Raleigh to the coast
 

I just booked a quick trip to RDU on AA - they're running a promo.

I've been to Charlotte for work but that's it for me with NC. I'm curious though, as I'd like to see the coast and the Outer Banks. Is it realistic to fly (arrive 430pm) and then drive to the coast to spend the night?

My flight back isn't until 5pm the next day.

If so, I was looking at the map - what's the best place to spend the night?

Certainly possible, but it depends where you want to go. Some of the better (and less crowded) beach towns contain mostly house/condo rentals that go by the week or weekend but few hotels, so you may be somewhat limited in where you can stay.

The absolute closest would probably be Wrightsville Beach, right outside of Wilmington at the end of I-40. Could probably be done in 2 hours, but not OBX. The actual Outer Banks are not reached by the same route and probably twice as long to reach.

Thanks for the reply!

It sounds like the Outer Banks would be challenging. Perhaps just driving to the coast should be sufficient.

When you are driving to the coast I would suggest stopping in Kinston, NC and eat at the Chef and the Farmer. It's by far the best restaurant east of 95 and relatively close to the coast. If you wanted to go to Atlantic Beach, it is about an hours drive from Kinston.

Oops just realized the date of the post.