Explore the Yadkin Valley Wine Region

A mere 30 minutes from the Yadkin Valley Wine Country, which offers a scenic and picturesque environment coupled with a variety of award-winning wines. You can find traditional wine tasting rooms as well as more unique and immersive vineyard experiences here, so there is something for everyone. It calls visitors to sip and see, with over 40 vineyards and wineries to explore. Head toward Lexington and stop off at Junius Lindsay Vineyard, Weathervane Winery, and Childress Vineyards, or head west for a tour of Divine Llama Vineyards, Medaloni Cellers, and Rayson Winery & Vineyards.

Outdoor Adventures

Gain some altitude at Pilot Mountain State Park, home to one of the most recognizable and iconic mountains in North Carolina. It is a great place for hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers. Another nearby state park to explore is Hanging Rock State Park, which features a variety of trails that lead to picturesque mountain views, rock outcrops, waterfalls, and even a mountain cave. Some are open to horseback riding and mountain biking, and a portion is part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. You can also take a dip in the swimmable lake or pitch a tent at one of the campsites.

If a water adventure is what you’re looking for, head over to Salem Lake, where you can enjoy kayaking, walking and biking trails, and a great spot to fish. If you’re bringing your littles, be sure to stop by the marina and ask for the Salem Lake Scavenger Hunt guide! This free self-guided adventure will send your family off into nature to learn about the local environment, keeping your eyes out for wildlife and native plants! 

Tanglewood Park is a 1,100-acre public park offering two championship golf courses, a bed and breakfast, RV campground, horse stables, fishing on two stocked lakes, pedal boats, tennis courts, a public pool during the summer months, and so much more. 

Go Team!

Winston-Salem is a getaway where athletic excellence and outdoor adventure thrive in exhilarating harmony! Catch a college football game or catch world-class tennis action at the Winston-Salem Open. If you prefer to get your kicks on wheels, feel the thrill of racing at Bowman Gray Stadium. No plans for Memorial Day weekend? We've got you covered. Every year, the biggest party on two wheels rolls into Winston-Salem's vibrant downtown for Gears and Guitars, a weekend of free live music and world class cycling. Visit during the spring and summer and catch a Winston-Salem Dash baseball game (and maybe even a foul ball!). Whether you’re watching or doing, every corner of this city invites you to experience the rush of outdoor excitement and athletic spirit!

Enjoy the View

You don't have to leave the city limits to get a view that's out of this world. Take the short drive over to The Quarry at Grant Park, located just a short 5–10-minute drive outside of the energy of downtown (and on the route to nearby oasis Salem Lake). Winston-Salem's newest park is a sight to be seen, with a large viewing platform that extends out and over the water-filled quarry, providing unobstructed views of the downtown skyline. Traveling with someone special? Locals have turned this into their own version of the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, and the concept is the same: bring a lock, write your name or initials, find the perfect spot to lock it up and toss the key into the quarry, symbolizing love for eternity.

This unique park also features a playground, park shelters for group gatherings and walking paths and trails that connect to the larger Winston-Salem greenway system. If you work up an appetite exploring but aren't ready to head inside just yet, check out our picnic guide to Winston-Salem or outdoor dining guide for tips on where to go and what to eat.

Smell the Roses

If you like meandering through beautiful gardens, then Winston-Salem has you covered. Check out the Reynolda Gardens, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden and Old Salem Museums and Gardens. We’ve even laid out the perfect garden-centric adventure in our Winston-Salem Garden Guide, walking you through a self-guided itinerary of immersive garden experiences. 

Get Up and Get Moving

Triad ECO Adventures offers bike rentals, segway excursions, and standup paddleboard adventures on Salem Lake, so you don’t sacrifice your daily endorphin rush. But don't worry, you can explore Winston-Salem on two feet, too! With a plethora of urban walking trails like the Salem Strollway, Long Branch Trail, and the Salem Creek Greenway, you don’t have to wander far from the vibrancy of downtown. Explore all the sports, recreation, and outdoor activities our city has to offer.