The Ultimate 4-Day Guide to Winston-Salem, USA
Discover Southern charm and rich history in Winston-Salem.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Winston-Salem, United States is a beautiful city known for its rich cultural heritage and exciting attractions. As a tourist, you can explore the city's charming historic districts, visit its numerous world-class museums, galleries and art centers, and indulge in its delicious local cuisine. Whether you're interested in arts and culture, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing in a pleasant environment, Winston-Salem offers plenty of opportunities for an enjoyable vacation.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, a swanky Art Deco hotel featuring a vintage bowling alley.
- Begin the day with a cup of Joe at Krankies Coffee, a local favorite with a cozy atmosphere.
- Visit the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, showcasing works from artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Jacob Lawrence.
- Take a stroll through the historic West End neighborhood and visit the Foothills Brewing Tasting Room for a local brew.
- Enjoy dinner at The Porch, a farm-to-table spot with creative dishes like fried green tomato sliders.
- Start the day at Breakfast of Course, serving up delicious breakfast classics in a quaint setting.
- Visit Old Salem Museums and Gardens, a living history museum featuring authentic 18th century homes and gardens.
- Grab a sweet treat at Dewey's Bakery, a local favorite for their Moravian cookies and sugar cake.
- Take a tour of the historic Artery Gallery, showcasing unique gift items from regional artists.
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro, featuring farm-to-table Southern cuisine.
- Wake up with a caffeine fix at Black Mountain Chocolate, serving up handcrafted chocolate and coffee drinks.
- Visit the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art.
- Catch a live music show at The Ramkat, a local venue featuring a diverse lineup of up-and-coming artists.
- Take a stroll through the lush gardens at Tanglewood Park.
- Enjoy a dinner at Mission Pizza Napoletana, with a variety of creative pizzas made with fresh ingredients.
- Start the day with breakfast at Mary's Gourmet Diner, a funky spot serving up classic breakfast dishes with a twist.
- Take a hike at Pilot Mountain State Park, featuring stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Visit Hoots Roller Bar & Beer Company, a laid-back brewery famous for their roller skating rink.
- End the day with a dinner at Crafted: Art of the Taco, featuring unique taco creations and a variety of craft beers.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The easiest way to get to Winston-Salem by air is to fly into Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) located approximately 30 minutes outside of the city. Major airlines such as American, Delta, and United fly into GSO from various destinations across the United States.
Car
Driving is also a popular way to get to Winston-Salem. If you're coming from the north or south, simply take Interstate 77 to Interstate 40 West. If you're coming from the east or west, take Interstate 40 to Winston-Salem. Parking can be found in various locations throughout the city, including parking garages and street parking.
Train
While there is no direct train service to Winston-Salem, you can take Amtrak to the nearby city of Greensboro, located approximately 30 minutes away. From Greensboro, you can then take a Greyhound bus or rent a car to complete your journey to Winston-Salem.
Boat
There is no direct water transportation to Winston-Salem as it is not located on a major body of water. However, if you have a boat, you can potentially access the city via the Yadkin River or nearby lakes such as High Rock Lake or Belews Lake, which are all within driving distance of Winston-Salem.
Bus
Greyhound offers bus service to Winston-Salem from various locations across the United States, including nearby cities such as Greensboro and Charlotte. The Greyhound bus station is located in downtown Winston-Salem, making it a convenient option for those staying in the city center.