Thinking about taking a trip this summer? Maybe you don’t want to go too far from home though. Nothing beats a fun, summer road trip! Right here in North Carolina, you can visit great places for an even better summer vacation. Wondering what places are within driving distance of you? Trust me, some of these places you may have not even thought to visit but I am here to say, why not?

Tripping curated a list of the 10 best places to take a summer vacation in North Carolina. From beach towns to mountain views, North Carolina has tons of places that you can visit this summer. Don’t sit at home thinking about the next vacation. Pack a bag, pack up the car, and hit the road. North Carolina has tons of things to offer you and a vacation experience we know you need. Find a cute Airbnb and head to one of these great locations in North Carolina. Check out Tripping’s top 10 best places to take a summer vacation in North Carolina and plan your next destination!

• 10. Winston-Salem

  Visit Winston-Salem and get ready for a fun time the whole family can enjoy. Stop by Old Salem Museum and Gardens, SciWorks, Salem God’s Acre Cemetery, eat good food, and more!

  @nceatandplay

  Winston-Salem deserves more hype- you can’t change my mind! #winstonsalem #wakeforestuniversity #triadnc #camelcity #visitnc #nctravel #nccheck #336

  ♬ Coming of Age - Blondes

• 9. Chimney Rock

  Head to Chimney Rock and explore the outdoors. Go for a hike, have a picnic, visit the gardens, check out waterfalls, catch a bike ride, check out local spots, and enjoy company with those you love.

  @melndride

  If you ever get the chance..its worth a good visit. They got shops, trails, waterfalls,etc #luvnc#lakelure#chimneyrockstatepark #broadriverinn #hickorynutfalls #romanticgetaway

  ♬ Goodbye Carolina - The Marcus King Band

   

• 8. Wilmington

  Nothing like a beach trip in the summer. Head to Wilmington and check out the shores, great food, family fun activities, local vendors, and more!

  @nceatandplay

  Two days in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach! #nctravel #nceatandplay #ncbeaches #wilmingtonnc #wrightsvillebeach #910 #visitnc #nccheck

  ♬ Sunroof - Nicky Youre & dazy

• 7. Chapel Hill

  Take a trip to Chapel Hill and be a Tarheel for the weekend. Visit the botanical garden, movies under the stars, local food, museums, and a tour of UNC campus because, why not? Two words, Michael Jordan.

  @theamandabittner

  Caffe Driade is a vibe tho. And I spotted @lindaeatsworld ! #chapelhill #northcarolina #919 #JuntosImparables #BombPopAwards

  ♬ Stuck In The Middle - Tai Verdes

• 6. Charlotte

  Of course, Charlotte makes the list. If you’re already here, then why not do a staycation in your favorite city. Get a hotel and live like a tourist for the day. Head to Carowinds for some adventure, uptown for some city fun, grab a bite to eat from somewhere local, and hop on a motor scooter and enjoy the day!

  @_lovindanni

  Come with me to Charlotte NC!! 3 hidden gems. These places are a must when visiting Queen City!! #thingstodoincharlotte

  ♬ virgo - Jadu Jadu

• 5. Cherokee

  Head to Cherokee and experience the mountain sides for the summer. If you love the outdoors then this is a go to spot for you. Visit local museums, go hiking or bike riding, camping, and so much more.

  https://www.tiktok.com/@llikejimmyfallon/video/7031315744004590853?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7070921411158410798

• 4. Ocracoke Island

  Head to Ocracoke Island, only accessible by ferry, boat or small plane, this will be a destination you will not forget. Relax on this island and enjoy long days on the beach, bike rides, local vendors, local food, music, and an overall peaceful getaway for the entire family. 

  @bbach21

  Ocracoke, NC 🌊#fypシ #ocracokeislandnc #NeverStopExploring #JifRapChallenge

  ♬ original sound - Joel

• 3. Asheville

  Head on over to Asheville and catch mountain views this summertime. Asheville provides an urban feel and easy access to hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Visit the Biltmore Mansion of course, hike some trails, walk around downtown, and visit all the local shops and food spots while you’re in town. 

  @spenditlikestanford

  6 things to do in asheville, north carolina #asheville #ashevillenc #travelguide #tiktoktravel #traveltiktok #foryou

  ♬ The Nights - Avicii

• 2. Raleigh

  Head to Raleigh this summer and explore what the area has to offer. Head to some public parks with the kids, enjoy a day on the paddle-boats, and check out the annual festivals that all locals enjoy.

  @_justlundy

  My favorite places to go in Raleigh 🤤#fyp #foryoupage #foryou #raleigh #northcarolinacheck #northcarolina

  ♬ Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra

• 1. Nags Head

  We all know it and love it, head to Nags Head this summer, of course! This beach town will have you enjoying and living it up this summer. Hit the beaches, eat some local seafood, head over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park and view huge sand dunes, and enjoy a nice time near the water! 

  @elitefoodies

  Top 3 restaurants and dishes in OBX! #foodie #foodtiktok #outerbanks #northcarolina #nagshead #yummy

  ♬ A-Punk - Vampire Weekend

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