10 Great Day Trips From the Triangle
Great Day Trips From The Triangle
Are you searching for fun things to do for the day in the Triangle area? Look no further and check out these best day trip ideas in the Triangle.
You are in luck if you are looking for a fun day in the Triangle. The Triangle area is filled with many things; whether you are looking for a fun day in the sun or a staycation, here are some of the best recommendations you will enjoy with friends, family, or alone.
If you are looking to relocate somewhere affordable, has excellent weather, and an overall outstanding quality of life, searching for homes in the Triangle may be perfect. With so much to offer, this area is an ideal place to call home or visit all the fun attractions.
Regardless of your age or preferences, there are many things to do in this area. If you are planning to visit or move here, knowing the local things to do is essential to get the whole experience of this beautiful area.
Below is some local information on events, parks, and attractions perfect for a fun day trip in the Triangle.
Here are the best day trips in the Triangle.
Chapters
1. North Carolina Transportation Museum
Location: 411 S Salisbury Ave, Spencer, NC
The North Carolina Transportation Museum is a must-see place for train-loving kids. This museum features antique cars, an authentic train depot, a 37 bay Roundhouse with 25 locomotives, dozens of rail cars, and so much more. On the other hand, this museum offers seasonal train rides, including the most popular, Day Out with Thomas and the Polar Express.
This historic site was home to Southern Railway's largest steam locomotive repair facility in the southeast, now home to all types of transportation history. With many historical structures, this place is a perfect destination for a day trip where you will view many unique things and learn about all the history.
If you are a train lover, history lover, or even searching for a unique experience, visit the North Carolina Transportation Museum.
2. North Carolina Zoo
Location: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC
The North Carolina Zoo houses about 1,700 animals of more than 250 species, primarily representing Africa and North America. Located on over 2,600 wooded acres centrally located in the heart of North Carolina, this is the world's largest natural habitat zoo.
As the largest zoo in North Carolina, this Zoo offers a wide range of recreational activities and amenities such as hiking, a trail butterfly garden, a giraffe deck, and many more.
Visit this zoo with friends or family to get close to some of the most majestic animals on our planet and the extensive range of unique experinces. With other things such as overnight camping and animal feeding, visiting this special treasure should be on the list of things to do.
3. Greensboro Science Center
Location: 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC
The Greensboro Science Center combines a zoo, aquarium, and museum. Exhibits throughout the center feature red pandas, stingrays, pygmy hippos, life-size dinosaur models, and many other things.
There are also shows in the Omni Sphere and SkyWild zip line tours offered for additional costs. This center is committed to excellence in science education by providing the community with a dynamic, experimental, and family-focused attraction designed to inspire scientific curiosity and discovery about life and the natural world.
If you are searching for a zoo, aquarium, museum, and other attractions, visiting this science center may be a perfect day trip. This is a great place to stay with so many things to do.
4. Aloha Safari Zoo
Location: 159 Mini Lane, Cameron, NC
Aloha Safari Zoo is a unique experience unlike any other. On a safari tour, you will see and feed rescued exotic animals, including zebras, giraffes, bison, and many others.
With more animals in the upper section of the sanctuary on foot, you can come close to many other animals, such as lemurs, tigers, wolves, and others. With the experience of feeding, learning, and. interacting with them, this is an ace you want to take advantage of.
With only $12 per person, with children under 2 being free, this safari tour is a chance to meet and learn about many animals. Feed cups are available as well for $3.
5. Carolina Tiger Rescue
Location: 1940 Hanks Chapel Road, Pittsboro, NC
The Carolina Tiger Rescue is home to plenty of tigers and other wild cats, including lions, cougars, ocelots, and more. They also host other wild animals like red wolves. You can visit this Resuce by planning a tour; sadly, walk-ins are unavailable.
This nonprofit wildcat sanctuary is perfect for visiting some of the most beautiful rescued animals. This rescue place saves and protects wild cats in captivity and the world through rescue and education and works daily to give them a native habitat that humans do not exploit.
This unique experience is perfect for people searching for something like the zoo but different. As well as the experience like no other, you will be helping these people support their mission and give these animals the love they deserve.
Visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue today; you will not regret it.
6. William B. Umstead State Park
Location: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC
William B. Umstead State Park is a beautiful park that offers a range of recreational activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and biking, as well as enjoying the scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and wildlife around you. Whether searching for an escape from the busy city life or just planning a day to enjoy some outdoors, William B. Umstead State Park is the place to go.
Located 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, this park is a popular destination for retreating from the bustling urban life. If you love nature trails, camping, boating, or enjoying the wildlife, this state park is one of the best places to visit. With over 5,000 acres of forest, this park is one of North Carolina's most visited state parks.
Below are some amenities and things to do at William B. Umstead State Park.
Camping:
- Tent sites
- Maple Hill Lodge
- Group tent sites
- Showers
- Firewood
Activities:
- Hiking (34.5 miles)
- Biking (13 miles)
- Horseback riding (13 miles)
- Paddling
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Boat rentals
- Picnic shelters
7. Battleship North Carolina
Location: 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC
The Battleship North Carolina participated in a major naval offensive in the Pacific theater of operations during WWII, earning 15 battle stars. This authencailly restores National Hisotirc Lanmark is a popular place to viti.
Located across from the historic downtown Wilmington, the Battleship welcomes visitors daily. You can explore nine levels, clime includes gun turrets, marvel at early computers, and see where the crew ate, slept, and worked.
This unique attraction is a popular place to visit and is only 2 hours away from the Triangle. Not only is it located in a beautiful area, but it is also less than 30 minutes from Wrightsville Beach. So, if you are taking a day to visit this ship, you can also stop by the beach and put your toes in the sand.
8. North Carolina Museum of Art
Location: 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM
The North Carolina Museum of Art is a perfect destination for art lovers who want to enjoy the permanent collection that includes everything from masterwork by Rembrandt and Picasso to contemporary photographs by North Carolina artists.
Since this is the first art museum supported with state funds, it has grown into one of the premier art museums in the South. The museum also regularly hosts special exhibits and dozens of films, art-making sessions, lectures, and many other programs each month.
This location is also on 164 acres, is home to many monumental works of art, and is one of the country's largest museum parks. If you are an art lover or even looking for something unique to do, visit the North Carolina Museum of Art.
9. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Location: 250 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Hours: Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday 1 PM - 6 PM
The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is the oldest in the southeast. Located on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill, you can visit the planetarium for a show in the GSK Fulldome Theater.
Whether you are interested in viewing one of their award-winning planetarium shows, exploring the exhibits available, watching live science demonstrations, playing around in the Launch Lab, participating in a particular program, or shopping around their gift shop, this place has something for everyone.
All guests here are treated to state-of-the-art exhibits and a revamped slate of shows. With discounted tickets for groups, this is a perfect place to bring your friends or family to so you can experience the uniqueness of this attraction.
10. North Carolina State Capitol
Location: 1 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM, Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM
The North Carolina State Capitol is a place to explore the rich history of North Carolina and see the historic buildings. You can enjoy a self-guided tour or schedule a group tour, as well as enjoy the city's annual traditions.
Known as one of NC's most famous historic sites, it is located in the heart of downtown Raleigh and is a unique place to visit, especially if you are a history lover. Today's building is designed in the Greek Revival style, with unique and beautiful architectural design.
This is a must-visit place, especially if you are in Raleigh.
FAQS
What is the closest ocean to Raleigh, NC?
Wrightsville Beach is the most accessible beach to get to from Raleigh. If you take Interstate 40 east, you will reach the water in about 2 hours. This may be one of the most extensive beaches during the season, so just be aware of all the visitors.
How far are the mountains from Durham, NC?
Durham is about 140 miles from the Appalachian and 130 miles from the Atlantic coast. This city is in the middle, so whether you want a day in the mountains or with your toes in the sand, they are about the same distance.
Are there many things to do in the Triangle?
The Triangle comprises many famous cities with unique things to do. The Triangle is also conveniently located in the middle of the state, so you are close to many other things to do.
Great Day Trips From the Triangle - The Bottom Line
Are you looking for a fun day in the Triangle? You're in luck! The area is packed with various activities, whether you want to spend a day in the sun or enjoy a staycation. Here are some of the best recommendations to enjoy with friends, family, or solo. There are also many things to do if you are celebrating something as well.
If you're seeking an affordable, pleasant area to relocate to, with great weather and a high quality of life, then searching for available homes in the Triangle may be just what you need. With so much to offer, this area is the perfect place to call home or even visit to explore all the fun attractions.
No matter your age or preferences, there are numerous things to do in this area. Knowing the local hotspots is essential to experiencing everything this beautiful area offers if you plan to visit or relocate here.
If you want to move to the Triangle, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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