15 days in North Carolina Itinerary

Most visitors take a trip to Nags Head to enjoy the beach, but this Outer Banks town offers more than just waterside entertainment.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Stand-Up Paddleboarding and The Monument to a Century of Flight. There's lots more to do: get some thrills out on the water with a waterskiing or jet-skiing adventure, don't miss a visit to Nags Head Fishing Pier, have some family-friendly fun at Outer Banks Old Time Photos, and see what you can catch with a fishing tour.

For traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Nags Head trip itinerary planner.

Raleigh to Nags Head is an approximately 3.5-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of flight and car; or do a combination of train, bus, and car. Traveling from Raleigh in September, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 69°F in Nags Head. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can drive to Wilmington.

Holiday in Willington to discover a charming coastal city filled with azalea gardens, historical neighborhoods, and cozy cafes.

On the 4th (Wed), steep yourself in history at Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson State Historic Site, take in the history at Moore's Creek National Battlefield, and then get your game on at Battle House. Here are some ideas for day two: find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, stroll through Bald Head Island Beach, and then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Broomtail Craft Brewery.

To find traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Wilmington road trip planning tool .

You can drive from Nags Head to Wilmington in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight; or do a combination of car, bus, and flight. Expect a daytime high around 84°F in September, and nighttime lows around 68°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to travel to Cherokee.

The center of Cherokee culture in the eastern part of the country, the town named after this Native American tribe serves as a base camp for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Clingmans Dome and Anna Ruby Falls. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Cherokee: Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum (in Maggie Valley), Dry Falls (in Highlands) and Brasstown Bald Mountain (in Blairsville). Next up on the itinerary: take in the dramatic scenery at Mingo Falls, see the interesting displays at Museum of the Cherokee Indian, discover the riches below the earth's surface at Consolidated Gold Mine, and appreciate the history behind Rockefeller Memorial.

To see photos, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Cherokee trip planner.

You can do a combination of flight and car from Wilmington to Cherokee in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Wilmington in September, things will get little chillier in Cherokee: highs are around 79°F and lows about 57°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Asheville.

Asheville nestles between two major mountain ranges in the scenic western section of North Carolina.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Basilica of Saint Lawrence and Roaring Fork. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Asheville: Grandfather Mountain (in Linville), Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park (in Chimney Rock) and Gatlinburg (Tennessee Homemade Wines & Ole Smoky Distillery - Barrelhouse). There's lots more to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, indulge your thirst for a good beer at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Tours & Tastings, and explore the striking landscape of The North Carolina Arboretum.

To find ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Asheville attractions website .

Traveling by car from Cherokee to Asheville takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. September in Asheville sees daily highs of 79°F and lows of 59°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.