Charlotte, NC has so many places to visit and things to see that it’s easy to find quick activities for you and your family to do inside the Charlotte area. However, some people are looking for the “daycation” effect that makes them feel as if they travelled to a new land for a quick getaway and a completely different experience.
There are so many enjoyable and ideal destinations for you and your family to take part in within an hour of Charlotte, so the team at Audi Charlotte has compiled a list of our 10 favorite daycation destinations within an hour of Charlotte. Whether you’re a Charlotte resident looking for a daycation experience, or a visitor who wants to grab a rental car and be back at your hotel in the same day, this list is sure to have a location for anyone looking to get out of the Charlotte city limits.
Gastonia
Gastonia is situated about twenty miles west of Charlotte and is the largest city in Gaston County. Anyone looking for a day-out-of-the-house experience for the whole family will find it here at Gastonia. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Gastonia is home to a bustling Farmers Market with special activities and games for children. In Gastonia, you’ll also find the Schiele Museum of Natural History which is a great option for the entire family, as well as the Cavendish Brewing Company and Growler USA, two popular American craft breweries.
Andrew Jackson State Park
The Andrew Jackson State Park is about one hour south of Charlotte and offers both day visitors and campers an ideal destination for a day full of fun outdoor activities. Whether you want to fish, boat, cycle, bird watch or picnic, Andrew Jackson State Park offers multiple different outdoor activities for family fun. You can even brush up on your knowledge about the seventh U.S. President at the Andrew Jackson museum.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
If you’re looking for a large, outdoor recreational area close to Charlotte, the Anne Springs Close Greenway is an ideal destination for day trippers. This greenway covers 2,000 acres and provides an almost endless outdoor playground for visitors to explore either on foot, mountain biking or on horse-back. The Anne Springs Close Greenway has over 40-miles of hiking trails as well as various mountain bike and equestrian trails. Take a pleasant walk or try out some water activities around Lake Haigler Loop.
Ballantyne
When you or your family and friends need a day of relaxation or shopping therapy you can head to the south-Charlotte community of Ballantyne. Ballantyne was formerly a private-owned hunting estate but is now an affluent Charlotte suburb with exceptional shopping, a luxury hotel and a world-class golf course. You can spend your day shopping away at the indoor/outdoor Ballantyne Village, or make your way to the Spa at Ballantyne for a day of pampering and relaxation.
Concord
Concord is one of North Carolina’s charming small towns that offers a pleasant escape from the hustling city life of Charlotte. NASCAR fans can visit the Richard Petty Driving Experience where you can drive a race car for five minutes. Even if racing isn’t your thing, Concord offers Thrifty Adventures, the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Sea Life Charlotte for kids to enjoy while adults can indulge in the Cabarrus Brewing Company or the Cougar Run Winery.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Your visit to Charlotte would be incomplete if you didn’t find the time to visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens on the banks of Lake Wylie in Belmont. The beautiful Visitors Pavilion provides your first glimpse of the gardens and gives a hint of the beauty that lies ahead. There are several themed gardens for visitors to admire including the Four Seasons Garden which is spectacular all year-round.
Davidson
Davidson is located close to Lake Norman where you can bring your bikes to explore more than twelve miles of biking lanes and greenways. If you prefer to explore on foot, you will appreciate the pedestrian family end of Downtown Davidson which is filled with art galleries, boutiques, craft stores and restaurants. Families can even take their kids to have educational fun at Discovery Place Kids and the Carolina Raptor Center.
Lake Norman
A short twenty-mile drive north of Charlotte will bring you to Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. The enormous lake has a 520-mile shoreline and is surrounded by several visit-worth small towns like Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate all the activities available on the water, which include fishing, sailing, wakeboarding, kayaking and paddling. Lake Norman offers exceptional biking opportunities including a network of greenways which connect all the lakeside towns, as well as cycle-friendly roads with marked bike lanes. There is a wonderful choice of craft breweries, restaurants and shopping to explore all around Lake Norman.
Rock Hill Outdoor Center
Located just thirty minutes south-west of Charlotte, the Rock Hill Outdoor Center is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and families with active children. The center currently offers facilities for a wide range of outdoor activities. Cyclists can come and hone their skills at the Giordana Velodrome, the Rock Hill BMX Track, the mountain-bike course or the challenging Cyclocross trails. Walkers, runners and hikers can explore more than 30 miles of greenway trails. There is a canoe/kayak launching area which gives access to the Catawba River and the Outdoor Center Greens is an ideal space for kids to run around, play Frisbee or kick a ball.
Statesville
A popular choice for day trips from Charlotte, the small town of Statesville boasts over 250 years of history and is widely known for hosting several fun annual events. History lovers can take a trip down memory lane at the Statesville Historic Collection, where you can view over 1,000 historic photos before you take a walk-through historic Downtown and visit the Fort Dobbs Historic Site. When you have worked up a thirst you can visit a local brewery, winery or the Southern Distilling Company for a tour and tasting. Children will enjoy visiting the nearby Zootastic Park, Fort Dobbs or the Marquis Cinema.
No matter who you are, we are always looking for a new adventure to embark on. Whether you want to relax solo, or you want an ideal destination in close proximity to Charlotte for the entire family, there are numerous different locations that offer awesome and fun things to do near Charlotte, NC! So, if you decide to take our advice and visit one of the places listed above, or you make your own adventure, the team at Audi Charlotte is sure you’re going to have a good time venturing out of the Queen City!
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