20 days in North Carolina Itinerary

For those not from the South, Raleigh might be one of the region's better-kept travel secrets.

Get a sense of the local culture at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Country Doctor Museum. Escape the urban bustle at Conservators Center and Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Explore Raleigh's surroundings by going to The Chapel of the Cross (in Chapel Hill), Carolina Tiger Rescue (in Pittsboro) and Alpaca Dreams (in Louisburg). There's lots more to do: admire the masterpieces at North Carolina Museum of Art, identify plant and animal life at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, explore the landscape on two wheels at House Creek Greenway Trail, and see the interesting displays at Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

To see reviews, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Raleigh vacation planner.

Boracay, Philippines to Raleigh is an approximately 28-hour combination of ferry and flight. Traveling from Boracay to Raleigh, you'll gain 13 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Boracay in December, things will get much colder in Raleigh: highs are around 16°C and lows about 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Nags Head.

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

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Wright Brothers National Memorial and Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Museum. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and Carova Beach. Change things up with a short trip to Off-Road Tours in Corolla (about 50 minutes away). There's still lots to do: explore the striking landscape of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, have some family-friendly fun at Outer Banks Old Time Photos, explore the striking landscape at Jockey's Ridge State Park, and get engrossed in the history at Buffalo City Exhibit.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Nags Head online trip itinerary maker .

You can drive from Raleigh to Nags Head in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car; or do a combination of train, bus, and car. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Raleigh in December since evenings lows in Nags Head dip to 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Wilmington.

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

Step out of the city life by going to Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex and Sea Turtle Camp. Visit Oak Island Beach and Holden Beach for some beach relaxation. Take a break from Wilmington with a short trip to Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary in Hubert, about 1h 30 min away. There's much more to do: get your game on at Battle House, look for gifts at The Black Cat Shoppe, test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, and take a tour of Battleship North Carolina.

To see reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Wilmington online holiday maker .

Traveling by car from Nags Head to Wilmington takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight; or do a combination of car, bus, and flight. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Nags Head in December: highs in Wilmington hover around 20°C, while lows dip to 6°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) so you can 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Dry Falls and Deep Creek. Venture out of the city with trips to Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum (in Maggie Valley) and Max Patch (in Hot Springs). The adventure continues: take in the awesome beauty at Whiteside Mountain, try to win big at Casino at Harrah’s Cherokee, brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Elevated Mountain Distilling Co., and look for gifts at Unique Gift Outlet.

To find photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Cherokee day trip planner .

You can do a combination of flight and car from Wilmington to Cherokee in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Wilmington in January: high temperatures in Cherokee hover around 10°C and lows are around -4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) so you can go by car to Asheville.

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

Get a sense of the local culture at Biltmore and Seven Sisters Gallery. Get in touch with nature at Blue Ridge Pkwy and Grandfather Mountain. Explore Asheville's surroundings by going to Bobby McLean Memorial Park (in Newland), Catawba River Greenway (in Morganton) and DuPont State Recreational Forest (in Cedar Mountain). The adventure continues: explore the striking landscape of The North Carolina Arboretum, sample the tasty concoctions at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Tours & Tastings, trek along Bearwallow Mountain, and take a memorable tour with Tours.

To find traveler tips, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the Asheville journey builder .

Getting from Cherokee to Asheville by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 9°C, and evening lows to -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can travel back home.