Pack your bags for a long weekend at White Lake, North Carolina, a hidden gem located in the heart of the state. With its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and lush greenery, White Lake is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and refreshing getaway.
Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a place to unwind, White Lake has something for everyone. In this 3-day itinerary, we will guide you through some of the best experiences the area has to offer. From outdoor activities to delicious dining options, you'll discover the best of what White Lake has to offer. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to White Lake, North Carolina.
Looking for accommodations? Read about White Lake hotels and camping options.
White Lake, NC, 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
Dine under the lights at Giorgio's Restaurant and Pizza.
Day 1: Start your White Lake weekend
Breakfast at Cindy's Restaurant in White Lake: This family-owned restaurant offers classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, and omelets, as well as Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy.
Visit White Lake Water Park for a day of fun in the sun: This water park is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. It features water slides, a lazy river, and a kiddie area for younger children.
Lunch at Giorgio's Restaurant and Pizza in Elizabethtown: This Italian restaurant offers a variety of dishes including pizzas, pastas, and subs.
Spend the afternoon at Jones Lake State Park: This beautiful state park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking. The park's centerpiece is Jones Lake, a large, natural lake surrounded by pine forests.
Dinner at San Jose Mexican Restaurant in Elizabethtown: This family-owned restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Don't miss the homemade guacamole and margaritas!
Day 2 at White Lake, NC
Breakfast at Burney's Sweets & More in Elizabethtown: This bakery and café offers a variety of sweet and savory breakfast items, including pastries, muffins, quiches, and breakfast sandwiches. Be sure to try their famous cinnamon rolls!
Visit Singletary Lake State Park for a morning of outdoor adventure: This park is a great place to go fishing, boating, or hiking. The lake is surrounded by pine forests, and the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and bald eagles.
Lunch at Melvin's Hamburgers in Elizabethtown: This local institution has been serving up classic burgers and fries for over 80 years. Don't miss the onion rings!
Spend the afternoon at Lu Mil Vineyard: This family-owned winery offers wine tastings and tours of the vineyard. The property also features a gift shop and a pond stocked with fish.
Dinner at Christopher's Steakhouse & Seafood in Elizabethtown: This upscale restaurant serves a variety of steak and seafood dishes, as well as salads and sides. Don't miss their famous crab cakes and bread pudding!
The Cork Room is a feast for the eyes, too!
White Lake itinerary: Day 3
Breakfast at Hot Rod's Grill near Goldston's Beach: This diner-style restaurant offers classic breakfast dishes like biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and omelets, as well as lunch options like burgers and sandwiches.
Spend the morning at Singletary Lake State Park: This park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by pine forests, and the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and bald eagles.
Lunch at Ski Burger near Camp Clearwater: This family-owned restaurant serves up burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes in a retro-themed atmosphere.
Make your way to the Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery and the Cape Fear Distillery in Elizabethtown for afternoon tastings, a massage, and some shopping at the Tipsy Toad Gallery Gift Shop. Fortunately you don't have to go far for dinner!
Dinner at the Cork Room at Cape Fear Winery in Elizabethtown: This cozy restaurant, located on the grounds of the Cape Fear Winery, offers a selection of wines as well as delicious food like steak, seafood, and pasta. Be sure to try the wine pairings with your meal!
Alternate afternoon for mountain biking
One popular destination for mountain biking near White Lake, North Carolina is Jones Lake State Park, which is about 10 miles southeast of White Lake. The park has a 2.8-mile mountain biking trail called the Bay Trail that winds through pine forests and along the shores of Jones Lake. The trail is considered intermediate in difficulty and is a fun and challenging ride for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Visitors can bring their own bikes or rent them from the park office. Another option is the Brown's Creek Bike Trail located in Elizabethtown, about 15 miles north of White Lake. This trail is part of the East Coast Greenway and is about 5 miles long, offering a mix of paved and unpaved terrain.
Alternate afternoon for a waterfall hike
There are no waterfalls in the immediate vicinity of White Lake, but there are several options for visitors who want to hike to a waterfall within a reasonable driving distance. One popular option is the Bladen Lakes State Forest, which is located about 20 miles north of White Lake. The forest has several hiking trails that wind through pine forests and along the banks of the Cape Fear River, and the Big Piney Bay Trail leads to a small waterfall that is a beautiful sight to see. Another option is Singletary Lake State Park, which is located about 30 miles west of White Lake. The park has several hiking trails that lead through hardwood forests and around the lake, and the Bay Tree Lake Trail leads to a small waterfall that is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
