Living in Goldsboro means you’re only a few hours away from beaches, state parks, historic towns, and some of the best outdoor destinations in North Carolina. Whether you’re planning a family weekend getaway, a couples trip, or a camping adventure, Eastern North Carolina offers plenty of easy road trip opportunities.
Here are some of the best weekend road trips from Goldsboro – all within about three hours.
Wilmington + Wrightsville Beach
Best for: Beach Weekend + Restaurants
Approximate drive time: 1 hour 45 min
First on our list is Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, providing amazing views along the riverwalk in Wilmington and tons of access to the sand and surf in Wrightsville Beach.
Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach offer tons of activities for both families and individuals. From kayaking, paddleboarding, and surf lessons to fishing charters, riverboat cruises, and USS North Carolina tours there is something for everyone to enjoy during their visit.
Spend a day on the sand searching for the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox, then spend your afternoon with a little seaside shopping before you end the evening savoring fresh seafood and maybe some beachy drinks as the sun sets.
Trip Tip:
A midsize SUV or sedan is ideal for navigating Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach traffic while still providing comfortable highway fuel economy. You can check out Cape Fear Riverboats if you want book a scenic cruise or group tour and the USS North Carolina if you want to purchase tour tickets.
Outer Banks
Best for: Scenic Coastal Adventure
Approximate drive time: 2.5-3 hours depending on destination
The Outer Banks is a little bit of a drive but worth every single mile. Consisting of 100+ miles of wide-open shoreline, the small towns and villages that make up these barrier islands are brimming with personality and fascinating connections to our nation’s history.
Spots like Manteo, on Roanoke Island, offer the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens, The Lost Colony outdoor play, and one of North Carolina’s great aquariums. While a short drive can take you further to spots like Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills (where you will find the Wright Brothers Memorial) and even farther north to Corolla (home of the wild horses).
The Outer Banks gives you great outdoor opportunities like fishing (charter, surf, and pier), hang-gliding or kite flying at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and visiting several of North Carolina’s iconic lighthouses. If relaxation is more your style, you will find plenty of shoreline to lay out your chair and umbrella.
Trip Tip:
You may find an AWD vehicle helpful for your trip to the OBX, both trucks and SUVs work well for this destination. Remember, on longer trips cargo space matters more. You may enjoy reading our route guide to the Outer Banks from Goldsboro
New Bern
Best for: History + Relaxing Weekend
Approximate drive time: 1 hour
New Bern, North Carolina is home to Tryon Palace and the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola. Filled with small-town charm, a scenic waterfront, and a historic downtown New Bern makes a great destination for day trips and travelers who are less concerned with the hustle and bustle and more concerned with a calm relaxing trip.
A short easy drive from Goldsboro and Wayne County, New Bern offers bike rentals, access to the Croatan National Forest, paddleboard rentals and kayaking, and boat tours. If history is more your forte, then North Carolina’s first capital houses historic cemeteries, civil war tours, and of course Tryon Palace & NC History Center.
If you are looking for a low-gear change of scenery that is rich with history you need to look no further than New Bern. Spend the night in one of several bed-and-breakfasts after experiencing the nightlife scene at one of New Bern’s pubs, breweries, and wine bars.
Trip Tip:
Sedans, SUVs and trucks are all great choices for your trip, although if you plan on keeping to the historic areas you may find a sedan or midsize SUV better suited for your trip.
Hanging Rock State Park
Best for: Hiking + Outdoor Adventure
Approximate drive time: Around 3 hours
For travelers looking for hiking and outdoor adventure, Hanging Rock State Park one of the best mountain getaways within driving distance of Goldsboro for hiking, horseback riding, biking, and paddling on the Dan River. Spend a few days in one of their vacation cabins, or if you prefer to be one with nature, one of their tent sites. With over 48 miles of trails, seasonal lake access, and plenty of opportunities for fishing you’ll find plenty to do before you huddle around the campfire.
Trails in Hanging Rock State Park range from easy to strenuous, and a portion of the Mounts-to-Sea State Trail can be found within the park. Several trails lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, making Hanging Rock one of the most visually rewarding hiking destinations in North Carolina. If you want a stunning view you can make the 1.8 mile (moderate) hike to the quartzite rock formation that juts out over the landscape and is the namesake of the park.
Trip Tip:
SUVs and Trucks can be very useful on this trip especially if you plan on bringing a mountain bike, or trailering your horse for the trails. This is a longer drive, so road trip preparation is important. You may find our articles on towing in Eastern North Carolina and our road trip checklist helpful in planning your trip to Hanging Rock State Park.
Raleigh + Durham
Best for: Food + Family Activities
Approximate drive time: 1-1.5 hours
North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh and its close relative Durham offer a mix of museums, shopping, family attractions, breweries, and sports, making the area a great destination for nearly any type of traveler.
Raleigh and Durham are great for a day trip but you can take advantage of the nightlife scene and stay in the comfort of one of their many hotels or bed & breakfasts. Experience the Arts in the “Smithsonian of the South” by visiting the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Carolina Ballet, the North Carolina Theatre and a plethora of locally-owned galleries and collegiate arts programs.
The area is a natural playground for history lovers, from the North Carolina Executive Mansion and North Carolina State Capitol to the Historic Yates Mill County Park there are museums and historic sites spanning back to the 1700s.
More interested in the here and now? No problem. Spend a night cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center, visit breweries and experience the Raleigh Beer Trail, or check out the Seven Outdoor Wonders of Raleigh. Need some fun for all ages? Visit the Incredible Downtown Cary Park for a state-of-the-art play space!
Trip Tip:
Raleigh and Durham are only a short drive from Goldsboro and Wayne County but you can experience some heavy traffic patterns and crowded streets. We recommend a midsize or compact SUV or sedan for easier commuting around town.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Best for: Camping + Fishing
Approximate drive time: 2.5-3 hours including ferry access
The Cape Lookout National Seashore, home of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse “the Diamond Lady” and a great place for stargazing. Cape Lookout offers stunning views, fishing, and off-road beach access (surf-fishing and off-road vehicle use may require a permit prior to arrival).
Cape Lookout National Seashore is part of North Carolina’s barrier islands and does require a boat or ferry to reach these islands. With this in mind, be sure to check their page through the National Park Service for information on ferry closings.
Whether you plan on taking advantage of Cape Lookout National Seashore being the only International Dark Sky Park in the coastal northeast for some stargazing, visiting one of North Carolina’s iconic lighthouses, or checking out the Shackleford Horses if you like being close to nature you’ll find plenty to enjoy at Cape Lookout.
Trip Tip:
The barrier islands are accessible only by boat or ferry so planning a day for most folks will involve a ferry. The ferry system for the area offers both vehicle and passenger ferries. We suggest a sedan or small SUV if you plan on taking the vehicle ferry as the space driving on and off of ferries is limited.
Before Your Next Road Trip, Check These Vehicle Essentials
Before heading out for a weekend getaway, make sure your vehicle is ready for the drive.
- Tire pressure
- Oil change status
- Brake inspection
- Battery health
- AC performance
- Wiper blades
If your vehicle needs a quick inspection before your next weekend trip, our service team in Goldsboro can help make sure you’re road-trip ready.
From coastal beaches and historic towns to mountain hiking trails and family-friendly cities, Goldsboro is perfectly positioned for unforgettable weekend road trips across North Carolina.
Before your next adventure, make sure your vehicle is prepared for the miles ahead so you can spend less time worrying about maintenance and more time enjoying the drive.
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