9 Epic Spring Road Trips from Raleigh, NC You’ll Absolutely Love (2025 Edition)

Do you ever notice how spring kind of sneaks up on you? One minute, it’s cold and gray, and you’re still living in your hoodie, and then suddenly—you hear birds chirping, the sun feels a little warmer, and you start thinking, “Hey… maybe I should go somewhere this weekend.”

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got that itch. That feeling that it’s time to get out of town, even if it’s just for the day. And living in Raleigh? We’re lucky. In just a couple of hours (or less), we can be by the ocean, in the mountains, or exploring somewhere we’ve never been—all without hopping on a plane or stressing over big travel plans.

Let’s dive into some of the best spring road trips from Raleigh, NC that’ll make you fall in love with the season all over again.

Best Spring Day Road Trips from Raleigh, NC (Under 2 Hours)

1. Durham & Chapel Hill – City Charm Nearby

You don’t have to go far to feel like you’re somewhere new. Just 30–40 minutes from Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are the kind of places that always surprise you with how much there is to do—even if you’ve been before.

Spring is when Sarah P. Duke Gardens really show off. Think tulips, cherry blossoms, and those perfect shady spots where you can sit and read or just people-watch. 

Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street is great for a slow walk, stopping for coffee or some funky vintage shopping. If you’re into art, the Nasher Museum and Morehead Planetarium offer indoor escapes when the weather’s unpredictable (because hey, it is spring after all).

Pros: Quick trip, beautiful spring blooms, great mix of chill + culture.

Cons: Parking can be tricky near campuses on weekends; best to go early or during weekdays if you can.

2. North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro – Family Adventure Guaranteed

If you’ve got kids—or if you just really love animals—Asheboro’s North Carolina Zoo is one of those spring day trips that always hits the mark. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Raleigh, which makes it just far enough to feel like a getaway but not so far that you need to pack overnight bags.

This isn’t a small petting-zoo situation either. We’re talking 500 acres of winding walking trails and natural habitats where elephants, gorillas, polar bears, and even red wolves roam (or chill in the sun, depending on their mood). It’s actually the largest natural habitat zoo in the world, and the space alone makes it feel less like a zoo and more like an adventure through the animal kingdom.

Spring is hands-down the best time to go—cooler temps mean the animals are more active, and the blooming trees and flowers around the trails are just beautiful. Tickets run around $15 for adults and $11 for kids, and trust me, it’s well worth it.

Pros: Easy drive, lots of open space, fun for all ages, affordable.

Cons: Lots of walking—bring comfy shoes, and avoid peak weekends if you don’t love crowds.

3. Falls Lake & Eno River State Park – Nature Close to Home

If you’re itching to get into nature without spending hours on the road, Falls Lake and Eno River State Park are two of the best backyard escapes you’ve got. Both are under an hour from Raleigh, and honestly? You’ll feel a world away from the city as soon as you hit the trail.

Falls Lake is perfect for a laid-back day of kayaking or finding your own quiet spot along the shoreline. You’ll see families barbecuing, folks sunbathing on picnic blankets, and the occasional dog living their best life splashing around. It’s the kind of place where time slows down—in a good way.

Eno River is a favorite of mine when I just want to lace up my hiking boots and get lost (figuratively, not literally). The trails are scenic without being too intense, and if you haven’t crossed the suspension bridge yet, you’re in for a treat. Spring wildflowers pop up all along the path, and the sound of the river bubbling nearby is as calming as it gets.

Pros: Super close, free or very cheap to access, peaceful vibe, great for solo hikes or family outings.

Cons: Can get busy on sunny weekends, and parking fills up fast—especially at Eno’s more popular trailheads.

4. Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach – Quick Coastal Retreat

Spring at the beach? Absolutely. And Wilmington with Wrightsville Beach is hands-down one of the best spring road trips from Raleigh, NC when you’re craving a little salt in the air. The drive is just about two hours—close enough for a day trip, but I’ll be honest, once you get there, you’ll probably want to stay longer.

Wrightsville Beach in spring is chef’s kiss. It’s not as crowded as in the summer, the weather is usually just right—not too hot, not too chilly—and you can actually find a decent parking spot without circling for twenty minutes. 

I love walking along the shore when the breeze still has a bit of a spring chill and the waves roll in under that early-season sun.

And downtown Wilmington? Total vibe. It’s a blend of old-school charm and cool new spots. You’ve got cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and spots like the Riverwalk where you can sip something iced and watch the boats drift by. 

Don’t skip the USS North Carolina Battleship—it’s $14 to tour and absolutely worth it, especially with all the spring light pouring into those historic nooks.

Pros: Easy drive, fewer crowds than summer, great mix of beach + culture.

Cons: Water’s still a bit cold for swimming, and some beach shops/restaurants are just gearing up for the season.

Exciting Weekend Getaways from Raleigh, NC to Explore This Spring (Just 2–3 Hours Away)

1. Outer Banks, NC – Classic Coastal Escape

If you haven’t made the drive out to the Outer Banks in spring, you’re seriously missing out on one of the most beautiful stretches of North Carolina’s coast—before the summer crowds roll in. 

It’s about a 3.5-hour trip from Raleigh, and trust me, the moment you cross that last bridge and see the ocean stretching out forever, you’ll forget every single red light you hit on the way there.

There’s just something different about the OBX. Maybe it’s the quiet mornings walking along the beach in Duck, or watching wild horses casually trotting along the dunes in Corolla. Maybe it’s standing at the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse with wind in your hair and nothing but sea and sky all around you. Whatever it is—it stays with you.

Spring is the sweet spot here. It’s warm enough to relax in the sun, but not hot enough to make you sweat through your T-shirt. Shops and restaurants are just starting to open for the season, so it still feels like your little coastal hideaway. 

And if you’re a kite-flying kind of person? Jockey’s Ridge State Park is basically a playground in the sky this time of year—and it’s totally free.

Pros: Peaceful spring atmosphere, wild horses (!), picture-perfect beaches.

Cons: It’s a bit of a drive, and some businesses might still be ramping up for the season—so double-check hours before you go.

2. Myrtle Beach, SC – Vibrant & Fun

Okay, let’s be honest—Myrtle Beach gets a bit of a reputation for being touristy, but that’s kind of the point. If you’re in the mood for a road trip that’s loud, colorful, and full of energy, this one checks all the boxes. 

About 3 hours from Raleigh, it’s one of those spots where there’s always something going on—and in the spring, it’s just the right kind of busy.

The weather is warming up, the beach crowds aren’t out in full force yet, and the boardwalk still has that fresh start-of-season vibe. You can rent a bike and cruise the coast, catch a show at the Carolina Opry, or just people-watch with a funnel cake in hand (zero judgment here). 

And Broadway at the Beach? It’s like an entertainment district, shopping mall, and food court rolled into one—minus the fluorescent lighting.

Got kids? Ripley’s Aquarium is a hit. Traveling with friends? You’ll find mini golf, arcades, and more than enough places to grab a drink and laugh way too loud.

Pros: Packed with stuff to do, early season deals, perfect for families or groups.

Cons: Can feel crowded during spring break, and traffic can slow you down once you’re close.

3. Boone & Blowing Rock, NC – Mountain Adventures Await

If there’s a season that makes the Blue Ridge Mountains feel like they’re glowing, it’s spring. And Boone and Blowing Rock? They’re the gateway to all of it. Just about 3 hours from Raleigh, these two mountain towns give you a refreshing break from city noise—and a much-needed dose of crisp air and quiet trails.

Spring hits different up here. The trees are just starting to bloom, the rhododendrons pop with color, and the mountain views seem to stretch out forever. 

Grandfather Mountain is a must-stop—yes, the Mile-High Swinging Bridge might make your knees wobble a bit, but the view is totally worth it. (Entry is around $24 for adults.) And if you’re into cute little towns, Blowing Rock’s downtown is basically a Hallmark movie set, complete with rocking chairs and homemade fudge.

Boone has a bit more buzz thanks to App State, so you’ve got coffee shops, breweries, and trails all within reach. 

And Tweetsie Railroad? It’s opening up for the season in spring and is a fun throwback adventure if you’ve got kiddos with you.

Pros: Fresh mountain air, scenic drives, great for couples, families, or solo resets.

Cons: It’s still a little chilly in early spring, and mountain weather can be moody—bring layers and check the forecast.

Spring Road Trips from Raleigh, NC, Worth the Longer Drive (4 Hours)

1. Washington, DC – Cultural & Historical Treasure

If you’re up for a bit of a drive—about 4 hours from Raleigh—Washington, DC makes for a seriously memorable spring getaway. Especially if you time it right and catch the cherry blossoms in bloom? Chef’s kiss. 

It’s the kind of scene that feels straight out of a movie: petals floating through the air, pink trees framing the Tidal Basin, and everyone around you just kind of stopping to soak it all in. But even when the cherry blossoms aren’t popping, DC is packed with things to do. 

And the best part? So much of it is free. You’ve got the Smithsonian museums (hello, Air & Space and Natural History!), the National Gallery, the Lincoln Memorial, and all the iconic spots you’ve probably seen in textbooks. And walking the National Mall in the spring, when everything’s waking up from winter? It hits different.

There’s also no shortage of good food. From food trucks near the museums to Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll definitely eat well here. Pro tip: take the Metro in from your hotel or parking garage. Traffic in DC can be a lot, especially during weekends in cherry blossom season.

Pros: Gorgeous spring blooms, tons of free attractions, great for families, couples, or solo adventurers.

Cons: It’s a longer drive, traffic is no joke, and hotels can get pricey during cherry blossom peak—book early if you can.

2. Charleston, SC – Romantic Southern Charm

Some places just know how to slow you down—in the best possible way. Charleston is one of them. About 4.5 hours from Raleigh, it’s the kind of spring road trip that feels like stepping into a dreamy postcard full of pastel-colored houses, cobblestone streets, and oak trees dripping in Spanish moss.

Spring is hands-down the best time to go. The weather is warm (but not sticky-hot yet), and the city’s famous gardens are blooming like crazy. 

Azaleas, wisteria, camellias—Charleston in the spring is a full-on floral explosion. Whether you’re strolling through the historic district or taking a carriage tour, there’s beauty literally around every corner.

Don’t miss Rainbow Row or the Battery for those classic Charleston views, and if you’ve got time, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is stunning this time of year (entry is around $29 per adult). 

And after a full day of wandering, head to Folly Beach or Isle of Palms for a breezy sunset walk. It’s the perfect mix of history, romance, and ocean air.

Pros: Super romantic, great food and historic vibes, spring blooms make everything extra magical.

Cons: A longer drive, and it’s a popular spring break spot—book your hotel early and pack some patience.

Final Thoughts on Best Spring Road Trips from Raleigh, NC

There’s something about spring that just makes the road feel more inviting. Maybe it’s the flowers starting to bloom, the extra hour of daylight, or that first day you can leave your jacket at home—but whatever it is, it’s the season that makes you want to go somewhere. Anywhere.

These nine spring road trips from Raleigh, NC? They’re not just about the destination. They’re about hitting pause on your usual routine, rolling the windows down, and finding a fresh view—be it a mountaintop, a sandy beach, or a new city street. Each one of these spots brings its own kind of joy, from quiet nature walks to lively boardwalk energy.

So here’s your nudge to make it happen: Pick a weekend, pack your favorite snacks, grab someone you love (or don’t—solo trips are underrated!), and just drive. Spring doesn’t last forever, but the memories? They’ll stick around long after the season’s gone.

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