Cary, North Carolina: 10 Short Road Trips You’ll Love

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10 Easy Road Trips From Cary, NC: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Wake County

If you live in Cary, North Carolina, you probably already know there’s a lot to do close to home. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and explore somewhere new—without driving all day. The good news? Within about an hour or so of Cary, there are tons of short out-of-county road trips in central North Carolina that make great day trips or simple weekend getaways. In this guide, we’ll look at 10 fun things to do in the counties around Wake County:
  • Chatham County
  • Durham County
  • Franklin County
  • Granville County
  • Harnett County
  • Johnston County
  • Nash County
All of these spots are outside Cary and Wake County, but still close enough for a quick drive. Perfect for last‑minute plans, date days, family outings, or solo adventures.

1. Explore the Charming Riverwalk in Hillsborough (Orange County Adjacent via Durham/Chatham)

Yes, Hillsborough is technically in Orange County, but it’s an easy hop from Durham and Chatham counties, and it makes a great add‑on when you’re already out on that side of the Triangle. The Hillsborough Riverwalk is a paved greenway that follows the Eno River for about 1.8 miles. It’s flat, easy, and friendly for strollers and kids.
  • Stroll along the river and watch for turtles and herons.
  • Stop at one of the overlooks for photos.
  • Walk into downtown Hillsborough for coffee, ice cream, or lunch.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe a little deeper, and actually hear yourself think. On cool spring mornings, the air along the river feels a few degrees colder—in a good way. Why it’s a great road trip from Cary: You can pair it with a stop in Durham or Pittsboro and still be home by dinner.

2. Food, Art, and Nightlife in Downtown Durham (Durham County)

If you haven’t been to downtown Durham in a while, it might surprise you. Old tobacco warehouses have turned into trendy restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and art spaces. Some easy stops to build a day around:
  • American Tobacco Campus – Walk the brick-lined campus, grab a drink, and enjoy the water features and lighting at night.
  • Durham Bulls Athletic Park – Catch a minor league baseball game in the spring or summer; seats are close to the action and family-friendly.
  • Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) – For Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy; parking and walking around before a show is half the fun.
When I head to Durham from Cary, I like to park once, then just wander. It’s one of those downtowns where you “discover” places just by turning a corner. Drive time from Cary: Roughly 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic.

3. Pittsboro & the Haw River: Small Town + Nature Escape (Chatham County)

Chatham County gives you a nice mix of small‑town charm and outdoorsy vibes. Pittsboro is a sweet little town with just enough going on to fill an easy day trip from Cary.
  • Walk around downtown Pittsboro – Browse local shops, art galleries, and grab a bite at a local café.
  • Head toward the Haw River area – You’ll find access points for paddling, fishing, and short hikes along the water.
  • Check out local farm stands – In season, you can pick up fresh produce, jams, or baked goods.
It’s a simple escape when you want something slower and more relaxed than Raleigh or Durham, but still close to home. Drive time from Cary: Around 30–40 minutes.

4. Bennett Place & History Trails in Durham County

If you’re a history buff—or you just enjoy peaceful outdoor spaces with a story—Bennett Place in Durham County is a nice, low‑key stop. This is the site of the largest surrender of Confederate troops in the Civil War. Today, it’s a small historic site with:
  • Reconstructed farm buildings
  • A visitor center with exhibits
  • Short walking trails with interpretive signs
You won’t spend all day here, but it pairs perfectly with lunch in Durham or a side trip to the Eno River. It’s the kind of place where kids can run around while you soak in some history. Drive time from Cary: Usually about 30–40 minutes.

5. Kayaking and Camping at Jordan Lake (Chatham County Side)

While parts of Jordan Lake touch several counties, one of the easiest ways to enjoy it from Cary is to head toward Chatham County access areas. Here you can:
  • Rent a kayak or bring your own and paddle along the shore.
  • Set up camp for the night at one of the campgrounds.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy one of the swim beaches.
On a clear night, the stars over the lake are surprisingly bright for being so close to the Triangle. If you’re looking for a simple mini‑getaway, one night of camping here can feel like you’ve been away for a lot longer. Drive time from Cary: Usually 25–35 minutes, depending on which access you choose.

6. Old‑School Flavor in Benson & Smithfield (Johnston County)

Head southeast from Cary and you’ll roll into Johnston County, where things start to feel a little more small‑town and old‑fashioned—in the best way. A fun combo day trip:
  • Benson – Stroll downtown, grab some classic Southern cooking, and poke your head into local shops.
  • Smithfield – Stretch your legs along the Neuse River, then explore more shops and eateries in the historic downtown.
On fall weekends, this side of Johnston County often has festivals, car shows, and small local events. It’s a nice break from the busy pace of Cary. Drive time from Cary: About 30–45 minutes, depending on your exact stop.

7. Beer, Barbecue, and History in Downtown Wilson (Nash County Neighbor)

While Wilson is in Wilson County, many folks from Cary pair a stop in Nash County (Rocky Mount area) with a quick hop to Wilson, since they’re close to each other. Here’s one easy way to turn it into a day trip:
  • Start with a quick visit to Rocky Mount in Nash County – Walk downtown, grab coffee, or check out the riverfront area.
  • Continue to Wilson – Known for tobacco history, barbecue joints, and growing arts spaces.
You’ll get that classic eastern North Carolina feel—tobacco warehouses, train tracks, and long, flat roads that seem to go on forever. Drive time from Cary to Rocky Mount: Around 1 hour.

8. Small‑Town Stroll in Louisburg (Franklin County)

If you head north from Cary, you’ll eventually reach Franklin County. The town of Louisburg makes a peaceful short road trip. Things to do:
  • Walk the streets near the historic campus area and older homes.
  • Grab lunch at a local diner or café.
  • Drive some of the country roads nearby—rolling fields, barns, and old churches dot the landscape.
This is one of those drives that feels especially nice in the fall, when leaves are turning and the air is crisp. It’s simple, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want. Drive time from Cary: About 50–60 minutes.

9. Kerr Lake & Fishing Town Vibes in Henderson Region (Granville County Adjacent)

If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, head toward Granville CountyKerr Lake area via nearby towns like Henderson (just over the county line). On this trip you can:
  • Enjoy boating, fishing, or swimming on one of the biggest lakes around.
  • Pack a cooler and spend a full day on the shore.
  • Stop in small towns along the way for snacks and fuel.
Kerr Lake has a “big sky” feel, with long open views over the water. If you like fishing, this can easily turn into one of your favorite quick drives from Cary. Drive time from Cary: Around 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the access point.

10. Raven Rock State Park: Hike to River Bluffs (Harnett County)

For a slightly more active road trip, head south from Cary into Harnett County and check out Raven Rock State Park. Here you’ll find:
  • Several hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate.
  • Bluff overlooks with great views down to the Cape Fear River.
  • Picnic areas to rest and refuel after your hike.
Some of the trails do have stairs and steeper sections, so bring good shoes and water. On hot summer days, the shaded trails feel cooler than you’d expect, and the sound of the river below makes it worth the climb. Drive time from Cary: Roughly 1 hour.

Tips for Easy Day Trips From Cary, NC

To make your out-of-county road trips from Cary even smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Leave earlier than you think you need to. Morning drives are usually calmer, and you’ll beat the mid‑day crowds.
  • Pack a “car bag.” Toss in water, snacks, a phone charger, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light jacket.
  • Check hours and trail conditions. Especially for parks, museums, and historic sites—hours can change with the season.
  • Have a Plan B. If a place is crowded or closed, pick a backup coffee shop, trail, or town nearby.
One of the nicest things about living in or near Cary is this: you can decide at breakfast that you want an adventure, and by lunchtime you’re someplace that feels completely different—without ever getting on a plane.

Where Will You Go Next?

From Pittsboro’s small‑town charm to Durham’s nightlife, from Raven Rock’s river bluffs to Louisburg’s quiet streets, there’s a whole ring of easy day trips waiting just outside Wake County. Which of these short road trips from Cary, NC are you most excited to try?
  • Have you already been to any of these spots?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, or Nash County?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near Cary. Your ideas might inspire someone’s next weekend adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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