Stretching from the Atlantic coast to the remote Smoky Mountains, through rolling farmland and historic towns, holidays to North Carolina and South Carolina are ideal for those looking for the ‘real’ America away from the crowds and the traditional tourist trail. Take to the road on a fly drive holiday and follow the Outer Banks Scenic Byway along a chain of over 100 barrier islands that trace North Carolina’s shoreline. Look out for wild horses, picturesque lighthouses and legends of Blackbeard the pirate enroute. Inland you will find the Great Smoky Mountains National park replete with unique wildlife, hiking trails and home to bluegrass music. Your South Carolina road trip can take in the boardwalk, buzzing bars and neon lights of Myrtle Beach as well as the grand and elegant coastal city of Charleston. With local seafood and a burgeoning brewing scene, holidays to the Carolinas offer a genuine taste of a remarkable region.
What you’ll love most about the Carolinas
- Explore the stunning beauty of the Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Discover pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and charming coastal towns like Kitty Hawk and Nags Head
- Experience the historic charm and Southern hospitality of Charleston, South Carolina. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured antebellum houses, visit historic plantations, and savour Lowcountry cuisine at top-notch restaurants
- Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. Enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque valleys, and explore hiking trails, waterfalls, and overlooks along the way
- Discover the eclectic vibe of Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore vibrant neighbourhoods, breweries, and art galleries downtown, and visit the historic Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately-owned home
- Relax and unwind on the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Enjoy miles of pristine beaches, water sports, and oceanfront attractions, including the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel
- Explore the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Hike scenic trails, spot wildlife like black bears and elk, and admire cascading waterfalls and panoramic mountain views