Concord, North Carolina: 10 Amazing Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Fun Road Trips Near Concord, NC (All Outside Cabarrus County)

Looking for easy road trips from Concord, North Carolina, but want to get out of Cabarrus County for the day? You’re in the right place. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find lakes, breweries, racing history, small-town main streets, and gorgeous parks across nearby counties like Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union. All of these ideas are outside Cabarrus County, so they’re perfect when you’re craving a change of scenery without a long drive.

1. Explore Uptown Charlotte – Museums, Food, and Skyline Views (Mecklenburg County)

Charlotte is only about 25–35 minutes from Concord, depending on traffic, and it feels like stepping into a totally different world. Head to Uptown Charlotte for a full day of city fun:
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame – If you’re from Concord, racing is probably in your blood. This museum brings the sport to life with cars, simulators, and history.
  • Discovery Place Science – Hands-on exhibits, an indoor rainforest, and an IMAX theater. Great for kids and honestly fun for adults too.
  • Romare Bearden Park – A green space with skyline views, fountains, and plenty of room to spread out for a picnic.
  • 7th Street Public Market – Small eateries, coffee, and local vendors all under one roof.
I like to park once, then walk everywhere. Uptown is pretty compact, and it’s easy to wander from one spot to another. Perfect for: Day dates, family outings, or showing off North Carolina to out-of-town guests.

2. Lake Norman Getaway – Waterfront Dining and Sunset Views (Mecklenburg & Iredell Counties)

Just 30–45 minutes from Concord, Lake Norman is one of the best quick escapes in the area. Parts of the lake sit in Mecklenburg County, others in Iredell County, and the whole area has a relaxed vacation vibe. Popular lake spots include:
  • Cornelius (Mecklenburg County) – Check out places like Ramsey Creek Park, plus waterfront restaurants with boat docks.
  • Davidson & Mooresville (Iredell County) – Charming small-town feel with easy lake access.
Things to do around Lake Norman:
  • Rent a pontoon boat or jet ski for a few hours.
  • Enjoy a long lunch at a lakeside restaurant and stay for sunset.
  • Walk the lakeside trails and just breathe a little.
Tip: Summer weekends get busy. If you can go on a weekday afternoon or shoulder season (late spring or early fall), you’ll have a more relaxed experience.

3. Davidson’s Charming Main Street & College Vibe (Mecklenburg County)

If you like walkable downtowns, you’ll love Davidson, about 35–40 minutes from Concord. It’s a classic small town with a big personality thanks to Davidson College. Stroll down Main Street and you’ll find:
  • Independent shops and bookstores.
  • Cafes with outdoor seating under shady trees.
  • A college campus that’s perfect for a short, peaceful walk.
On Saturday mornings in season, the Davidson Farmers Market is a great stop for local produce, baked goods, and crafts. It has a community feel that’s hard to fake. Perfect for: Slow Saturday mornings, coffee lovers, and anyone who enjoys people-watching.

4. Historic Salisbury – Trains, Theater, and Old-South Charm (Rowan County)

North of Concord, Salisbury in Rowan County is about a 25–30 minute drive and makes a laid-back day trip. Here’s what many travelers love in Salisbury:
  • Downtown Salisbury – Brick streets, historic buildings, and a growing restaurant scene.
  • North Carolina Transportation Museum (Spencer) – Technically in nearby Spencer, but just across the river in Rowan County. Big rail yard, historic trains, and seasonal train rides.
  • Local theaters – Depending on when you go, you might catch a show at one of the local performance venues.
If you’re into history, you’ll appreciate the preserved architecture and old homes. If not, the food and coffee shops still make the trip worthwhile. Tip: Combine downtown Salisbury with the Transportation Museum for a full day of exploring.

5. Badin Lake & Morrow Mountain Area for Hiking and Water Views (Stanly County)

Need some nature? Head about 45–60 minutes east from Concord into Stanly County, and you’ll find the Badin Lake area and the rolling hills around it. At and around the lake, you can:
  • Hike easy-to-moderate trails with lake overlooks.
  • Fish along the shoreline or from a boat.
  • Find picnic areas where you can spread out for the afternoon.
While Morrow Mountain State Park sits in neighboring Montgomery County (so you’ll see that name pop up on signs), many people use Stanly County towns like Albemarle or Badin as their base to explore the whole area. Perfect for: Cooler days when a hike sounds better than sitting inside a mall.

6. Albemarle’s Small-Town Vibe & Local Eats (Stanly County)

About 45–50 minutes from Concord, Albemarle is a relaxed small town in Stanly County that’s great when you want simple pleasures without big-city crowds. What to do on a day trip here:
  • Walk through downtown and check out local shops.
  • Grab lunch or dinner at a local diner or barbecue spot.
  • Use Albemarle as a launch point to explore nearby lakes and scenic backroads.
This is the kind of road trip where the drive itself is half the fun—rolling fields, old barns, and quiet country roads. Tip: If you’re feeling spontaneous, just keep driving east and see where the backroads take you.

7. Monroe – Vintage Downtown and Union County Adventures (Union County)

Head about 45–60 minutes south from Concord into Union County, and you’ll reach Monroe, a town that mixes history with a growing food scene. Highlights around Monroe:
  • Historic Downtown Monroe – Old brick storefronts, antique shops, and local restaurants.
  • Occasional street festivals, car shows, and seasonal events.
  • Nearby farms and markets, depending on the time of year.
I like Monroe as a “no-rush” trip. Park the car, wander the streets, pop into whatever shop looks interesting, and end the day with a relaxed meal. Perfect for: Couples’ day trips, casual shopping, and photography lovers.

8. Wineries and Countryside Drives in Union County

Union County isn’t just suburbs. Just beyond the neighborhoods, you’ll find stretches of countryside dotted with farms, fields, and wineries. While specific wineries may change over time, expect:
  • Scenic drives past pastures and rolling hills.
  • Tasting rooms with outdoor seating and live music on some weekends.
  • A laid-back, unhurried atmosphere—no need to dress up.
Plan a simple route:
  • Late morning: Drive down from Concord, avoiding the interstate when you can.
  • Midday: Stop for lunch in Monroe or another Union County town.
  • Afternoon: Visit a winery or two, sit outside, and just slow down.
Tip: Always check hours and any reservation requirements before you go. Some smaller spots keep limited days or seasonal schedules.

9. Mooresville – Race Shops, Lake Life, and Downtown Charm (Iredell County)

Mooresville, in Iredell County, is only about 35–45 minutes from Concord and feels like the perfect mix of “race town” and “lake town.” Here’s what draws people in:
  • Race shops and racing attractions – Get up close to race cars and see where some teams build and test.
  • Downtown Mooresville – Restaurants, taprooms, and a classic main street vibe.
  • Easy access to Lake Norman for boating or waterfront dining.
If you’re a motorsports fan, it’s a fun complement to everything you already know from living near Concord. It’s like seeing another side of the same racing world. Perfect for: Race fans, weekend warriors, and anyone who loves small-town downtowns.

10. Statesville – Hot Air Balloons, History, and Relaxed Streets (Iredell County)

A bit farther out—but still very doable as a day trip—is Statesville, about 45–60 minutes from Concord in Iredell County. Things people often come here for:
  • Historic downtown with local shops and restaurants.
  • Seasonal balloon events and scenic flights (book ahead if that’s on your bucket list).
  • Easy access to surrounding countryside if you enjoy just driving and exploring.
Even if you don’t catch a balloon event, Statesville makes a mellow, low-stress road trip where you can stretch your legs and explore somewhere that’s not overly commercial. Tip: Pair Statesville with a stop in Mooresville or Lake Norman for a full, full day—just start early.

Planning Your Out-of-County Road Trips from Concord

To make the most of these short road trips near Concord, NC, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Leave at off-peak times: Try mid-morning departures to avoid rush hour, especially when heading toward Charlotte or Union County.
  • Check hours and events: Museums, markets, and wineries can have limited hours or special event days.
  • Pack a small “day-trip bag”: Water, snacks, phone charger, light jacket, and maybe a small cooler.
  • Use backroads when you can: You’ll see more of North Carolina’s real character off the interstate.
If you live in or near Concord, it’s easy to fall into the habit of going to the same places over and over. These nearby counties—Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union—offer quick escapes that don’t require a hotel or a long drive.

What’s Your Favorite Day Trip from Concord?

Have you visited any of these spots around Concord, NC?
  • Which out-of-county road trip is your favorite?
  • Did I miss a hidden gem in Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, or Union County?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments—your ideas might inspire someone’s next weekend adventure. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near Concord, North Carolina. The more we share local ideas, the more everyone gets to enjoy what this part of the state has to offer.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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