Pinehurst is one of the most relaxing and diversified places in North Carolina. Known all over the world for golf, this charming village also boasts some excellent food, peaceful spots to walk in nature, activities for the whole family, and friendly spots to plan a weekend trip. Whether you are coming for a golfing trip, traveling with kids, or making a short escape, this Pinehurst, NC travel guide will help you plan a smooth and memorable trip.
This Pinehurst NC travel guide includes the very best things to do in Pinehurst NC, some of the best restaurants, where to stay, transportation tips, as well as even a simple itinerary for a Pinehurst weekend, whether you are visiting for the first time or you are returning again.
The Perfect Pinehurst NC Travel Guide For You
Why Visit Pinehurst, NC
Pinehurst is tranquil and can be easily navigated on foot – not running – and is a place to enjoy at a slow, relaxed pace. Many visitors enjoy the fact that they do not have to leave their car behind and discover the village on foot. The town lends itself to everything from Pinehurst golf trip planning to activities for a family vacation or a couple that wishes to have a peaceful getaway.
Because of its size and layout, Pinehurst is also a great choice for a family trip in North Carolina, especially for those who want a destination that is not too busy or requires long drives.
Breakfast & Brunch
- Pinehurst Track Restaurant – Highly rated breakfast spot outside the village (their breakfast is hearty – the breakfast classics), a local hangout.
- The Village Cafe – A little bit of everything; great breakfast, especially fresh coffee, and friendly.
- Ironwood Cafe – Well-loved breakfast and brunch restaurant in historic Pinehurst, with seasonal menus and Southern-inspired dishes.
Casual & Lunch Spots
- Dugan’s Pub – Traditional Irish pub food, burgers, sandwiches, and a good old lil village.
- Drum & Quill – Popular gastropub with American classics, good reviews, and a lively place.
- The Deuce – Near the historic Pinehurst No. 2 course, this favorite offers burgers, salads, and comfort food with an awesome view of the 18th green – one of the best lunch spots in town.
- Hickory Tavern and Maxie’s Grill & Tap Room also have very positive user reviews for casual meals and casual evenings.
Dinner & Fine Dining
- Villaggio Ristorante & Bar – Highly reviewed Italian restaurant located in the Magnolia Inn, with its pop-up, inviting vibe, and special, handmade pasta.
- Elliotts On Linden – Farm to table style eating with creative seasonal foods, great for dinner or special occasions.
- 1895 Grille – Fine dining in the historic Holly Inn that prepares food using locally sourced ingredients and has fine dining.
- The Tavern at The Holly Inn – Great choice for dinner with Southern comfort food and a classic setting.
Great For Snacks, Coffee & Treats
- BRIM Cafe & Dessert Bar Pinehurst – Perfect for coffee, dessert, or a light snack between activities.
Notes for Travelers
Many of these restaurants are close to the village center, within walking distance or a short drive from central Pinehurst.
For family-friendly choices, there are places such as Dugan’s Pub, The Village Cafe, and the Pinehurst Track Restaurant that are soft and friendly.
For a Pinehurst golf trip planning itinerary, lunch at The Deuce after a round on No. 2, or dinner at Villaggio for a tasty end to the day.
Top Hotels & Resorts in Pinehurst, NC
- Pinehurst Resort – The most iconic place to stay in Pinehurst, with championship golf courses, multiple on-site dining options, and easy access to village attractions.
- The Carolina Hotel – An Elegant historic hotel in the core of Pinehurst, offering porch seating, classic dining, as well as a walkable village location ideal for couples and weekend trips.
- The Holly Inn – Original Pineshurst Inn since 1895, very historic and easy walking distance to shops, dining, and golf.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Olmsted Village (near Pinehurst) – Well-reviewed extended stay home with large rooms and including breakfast, is near village shops and greens.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Southern Pines Pinehurst – Great choice for families and road trippers with some great reviews, including free breakfast if you stay, and easy access to village activities.
- The Jefferson Inn – Comfortable historic inn in nearby Southern Pines, great for “home base” as you explore Pinehurst and the Sandhills region.
- The Old Buggy Inn and Suite Melissa’s B&B – Great B&B picks with personal touches and great reviews, good for quieter stays or romantic trips.
The Inn at Twin Fields Farm is a New Southern Pines boutique-style inn that is nicely decorated and very comfortable.
Best Family-Friendly Activities in Pinehurst NC
- Sandhills Horticultural Gardens – Beautiful public gardens with easy walking trails – ideal for kids and nature lovers alike.
- Camelot Playground – Highly rated playground with wooden structures for kids to play on and open space for children.
- The Splash Pad – Seasonal splash pad in Rassie Wicker Park that is a hit for kids in the warm weather.
- Wee Pines Mini Golf – A Mini golf attraction that families and younger kids can do together.
- Rassie Wicker Park and Cannon Park – Parks with open space, playground components, and nature trails, good for unstructured play and picnics.
- My Gym Sandhills – Indoor gymnastics center with some great reviews, good for rainy days or younger children.
- Weymouth Woods – Sandhills Nature Preserve – A Larger nature preserve nearby with trails and shaded paths, great for more active kids and families who enjoy getting outdoors.
- James W. Tufts Memorial Park and Downtown Park – Smaller neighborhood parks, perfect for breaks in between eating and doing activities.
Bonus Nearby Options
While not in Pinehurst per se, Reservoir Park in Southern Pines has large open fields, trails, and water views that families love – on a warm day.
Getting Around Pinehurst
Pinehurst is approachable to get around, especially around the village center. Many restaurants, shops, and resort areas are within walking distance, making it easy for first-time visitors to explore.
Walking:
The Village of Pinehurst is very walkable. Sidewalks are wide, there is light traffic, and most dining and shopping are within walking distance. Visitors who stay at Pinehurst Resort or some of the hotels in the area can easily walk to many of the attractions.
Driving and Parking:
Having a car is enjoyable if you wish to visit gardens, parks, or nearby towns or family attractions outside the village. Parking is generally free and easy to find, including at the resort, parks, and restaurants.
Uber and Rideshare:
Uber and Lyft are available in Pinehurst, though not as readily available as in big cities. Wait times may be extended, especially at night or busy golf events. Rideshare is best for small trips in town, but overall, a car is more reliable.
Resort Shuttles:
Guests who stay at Pinehurst Resort can take advantage of resort shuttles to travel between golf courses, hotels, dining, and spa areas. This is a convenient choice for trips that are golf-focused.
Airports:
The nearest major airport is the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, located approximately 1.5 hours’ drive. Most visitors rent out a car at the airport and drive to Pinehurst.
2-3 Day Pinehurst Weekend Itinerary
This flexible Pinehurst weekend itinerary is suitable for couples, families, and first-time visitors.
Day 1: Arrival and Explore the Village
Check in with your hotel or vacation rental in Pinehurst. Start off the day with a laid-back lunch at Dugan’s Pub or the Pinehurst Brewing Company. Spend the afternoon walking around the Village of Pinehurst, shopping, and enjoying the green spaces. In the evening, you could have dinner at The Tavern at The Holly Inn or Villaggio Ristorante & Bar, both within easy walking distance.
Day 2: Golf, Nature, and Relaxation
Start the day with breakfast in Ironwood Cafe or the Carolina Dining Room. Golfers can reserve a morning round of golf or watch from Pinehurst No. 2, while non-golfers can visit Sandhills Horticultural Gardens or get a spa treatment. Have lunch at The Deuce for views, of course. In the afternoon, relax at your hotel or check out some of the nearby parks. End the day with a casual dinner and drinks at the Pinehurst Brewing Company.
Day 3 (Optional): Family Time and/or Exploration in the Neighborhood
If you have a third day, spend the morning at family-friendly spots, such as Camelot Playground, Rassie Wicker Park, or Wee Pines Mini Golf. Or go for a short drive to Southern Pines for coffee, shopping, or Reservoir Park. Have a light brunch on your way home.
Pinehurst is another destination no one needs to really try hard to enjoy, and even less to plan. With the appropriate places to stay, eat, and explore, this guide gets you experiencing Pinehurst at a comfortable pace while making the most out of every day.
