A journey through the Carolinas unfolds across a variety of landscapes, from barrier island beaches and moss-draped coastal marshes to mist-shrouded mountains. Each region carries its own distinct rhythm: the historic elegance and culinary innovation of Charleston, the wild, wind-swept beaches of the Outer Banks and the Sea Islands, the vibrant artistic energy of Asheville, and the luxury hideaways of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Whether you're chasing world-class barbecue, exploring centuries of complex history, or simply slowing down to the pace of a Southern porch, the Carolinas offer a rich, deeply rooted experience that feels both warmly familiar and endlessly rewarding. Read on to discover the essential itineraries, legendary pitmasters, historic towns, and coastal retreats that make the Carolinas entirely unforgettable.
Need to know
Image courtesy of Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
From navigating weather patterns to understanding regional dynamics, a few practical considerations will help ensure a seamless trip.
Airports
Charleston (CHS) serves as a primary gateway to the region, including nearby Sea Islands resorts. Savannah/Hilton Head Airport (SAV), just across the Georgia border, provides convenient access to Hilton Head and the southern Sea Islands. Asheville (AVL) connects travelers to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) offers the most flight options for venturing to the Outer Banks. Charlotte (CLT) and Raleigh-Durham (RDU) are the region's busiest hubs, offering the most extensive flight options and direct connections.
Transportation
Renting a car is the ideal way to explore the region, allowing you to easily turn your journey into a flexible, multi-stop road trip.
Best time to visit
The Carolinas are a true year-round destination, with distinct regional variations driven by the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains. Summers across the region are hot and humid, with hurricane season peaking June through November, while winters bring mild-to-cool conditions that make coastal trips surprisingly cozy. Meanwhile, the mountains remain a draw straight through the winter months, offering crisp high-altitude air and quiet seasonal appeal.
Ideal length of stay
Dedicating three to five nights to each location gives you enough time to explore multiple stops across the Carolinas. Start in Charleston and branch out—heading south to the Sea Islands, navigating northwest through the Low Country into the Blue Ridge Mountains, or traveling northeast to the Outer Banks.
What to wear
Pack breathable, lightweight clothing to handle the hot, humid summer months. Bring warm layers, and a jacket or coat if visiting during the winter months. Your wardrobe should adapt to where you are heading: smart-casual attire works best for city dining, relaxed resort wear is ideal for coastal beach towns, and sturdy hiking shoes with functional outerwear are essential if you are exploring the mountains.
Travel tips
Roads: The exposed barrier islands of the Outer Banks and high-elevation mountain passes of the Blue Ridge Parkway are subject to dynamic weather. Check real-time updates via NCDOT DriveNC or the National Park Service before setting out. Look into SunPass, EZPass, or NC Quick Pass for multi-state toll roads.
Car rentals: Picking up and dropping off in different locations may incur one-way fees. Photograph the vehicle's interior and exterior condition at both pickup and drop-off to safeguard against damage claims. Check if your travel credit card provides rental coverage to avoid purchasing duplicate coverage at the counter.
Charleston
Image courtesy of The Dewberry Charleston
Charleston sits at the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper rivers, centered on a historic, highly walkable peninsula that balances deep-rooted Lowcountry heritage with a celebrated culinary scene.
The lower tip of the peninsula holds the city's most iconic landmarks: the French Quarter's cobblestone alleys, the pastel-painted historic townhouses along Rainbow Row, and South of Broad's grand mansions lining The Battery—a scenic seawall promenade with views across Charleston Harbor toward Fort Sumter. King Street serves as the central commercial spine, running from high-end boutiques and antique shops downtown to a dense stretch of acclaimed restaurants and cocktail lounges in Upper King. Nearby, the historic Charleston City Market and the prominent steeples that gave Charleston its “Holy City” nickname anchor the central district.
Where to stay
The Cooper: This harborfront luxury hotel combines panoramic views of the Cooper River and Joe Riley Waterfront Park with a sleek marina, an outdoor pool deck, and refined dining options that take full advantage of the hotel’s deep-water setting.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, welcome amenity, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Charleston Place: Occupying a full city block in the heart of the historic district, this grand Southern landmark anchors the downtown scene with its iconic double-arm staircase, luxury shopping gallery, and rooftop pool.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Dewberry Charleston: Housed in a restored mid-century federal building overlooking Marion Square, this boutique hotel pairs 1960s design details with modern luxury. An acclaimed spa, French-leaning brasserie, and rooftop Citrus Club bar elevate this elegant gem.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Sea Islands
Image courtesy of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Just off the mainland, the Sea Islands present a distinctly slower Lowcountry pace centered around wide beaches, maritime forests, and tidal salt marshes.
Kiawah Island, just south of Charleston, trades a broad commercial footprint for secluded luxury and nature preservation. It features ten continuous miles of pristine shoreline and high-density wildlife, including resident bottlenose dolphins and nesting loggerhead sea turtles. Legendary golfing can also be found, headlined by Pete Dye’s wind-swept Ocean Course.
Further south, closer to Georgia, sits Hilton Head Island. This larger, more developed hub draws families and active travelers to its 60-plus miles of bike paths, high-end resorts, and championship golf courses—most notably Harbour Town Golf Links, home to the PGA Tour's annual RBC Heritage.
Where to stay
The Dunlin Auberge Collection: Set along the Kiawah River, this coastal retreat combines Southern porch culture with refined luxury, featuring cottage-style accommodations, a riverfront pool, and curated Lowcountry outdoor adventures.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Designed to evoke a grand seaside mansion, this oceanfront sanctuary pairs traditional Southern elegance with world-class amenities. A full-service spa, fine dining, and direct access to pristine beaches and five championship golf courses elevate the experience.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, welcome amenity, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort: This sprawling beachfront resort features tropical landscaping, multi-tiered outdoor pools, spacious suite-style rooms with private balconies, and easy access to championship golf, tennis, and serene ocean kayaking.
Fora’s Omni Select partner perks include a $50 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town: A boutique hotel inside Hilton Head's Sea Pines Resort offering European-style luxury and personalized butler service just steps from the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, Harbour Town Golf Links, and the bustling marina.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Image courtesy of The Swag
Framed by the ancient peaks of Western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Asheville offer a vast outdoor playground traversed by the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The area was hit hard by Hurricane Helene in 2024, but trails have been cleared, art studios and restaurants have reopened, and seasonal events have resumed.
Heading north along the Parkway leads to sights like the summer rhododendron blooms at Craggy Gardens and the summit of Mount Mitchell—the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Driving south winds past Mount Pisgah, the open high-altitude meadows of Black Balsam Knob, and the rushing cascades of Pisgah National Forest. Beyond the scenic overlooks and extensive hiking trails, the region is dotted with Appalachian mountain towns, roadside orchards, and craft breweries, balancing wilderness access with deep-rooted mountain culture.
Where to stay
Cataloochee Ranch: High above Maggie Valley near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this historic guest ranch blends rustic luxury with hands-on mountain traditions, offering stone-fireplace cabins, guided horseback rides, and immediate access to scenic hiking trails.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenities, and an upgrade whenever possible.
The Swag: Sitting near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this luxurious, all-inclusive Relais & Châteaux mountaintop hideaway pairs rustic-chic log cabins with exceptional farm-to-table dining, private hiking trails, and sweeping high-altitude views.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenities, and an upgrade whenever possible.
High Hampton Resort: Set across 1,400 estate acres in Cashiers, this historic mountain retreat combines classic Blue Ridge nostalgia with modern luxury, centered around a restored 1930s lodge, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, and a private mountain lake.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa: Spanning several blocks of downtown Highlands, this European-style mountain sanctuary offers mineral-rich spa treatments, antique-appointed guest rooms and cottages, and heated outdoor pools in a vibrant mountain village setting.
The Outer Banks
Image courtesy of The Sanderling
Extending over 100 miles off the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks form a fragile, wind-swept chain of barrier islands where open ocean beaches, shifting sand dunes, and maritime history take precedence over traditional high-rise boardwalks. The northern reaches encompass the wild Spanish mustang herds roaming the beaches of Corolla, the massive natural dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head, and flanked by the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Further south, accessible via the scenic Highway 12, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches past black-and-white striped lighthouses, world-class surf breaks, and historic life-saving stations, terminating at secluded Ocracoke Island.
Where to stay
The Sanderling: Situated on a narrow strip of land in Duck, this premier sanctuary pairs eco-centric luxury with front-row water views from every angle, featuring coastal-inspired rooms, spacious private resort residences, a full-service spa, and indoor and outdoor pools.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cruising the Carolinas
Image courtesy of American Cruise Lines
Cruises in the Carolinas are predominantly seasonal, with major ocean liners calling at regional ports during spring and fall repositioning itineraries along the East Coast. Charleston serves as the primary port of call, while Wilmington occasionally features on select coastal routes. Beyond major ocean sailings, small-ship coastal and Intracoastal Waterway cruises frequently use Charleston as a home base for regional itineraries, sailing south to destinations including Hilton Head, Savannah, St. Simons Island, and Amelia Island.
Notable cruise lines
American Cruise Lines: Specializing in small-ship river and coastal cruising, this U.S.-flagged line operates modern riverboats and coastal catamarans offering an intimate, culturally focused experience with onboard historians and easy dock access in historic port cities.
Scenic Luxury Cruises: Known for its ultra-luxury discovery yachts, this line calls on regional ports during seasonal East Coast repositioning itineraries, delivering an all-inclusive experience with butler-serviced suites, gourmet dining, and high-end shore excursions.
Viking Cruises: Sleek, Scandinavian-designed ships include Charleston on its destination-focused coastal itineraries, offering an adult-oriented atmosphere with inclusive pricing, resident experts, and an emphasis on local history and culture.
Fora Perks include up to $200 shipboard credit per stateroom on select sailings.
The Carolinas’ history and culture
The Carolinas have long been home to diverse Indigenous nations, including the Catawba, Cherokee, and Tuscarora, whose communities and traditions remain part of the region today. English settlement in the late 17th century established a booming agrarian economy fueled by rice, indigo, and cotton, which grew rapidly and depended on the labor of enslaved Africans, giving rise to the distinct Gullah Geechee culture that still thrives along the Sea Islands today. The region played a pivotal role in national flashpoints, serving as a critical theater in the Revolutionary War and later launching the Civil War at Fort Sumter, followed by a turbulent Reconstruction era and the rise of the Jim Crow South.
In the 20th century, the Carolinas emerged as a center for the Civil Rights Movement—marked by watershed events like the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins—while transforming from a textile and tobacco agricultural hub into a dynamic landscape of research universities, banking centers, and coastal preserves. Today, the region retains a deep-rooted sense of place, where rich culinary traditions like whole-hog barbecue, vibrant storytelling, bluegrass and Piedmont blues, and enduring coastal heritage coexist with rapid modern growth.
Signature food and drinks
Carolina barbecue: A fiercely debated regional specialty—Eastern North Carolina shreds the whole hog with a fiery vinegar-and-pepper mop, Western Piedmont favors pit-cooked pork shoulder tossed in a sweet-and-tangy tomato-vinegar sauce, and South Carolina finishes its smoked pork with “Carolina Gold,” a tangy mustard-based sauce
Lowcountry boil: The quintessential coastal gathering dish, combining fresh wild-caught shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn on the cob, and tender red potatoes cooked together in a heavily spiced broth and dumped onto newspaper-lined tables
Pimento cheese: Known as the “caviar of the South,” this creamy, savory spread blends sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos into an indispensable staple for tea sandwiches, burgers, and crackers alike
Sweet tea: The undisputed house beverage of the Carolinas, brewed dark, sweetened with sugar, and served over heaps of crushed ice with a fresh lemon wedge
Cheerwine: The Carolinas’ iconic, homegrown soft drink since 1917 is a wildly sweet, highly carbonated cherry-flavored cola crafted with real cane sugar
Cultural celebrations and events
Second Sunday on King Street (monthly, Charleston): A recurring event that turns Charleston’s King Street into a pedestrian haven with outdoor sidewalk dining, live acoustic music, local art displays, and open-air shopping.
Columbia International Festival (April, Columbia): A weekend gathering showcasing an international food court, traditional dance performances, global artisan market, and a signature Parade of Nations featuring flags and costumes from dozens of countries.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas (June, Charlotte): A multi-day cultural celebration featuring an opening drum circle, a freedom march, live music, local vendors, and community art workshops honoring African American heritage.
Pinehurst Barbecue Festival (Labor Day weekend, Pinehurst): A three-day celebration of North Carolina’s pitmaster heritage pairing whole-hog smoking and pitmaster invitationals with live music, bourbon tastings, and grilling seminars.
Gullah-Geechee Hoodoo Ball (October, Charleston): An immersive autumn gathering that honors the ancestral spiritual traditions, folk magic, music, and foodways of the Lowcountry's Gullah Geechee community.
American Indian Heritage Celebration (November, Raleigh): This annual day-long festival brings together members from North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes for traditional drum circles, dance performances, storytelling, and craft demonstrations.
What to do in the Carolinas
The Carolinas offer a rich tapestry of coastal charm, mountain scenery, deeply rooted history, and vibrant culinary traditions to explore.
Charleston
Historic District and Rainbow Row: Stroll cobblestone streets lined with historic estates, ironwork gates, and the pastel-painted Georgian row houses of Rainbow Row.
Visual arts: Tour rotating contemporary exhibits at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston or explore centuries of American art inside the Beaux-Arts building of the Gibbes Museum of Art.
History museums: Visit The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773 and widely credited as America's first museum, and explore the history of the African diaspora at the International African American Museum.
The Battery and White Point Garden: Walk the historic harbor seawall shaded by live oaks and lined with Civil War-era cannons at White Point Garden.
Charleston City Market: Browse a historic market complex dating to the late 18th century, filled with local artisans, sweetgrass basket weavers, and delicious food.
The Sea Islands
Hunting Island State Park: Climb the 167 steps of South Carolina's only publicly accessible lighthouse and hike coastal trails framed by fallen driftwood along the shore.
Botany Bay Heritage Preserve: Drive through a maritime forest to reach the sun-bleached skeleton trees along Boneyard Beach.
Daufuskie Island: Catch a ferry to Daufuskie Island to navigate unpaved roads by golf cart, visiting artisan workshops, historic churches, and uncrowded beaches.
Penn Center: Discover Gullah heritage on St. Helena Island at Penn Center, established in 1862 as one of the nation's first schools for formerly enslaved people.
Downtown Beaufort: Take a horse-drawn carriage or walking tour through the historic streets of Beaufort to admire preserved waterfront mansions.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping for panoramic ridge views at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center or climbing the short, steep trail to Devil's Courthouse.
Black Balsam Knob: Hike open, high-elevation balds along Black Balsam Knob for 360-degree vistas across the mountains.
Pisgah National Forest: Trek through hardwood forests to reach waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock.
Biltmore Estate: Tour George Vanderbilt's 250-room French Renaissance château, stroll through Frederick Law Olmsted-designed gardens, and sample vintages at the estate winery.
Asheville: Sample local craft beers or wander converted industrial warehouses to see working painters, glassblowers, and sculptors in the River Arts District.
The Outer Banks
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Visit the tallest brick lighthouse in North America, recognizable by its black-and-white spiral stripes.
Wright Brothers National Memorial: Stand at the site of the Wright brothers’ first successful powered, controlled airplane flights in Kill Devil Hills.
Jockey's Ridge State Park: Hike or hang glide across the massive living sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head.
Corolla wild horses: Take a guided 4WD beach tour through the northern beaches to spot wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge: Walk boardwalk trails through maritime marshes to view hundreds of migratory bird species along the Atlantic Flyway.
Where to eat in the Carolinas
Image courtesy of Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Carolinas' dining scene encompasses historic Lowcountry institutions, whole-hog pitmaster staples, and casual dockside seafood restaurants.
Charleston
FIG: A groundbreaking downtown pioneer delivering an elevated, hyper-seasonal celebration of Lowcountry farmers and fishermen through a constantly evolving menu.
167 Raw Oyster Bar: An ultra-popular, New England-style raw bar packing big flavor into Historic Downtown with lobster rolls, fresh oysters, and daily crudo specials.
Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop: A vibrant garage-turned-eatery celebrated for its crispy fried chicken, raw oysters, and cold beer served in a rustic-industrial space.
Home Team BBQ: A multi-location favorite blending classic barbecue, a lively sports bar vibe, smoked chicken wings, and frozen “Gamechanger” rum cocktails.
Lewis Barbecue: Texas-style barbecue serving legendary prime beef brisket and smoked ribs carved to order straight from custom steel smokers in a lively hotspot.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: A famous counter-service nook slinging buttery, handmade biscuit sandwiches and sweet or savory hot biscuit bites straight from the oven.
Vern's: An intimate, high-energy neighborhood bistro serving European-accented, seasonal small plates and natural wines in a warm, wood-accented dining room.
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar: A bustling harborside seafood destination housed in a 1940s retired naval building, serving fried green tomatoes and Lowcountry boil.
The Sea Islands
Minero (Johns Island): A lively, casual Mexican cantina blending authentic culinary traditions with Southern influences.
Old Bull Tavern (Beaufort): An intimate, bustling neighborhood gastropub offering an ever-changing menu of European comfort foods, craft beers, and creative cocktails.
Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary (Kiawah Island): An elegant oceanfront dining room serving refined Lowcountry seafood and organic regional produce.
Skull Creek Boathouse (Hilton Head): A sprawling, popular waterfront landmark featuring sweeping sunset views, an outdoor patio bar, and a diverse menu.
Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks (Hilton Head): An iconic, family-owned dockside spot serving ultra-fresh seafood caught daily by its own fleet of fishing boats.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn (Asheville): A mountain-view landmark high above Asheville, serving hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails.
Chestnut (Asheville): A warm, brick-walled favorite featuring a changing seasonal menu of American classics, scratch-made pastries, and inventive cocktails.
Jazmin (Asheville): A stylish downtown destination celebrating Pan-Asian flavors, blending traditional techniques with regional ingredients in a sleek, modern space.
Sweet Onion (Waynesville): A cozy, popular neighborhood bistro offering comforting Southern-accented regional fare, local trout, and signature onion-infused specialties.
Southern Porch (Canton): A charming, family-owned eatery serving elevated Southern comfort food, craft beers, and hospitable porch-side dining.
The Outer Banks
The Paper Canoe (Duck): A polished yet relaxed waterfront gem overlooking Currituck Sound, serving wood-oven pizzas, hand-rolled pastas, and daily seafood specials.
AQUA Restaurant (Duck): A tranquil dining destination pairing organically focused, regional seafood and fine wines with sweeping sunset views.
NC Coast Grill & Bar (Duck): A lively boardwalk favorite featuring a chef-driven open kitchen, global-coastal shareable plates, and dockside outdoor seating.
TRiO Restaurant & Market (Kitty Hawk): A vibrant bistro and gourmet market offering artisanal cheese boards, wine-paired small plates, and rotating craft beers.
The Kill Devil Grill (Kill Devil Hills): A retro, 1939 diner-car landmark serving elevated coastal fare, house-smoked wings, and daily fresh catch specials.
Trips to add on
Image courtesy of Sea Island Resort
The Carolinas serve as an ideal anchor for exploring the broader American South and Mid-Atlantic, from historic districts to world-class wine country to bustling Southern hubs.
Savannah, Georgia (2-hour drive from Charleston): Just across the South Carolina border, Georgia's oldest city is defined by 22 green public squares, grand historic architecture, pedestrian streets, and a thriving coastal culinary scene. Luxury travelers often choose to base themselves nearby at the Montage Palmetto Bluff across the May River.
Sea Island, Georgia (3.5-hour drive from Charleston): A barrier island resort sanctuary known for gated exclusivity, five miles of private Atlantic shoreline, world-class championship golf, and the Five-Star hospitality of The Cloister and The Lodge at Sea Island Resort.
Atlanta, Georgia (3.5-hour drive from Asheville): This southern city blends major modern attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola with rich Civil Rights heritage at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, expansive urban greenways along the Atlanta BeltLine, and a renowned dining scene.
Williamsburg, Virginia (3.5-hour drive from the Outer Banks): Part of Virginia's Historic Triangle, it’s home to Colonial Williamsburg, a large living history museum where preserved 18th-century architecture and costumed interpreters sit just minutes from the 1607 settlement ruins at Historic Jamestowne and the Revolutionary War battlefields of Yorktown.
Charlottesville, Virginia (5-hour drive from Asheville or Outer Banks): In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this historic college town combines Thomas Jefferson's hilltop Monticello and the University of Virginia campus with a vibrant pedestrian downtown mall, rolling horse country, and the Monticello Wine Trail's acclaimed boutique vineyards.
If not the Carolinas…
If you are drawn to the Carolinas’ blend of moss-draped coastal towns, high-elevation mountain escapes, and barrier island beaches, these destinations capture that same soulful, scenic allure.
Amelia Island, Florida: This tranquil coastal enclave trades high-rise commercialism for Victorian-era streetscapes, live oak canopy roads, and miles of uncrowded Atlantic beaches.
St. Augustine, Florida: Established in 1565 as the nation's oldest continuously inhabited European settlement, this coastal city showcases Spanish masonry at the Castillo de San Marcos, cobblestone pedestrian lanes, and a vibrant seafood dining scene.
Chattanooga, Tennessee: Set along a dramatic bend of the Tennessee River framed by the Appalachian foothills, this energetic outdoor hub matches a thriving downtown and riverfront park system with world-class rock climbing, biking, and mountain access.
Florida Gulf Coast: Stretching along calm, turquoise waters, this coastal haven offers brilliant sugar-white quartz sand beaches, barrier island nature preserves, fresh Gulf seafood, and pastel-hued beach communities that celebrate a slower, sun-drenched pace of life.
