Carolina offers something for every type of traveler.
Nestled into the Blue Ridge Mountains and boasting natural beauty, an eclectic restaurant scene, and cultural experiences, Asheville will not disappoint your sense of wonderment and adventure seekers alike!
As we explore exciting overnight trip ideas that will make your visit remarkable, we will offer our accommodation choice that puts you squarely in the middle of things: The Cedar Crest Inn!
Cedar Crest Inn, within walking distance from downtown Asheville, offers modern and antique rooms depending on your preference – perfect for romantic stays and those wishing to explore Asheville’s vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, and brewery scene!
The hotel is a charming Victorian-style inn built during the 1920s with 16 guest rooms decorated with antiques and quilts – ideal for your quick stay in Asheville!
Room rates include breakfast- A multi-course breakfast featuring hot entrees is served each morning. Afternoon refreshments such as tea, coffee, and cookies can also be found here while sitting comfortably on the large front porch overlooking luscious gardens!
This hotel is the closest Bed and Breakfast to the Biltmore Estate, which offers options for North Carolina overnight trips!
Nearby Attractions and Activities in Asheville:
Asheville offers eclectic shops, restaurants, breweries, and street musicians within 3 miles.
Five miles away lies Biltmore Estate, which features tours and wine-tasting opportunities.
Ten miles further on lies Blue Ridge Parkway, providing scenic drives through mountain ridge roads.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (35 miles away) provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and waterfall explorations;
River Arts District (2 miles) features studios, galleries, and shops along the French Broad River; Grove Arcade Public Market (3. 5 miles) offers indoor market shopping with local merchants and eateries;
The Cedar Crest Inn’s convenient proximity to downtown Asheville and other famous sights like Biltmore makes it the ideal base to discover this mountain city.
Enjoy Brunswick County’s Coastal Serenity
Brunswick County, located along Eastern North Carolina’s beaches and coast, boasts some of the region’s most breathtaking coastal beauty and charming towns such as Southport and world-famous seafood at Calabash for visitors seeking an idyllic seaside retreat. This is an ideal destination for sea lovers and provides many choices for North Carolina overnight trips!
Here is a quick but comprehensive guide for making the most of an overnight stay in Brunswick County, North Carolina:
Stay in charming Southport on Cape Fear River at Inlet Inn, which features waterfront rooms and is within walking distance from shops such as Provision Company.
Spend an evening kayaking or paddleboarding on the Intracoastal Waterway by renting gear and viewing the sunset over these waterways!
Experience delicious local seafood like shrimp, grits, grouper, and oysters while enjoying stunning sunset views at Fishy Fishy Cafe.
Wake up early and drive 20 minutes north to Carolina Beach. Take an early morning beach stroll and see if you can spot wild horses roaming nearby.
Before departing on your return journey, stop at Fort Fisher State Historic Site to experience exhibits about this Civil War fort and battle, climb to its observation deck for panoramic views, and climb its observation tower for more impressive vantages.
With Brunswick County’s coastal small-town charm, waterways, beaches, and history teeming with quintessential experiences to fill even a one-night stay!
Step Out in Bryson City for Adventure (One of My Fave North Carolina Overnight Trips).
Bryson City lies along North Carolina’s western edge, making it the ideal adventurer’s retreat. It offers everything from Great Smoky Mountains Railroad rides and river rafting at Nantahala Outdoor Center to hiking and camping trips nearby.
Here are a few activities and attractions recommended for one-night stays in Bryson City, North Carolina:
Take the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on an enjoyable train journey along the Tuckasegee River from downtown Bryson City – choose first class, coach, or an open-air car and relax!
Explore Downtown Bryson City – Explore this walkable downtown featuring shopping, restaurants, breweries, and museums such as Bryson City Museum!
Tubing: Take on the Deep Creek Section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Rent some tubes and enjoy floating along Deep Creek in this breathtaking outdoor adventure, which boasts beautiful scenery as you want this thrilling outdoor activity!
Hike to Waterfalls – Navigate short forest trails to reach Whitewater Falls or Mingus Mill Falls for stunning waterfall hikes!
Relax in Nantahala National Forest – Within just minutes, this national forest offers fishing, boating, mountain biking, bird-watching, and many hiking trails for recreation and relaxation.
Drive on Tail of the Dragon – Take US 129’s iconic 11-mile driving route featuring 318 bends over 11 miles through the national forest for an exhilarating driving experience!
Fryemont Inn: Historic Lodge and Tavern Offering Rustic Rooms Starting at $125 Per night + Complimentary Breakfast
Lakeview at Fontana Inn and Spa is also nestled into the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, renowned for its romantic ambiance. Lakeview at Fontana boasts lakeside views, full-service spa offerings, including daily yoga classes, and an unparalleled Treetop Soaking Cabana that offers everything one needs for a romantic stay and spa getaway experience!
Bryson City offers small-town charm and access to scenic national forests and parks for outdoor fun or relaxation during an overnight visit.
Discover Southern Pines at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club
Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club of Southern Pines provides an idyllic retreat for golf enthusiasts. The Pinehurst area is a gold mine for North Carolina overnight trips if you enjoy golf!
Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club is a historic golf resort nestled into North Carolina’s Sandhills region, featuring two Donald Ross-designed courses: Pine Needles North Course (designed by Donald Ross himself) and Pine Needles South Course.
Pine Needles Course (par 71) – This par 71 course hosted the U.S. Women’s Open Championships in 1996, 2001, and 2007. With elevated and undulating greens set amidst pine trees and breathtaking scenic holes to challenge pros while providing amateur players with an engaging golfing experience – The Pine Needles Course delivers both!
Mid Pines Course – Ross designed this par 72 course as his debut project in the Sandhills region, and it offers spacious fairways, small greens, and links-style play. Mature trees adorn every hole to complete this classic golf experience.
Pine Needles offers two world-renowned courses and outstanding Southern hospitality through onsite accommodations and dining: two championship 18-hole golf courses are coupled with fantastic accommodations and dining.
Lodge Rooms & Cottages – The main lodge boasts 100 cozy guestrooms and suites for maximum charm, while cottages or rental homes can provide additional privacy and comfort.
Southern-Style Dining – At The Crest Dining Room and Patio, you will experience delicious regional cuisine served casually in an enjoyable environment with breathtaking vista views from their veranda. They also feature the “In-The-Rough” Lounge for lighter meals and drinks.
Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club provides an unforgettable golfing getaway, thanks to its historic course history, charming accommodations, and southern hospitality.
Experience Beachside Charm at Emerald Isle
Headed to the beach is a popular destination in North Carolina, and Emerald Isle is usually near the top of the list! This area provides many activities suitable for anybody planning North Carolina overnight trips!
Here are the top activities in Emerald Isle, North Carolina:
Relax on the Beach – Emerald Isle offers wide sandy beaches that are great for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, making ideal family beach fun! Ocean waters tend to remain calm, giving families plenty of space.
Charter a Fishing Trip – Enjoy half or full-day fishing charters to capture red drum, mahi-mahi, tuna, and more – Inshore and offshore trips are available.
Kayak or Paddleboard Tour – Explore marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway using kayak or paddleboard rentals from local outfitters. Rentals or tours available.
Golf at Emerald Isle Golf Course – This excellent executive golf course provides 18 holes that can be played in just a couple of hours, leaving plenty of time to indulge in other Emerald Isle activities!
Rent bicycles to easily explore the island’s Bogue Sound boardwalk and trails. A fun, stress-free way of discovering.
Climb Bogue Inlet Pier – Experience excellent fishing and stunning ocean views by walking to the end of this 1,000-foot pier protruding into the waters of Bogue Inlet.
Experience fresh seafood by dining at CaribSea for shrimp, fish, oysters, and other coastal classics!
Emerald Isle provides the quintessential North Carolina coastal experience with its scenic beaches, water activities, and charming beach town ambiance.
Our top hotel choice for an Emerald Isle getaway!
As you plan a coastal escape, make your reservation at Islander Hotel & Resort in Emerald Isle. With a serene atmosphere, luxurious amenities, and private beach access – including bike rental service and chairs provided for free – this oceanfront retreat provides everything needed to enhance your beach experience!
Delight in the Historic Charm of Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City is another North Carolina coastal town that visitors flock to!
Here are a few of Elizabeth City, North Carolina’s most beloved attractions and activities:
Museum of Albemarle – Regional history museum offering exhibits of Dismal Swamp Canal and more, offering guided walking tours.
Northeast North Carolina Maritime Museum: Showcasing boat models, historic fishing gear, and information on the shipbuilding heritage of northeast North Carolina.
Pasquotank Riverfront Park consists of walking trails, boat ramps, picnic areas, and playgrounds along its scenic riverfront.
Arts of the Albemarle – Arts of the Albemarle is a local gallery and art center offering rotating exhibits, classes, and special events.
Downtown Elizabeth City Historic District – Enjoy walking the Historic District for unique shops and restaurants housed within historic buildings.
Dismal Swamp State Park – Nearby park featuring hiking trails, canal history, and abundant wildlife, including black bears.
Elizabeth City State University – Elizabeth City State University’s historic campus features museum exhibits open to the public.
Elizabeth City provides visitors of all ages with an enjoyable and enriching coastal experience, thanks to its coastal location and rich local heritage.
Pepperberry Inn in Elizabeth City perfectly balances historical charm and contemporary comfort. It is located within Elizabeth City’s Historic District and offers comfortable rooms with relaxing front porch seating, perfect for an affordable weekend break getaway.
North Carolina provides travelers with everything they need for unforgettable overnight trips – from luxury city breaks to relaxing coastal retreats – so pack your bags and prepare yourself for an incredible journey through this breathtaking state!