A North Carolina Honeymoon for Southern Charm and Romance

From stunning seashores to quaint towns, this coastal state offers something for everyone.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, NC
Photo: Wbritten | Getty
Beth Ann Mayer - The Knot Contributor.
by
Beth Ann Mayer
Beth Ann Mayer - The Knot Contributor.
Beth Ann Mayer
The Knot Contributor
  • Beth Ann writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, including venues, honeymoons and planning advice.
  • Beth Ann is a lifestyle freelance writer, with bylines on healthline.com and parents.com.
  • Prior to freelancing, Beth Ann was a writer and editor for Long Island Pulse Magazine.
Updated Apr 30, 2024
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A North Carolina honeymoon has all the trimmings of a romantic US honeymoon. The landscape is gorgeous and diverse. North Carolina mountains are some of the most famous in the world, making it a fantastic location for an adventure honeymoon. And then there's the coast, full of oceanfront restaurants and cozy cabins with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

North Carolina is an easy trip for many honeymooners in the US. You can fly to Charlotte in less than two hours from New York City or Houston, plus the state is a short drive for Southerners in nearby states.

Ready to start planning your honeymoon in North Carolina? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

North Carolina Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

    Blue ridge of the Appalachian Mountains
    Photo: James Aloysius Mahan V | Shutterstock

    Best Time to Honeymoon in North Carolina

    Summers can be hot and humid, and North Carolina is prone to hurricanes in the fall. For a romantic honeymoon in North Carolina, aim to visit between March and May for the best weather.

    Best weather: March to May.
    Festival highlights: The Azalea Festival in Wilmington celebrates spring with flowers, art shows and a parade in April. The Asheville Music Festival in August showcases a range of musical genres in a lively mountain setting. In October, the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh offers classic fair attractions, concerts and local food.

    North Carolina Honeymoon Planning Tips

    North Carolina provides newlyweds with multiple honeymoon experiences without leaving the state. In this often skipped-over travel destination, small towns are full of history and charm. The Outer Banks offer opportunities to relax on the beach or enjoy water sports like kayaking. And nature enthusiasts will love the outdoorsy activities and views along Blue Ridge Parkway and at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

    Entry requirements: You won't need your passport, but bring your IDs.
    Language:
    English.
    Location: North Carolina is located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, South Carolina and Georgia to the south, and Tennessee to the west.
    Currency: USD.
    Flight time to Destination: From New York City, flights are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to Raleigh or Charlotte.
    Getting around: North Carolina can be explored through a variety of transportation options. Renting a car and taking a road trip honeymoon is the most flexible way to see the state, especially for visiting the mountains or coastal areas.

    Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for North Carolina honeymoon expertise, reviews, testimonials and more.

    Best North Carolina Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

    Whether you want to stay in a bustling city center, a peaceful countryside or somewhere in between, you'll find plenty of options on a North Carolina honeymoon. From quaint bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals to secluded mountain cabins, here are our top recommendations.

    Uptown skyline, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Photo: Sean Pavone | Shutterstock

    The Windsor Boutique Hotel

    Couples with an eye for art will want to bookmark The Windsor Boutique Hotel, which has an on-site gallery. The small hotel has 14 suites and a whole lot of charm. Each suite comes with a full kitchen, hand-selected artwork and beds so comfortable you may be tempted to hit the snooze button more than once.

    5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    The Inn on Pamlico Sound

    A boutique hotel on Hatteras Island, The Inn on Pamlico Sound boasts waterfront views and casually elegant digs. Some suites come with private balconies and whirlpool tubs. Guests can experience fine dining at the upscale (but unpretentious) Cafe Pamlico.

    5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    The Inn on Biltmore Estate

    Once George Vanderbilt's home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Inn on Biltmore Estate offers guests plush accommodations and modern amenities. You'll have access to spa services, a 24-hour concierge and complimentary Wi-Fi. The inn is within walking distance of Antler Hill Village Shopping and a short drive from downtown Asheville.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Chetola Resort

    Couples will truly feel they've escaped to the mountains at this beautiful 78-acre resort. Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock is within walking distance of the charming mountain village, and the resort features a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, spa services and kayaks. It's also pet-friendly.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Sanderling Resort

    Considered one of the top honeymoon resorts in the state, Sanderling is set on the Currituck Sound in Kitty Hawk. Couples simply have to cross the street to see the Atlantic. Boogie boards and paddle-boards are available for rent. Newlyweds can also lounge by the outdoor pool or indulge in a couple's massage at the spa.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    The Omni Grove Park Inn

    Golfers will want to consider a stay at The Omni Grove Park Inn. The inn, built in 1913, has an 18-hole golf course on site. There's also a spa with a sauna, tennis courts and an indoor pool. Guest rooms come with mountain or garden views, and the Asheville Art Museum is about 2 miles away.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Pro tip: If you're looking for North Carolina honeymoon accommodations that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO or glamping in Asheville.

    North Carolina Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

    From the mountains to the ocean, North Carolina provides plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Add a handful of these romantic activities to your itinerary for a true taste of what the state has to offer.

    North Carolina, Kill Devil Hills, Wright Brothers National Memorial
    Photo: Walter Bibikow | Shutterstock

    Get Adventurous

    Situated in western North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Blowing Rock is a hidden gem. The cliff, located 4,000 feet above sea level, offers stunning vistas of Hawksbill Mountain, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell. See the forest from above on a zip-line adventure.

    Go on a Charlotte Outing

    Many travelers fly into Charlotte, making this metropolitan area a fabulous place to start your honeymoon. Freedom Park is a 98-acre oasis in the middle of the city's downtown. History-loving couples who crave an adventure can zip through the city while learning about its history on a Segway excursion. If it's football season, a trip to see the Panthers play is a must for any sports fan.

    Take in the Views

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the North Carolina-Tennessee border, and has several sights to see. At this national park, you'll spot creeks, waterfalls, flowers in bloom in the spring and pretty foliage come fall.

    Explore Asheville's Botanical Gardens

    Downtown Asheville is a vibrant community set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll find unique shops (including many indie bookstores) to browse during the day. The Botanical Gardens at Asheville is whimsical, romantic and gorgeous. Spend your nights in the city at some of the many intimate restaurants with delicious cuisine, cozy booths and live music.

    Visit an Island

    Located on North Carolina's Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island boasts a sprawling lifeguarded beach. When not sticking your toes in the sand, head to Springer's Point Preserve for bird-watching and hiking. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse still operating in the state, and makes for a perfect Instagram backdrop.

    Hatteras Island is great for couples who want some peace and quiet. It's home to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, an undeveloped stretch along the North Carolina coast. It's an ideal spot to watch the sunset or go kayaking.

    Horseback riding on the beach and fishing are also popular on this island.

    Go to a Game in Durham

    Head down Tobacco Road from Chapel Hill, and you'll quickly reach Durham, another good spot for a quick visit. This city is home to Duke University's famous campus. If you're traveling to North Carolina during basketball season, tickets to a Blue Devils game are hard to come by, but worth it. And The Sarah B. Duke Gardens is a popular on-campus attraction in its own right.

    Check out the University in Chapel Hill

    If you're doing a North Carolina road trip for your honeymoon, make a pit stop at this small town that's best known as the home of the University of North Carolina. You can explore the campus and attend a football game in the fall. Sports fanatics will also love The Carolina Basketball Museum, which is full of memorabilia. The downtown area boasts a college town vibe, but people of all ages love the food at the nearly 100 restaurants.

    Hit the Beach

    Kitty Hawk is a beach town on the Outer Banks that's a must-visit spot. This tranquil oasis has a serious claim to fame: In 1903, the Wright Brothers took off and made the first controlled power airplane flights 4 miles south of Kitty Hawk. Today, it's a popular place for water sports, including kayaking, surfing and paddle-boarding.

    Discover Art and Natural Beauty in Raleigh

    The state's capital is a hub of culture, historic sites and natural beauty. See both modern and centuries-old paintings at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Couples looking to immerse themselves in the area will love the North Carolina Museum of History, which provides a 14,000-year look back at the state's story. Speaking of views, there are plenty of stunning ones at Umstead State Park and Pullen Park.

    Pro tip: Add North Carolina honeymoon experiences and fun activities to your gift registry. This way, your loved ones can contribute to your romantic getaway.

    What to Pack for a North Carolina Honeymoon

    Couple Kayaking in North Carolina.
    Photo: Iofoto | Shutterstock

    You'll be going on several types of adventures during your North Carolina getaway, and you'll want to come prepared for all of them. Your packing checklist should include good hiking clothes and boots—they're essential for trips to the mountains. Bug spray, a raincoat, sunscreen and a backpack will also come in handy.

    Beach days call for bathing suits, towels, sandals and cover-ups. Fancier clothes, like little black dresses, nice pants and collared shirts, are ideal for romantic nights on the town. Bring a few pieces of business casual wear in your honeymoon luggage if you plan on any day trips to museums.

    Brittany Barber contributed to this article.

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