Durham, North Carolina will not be as nicely often called a few of its greater neighboring cities akin to Raleigh and Charlotte, however there are such a lot of nice issues to do in Durham that it shouldn’t be missed. It in a short time grew to become considered one of my favorite US destinations.
Having simply spent nearly 3 months there, I’ve put collectively an inventory of the perfect locations to go to in Durham, in addition to different actions that await you in and round ‘Bull Metropolis’.
With superb lakes and hikes, an superior bar and restaurant tradition, in addition to some severely fascinating and essential elements of American historical past to uncover, there’s some actually cool stuff to do in Durham.
Finest Issues To Do in Durham
After experiencing town for round 3 months, I used to be capable of see and do a number of enjoyable issues in Durham. This checklist contains my high advisable actions, plus a number of the different must-dos across the metropolis – there’s one thing for everybody in Durham!
1. Watch a Durham Bulls Sport
The Durham Bulls are a Triple-A affiliated baseball crew. This mainly means you’re positive to see some top-notch ball gamers all hoping to make that ultimate step or make a fast return to the most important leagues.
As soon as the topic of an acclaimed 1988 film starring Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon, the Bulls are a well-known and well-supported crew on the baseball scene. They’ve a formidable stadium, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, that’s simply walkable from town middle.
Tickets begin from as little as $10. In addition they provide promotions akin to $1 sizzling canine night time, $5 beer night time, and children eat without cost night time. Partaking in considered one of America’s favourite pastimes is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Durham for households and folks of all ages.
Handle: 409 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click here for directions)
2. Discover the Warehouse District
Durham was as soon as the middle of the tobacco world and its revenues were the lifeblood of the town’s economy, from its earliest days till the eventual demise of the cigarette business. An enormous quantity was produced yearly proper from the center of town.
As huge tobacco began to shut down within the early 2000s, it left behind a number of warehouses and factories in Durham. These have since been transformed into bars, workplaces, eating places, breweries, residences, outlets, and wine bars to make it one of many coolest vacationer points of interest in Durham.
It’s simple to easily stroll round admiring a number of the stunning previous buildings and options such because the Lucky Strike water tower and chimney, earlier than resting your weary legs with a chilly craft beer at Clouds Brewing in Brightleaf Sq..
Handle: Brightleaf Sq., 905 W Principal St, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click here for directions)
3. Get to Know the Metropolis with a Durham Scavenger Hunt
Durham is a good strolling metropolis so take into account signing your self up for a Durham scavenger hunt. It’s a extremely nice method to see some totally different areas and spend just a few hours sightseeing in Durham. It’s a enjoyable, and barely aggressive, exercise that’s nice for {couples}.
Utilizing your cellphone as an interactive information and with a distant host you’ll be set challenges round Durham to finish. Submit images of the cool stuff you discover alongside your hunt to an interactive scoreboard, and see the way you examine with present and former rivals.
The scavenger hunt prices as little as $10 and lasts two hours. I received’t give any clues as to the stuff you may discover alongside the best way, however it’s an alternate method to discover town. It’s one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Durham.
Click on here to study extra concerning the Durham scavenger hunt.
4. Get Out to Falls Lake
Twenty minutes outdoors of town, you’ll discover Falls Lake. It’s an enormous expanse of water surrounded by stunning woodlands making it probably the greatest issues to do round Durham.
There are a variety of recreation areas which have picnic benches, barbecues, and bathroom services in addition to simple parking. There’s additionally entry to boats, kayaks, and paddle boards, in addition to some nice freshwater swimming. My favourite space was Sandling Beach – it’s completely stunning.
It will get fairly busy on weekends, particularly in the course of the hotter months. I visited early on Independence Day, nevertheless, and had no hassle discovering a pleasant shady spot by the lake. It prices $5-$7 per car, however if you happen to’re out of season on a weekday it’s free. Simply one of many nice free issues to do in Durham.
Handle: 14813 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States (click here for directions)
5. Go to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Speaking of free issues to do in Durham, Duke Gardens has to rank as probably the greatest methods to spend just a few hours. Only a quick hop from town middle, Duke Gardens is a wonderful 55-acre park of small lakes, woodlands, flower gardens, sculptures, bridges, ponds, and wildlife. Don’t miss it!
Named after the spouse of the adjoining college’s most important benefactor, Benjamin N. Duke (extra on the Dukes later), that is an inspiring and spectacular place to go to. Make sure you put on your strolling sneakers as there are over 5 miles of pathways and trails all through the gardens. I undoubtedly charge this as probably the greatest locations to go to in Durham.
Handle: 420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708, United States (click here for directions)
6. Stroll the Tobacco Path
Durham’s Tobacco Trail is a former railroad hall that stretches from central Durham to the city of Apex, 22 miles away. What was as soon as an important route for transporting tobacco is now a well-maintained path dotted with common public recreation areas. It attracts loads of hikers, joggers, cyclists, and basic followers of the nice outside.
Alongside the path, you’ll acquire an interesting glimpse into a few of Durham’s wealthy cultural heritage as you encounter previous tobacco barns, commemorative signage, deserted rail tracks and stations, paintings, and sculptures.
You may be a part of the path at many entry factors, so it’s not essential to stroll the entire 22 miles if you happen to don’t wish to. The light slopes make this an ideal exercise for all ages and is for sure one of many high issues to do in Durham.
Handle: 601 W Principal St #103, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click here for directions)
7. Have a Beer (or three) within the Breweries Downtown
Downtown Durham is a full of life and common a part of city; stuffed with cool bars, breweries, and eating places. Visiting is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Durham at night time.
Two of the most well-liked brewing corporations downtown are Fullsteam Brewery and Ponysaurus Brewing Company. Each provide thirsty patrons an inviting taproom and bar, and pleasant, educated workers. There are additionally some imaginative craft beers to attempt, which are made onsite with regionally sourced substances.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Durham for {couples} however downtown needs to be my choose for just a few quiet early drinks. Perhaps seize a pleasant meal, adopted by some dwell music with cocktails or some retro enjoyable on the Boxcar Bar and Arcade. It’s definitely worth the very quick stroll from town middle any day of the week.
8. See a Present on the Carolina Theater
The Carolina Theater was built in 1926 and is a fantastic constructing stuffed with historic appeal. Its character, magnificence, and ornate structure make you’re feeling as if you’re stepping again in time. Individuals journey from throughout to attend performances right here and it is without doubt one of the hottest Durham points of interest.
Musicians, comedy acts, dance recitals, and movie screenings are on on the theater frequently. I used to be fortunate sufficient to see considered one of my favourite nation music artists right here who by likelihood was passing by way of Durham throughout my keep. The Carolina Theater additionally homes an intimate cinema that showcases unbiased and traditional movies.
Handle: 309 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click here for directions)
9. Take a Stroll Across the Duke Campus
Throughout my keep in Durham, I lived two blocks from the East Campus of Duke University, and each day I took a stroll by way of the fantastically landscaped grounds.
I beloved admiring the Georgian-style structure of the principle thoroughfare. I want this had been my college! Duke is an enormous participant on the US college scene and its status is clear as you stroll round.
The lap across the East Campus is about 1.6 miles and is a well-liked route for joggers and canine walkers. Nonetheless, it may be intersected at many factors. I all the time loved discovering new alleys and pathways whereas discovering a number of the much less apparent buildings and issues to see in Durham.
Handle: 712 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, United States (click here for directions)
10. Take a Day Journey to Wilmington
Only a 2-hour drive away is the charming historic city of Wilmington. It’s one of many nice locations to go to close to Durham. A captivating metropolis on the southeastern shoreline, it’s recognized for its picturesque waterfront, wealthy historical past, and full of life arts scene.
You may take a pleasant stroll alongside the 1.75-mile boardwalk that runs alongside the Cape Concern River, and discover a World Conflict 2 battleship – the USS North Carolina. If you happen to fancy it, it’s also possible to drive 10 minutes additional to the gorgeous Carolina and Kura seashores.
Also called ‘Hollywood East’ on account of its recognition as a filming vacation spot, you possibly can take a tour of some iconic set locations for TV exhibits and films akin to One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, and Iron Man 3.
I opted for an architecture and history tour and received to see a number of the city’s most iconic and traditionally vital properties, church buildings, and buildings. I additionally discovered a great deal of cool info about Wilmington’s historical past.
11. Discover Cape Concern From a Distinctive View
Only a few personal constitution boats can be found on the gorgeous Cape Concern River, however they do exist. And though the Wilmington Boardwalk is an effective way to see a part of the river, it’s nicely value discovering a skipper prepared to take you out for an fascinating and distinctive perspective of Wilmington from the water.
Some pals and I booked a really cheap 2-hour boat tour and had a lot enjoyable simply cruising alongside the river on a fantastic spring day. Our information was actually educated concerning the historical past of the native space and gave us some nice suggestions for bars and eating places after our cruise too. What’s to not like? Click on here to e-book your river cruise.
12. Scare Your self Foolish with a Ghost Stroll
Of all of the cool issues to do close to Durham, a brief drive over to Raleigh have to be in your checklist. The state capital of North Carolina is barely about Half-hour away and has its personal mix of distinctive historical past and Americana blended in with a vibrant bar, brewery, and artwork scene. It’s nicely value a go to.
There’s so much to see, and with solely an evening in Raleigh, I opted for a ghosts and ghouls walking tour of town to get to know a number of the spooky historical past that haunted the bottom I used to be strolling on. I had no thought one place may have so many paranormal occasions and websites with chilling histories.
The tales of corrupt politician bootleggers that also hang-out the undergrounds and the peg-legged spirit had been completely entertaining and I’ll admit to feeling a little relieved once I reached the well-lit security of my fashionable resort…
I additionally received to see a great chunk of Raleigh this manner and discovered some fascinating info. The tour lasted round an hour and was actually satisfying. I’d undoubtedly suggest giving it a go. Click here to study extra and to e-book your ghost stroll.
13. Get Some Goodies From the Durham Farmer’s Market
You’ll by no means be caught for issues to do in Durham, particularly on a weekend. Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown, in Central Park each Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm, you’ll discover the Durham Farmer’s Market. It presents a ton of numerous and distinctive distributors promoting every little thing from native fruits, greens, and meats to artisan bread, beers, and artwork.
It’s not only a market. Locals use the weekly gathering as an opportunity for neighborhood engagement the place guests can join with fellow growers and farmers to study extra about sustainability and occasions inside the metropolis.
You’ll additionally discover plenty of meals vehicles must you wish to seize a tasty snack. There are additionally espresso stalls if you happen to’re in search of just a little pick-me-up, and dwell music taking part in whilst you browse. In the course of the hotter months of April to September, a late afternoon market can be held each Wednesday from 3 pm till 6 pm.
Handle: 501 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click here for directions)
14. Go to the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum
One of many high issues to do in Durham is to go to the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum. It’s situated just some minutes outdoors of town middle the place this historic web site preserves the house and historical past of Washington Duke. He was the patriarch of the Duke household who laid the muse for what would in the future change into the American Tobacco Company – one of many largest the world has ever recognized.
From this quaint and peaceable farm that dates again to the mid-Nineteenth century, the Duke household wrote its identify into the historical past books by turning into the undisputed leaders in American tobacco manufacturing. The house and surrounding farmland and barns have been excellently preserved, and in some locations respectfully restored, making it an interesting peak into the previous.
It’s free to go to however guided excursions can be found for just some {dollars}. The accompanying museum (additionally free) presents quite a lot of data on the historical past of tobacco in North Carolina; from its origins and manufacturing to the historic traits, commercial, and consumption of tobacco all through the USA and the world.
I’ve by no means smoked however I beloved this place for the historical past side. It’s an effective way to spend just a few hours in Durham.
Handle: 2828 Duke Homestead Rd, Durham, NC 27705, United States (click here for directions)
15. Go to Eno River State Park
Final however on no account least on my checklist of what to see in Durham is the gorgeous 4000-acre Eno River State Park. It presents a number of the finest mountaineering round and an abundance of nice trails and rolling hills. There are such a lot of wonderful spots for picnics and a number of the most stunning surroundings in North Carolina.
As it’s possible you’ll guess, it’s additionally a well-liked spot for river actions akin to fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The clear, recent water can be a well-liked swimming spot, particularly in the course of the hotter months of the yr.
It’s pet pleasant and you may even camp over (although charges do apply for sure actions). Eno River State Park is only a quick 10-minute drive from central Durham and completely definitely worth the journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Durham
Listed here are some concepts that can assist you plan your go to to Durham; from one-day, quick stays, or a whole week, learn on to search out out extra:
1 Day in Durham Itinerary
Spend just a few hours exploring the Sarah P. Duke Gardens within the morning earlier than it will get too sizzling. Then hit the breweries downtown within the afternoon to chill down with a chilly one. End off by getting your self right down to a Bulls sport because the solar units within the night.
2-3 Days in Durham Itinerary
In your first day get to know town with a fun scavenger hunt. Then cease off downtown to discover a number of the cool bars and breweries on provide.
On day two, get out of town just a little and discover the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum, an iconic and essential a part of Durham’s historical past. Keep it up just a little additional in the identical course to the gorgeous Eno River State Park for a spot of mountaineering or simply to sit back out by the majestic Eno River.
In your ultimate day absorb the great thing about Duke College with a brief stroll across the East Campus. From there you possibly can simply stroll by way of the historic Warehouse District, stopping at any variety of cool bars and cafes alongside the best way that take your fancy.
End up with a dwell present or film on the Carolina Theater within the night. Or, if you happen to’re in luck and the Bulls are taking part in at residence, get to a sport.
1 Week in Durham Itinerary
Kick off your week by discovering the perfect locations to see in Durham. Take a enjoyable scavenger hunt and see a number of the highlights of town. You’ll undoubtedly wish to revisit downtown greater than as soon as, so head right down to Fullsteam Brewery for just a few beers within the night.
Make sure you head as much as Duke Gardens – probably the greatest free issues to do in Durham. If you happen to’ve received the vitality afterwards you possibly can even stroll again to town by way of the Duke College East Campus. Proceed on by way of the Warehouse District and you should definitely reward your self at a number of of the quite a few espresso and beer stops that you just discover alongside the best way.
Get out to Falls Lake for some R&R. It’s such a fantastic spot; they’ve seashores at quite a few recreation websites and the water is so refreshing to swim in. Depart time to get to one of many greatest vacationer points of interest in Durham; both a present on the Carolina Theater or a Durham Bulls sport. Each are an absolute should!
Per week gives you loads of time to take just a few day journeys out of city. So head right down to Wilmington for an informative walking tour, then charter your own boat and discover the Cape Concern River. Raleigh is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Durham and is simply Half-hour away. Find out about a number of the historical past and provides your self a fright with a ghosts and ghouls walking tour.
End off your week with one other journey Downtown. There are many breweries, cafes, bars, and eating places and it’s a full of life and enjoyable place to be at any time.
The place to Keep in Durham
These are just a few of the perfect neighborhoods in Durham for vacationers:
Downtown Durham
Downtown Durham is stuffed with bars, eating places, cafes, and breweries. It’s the full of life a part of city but additionally properties some actual historic websites akin to King’s Sandwich Shop. It’s a cute hole-in-the-wall type eatery that’s been in operation since 1942.
You’ll additionally discover a cool bar / retro arcade known as Boxcar right here that has an excellent day by day completely satisfied hour, an enormous beer backyard, and many superior traditional gaming machines.
Downtown is the perfect place to remain for first-time guests and also you’ll discover that apartments might be extra available for lodging, particularly if you wish to keep near all of the motion. Take a look at this great apartment that not solely presents an opulent area ideally situated for downtown, but additionally a health middle and BBQ space.
Central Durham
Durham is such a walkable metropolis, it felt like every little thing was Quarter-hour in any course. That is very true in Central Durham the place, like in most metropolis facilities, you’ll discover a ton of bars, good procuring, and locations to eat. My private favourite was 106 Main, a cool previous dive bar and one of many least expensive round with free meals up for grabs 3 nights per week.
The long-lasting Durham Hotel is a perfect place to remain. It’s a cool historic constructing, has a rooftop bar, and is seconds from a most important hub of different points of interest the place you possibly can deeply immerse your self in Durham’s nightlife scene.
Trinity Park
Trinity Park is a good space to remain for households, and also you’ll discover extra residences than resorts because it’s a suburban space with tree-lined quiet streets, small parks, church buildings, faculties, and naturally the well-known Duke East Campus.
Basing your self right here means you’ll nonetheless solely be 10-Quarter-hour stroll in both course from every little thing you can probably require throughout your keep in Durham.
It’s the sort of space the place you wouldn’t be shocked to see a classical quartet hanging up a set within the park or a bluegrass band jamming on a entrance porch. Try this great studio apartment near each the Duke campus and downtown.
Finest Eating places in Durham
Durham has a ton of nice locations to eat, you’ll by no means be in need of a terrific restaurant. Whether or not it’s conventional North Carolina barbeque or Asian fusion tapas, Durham’s received you coated. Listed here are just some of my favourite locations to eat in Durham.
The Blue Word Grill
Providing an excellent choice of North Carolina BBQ, The Blue Note Grill sits in an iconic location within the coronary heart of downtown Durham. There’s all the time an excellent selection of beers and cocktails in addition to nightly dwell music, with solely sure high-profile occasions requiring a canopy cost.
The ribs listed below are superb, and completely to not be missed. Being somebody that all the time struggles to determine on a facet dish, it was nice to see the choice to order a plate of sides – choose any 4 for $11. Nice if you happen to simply need one thing small or to share. Click on here to search out it on the map.
Hutchins Storage
Hutchins Garage is regarded by many locals as the perfect pizza in Durham. Many make a weekly journey downtown to seize considered one of these scrumptious pies. I can affirm, the pizzas are big, recent, and a number of the finest I’ve ever eaten. They’re moderately priced too and go completely with a cool beer choice from the accompanying bar.
The constructing was as soon as, because the identify suggests, an previous storage and has been transformed into an excellent indoor and out of doors eatery. Click on here to search out it on the map.
Juju
On the far facet of the Duke East Campus, you’ll discover Juju, a highly regarded Asian fusion and tapas bar that has a terrific menu of small plates and bites in addition to an enormous choice of sake.
The meals right here is superior, the Mongolian beef was my private favourite. It’s definitely worth the Uber journey from downtown or a pleasant stroll by way of the campus for a go to. I strongly suggest reserving because it will get busy. Click on here to search out it on the map.
Elmo’s Diner
Elmo’s Diner has been a fixture of the Durham meals scene for many years. It’s a much-loved and common spot for locals and guests alike. It presents quintessential American residence cooking with an enormous menu that covers every little thing from fundamental breakfasts to hearty night meals. Positioned on ninth Road, Elmo’s has the appear and feel of a standard diner and it’s an excellent expertise simply strolling by way of the door.
You might need to attend a couple of minutes for a desk, however the workers is tremendous organized and can name you as quickly as your desk is prepared. If you happen to’re heading in alone or simply with a pal, go for countertop service the place you’ll be seated faster and have much more of that true classic diner expertise. Click on here to search out it on the map.
Bull Metropolis Burger and Brewery
The identify says all of it I suppose! Boasting award-winning burgers in an actual informal setting, this place is a should. The parts are big and the standard is phenomenal – and don’t get me began on the facet dishes. The relaxed environment and bench-style seating make it a really welcoming place to go to.
BCBB additionally includes a microbrewery that gives an excellent choice of beers to accompany your meal, in truth, many individuals go for the drinks and find yourself staying for the meals. Click on here to search out it on the map.
Attending to Durham
Durham is in shut proximity to a large-sized worldwide airport (RDU) with flights from all throughout America touchdown each hour, and from main international locations akin to Paris and London every day.
From right here, you possibly can easily hire a car, prepare a private transfer or just order an Uber to take you to the middle of Durham (round 25-Half-hour away).
Certainly one of my greatest points of interest to Durham was that it’s such a walkable metropolis, but it surely does get highly regarded in the course of the summer season months, and the occasional storm can shortly descend. Fortunately, Uber is available and often very reasonably priced provided that it’s not an enormous metropolis to traverse.
Hireable scooters are sometimes at hand if you happen to simply fancy getting there just a little faster and an everyday and dependable bus service additionally hyperlinks all most important elements of town and past.
Issues To Do in Durham: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Durham:
As soon as the tobacco capital of the world, Durham is now well-known for its historic landmarks, high college, and full of life brewery and bar scene.
Within the springtime, earlier than the warmth and humidity change into too intense.
Completely. There are a ton of issues to do and its proximity to a significant college makes it a extremely occurring metropolis.
Per week to 10 days gives you loads of time to discover all of the distinctive issues to do in Durham with probabilities to revisit all of the locations you actually beloved. You’ll even have time to get out and about, outdoors town.
I all the time felt extraordinarily safe strolling about day and night time. As when visiting any main metropolis, it is best to all the time be cautious, but it surely’s a snug and pleasant place to be.
Visiting the breweries and bars of downtown Durham. You may spend a great few afternoons partaking in numerous regionally brewed beers in some actually cool settings.
Sandling Seashore, which sits on the banks of Falls Lake, is round 20 minutes from central Durham. If you happen to’re prepared to journey just a little additional out, Carolina Seashore is gorgeous and sits on the Atlantic Ocean about 2.5 hours drive away.
North Carolina is understood for its personal explicit model of barbecue, so that you received’t be in need of choices. My finest choose is the Blue Word Grill in downtown Durham. Order the ribs!
In Closing
Durham is a superb metropolis that I got here throughout by pure likelihood and a set of unusual coincidences, however I beloved each minute of my time there. From the pleasant and welcoming folks to the full of life bar scene and classic slices of American historical past, there are such a lot of cool locations to go to in Durham, I really imagine it has one thing for everybody to take pleasure in.
