Last Updated on February 22, 2024
Popular destinations in or close to the Carolinas are not hard to come by. This area and the surrounding states provide residents with ample things to do and see. On the search for the perfect spring break road trip destination close to home? Check out these great areas!
Chattanooga, TN
Would you believe that the New York Times recently named Chattanooga, Tennessee as one of the best 45 places to go in the world? Nestled between the mountains and located right along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is one of the best-kept secrets in the south.
This walkable city is home to one of the best downtowns–with the Tennessee Aquarium, award-winning restaurants, The Chattanooga Choo Choo, Coolidge Park and the world’s longest pedestrian walking bridge, you won’t run out of things to do here.
Also known as the “Scenic City,” Chattanooga is home to natural wonders like Rock City and Ruby Falls, and tons of hiking, biking–basically, an adventure lover’s paradise.
Asheville, NC
Billed as a place where “altitude affects attitude,” Asheville, NC is a small city by national standards. However, with a population of more than 92,000, Asheville is also the largest city in Western North Carolina. Outdoors enthusiasts will have ready access to some of the nation’s best hiking, biking, and climbing in nearby mountains.
You can also enjoy paddling and fishing on the French Broad River and local lakes, careening through the trees on a zip line, or golfing at one of the area’s renowned courses. Besides all of the outdoor attractions, if you’re looking for a place with some culture, you’ll find it in Asheville’s vibrant downtown, complete with a bevy of award-winning restaurants, or exploring the historic Biltmore Mansion.
Keep reading: Popular things to do in Asheville
Charleston, SC
Travel to the Lowcountry when you step into the Holy City, also known as, Charleston, South Carolina. With a warm climate, breath-taking historical architecture, nearby beaches, shopping, and dining, Charleston has long been a popular destination for spring breakers.
The weather in April is usually delightful, with lows in the 60s,and little humidity, perfect for taking in the sites from The Battery, soaking up the rays at Folly Beach or enjoying a rooftop lunch.
Manteo, NC
With a close proximity to the Outer Banks, Manteo, North Carolina is a hidden gem. A unique town, riddled with antique shops, waterfront eateries, and delightful bed-and-breakfasts, Manteo is a town to visit.
Home to Roanoke Island Festival Park, tons of places to eat, a brewery, and a rum distillery, Manteo is the perfect spring break destination.
Gatlinburg, TN
If the mountains are calling, then you must go to Gatlinburg, Tennessee! You’ll be immersed in the Great Smokey National Park when you visit this mountain community, and with tons to do and see, both in and out of the woods, you’ll have a blast here.
Besides being right outside the national park, some of the top attractions in the area are the Gatlinburg Space Needle, the aerial tramway at Ober Mountain, the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge, Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park, the many hikes and waterfall tours, the quaint downtown and more! Dollywood is also very close and can easily be explored when staying in Gatlinburg.
30-A, Florida
If you’ve never journeyed to the emerald coast line, better known as Scenic 30A, and are in search of warmer temperatures this spring, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a stay in 30-A. From east to west along the coastline, you’ll find the following beaches that make up 30-A: Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest Beach, Alys Beach, WaterSound, Seagrove Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Gulf Place, Dune Allen Beach, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Point Washington, Freeport, and WaterSound Origin.
The beaches you’ll find in 30-a are a far cry from the larger and busier beach towns and are best suited for those looking for quieter, more relaxed beach vacations.
Greenville, SC
If you’re searching for a walkable city with small-town charm, but a big personality, Greenville, South Carolina is worth the trip. You can easily spend two days just exploring the downtown area. Everything from eclectic shops to yummy food selections and the picturesque Falls Park reside within a small radius right around Main Street.
Voted in the top 10 America’s Best Main Streets by Parade magazine, this is a spring break trip perfect for families. Besides the downtown area, Greenville offers tons to do outside, thanks to its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Nashville, TN
Country Music, USA needs to be on your bucket list if you haven’t yet visited Nashville, Tennessee. Home to more than 180 live music venues, The Grand Ole Opry, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Centennial Park, and some of the best food in the south, Nashville is a town you can’t miss.
Savannah GA
Looking for an historic southern getaway? Savannah, Georgia is rooted in history, surrounded by beauty and close to the beach. Visitors love walking around the streets of the world-famous Historic and Victorian District, checking out Forsyth Park, exploring Bonaventure Cemetery and venturing to Tybee Island.
Continuously named one of the World’s Friendliest Cities by Conde Nast, it’s easy to see why Savannah is a top spring break destination for many.
Highlands, NC
Located 4,000 feet above sea level, Highlands, North Carolina offers gorgeous mountain scenes and a respite from busy cities. Located right in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands provides a plethora of hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers and lakes, perfect for exploring.
With a quaint downtown and plenty of good food, Highlands is the perfect place to “get away from it all.”
Bryson City, NC
Recently named one of the 12 best small towns in North Carolina, Bryson City, NC is a charming community adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the spring and summer months, travelers flock to the area to explore mountain trails and scenes, white-water rafting and even zip-lining.
The downtown area of Bryson City is small, but packed with an eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and even breweries, making this destination one to put on your list. And if you’ve never been to Bryson City in the winter, put the Polar Express Train Ride on your radar.
Chimney Rock, NC
Recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular places to visit, Chimney Rock is home to the 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock.
This historic landmark can be accessed via elevator or trail and affords visitors 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Chimney Rock also has a lively downtown and is located in close proximity to the beautiful Lake Lure, which is another hotspot for travelers.
You may also like…Amusement parks within 4 hours of Charlotte
About Allen Tate Realtors
Allen Tate Realtors has been helping our clients achieve their real estate goals since 1957 and is the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas. With local roots and global connections, thanks to our partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, our real estate agents can provide their customers with superior service, unparalleled connections, and vast market knowledge. Allen Tate provides real estate, mortgage, insurance, and relocation services throughout the entire homeownership lifecycle.
Allen Tate Companies is a proud partner of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest independent, family-owned real estate company in the country. With more than 13,000 sales associates and staff members across the combined companies, our agents are the best of the best.
