Charlotte, North Carolina is a bustling city filled with attractions that will keep you occupied all year long. However, be sure to plan an excursion outside the city limits to experience some of its incredible sites and activities.
Places like the Uwharrie National Forest and other national and state parks offer the ideal setting for nature enthusiasts looking for an adventure day trip from Charlotte. Check out our list below for some unique and fun day trips from Charlotte NC.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through the provided links, at no additional cost to you.
1. Hounds Drive-In Theatre
With so much going on in Charlotte, it can be easy to forget there is so much fun waiting outside its borders. From outdoor adventures and historical landmarks to small-town charm and charming countryside escapes – there’s something to satisfy everyone within an hour’s drive of Charlotte!
Hounds Drive-In Theatre provides the classic movie experience. Just 40 minutes outside Charlotte, this drive-in offers your favorite films for an enjoyable family activity.
Though many movie theaters have closed since the pandemic hit, some remain strong! One such theater in Kings Mountain is owned by Preston Brown and his father.
At its height during the pandemic, this drive-in was one of North Carolina’s most beloved attractions; and this year promises even greater traffic. A classic date night spot or great place for movie night with children (only $20 per car!), this drive-in awaits your patronage!
2. Carrigan Farms
Carrigan Farms is a five-generation family farm where visitors can pick apples, pumpkins and other seasonal fruits and vegetables about 50 minutes from Charlotte. Additionally, educational field trips and tours teach children about life on a farm such as agriculture, animal science and pollination.
Students and homeschoolers can visit the farm during fall harvest tours for educational tours that focus on various aspects of farming and agriculture. Groups can enjoy a hayride to an apple orchard and pick their own pumpkins while learning about farming and agriculture in a hands-on way.
If you’re searching for an extra fun way to cool off this summer, why not consider swimming in the quarry at Carrigan Farms! With plenty of jumping points and an accommodating rope swing for families, this natural rock quarry makes for an exciting way to cool off!
3. Mile High Swinging Bridge
If you’re in Charlotte and want a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a trip to Mile High Swinging Bridge should definitely be on your agenda. Not only is it one of the highest suspension footbridges in America but it also provides stunning 360deg panoramas of its surroundings!
At Mile High Swinging Bridge, visitors can enjoy some of North Carolina’s breathtaking autumn leaves from atop this famous suspension bridge! A perfect way to spend an enjoyable and fulfilling day in the mountains; an easy 2.5 hour drive away from Charlotte.
Grandfather Mountain Park is a family-friendly, non-profit attraction offering activities and attractions for all ages. Highlights of Grandfather Mountain’s park attractions include its signature Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats and nature museum. In addition, backcountry trails can be reached free from outside the park itself.
4. Hickory Ridge Living History Museum
2 hours from Charlotte, the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum can give visitors an authentic taste of life in Colonial America during this era. Set on the grounds of Horn in the West – America’s oldest Revolutionary War drama – Hickory Ridge recreates backcountry living through interpreters wearing period clothing who demonstrate everyday tasks for visitors to experience.
Visitors will witness how early settlers lived and thrived through farming, building, trading and trading for everyday needs. Costumed interpreters use traditional tools while performing hearthside cooking, weaving, candle making, spinning and blacksmithing in order to tell a story of life during a small mountain community at the time of the Revolutionary War.
Hickory Ridge cabins were donated to the Southern Appalachian Historical Association and have been faithfully recreated to represent buildings found during late 1700s America. Each cabin serves as an example of homes, taverns, blacksmith shops, or hunter cabins from that era.
5. Crowders Mountain State Park
A quick trip out of Charlotte offers a fantastic day hike that will leave you feeling like you’ve gone on a far-flung retreat into the North Carolina wilderness. There are two peaks to choose from: The Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain, which both offer incredible views.
If you’re looking for a more strenuous hike, the Pinnacle Trail is a little over 2 miles to reach the summit of Crowders Mountain and its namesake, but it can be a little difficult to keep your footing.
6. Mooresville
If you want a more laid-back atmosphere, this southern city, just 30 minutes from Charlotte, might be your best bet. It’s known for its low crime rates and easy access to Lake Norman, a national-famous bass fishing lake.
For history buffs, a trip to Huntersville can’t be overlooked. With plenty of Civil War monuments and reenactments, as well as plantations and old homesteads, the small town has lots to offer visitors.
7. Salisbury
It may have slipped under your radar, but this lovely southern city is worth exploring during a day trip from Charlotte. Take a stroll through downtown, where you can find museums and galleries, as well as bars and breweries.
You can also check out the Salisbury National Cemetery, which is a peaceful space to honor the lives of thousands of American soldiers and veterans who sacrificed their freedoms in order to defend their country. Also, the annual Cheerwine Festival, typically held each May, is a great family activity.
8. Uwharrie National Forest
If you’re looking for a less-than-strenuous day hike near Charlotte, consider heading east towards the Uwharrie Mountains. This area is one of the United States’ smallest national forests, but its 50,645 acres of rugged terrain provide an ideal escape from the city.
The mountain range is actually a series of thinly wooded ridges that rise only about 1,000 feet above the Piedmont plateau, which makes for perfect hiking in summer but brutal winter conditions.
9. Elkin
Surry County is one of the best places to go if you’re interested in history, nature or art. It’s also a great place for food and wine lovers.
A visit to Surry County will give you plenty of options for dining out, including a variety of restaurants that serve up delicious dishes and refreshing local beer. It’s also home to several great wineries, many of which are attached to restaurants in town.
Stone Mountain State Park is another beautiful place to visit in Elkin (see photo above).
10. Lake Lure
This beautiful lake is only 93 miles west of Charlotte and is the perfect place to spend the day or overnight. The scenery is every bit as beautiful as you remember, and it’s easy to get here from Chimney Rock if you want to mix things up a little.
While the lake is stunning year-round, it’s particularly gorgeous during autumn. During that time, the trees turn a fiery red and vibrant orange, and the vista is breathtaking.
11. Chimney Rock
The most well-known natural landmark in North Carolina, Chimney Rock is a must-see when you visit Charlotte. It’s been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century, when it served as a landmark along the Oregon Trail. Thousands of pioneers wrote about their experiences here.
To make the most of your visit, take the elevator or stairs up to the top of the mountain to see the awe-inspiring views from above.