Road Trips from Durham, NC
Durham is a solid launchpad for a variety of day trips, whether you're looking for a quick hop to a neighboring city or a longer drive with varied terrain. You've got several options under two hours, mostly on highways, that are great for a fast getaway. There are also a couple of longer hauls that get you to areas with parks. This list offers a good mix for a spontaneous weekend drive, with most routes being easy one-day affairs.
Total Routes
35
Shortest
2.2h
With Parks Nearby
34
Full-day getaway
11 total in this range
Sunset Beach, NC
3h 54m202.6 mi one way
Burnsville, NC
2h 52m137.3 mi one way
Calabash, NC
3h 54m203.6 mi one way
Mount Gilead, NC
2h 25m107.9 mi one way
Marshville, NC
2h 56m139.9 mi one way
Weekend trip
24 total in this range
Barker Heights, NC
4h 41m239.2 mi one way
Flat Rock, NC
4h 42m239.4 mi one way
Valley Hill, NC
4h 47m241.3 mi one way
Forest City, NC
4h203.1 mi one way
Rutherfordton, NC
4h 3m200.5 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Barker Heights, NC
4h 41m239.2 mi one way
Flat Rock, NC
4h 42m239.4 mi one way
Sunset Beach, NC
3h 54m202.6 mi one way
Burnsville, NC
2h 52m137.3 mi one way
Sunset Beach, NC
3h 54m202.6 mi one way
Calabash, NC
3h 54m203.6 mi one way
Pembroke, NC
2h 35m129.6 mi one way
Maggie Valley, NC
5h 4m257.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions for all routes, particularly those with nearby parks like Ogden and Myrtle Grove, which would be ideal for exploring.
Summer
The longer highway drives to coastal areas like Ogden or Myrtle Grove are feasible in summer, though park visits might be best in cooler parts of the day.
Fall
Fall is excellent for the longer drives, especially those that pass through or near parks, such as the routes to Ogden or Myrtle Grove.
Winter
Most routes are accessible year-round, with the shorter, mostly highway drives to Raleigh or Pine Level being reliable options in winter.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Durham, NC city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.