Destination Daycation: Charlotte, NC
Crushable Anywhere — especially in Queen City
Looking to pack big adventure into a single day? Charlotte delivers. From iconic disc golf to quiet coves on Mountain Island Lake and a mural-filled ride through South End, this Destination Daycation hits all the right notes — with a cold Daycation in hand, of course.
Morning: Gear Up + Get Out There
Start your day at Great Outdoor Provision Co. — your one-stop shop for getting dialed in. Whether you’re new to paddling or a seasoned trail chaser, this spot has everything you need.
With the car packed and your adventure mindset fully engaged, it’s time to head out.
Late Morning: Tee Off at Hornets Nest
Next stop: Hornets Nest Park, one of the most iconic disc golf courses in the country.
Established in 1996, Hornets Nest is a crown jewel of the sport. It blends open park-style holes with tight, wooded fairways that demand skill, strategy and just a little bit of luck. This course has seen it all — from everyday players to world champions.
Why it’s legendary:
- 1997 PDGA Pro World Championships host
- 2012 Worlds where Paul McBeth secured his first world title
- Multiple DGPT Championships (2019–2021)
- Ongoing redesigns by Dan Doyle and the local club to keep it fresh and challenging
Today’s layout features 20 championship holes with options for different skill levels, making it a must-play whether you’re competing or just vibing.
We loved exploring every inch of this course — big drives, technical shots and plenty of high-fives along the way.
Afternoon: Paddle Mountain Island Lake
Just a quick 15-minute drive from Hornets Nest, you’ll find one of Charlotte’s best-kept secrets: Mountain Island Lake.
Put in at Latta Nature Preserve, where 1,460 acres of protected land meet peaceful lake waters. It’s the perfect place to slow things down and soak up some nature after a competitive morning.
Why we love it here:
- Fewer crowds than other Charlotte-area lakes
- Natural shoreline and tucked-away coves
- Endless space for kayaking, SUP and exploring
We launched from the preserve and hit the water for a mix of kayaking and paddle boarding — and it did not disappoint. Quiet, scenic and just the right amount of wild.
Explore Latta Nature Preserve
Before or after your paddle, carve out some time to explore everything Latta has to offer:
- 16 miles of trails for hiking or horseback riding
- Scenic routes like Buzzard Rock Trail and the easygoing Cattail Trail
- Carolina Raptor Center featuring eagles, owls and hawks up close
- Quest Nature Center, a 13,000-square-foot hub with exhibits and local insight
- Picnic spots, volleyball and plenty of places to kick back
Mountain Island Lake may fly under the radar, but that’s exactly why it shines. No crowded docks. No tourist rush. Just clean air, calm water and a whole lot of room to roam.
Evening: South End Sips + Sights
After a full day of activity and adventure, it’s time to shift gears and see Charlotte from a new perspective. We teamed up with Trolley Pub for a rolling ride through South End — part pedal, part party, all fun.
With Daycation IPA and Daycation Gold flowing, we cruised through one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Can’t-miss stops and photo ops:
- Confetti Hearts by Evelyn Henson (West Worthington Ave)
- “From the stillness a seed of hope is planted” by Nick Napoletano
- “Sound the Drum” by Matt Moore — a nod to Panthers pride
We rolled past the iconic Charlotte Rail Trail, soaked in the energy and made a few stops for unbeatable mural moments.
The Wrap-Up
Charlotte showed up strong — and honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes a “day trip” feel like a full-on getaway.
From disc golf history to hidden lakes and city streets bursting with color, this Destination Daycation proves one thing: adventure is everywhere if you know where to look.
And with a cooler stocked and a Daycation in hand, you’re always ready for what’s next.
Daycation is crushable anywhere — and it hits especially right in Charlotte.