Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem is the city of arts and innovation with access to Reynolda Gardens, Old Salem, and the Kernersville lakes.
Old Salem and Reynolda House offer living history and American art.
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or browse all12 destinations near Winston-Salem
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.9 by 5.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 45 min from Winston-Salem · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Shangri-La Stone Village
Prospect Hill, NC 27314
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 16 min from Winston-Salem · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Lovers Leap Overlook
Stuart, VA 24171
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 19 min from Winston-Salem · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Mill Mountain Star
Roanoke, VA 24014
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 4.8k+ visitors) · 2 hrs from Winston-Salem · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Mill Mountain Park
Roanoke, VA 24013
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 59 min from Winston-Salem · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Charlotte, NC 28215
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 13 min from Winston-Salem · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Charlotte, NC 28214
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Food & Wine destination · highly rated (4.7 by 11.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 18 min from Winston-Salem · fits $25 - $75 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round, but harvest season (Sep-Oct) is peak for wineries and farm-to-table.
Roanoke River Overlook
Roanoke, VA 24014
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 1 min from Winston-Salem · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve
Shawsville, VA 24162
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 14 min from Winston-Salem · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Dixie Caverns
Salem, VA 24153
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.5 by 1.7k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 2 min from Winston-Salem · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Big Rock Nature Preserve
Charlotte, NC 28277
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.5 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 29 min from Winston-Salem · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Museum of Illusions - Charlotte
Charlotte, NC 28202
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Arts & Culture destination · well rated (4.4 stars) · 1 hr 14 min from Winston-Salem · fits $10 - $30 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Winston-Salem, NC?
The best day trips from Winston-Salem include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Winston-Salem?
Most great day trips from Winston-Salem are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Winston-Salem?
Many of the best day trips near Winston-Salem are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Winston-Salem?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Winston-Salem, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Winston-Salem?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Winston-Salem make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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