Points of Interest between Cambridge, Massachusetts to Chapel Hill, North Carolina

picture of Cambridge, Massachusetts

A Traveler's Guide to Top Five Popular Attractions between Cambridge, MA and Chapel Hill, NC

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Chapel Hill, North Carolina? If so, you're in for a treat as there are a plethora of interesting destinations to visit in between. Here are the top five attractions to add to your itinerary.

Halfway Point: North East, MD

North East, Maryland is the perfect pit-stop halfway point between Cambridge and Chapel Hill. You can take a stroll through the town’s historic district and visit some of the local shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you're feeling adventurous, check out Turkey Point Lighthouse, located just a few miles away, for panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay.

Top Five Places to See List

  1. America's First Zoo - Philadelphia, PA
    Founded in 1859, Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest zoo in the United States, home to more than 1,300 animals, and has been thriving since day one. It occupies 42 acres of land and has a visitor attendance of approximately 1.3 million per year. Don't miss out on seeing Zoo360, an animal exploration trail system that includes overhead trails, tunnels, and more, offering unique perspectives of the animals.

  2. Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, TN
    Nestled in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is a premier family-friendly destination that's an absolute must-visit for theme park enthusiasts. Enjoy more than 50 rides, attractions and shows, which can keep you entertained for days. The theme park spans 150 acres and has a wide range of attractions and activities to suit everyone, from kiddie rides to thrill-seeking roller coasters.

  3. Outer Banks - Duck, NC
    Located just outside of Chapel Hill, the Outer Banks is a beautiful destination with over 100 miles of pristine coastline, which makes it a very popular tourist spot. Take part in an array of watersports or simply relax on the beach, watching dolphins play in the waves. Don't forget to check out the wild horses of Corolla, which are only found here on the Outer Banks.

  4. Waffle House Museum - Atlanta, GA
    The Waffle House Museum, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is the perfect destination for foodies and history buffs alike. Learn about the history of the iconic restaurant chain, dating back to 1955, and explore its original location in Avondale, which is now a museum. Make sure to enjoy a waffle while you're there.

  5. Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC
    Last but not least, Biltmore Estate is a grand, 8,000-acre estate located in Asheville, North Carolina. This iconic landmark is home to a 250-room mansion built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the estate, wander around its immaculate gardens, and even taste wines at its world-famous winery.

Best Route for This Trip

If you're starting in Cambridge and making your way down to Chapel Hill, the most efficient route to take is I-95. This route will take you through major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., where you could make additional pit stops to visit some of their popular attractions. From there, continue on I-40 to Knoxville, where you can take I-81 to get to Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains. Finally, take I-40 to get to Asheville and then head south to Chapel Hill. This route takes approximately 15 hours, depending on traffic and how much time you spend at each destination. Be sure to plan accordingly and have a fantastic trip!