9 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In North Carolina
Everyone needs a vacation once in a while to get away from the day-to-day stress of work. Getting out this summer to visit new sights with friends and family is the perfect way to cool off and enjoy a few days of fun. When it comes to vacation spots in Southeastern United States, North Carolina is an amazing destination often overlooked by tourists. Home to massive mountains, beautiful state parks, and vibrant culture, this state features amazing summer vacation spots. Moreover, with affordable options plentiful, North Carolina is full of beautiful destinations to have a blast on a budget!
Durham
The fourth most populous city in North Carolina and the county seat of Durham County, Durham is a bustling metropolis. Home to 280,000 people, you’ll find a lively environment and vibrant culture no matter where you go in Durham. The best place to witness Durham’s amazing vibe is the famous American Tobacco Campus. This historic area showcases more than a dozen structures such as the 1902 Lucky Strike cigarette factory which was part of Durham’s once prominent tobacco industry. As of today, the area is completely revamped with entertainment, green space, eateries, and even sporting areas. So, you can enjoy some local art at the Durham Performing Arts Center or relish a pizza and cold beer at the Mellow Mushroom restaurant. With minimal entry to most locations, you won’t have to spend much for a fun time.
While downtown Durham is full of life and culture, you might not be into spending so much cash. Well, there’s no need to fret as the town has an amazing array of outdoor sights that are both stunning and cost-efficient. If you’re here with family, Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a must-visit location. Drawing in tourists from all over, this 55-acre garden showcases beautiful sights such as koi ponds, fountains, and historic gardens that anyone can enjoy. For a more involving experience, you can book a guided tour to learn all about the majestic garden and its flora. If the garden is a bit too calm for you, head over to the Eno River State Park which boasts nearly 30 miles of hiking and walking trails. Encompassed by waterfalls, forests, bluffs, and other natural formations, you can take in the scenery without breaking the bank. At the end of the day, book a room at the Super 8 by Wyndham or Millennium Hotel to enjoy a relaxing stay at less than $100 per night.
Nags Head
Nicknamed the “Hang Gliding Capital of the United States,” Nags Head is the perfect summer retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. This amazing town is a wellspring of natural sights with serene beaches, large sand dunes, and enjoyable activities. If you’re here for the hang gliding, head over to Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School to learn the ropes. Once you’ve got the hang of it, take advantage of the town’s ideal wind currents and conditions to take flight above magnificent scenery. After taking in sights from above ground, why not see what it's like below ground? A short walk to the beach and you can gear up for a snorkeling adventure amidst sandy shores, marine life, and clear waters. With this and many other outdoor sights like Jockey’s Ridge State Park, you’ll never get bored of the affordable fun available here.
Once you’ve tired yourself out with Nags Head’s extreme activities, it's time to slow down and take in the town’s chill vibe. To start, you’ll be glad to know that the tourist hub features many amazing resorts and hotels such as the Sea Ranch Resort and Travelodge by Wyndham. These hotels are priced between $70 and $130 with accessible locations for an ideal budget stay. That said, if you have some money to spare, the local Nags Head Outlet is sure to be of interest. Filled with factory outlets of name brands, this place is the goldmine for great shopping without the price tag.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Encompassing its namesake mountain range, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a majestic retreat from urban living. Boasting an area of more than 500,000 acres, this immense park spans North Carolina and Tennessee showcasing the state's most stunning outdoor views. To this end, it is the most visited national park in America drawing in upwards of 10 million people each year! To start your affordable holiday here, you’ll be glad to know that there is no entry free. Once you’re in, participate in the park’s most popular activity, hiking. With more than 850 miles (1,370 km) of trails such as the famous Appalachian Trail, you can experience all sorts of stunning sights and routes. For example, intermediate hikers can follow the Alum Cave Trail which features bluffs, panoramic views, and a steep climb to reach the summit of Mount Le Conte at 6,593 feet (2,010 m).
If you’re not much of a hiker, the park's endless natural formations provide a range of other activities to enjoy. For some coastal fun, bring your fishing rod and cast a line with your mates. Home to Brook trout, Brown trout, and Rainbow trout, you can catch a delicious fish and save some cash on dinner! If all else fails, grab a pair of binoculars and spend the day wildlife-watching for one of the 300+ animal species roaming around the park. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot one of the rare black bears which occasionally roam through the park. Set up camp at one of the designated campsites and enjoy an affordable summer trip engulfed by mother nature’s beauty.
Merchants Millpond State Park
Nestled within Gates County, Merchants Millpond State Park is a 3,500-acre wonderland of natural value. This state park is centered around a 190-year-old millpond and Lassiter Swamp which holds significant historical value for the region. To this end, the park offers a unique swamp forest environment that is rarely found elsewhere. With hanging trees, endless streams, and a load of Spanish moss, it feels like you’ve entered a haunted forest. To take in the sights firsthand, hop on a canoe and paddle through the trees for a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. While taking in the park’s verdant beauty, keep an eye on the water as you never know when one of the local alligators can come up for a peek.
If paddling through the water ever gets boring, you’ll be glad to know that the Merchants Millpond State Park is also an ideal fishing area. All you need to do is set yourself up near the coast and toss your line to catch the bluegill, Black crappie, Chain pickerel, and Largemouth bass living here. After catching dinner, hike along the park’s trails which are entrenched in shallow waters and old-growth cypress trees exuding a spooky vibe. Thankfully, the campsites aren't as spooky and offer a relaxing stay. Most sites are well-designated and offer tent, trailer, and backpack camping facilities so you can stay according to your needs and budget. Put it all together and Merchants Millpond State Park is any nature lover’s dream in North Carolina.
Robbinsville
Often considered the gateway to North Carolina’s natural wonders, Robbinsville is a scenic town perfect for an affordable summer getaway. The quaint rural town is home to an endless array of natural sights to enjoy America’s pure beauty. A great place to start your vacation is the nearby Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This 3,800-acre forest is home to the rare old-growth cove hardwood forest which is only found in the Appalachian Mountains. The best way to take in the age-old aura and sights is with a short hike along one of the forests calming trails. If this isn’t enough to quench your thirst for natural beauty, head over to the massive 530,000-acre Nantahala National Forest. Boasting 600+ miles of trails, horseback riding routes, majestic waterfalls, and prominent cliffs, this place is an abode of natural grandeur. Moreover, with annual passes ranging from $15 to $30, you can have loads of fun with a one-time expense.
No matter how much time you take out for the natural attractions, it still won’t be enough to cover everything. That said, why not mix these sights with the town’s rural charm? All you need to do is book a room at one of the many affordable resorts and retreats set up across town. For example, the Phillips Historic Motel & Cottages boasts a homely vibe and fire pits with rooms starting at just $90 a night. End your trip with a relaxing stroll through town where you can spot sights like the Graham County Courthouse and Wehrloom Honey store. So, when it comes to affordable summer destinations, it doesn’t get much better than Robbinsville.
Chimney Rock State Park
Enjoy the scenic allure of North Carolina without the extravagant price tag at Chimney Rock State Park. This iconic 8,000-acre park is a collection of North Carolina’s idyllic outdoor attractions perfect for a summer retreat. With adventures ranging from relaxing to adrenaline-filled, you’ll always have something fun to do here. For example, take in the sights with a hike along one of the many trails throughout the park. From the heights of Devil’s Head to the depths of Gneiss Cave, these trails are engulfed by verdant beauty, wildlife, and fresh air. If this isn’t enough to get your vacation muscles pumping, spend some time at the Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School for a rock climbing experience. A short class and you’ll be ready to take on the 1,500 bouldering problems sprawled across Chimney Rock State Park. End the day adoring the panoramic views from the park’s main attraction, the 315-foot Chimney Rock granite monolith and you’ll never want to leave!
Raleigh
Often ranked among the best places to live in North Carolina, Raleigh is a lovely city and the capital of North Carolina. With friendly faces, cultural value, and entertainment abound it is a great summer destination to detox and forget your woes. Start your experience indulging in Raleigh’s cultural sights at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The oldest museum in the state and the largest of its kind, you’ll be encompassed by four floors filled to the brim with exhibits including Deep Sea machines, Dinosaurs, Animal Life, and the Weather. The best part about this museum is that it is free of cost and boasts a quaint cafe so it’ll tie up perfectly with your affordable summer vacation. If this museum is to your liking, continue the free cultural journey at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Established in 1947, this museum has become a hub for worldwide artwork showcasing 40 galleries with 5,000 years of artistic work. For a more historic take on North Carolina, the State Capitol building from 1840 is a great way to take in the state’s political grandeur with a side of stunning Greek Revival architecture designs. If you’re here with family, end your cultural deep dive at the Marbles Kids Museum which has fun activities where kids can play, paint, sculpt, and have a great time!
Cultural sights abound, Raleigh is also a hub for entertainment, whether this shopping, enjoying nature, or nightlife. For a cost-efficient way to take in the lively vibe, head over to the Raleigh City Market to meet new people, window shop, and eat at quaint cafes. If you have some money to spare, grab a coffee at Blackbird Book & Coffee or some delicious sushi at the City Market Sushi. You’ll also find a range of hotels such as the Quality Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites, and Extended Stay America which offer great amenities at less than $150 per night. If you do visit Raleigh, be sure to take a walk along the Neuse River Trail which showcases riverside sights, wetlands, woods, and fresh air to detox!
Gorges State Park
Envelop yourself in a pure experience surrounded by the untouched beauty of North Carolina’s Gorges State Park. Home to a 100,000+ acre group of conservation lands, this area showcases abundant natural sights ranging from healthy greenery to turbulent waters. The first thing you’ll notice is the stunning river gorges and rock faces that invite you to challenge yourself along a beautiful landscape. The best way to do this is by taking on one of the amazing hiking trails on offer. For example, the Foothills Trail which, as the name suggests, takes you through the foothills of stunning rock faces. No matter what route you chose, you’ll surely cross one of the park’s 26 waterfalls for a picture-perfect time outdoors.
That being said, you don’t need to be a thrill seeker to have a fun time in Gorges State Park. Opt for a more relaxing way to take in your surroundings such as fishing or picnicking. If you chose to go fishing, you’ll be delighted to know that the area is a popular destination with fly fishers ode to a rich population of trout and smallmouth bass. So, cast your bait and catch some delicious dinner to enjoy during your evening picnic. After having an exciting day roaming around, get ready for an authentic camping experience at night. With secluded areas boasting primitive campaign sites, you’ll save a lot of money while connecting with the serene beauty around you. Add on the free park admission and you can get away with a whole trip without breaking double-digit spending!
Cherokee
Indulge in the laid-back small-town vibe of Cherokee in Western North Carolina. This quaint town of 2,200 residents is named after the local Cherokee Indian tribes and is the capital of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. To this end, it holds immense cultural value for the Cherokee people and draws in tourists who want to learn about them. If you consider yourself part of this group, the Museum of the Cherokee Indians is where you want to start your summer trip. Showcasing more than 13,000 years of Native American history, you’ll be fascinated by the exhibits, photographs, artifacts, and animations present here. While this is amazing in itself, you can delve deeper by visiting the Ocanaluftee Indian Village nearby. Featuring cultural experts, interactive buildings, and an unmatched vibe, this is a great place to learn all about Cherokee culture.
If you’re not big on history, you’ll be glad to know that Cherokee is also a treasure trove of natural attractions. Head over to Mingo Falls which is a staple tourist destination with an amazing outdoor vibe. All you need to do is walk for fifteen minutes along a beautiful trail and you’ll find the stunning 120 feet falls encompassed by greenery. The area is free of cost to visit and also has camping areas if you want to stay back overnight. For a budget-friendly stay, visitors can opt for Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort with $90 rooms and amazing facilities. If you’re feeling lucky, head down to the casino and you can make back some of the money you spend in Cherokee.
From the natural spectacle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the historical sites at Cherokee, North Carolina is an amazing state to visit this summer. No matter what you’re into, there is something for everyone to enjoy on a summer vacation. Moreover, with camping spots and affordable resorts available throughout, you’ll have no trouble enjoying yourself on a budget!
