5 days in Surf City & Charlotte Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 13th (Thu): look for gifts at Topsail Island Trading Company, view the masterpieces at Seacoast Art Gallery, then head off the coast to Topsail Island, and finally walk around Soundside Park. Keep things going the next day: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, sample the tasty concoctions at Salty Turtle Beer Co.., and then learn about winemaking at Duplin Winery.

To find reviews, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Surf City online trip planner.

Durham to Surf City is an approximately 3-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and flight. October in Surf City sees daily highs of 76°F and lows of 57°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to fly to Charlotte.

Charlotte is known for museums, theme parks, and fun & games. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: find something for the whole family at Carowinds, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, walk around Freedom Park, and see the interesting displays at Carolinas Aviation Museum.

To find more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Charlotte road trip app.

Traveling by flight from Surf City to Charlotte takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Traveling from Surf City in October, plan for a bit cooler nights in Charlotte, with lows around 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) to allow time to drive back home.