Best Day Trips From Charlotte To Take This Summer
Charlotte serves as an excellent base for those looking for fun day trips across the Carolinas. The biggest city in North Carolina is only a few miles away from the state border with South Carolina, meaning that some of the South’s top tourist destinations and attractions are within an easy drive for those looking to explore the region.
Day trippers will also want to include one or two of the many charming small towns within an easy drive of downtown Charlotte in their itinerary, too. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, historical tours, or relaxing getaways, there's plenty of fun for everyone with these best day trips from Charlotte to take this summer.
Lake Norman State Park, Troutman, North Carolina
An easy 45-minute drive due north of Charlotte and day trippers will find themselves at the gates of Lake Norman State Park. As its name suggests, this nearly 2,000-acre green space encompasses Lake Norman, the largest man-made body of fresh water in North Carolina and a wonderful spot for those who enjoy being on (or in) the water. In addition to water activities such as boating, canoeing, and fishing, the park's sandy beach is ideal for families with kids wanting to splash about and swim.
The park also features 30 miles of single-track biking trails ensuring plenty of excitement for mountain bikers. Prefer a slower pace? Then the six-mile-long Lakeshore Trail offers hiking around the lake as well as strategically placed seating for those who want to enjoy the views. The park also hosts summer programs including guided nature hikes and educational workshops. Camping is also available.
Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Crowders Mountain State Park is located 30 miles west of Charlotte and makes for a wonderful summer day trip. This more than 5,000-acre park is popular for its tall peaks, Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle, both offering great views of the surrounding Piedmont region of the Appalachians. Hikers are especially well catered to, with no less than 11 trails to choose from, some of them suitable for casual hikers seeking a less strenuous adventure.
Diehard hikers, though, will want to take the Rocktop and Backside Trails, both known for their rugged terrain and incredible views. The area is also enjoyed by rock climbers. Other fun things to do in Crowders Mountain State Park include spending time on one of its two lakes aboard a rental canoe (rentals are available).
Latta Nature Preserve, Huntersville, North Carolina
Located just 20 miles north of Charlotte (a journey of around 30 minutes by car), Latta Nature Preserve is a convenient day trip for those not wanting to travel too far from the city. Spread over 1,460 acres, this popular preserve is home to diverse habitats including forests and wetlands, as well as the scenic Mountain Island Lake, which is particularly lovely if viewed from the 1.5-mile Buzzard Rock Trail.
Other fun stuff to do here includes popping into the Carolina Raptor Center. Located within the preserve, this fun attraction is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey and offers educational programs and live demonstrations. Also worth seeing is the Latta Plantation, a historic site that provides a glimpse into 19th-century life.
Rock Hill, South Carolina
An easy 30-minute drive south of Charlotte, you’ll find yourself in the small South Carolinian town of Rock Hill. Situated along the scenic Catawba River, top attractions in Rock Hill include Glencairn Garden, a beautiful 11-acre botanical park that’s perfect for a leisurely summer stroll and picnic. Rock Hill is also home to the Catawba River Park, an ideal spot for kayaking and fishing.
Old Town Rock Hill, which encompasses much of the downtown area, is a lot of fun to explore on foot. In addition to unique and boutique shops and galleries, warm-weather events are regularly held here, such as the Summer Concert Series in Fountain Park and at the Old Town Amphitheater. A few miles outside of town is Historic Brattonsville, a 775-acre Revolutionary War site featuring over 30 historic structures, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont, North Carolina
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is an easy 35-minute drive southwest of downtown Charlotte and is an ideal day trip for those with an interest in gardening. The property spans over 380 acres and features attractive themed gardens, including the Four Seasons Garden, the White Garden, and the Cottage Garden. The Orchid Conservatory, with its impressive collection of orchids and tropical plants, is very much the star of the show.
Several walking trails meander through the gardens as well as a lovely area of natural woodlands. Summer is, of course, the best time to visit, with many of the gardens in full bloom. Be sure to check out the attraction’s website for details of summer events, including concerts, art exhibits, and gardening workshops.
Reed Gold Mine, Midland, North Carolina
Situated about 30 miles east of Charlotte (a 45-minute drive from the city), Reed Gold Mine is a great family outing. The site of the first documented gold find in the United States (it opened in 1799 and pre-dated the California Gold Rush by over 50 years), visitors can tour the restored mine tunnels and see historical exhibits showcasing the history of gold mining in North Carolina. The site also features a visitor center with interactive displays and a picnic area surrounded by scenic woodlands.
A cool break from the heat of summer, other fun things to do at the Reed Gold Mine panning demonstrations with visitors able to try their luck at finding some gold of their own.
Davidson, North Carolina
Davidson is located approximately 22 miles north of Charlotte along the I-77 highway and makes for an easy day trip for those wanting an authentic North Carolina small-town experience. A visit should start in Davidson’s charming downtown area. A delightful spot for a stroll, the tree-shaded Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, making it a shopper’s paradise. There’s also plenty of green space here, including the picturesque Village Green and the campus of Davidson College, a prestigious liberal arts college that lends the town a youthful vibrancy.
Summer in Davidson is a great time to visit, with numerous outdoor activities and events to enjoy. Highlights include the town’s Concerts on the Green series offering free live music performances on summer evenings, and the Saturday farmer’s market for a chance to pick up some fresh local produce along with artisanal goods and crafts. Round off your experience with a stay at the historic Carnegie Guest House, an elegant place to stay built in 1910 that originally served as a Carnegie Library.
The Final Word
Charlotte's central location makes it an ideal starting point for a variety of fun and enriching day trips. With destinations like Lake Norman State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Latta Nature Preserve, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Reed Gold Mine, and Rock Hill all within a short drive… and often a scenic drive at that. Together, these popular places to visit offer a little of something for everyone, from hiking adventures and water sports to historical tours and fancy gardens. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these day trips from Charlotte are perfect to enjoy this summer.
