Road Trips from Maine, NC
Looking for a weekend drive from Maine, NC? You've got options for quick day trips and longer coastal explorations. Most routes are under 3 hours and stick to flat terrain, making them easy drives. There are several destinations with park access, including a national seashore. If you want a longer drive, the longest option gets you to the coast in under 6 hours.
Total Routes
11
Shortest
2.3h
With Parks Nearby
7
Full-day getaway
Pinebluff, NC
2h 20m102.4 mi one way
For a highly-rated drive (score of 9), head to Pinebluff. It's a shorter trip at 2.3 hours and 102 miles, mostly on highways with flat terrain. It's a straightforward day trip and doesn't feature nearby parks.
Stedman, NC
3h 11m150.8 mi one way
This is your closest option at just over 3 hours and 150 miles. It's primarily a highway drive with flat terrain, scoring an 8 for the drive itself. While it has park access, it's not recommended for an overnight trip.
Weekend trip
9 total in this range
Southport, NC
5h 4m241.8 mi one way
This trip offers a bit more variety with mixed highway and surface roads, spanning 241 miles and taking about 5.1 hours. It includes access to Moores Creek National Battlefield and features flat terrain. It's a solid day trip choice.
Harkers Island, NC
5h 52m284.4 mi one way
If coastal access is your goal, Harkers Island is a strong contender. This 5.9-hour, 284-mile drive is mostly highway and includes Cape Lookout National Seashore. The terrain is flat, and it's a good option for a longer day trip.
Beaufort, NC
5h 37m275 mi one way
Beaufort is another coastal destination, similar in distance and drive time to Harkers Island. It's a 5.6-hour drive covering 275 miles on mostly highway routes. You'll have access to Cape Lookout National Seashore and enjoy the flat terrain.
Carolina Shores, NC
4h 50m225.5 mi one way
Surf City, NC
5h 7m251.7 mi one way
Surf City is a longer day trip at 5.1 hours and 251 miles, featuring mostly highway driving and flat terrain. It has a drive score of 8 and includes access to Moores Creek National Battlefield.
Browse by Mood
Southport, NC
5h 4m241.8 mi one way
Harkers Island, NC
5h 52m284.4 mi one way
Beaufort, NC
5h 37m275 mi one way
Carolina Shores, NC
4h 50m225.5 mi one way
Southport, NC
5h 4m241.8 mi one way
Harkers Island, NC
5h 52m284.4 mi one way
Beaufort, NC
5h 37m275 mi one way
Surf City, NC
5h 7m251.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Flat terrain and nearby parks make spring a pleasant time for any of these drives, especially the coastal routes.
Summer
The longer drives to coastal areas like Beaufort and Harkers Island are ideal for summer beach trips.
Fall
With mostly flat terrain, fall offers comfortable driving conditions for all destinations, including those with park access.
Winter
The consistent flat terrain ensures easy driving throughout the winter months for all available routes.
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 Maine, NC city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.