Take a break from being in the car and enjoy budget-friendly attractions at these 11 road trip stops across North Carolina.
Here’s a fun fact: Summertime is the most popular time of the year for road trips. In fact, according to research by digital media network GSTV, 83 percent of people opted to drive to their vacation destination in 2025, and 54 percent planned to drive, rather than fly. And considering that North Carolina is home to the second largest state-maintained highway system in the country, it stands to reason that at least some of those travelers will be driving in the Tar Heel state. And whether it’s for snacks, a bathroom break, or an opportunity to stretch your legs, road trips necessitate a few stops along the way.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of fun and affordable road trip stops in NC, broken down by region. Most are free summer delights, and when there is a charge, it’s minimal. From breathtaking natural beauty and historic relics to eerie artifacts and gorgeous gourds, these are 11 NC road trip stops that will boost your mood without breaking the bank.
Mountain region
Mingo Falls
Location: Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee
It’s no secret WNC is stunningly beautiful, and one of its crown jewels is undoubtedly Mingo Falls. At roughly 120 ft. tall, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. Part of the Qualla Boundary (a land trust governed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), it’s located five miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s entrance near Cherokee.
After being renovated in 2025, it’s a short and steep hike to the top consisting of 160 steps. There, folks will find lovely views and benches before continuing the very short walk to the falls. Take a seat on one of four benches and soak in the truly spectacular sights and sounds. Best of all: It’s free to visit and open every day.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Location: Virginia and Western North Carolina
Spanning 469.1 miles from Afton, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina, the picturesque (and free to drive) Blue Ridge Parkway offers over 200 overlooks marked by mileposts featuring breathtaking vistas. These overlooks are fantastic spots for stretching your legs, admiring the area’s awesome beauty, and taking in cool breezes. If you’re in the mood for bucolic al fresco dining, pack a spread for a picnic on the Parkway. It features 14 designated picnic spots, all of which have restrooms. Some also include tables and grills.
Dry Falls
Location: US-64, Highlands
Ever looked out at the world from behind a rushing waterfall? At Dry Falls, located right off Hwy 64 within the Nantahala National Forest, you can. This 75-foot-tall waterfall flows over a cliff, creating a space visitors can access from the parking lot to walk behind the falls without getting wet. The short walk to the falls takes about five minutes, making it manageable for people of all ages. There’s also an accessible, handicap-friendly overlook near the parking lot.
Note: a visit here requires a $3 parking fee, as well as a day-use or annual pass. Fun fact? Dry Falls was featured in the award-winning 1992 film, “The Last of the Mohicans.”
Piedmont region
The North Carolina Zoo
Location: 4401 Zoo Pkwy., Asheboro
Located on Zoo Connector Road directly off of I-64, the North Carolina Zoo is a must-see spot. Not only is it the largest walk-through zoo in the world, but it was also voted the country’s best zoo for two consecutive years according to Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. And it’s no wonder: The zoo is home to more than 1,700 animals representing over 200 species—including the only polar bear exhibits in North Carolina.
It also features 2,800+ wooded acres and five miles of walking trails, making it a great spot to break up the monotony of being in a vehicle. See ticket pricing info and more here.
Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trailhead
Location: 320 Elizabeth Brady Rd., Hillsborough
One of only three racetracks on the National Register, the Occoneechee Speedway was a mile-long dirt track that opened during NASCAR’s inaugural season in 1949. It was used for stock car racing from 1948-1968 and saw NASCAR titans like Richard Petty. This unique outdoor attraction is the only remaining dirt track from NASCAR’s first season.
Today, the forested site in Hillsborough is known as the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trailhead and features four miles of public trails along the Eno River. Most interestingly, it contains racing relics like two old stock cars and a concession stand. The site is free to visit.
The Gourd Museum
Location: 28 N. Raleigh St., Angier
Do you like quirky stops on road trips? Then head to the Angier Public Library, where you’ll find a one-of-a-kind spot in its own room: the Gourd Museum. Launched in 1965 by Harnett County resident and gourd grower and enthusiast Marvin Johnson and his wife, Mary. The museum is home to an astonishing bevy of gourds handcrafted into both functional items and pieces of art, including musical instruments and tea pots. There are also seasonal and holiday-themed gourds. Visit Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
International Civil Rights Center & Museum
Location: 134 S Elm St., Greensboro
Housed in what was once an F.W. Woolworth five-and-dime store, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum is the site of the historic 1960 Greensboro sit-ins.
Through artifacts, films, and interactive permanent, rotating, and special exhibits. These include the actual Woolworth lunch counter where the sit-in took place, as well as the ”I Am A Man,” exhibit, which highlights the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike in Memphis. Today, the spot is a National Historic Landmark, as well as a part of the Downtown Greensboro Historic District. Visitors can enjoy self- or informative guided tours. Get ticket info here.
Siamese Twins Museum
Location: 218 Rockford St., Mt. Airy
Road trippers will find another unique museum at the Surry County Arts Council: the Siamese Twins Museum. Named for world-famous brothers Chang and Eng Bunker, the duo who inspired the term “Siamese twins.” After touring the world with various freak and circus shows, the brothers retired to WNC during the mid 19th century and ultimately married a pair of sisters, settled on a 650-acre plantation in Surry County, and fathered 21 children before passing away in 1874.
Visitors can browse the museum’s sizable collection of artifacts like personal writings, photos, and personal items (including a custom double chair) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Pro tip: When you’re done, select a stop from the Surry County Sonker Trail to enjoy one of the area’s best regional treats: sonker, a fruit-based dessert similar to a cobbler.
Coastal Plain region
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park & Museum
Location: 301 Goldsboro St. S., Wilson
People traveling through downtown Wilson will encounter another quirky attraction: the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. Located about 15 minutes off I-95, the two-acre spot was named the country’s Best Sculpture Park in 2026 by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
It features 30 enormous (up to 60 feet tall) windmill-like structures called “whirligigs,” which the farm machinery repairman and folk artist crafted from salvaged metal. Originally located on Simpson’s farm in nearby Lucama, they were ultimately repaired and moved to Wilson in 2010, following a partnership among Simpson, the City of Wilson, Wilson Downtown Properties, Wilson Downtown Development Corporation, and the North Carolina Arts Council that created the Park. Enjoy this fee-free attraction daily from 5 a.m. to midnight.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Location: 300 W. Carolista Dr., Nags Head
Locals and tourists alike love the free 427-acre Jockey’s Ridge State Park. As the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast (its height varies from 80 to 100 feet depending on weather conditions), it’s a popular destination for flying kites, hang gliding, sandboarding, and sightseeing. A newly built 384-foot boardwalk makes the massive dunes more accessible and offers a nice spot to rest and take in the views, and if visitors have mobility restrictions, they can secure a ride around the dunes by calling ahead a minimum of 24-hours in advance. Find park hours here.
The Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum
Location: 300 N. Main St., Littleton
Bigfoot, haunted dolls, UFOs—you’ll find all that and more at the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum in downtown Littleton for only $5 admission. Dedicated to paranormal activity and the history of Littleton, it’s the work of local cryptozoologist Stephen Barcelo, who founded the museum in 2015 after discovering a passion for the paranormal.
The museum displays Barcelo’s fascinating research artifacts, including interviews, photographs, and casts of Bigfoot’s prints from nearby Medoc Mountain State Park. Reviewers consistently note that for as fascinating as the museum itself is, chatting with Barcelo is even better due to his “larger than life” stories. Stop by Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.
