The Best Winter Getaways in North Carolina
Known for it's scenic mountains and coastal getaways, North Carolina is truly a destination and our mild winters make year round travel an exhilarating experience! If you're searching for the best winter getaways in North Carolina, scroll down for several amazing options across our great state!
Asheville
If you've ever visited the western region of North Carolina, you've likely driven through or stopped in the city of Asheville. Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, this mountain city offers breathtaking views, a vibrant downtown and America's largest home. Surrounded by mountain tops, waterfalls, hiking trails, rivers and lakes, you won't be short on things to do in the great outdoors! Asheville's downtown is bursting with award-winning restaurants, a flourishing art scene, museums & galleries and, of course, fantastic local shops. A visit to the Biltmore house is a must while in Asheville. This historic estate built by famous businessman, George Vanderbilt, sprawls across an impressive 8,000 acres and offers tours daily. Asheville is an easy, scenic, under 4 hour drive from Sanford and many other central North Carolina towns.
Beech Mountain Resort
One of the most popular ski resorts in the Carolinas, Beech Mountain Resort offers the most skiable terrain. Beech Mountain sits just west of Boone, home of the App State Mountaineers. Though this resort delivers a mountaintop experience year round, visiting during the chilliest months gives you that true winter experience. Ski, tube and enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing cold one at the Beech Mountain Brewing Company. Just 3.5 hours from Sanford, you can be suited up and on the slopes in no time!
Outer Banks
Not up for a day on the slopes or the hustle & bustle of city life? Check out the Outer Banks area of North Carolina! Enjoying the beach in the rawness of winter may seem odd but it's actually the best time for a quiet getaway. Crowds are nearly nonexistent in winter making it easier to get around than during the popular warm weather months. The off season also offers great discounts and flexibility for your stay. Only looking for a 2 or 3 night getaway? Property owners can likely accommodate that! And if you love meandering through some excellent nature parks, this is an ideal time to catch various species within their habitat. Dotted along the islands, North Carolina lighthouses are a sight to behold as they lead ships to shore nightly. Though the Outer Banks aren't as jump-in-the-car-and-be-there-in-no-time accessible as other North Carolina beaches, this string of barrier islands can easily be reached with an adventurous car-ferry ride. And you will soon discover, the trip is well worth it!
Raleigh
The City of Oaks, our capital city. Rich in North Carolina history, Raleigh continues to grow and expand its sprawling suburban footprint. With increasing opportunity to make Raleigh home, if you're here for a winter visit, stick around for the holidays! Tour our festively-appointed Governor's Executive Mansion, ride along a magical Candlelight Tour through the downtown Historic Oakwood neighborhood and countdown to 2022 with the big acorn drop on New Years Eve! Raleigh offers a diverse and ever-expanding food scene, amazing museums, and a plethora of shopping as well. If you find yourself outdoors, you won't want to miss a brisk walk along the great park trails throughout the city. Raleigh is the perfect day trip from the Sandhills area but if you find yourself needing a longer stay, the area is host to many amazing options for accommodations.
