On this article, I’ll listing 15 of the most effective day journeys from Durham, NC. I lately spent three stunning months in Durham and its surrounding areas and liked my time there. There’s a lot to do and see, from important historic websites to wonderful mountain hikes and river walks.
There are lots of issues within the metropolis itself. Nonetheless, North Carolina means many different cities, and wonderful alternatives are close by. Whilst you’re right here, you’ll want to go to some unimaginable small cities and neighboring large cities throughout a visit to ‘Bull Metropolis.’
Whether or not you want seashores or mountains, oceans or lakes, historical past or distilleries, there’s an abundance of wonderful day excursions from Durham and lots of enjoyable points of interest to maintain everyone occupied.
Greatest Day Journeys from Durham NC
I’ve compiled this listing based mostly on among the wonderful Durham day journeys I loved there. I did a little bit of all the things, from mountain climbing mountains to chilling by the ocean so I’m certain you’ll discover lots on this listing that you just’ll love too.
1. Raleigh, NC
The primary of my day journeys from Durham must be a go to to the state capitol of North Carolina – Raleigh. It’s solely Half-hour away by automotive, however there are additionally good public transport connections between the 2 cities. It’s undoubtedly one of many extra accessible day journeys from Durham, NC.
Raleigh is a improbable metropolis in its personal proper, steeped in historical past and boasting a superb popularity for meals, bars, and nightlife. A significantly higher population than Durham means Raleigh has far more of a big-city vibe, however it maintains a small southern metropolis’s hospitality and welcoming nature.
Raleigh is named ‘The City of the Oaks’ on account of its many stunning oak bushes that line its streets and parks. It’s additionally dwelling to attention-grabbing museums and historic websites such because the NC Museum of Art and the 180-year-old North Carolina State Capitol building.
Location: 25 miles and 35 minutes southeast of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: In addition to driving your self, common buses and trains run between the 2 cities.
Should-Do Actions: I extremely advocate attending to know the Raleigh bar scene with the Trolley Pub Tour. Click here to seek out out extra about this enjoyable, pedal-powered exercise.
The place to Eat: Gravy – Extremely rated Italian/American delicacies in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Click here for directions.
2. Wilmington, NC
Top-of-the-line day journeys from Durham, NC, is to Wilmington, NC. It’s round 2.5 hours away by automotive and properly definitely worth the journey. The historic downtown space with cobblestone streets, classic American storefronts, and buildings is like stepping again in time.
Located on the Cape Concern River is a superb 1.75-mile riverwalk referred to as the Wilmington Riverwalk. It leads you alongside the banks, taking in quite a few parks and sights such because the USS North Carolina – a WW2 battleship on the river. The USS North Carolina is now an excellent museum and battle memorial.
You’ll discover many nice retailers, bars, and eating places in Wilmington. A stroll across the former Cotton Exchange building, now a purchasing and eating complicated, is a good way to spend a number of hours.
Location: 2.5 hours southwest of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive
Should-Do Actions: Charter a sailboat and cruise alongside the Cape Concern River, take a ghost walk by historic Wilmington, or stroll alongside the gorgeous Wilmington Riverwalk.
The place to Eat: The Fork ‘N’ Cork – Superior burgers and sandwiches in a improbable constructing. Click here for directions.
3. Carolina Seashore
Simply quarter-hour from Wilmington is the gorgeous Carolina Beach, one in all my favourite day journeys from Durham, NC. This small seaside city is dwelling to stunning sandy seashores, the blue Atlantic Ocean, and a ton of cool bars and enjoyable issues to do.
The wooden boardwalk alongside the seaside has swing seats to sit down for hours watching the waves. Many bars look out over the horizon with some providing nice glad hour offers. In the course of the hotter months, a semi-permanent fairground with an enormous Ferris Wheel is ready up proper within the heart of city.
Carolina Seashore is a good place to chill out and chill, however you can too social gathering right here. I like to recommend you do each!
Location: 2-3 hours south-southwest of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive
Should-Do Actions: Spend time chilling on the gorgeous sandy seaside by the ocean, guide an island-hopping cruise, and hit the glad hours on the boardwalk bars after a day of solar and sea.
The place to Eat: The Dive Food & Spirits – Nice bar meals in an informal dive bar setting. Click here for directions.
4. Roxboro, NC
If you happen to like small southern cities in the US, Roxboro is the place for you. I discovered this place by way of a volunteer web site and ended up serving to a woman together with her gardening a number of instances per week throughout my keep. It’s one of many extra leisurely day journeys from Durham by automotive, because it’s solely round 40 minutes away.
Roxboro is a cute little city that I bought a kick out of. I liked the outdated slices of Americana that may be seen all over the place, from the classic homes and the retro theater to the old-school diners and cafes. It’s a neighborhood city the place everyone is aware of everyone, however I used to be at all times greeted warmly as an ‘out-of-towner.’
The Butcher’s Daughter Deli and Incorrigible Cafe are nice locations to eat lunch and are definitely worth the quick journey alone. If you happen to’re after a slice of small-town southern hospitality, head for a day in Roxboro.
Location: 40-50 minutes north of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive
Should-Do Actions: Take pleasure in strolling the streets of Roxboro and admire the classic Americana structure. Eat at one of many native diners, cafes, or delis.
The place to Eat: Incorrigible Cafe – Pleasant brunch and lunch spot with pleasant employees and distinctive sandwiches.
5. Danville, VA
One of many extra enjoyable day journeys from Durham, NC, is to move throughout state strains into Virginia. Danville is a small city simply throughout the North Carolina state line with a historic downtown space on the Dan River. The journey there’s a pleasant drive by stunning countryside. It takes simply over an hour to achieve from Durham.
There are a number of nice lunch spots and cafes the place you may simply whereas away a day. The Dan Daniel Memorial Park is nice for mountain climbing trails or chilling by the river.
Ceasars Virginia opened in 2023 and is a big on line casino, and soon-to-be lodge, in Danville. It’s one of many closest locations to Durham for a real on line casino expertise if slots, playing cards, and cube are your form of factor.
Location: 1 hour quarter-hour north of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive is most easy. Greyhound buses will get you to Danville, however you’ll want to alter at Greensboro, which takes for much longer.
Should-Do Actions: Stroll alongside the river within the historic downtown district of Danville, dwelling to numerous well-preserved historic buildings and structure. If you happen to’re feeling fortunate, probability your arm at Ceasars, one of many closest casinos to Durham.
The place to Eat: Golden Leaf Bistro – Relaxed neighborhood restaurant serving a contemporary twist on American cooking. Click here for directions.
6. Chapel Hill
One of many extra accessible day journeys from Durham by bus is a brief hop right down to Chapel Hill. The neighboring city to the south is simply 12 miles away, with common daily transport links from Durham. Chapel Hill makes up the third area of the world referred to as the Research Triangle, together with Durham and Raleigh.
Chapel Hill is dwelling to the University of North Carolina, which considerably influences the city. The presence of the college campus brings a youthful vibrance and speaks to the artsy ambiance and focus of tradition that may be felt right here. There are lots of artwork galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Franklin Street is the central hub of Chapel Hill and is a improbable place to hang around. There are lots of bars, eating places, and cafes to be discovered right here, and it has an ideal social vibe.
Location: 12 miles south of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: Simply accessible by automotive or by bus
Should-Do Actions: Take pleasure in a day of consuming and ingesting on Franklin Street, or take in some tradition and go to the Ackland Art Museum.
The place to Eat: Blue’s on Franklin – Household-run restaurant serving excellent barbecue. Click here for directions.
7. Asheville, NC
Top-of-the-line weekend journeys from Durham, NC, is a journey west to Asheville. It’s 225 miles away and three.5 hours (on a superb day) by automotive, however it’s definitely worth the trek you probably have the time.
Referred to as ‘Beer City USA‘ because of the variety of high quality craft breweries that function in Asheville, it’s develop into a hub for beer lovers. It’s additionally a metropolis with a thriving arts and music scene; the River Arts District is understood for having a focus of artwork galleries and studios.
If you happen to like the good outside, Asheville presents improbable mountain climbing alternatives, in addition to the Blue Ridge Parkway, usually known as ‘America’s Favourite Drive.’ The 469-mile parkway runs partly by Asheville and presents breathtaking views of the pure magnificence and a few improbable scenic overlooks of Linville Falls – a multi-tiered waterfall.
Location: 225 miles east of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive is undoubtedly essentially the most accessible. A Greyhound bus will get you there with a connection, however it takes for much longer.
Should-Do Actions: Take a guided mountain climbing tour of three waterfalls alongside the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway trails. Click on here to book your guided hike. Take a night-time ghost walk by the town, and naturally, when in Beer Metropolis, get your beer on!
The place to Eat: Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen – All-day southern consolation meals with thrilling twists. Click here for directions.
8. Falls Lake
A couple of nice day journeys round Durham may be discovered at Falls Lake. Look no additional if you happen to like chilling out on a seaside, toes within the water fashion. Falls Lake presents a number of important leisure areas inside a 20-30-minute drive from Durham.
My favourite factor to do at Falls Lake is to go to Sandling Beach. Lounging by the superbly maintained sandy seashores and clear water is a improbable option to spend a sunny day. There are quite a few areas shaded by the bushes, ample picnic benches, and everlasting barbecue stations.
Straightforward parking and wonderful clear rest room services are bonuses. The seashores round Falls Lake can get busy on weekends, so I counsel heading out early. The admittance fee is $5-$7 per automotive (cheaper you probably have seniors with you) and is accessible seven days per week from Labor Day to Memorial Day, excluding weekends in April, Might, and September.
Location: 25-Half-hour to the east of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive solely, because it’s fairly rural when you get to the lake.
Should-Do Actions: Catch some rays on the seaside, take a swim in Falls Lake, and spend a day wanting over some stunning surroundings.
The place to Eat: Take your personal meals as there’s nothing in the best way of eating places on the lake. Be aware – alcohol is strictly prohibited.
9. Charlotte, NC
Amtrak presents some nice day journeys from Durham, NC, by practice. Charlotte, NC, is simply a 2.5-hour rail journey away and is one other vibrant metropolis price testing in North Carolina. It’s significantly extra cosmopolitan than Durham, with a bustling downtown space (referred to as Uptown) full of tall skyscrapers and towering buildings.
Charlotte is the second biggest banking city within the US based mostly on belongings, however this doesn’t imply it’s all enterprise. With a inhabitants close to 1 million, it’s a metropolis full of nice bars, eating places, and lots of issues to maintain you occupied. South End is famend for having a number of wonderful craft beer breweries.
Location: 2.5 hours to the west of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive or train is equally as fast and simple.
Should-Do Actions: Try this wonderful brewery tour, stroll by the bustling streets of Uptown, and discover Charlotte’s wealthy historical past by way of a guided golf buggy tour.
The place to Eat: Potbelly – Superior sandwich store in Uptown.
10. Eno River State Park
Eno River State Park is likely one of the greatest locations to go to close to Durham. It’s solely 11 miles exterior the town and is a good looking a part of North Carolina with many leisure alternatives to bask in.
The 4319-acre park sits alongside its namesake river – The Eno – and is dwelling to a few of my favourite mountain climbing trails in Durham. 5 entry areas have options that embody twenty-four miles of trails, leisure areas, and historic buildings.
The Holden Mill Trail leads alongside the river and by the stays of a 19th-century gristmill on a 3.85-mile trek. It’s a good way so as to add a slice of Durham historical past to your hike, making it one of many best things to do in Durham.
Location: 11 miles north-northwest of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive.
Should-Do Actions: Take pleasure in any variety of the good mountain climbing trails, swim within the river (if you happen to’re visiting within the hotter months), or spend a day stress-free by the banks of the Eno River.
The place to Eat: Take pleasure in your personal picnic at any benches and leisure huts round Eno River State Park.
11. Outer Banks
4 hours to the east of Durham is a 200-mile stretch of barrier islands referred to as the Outer Banks. The peninsula sits alongside a big chunk of the NC coast and has huge expanses of open beachfront going through the Atlantic Ocean.
Industrial fishing was the outstanding supply of revenue on the Island for a lot of many years, however the miles of gorgeous seashores have led to a booming tourism trade in latest instances. There are wonderful water sports activities actions, corresponding to kayaking and paddle-boarding, all around the Outer Banks.
I really like the historical past of the world and a few iconic areas are properly price visiting. The Wright brothers trialed their first flight at Kill Devil Hill in 1903. It was additionally the last stand of the pirate Blackbeard, who was shipwrecked and killed at Ocracoke in 1718.
Location: Round 4 hours to the east of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive
Should-Do Actions: Discover among the historic spots on the Island, take a 2-hour wild horse tour of the Outer Banks by 4WD truck, or go kayaking by Kitty Hawk Nature Reserve.
The place to Eat: Black Pelican – located in a Nineteenth-century constructing with ocean views and nice seafood. Click here for directions.
12. Bryson Metropolis, NC
Bryson Metropolis is a good looking place to go to within the Nice Smoky Mountains. As day journeys from Durham go, you’ll wish to spend the night time and even the weekend visiting Bryson Metropolis, because it’s a 4-hour drive from Bull Metropolis. However the mountain climbing right here is improbable, and the surroundings is among the greatest you’ll discover in North Carolina.
If mountain climbing isn’t your factor, take a train ride up the Nice Smoky Mountains – the views are breathtaking. The city can be a hub for fishing enthusiasts, with alternatives for fly fishing alongside the Nantahala River. The river can be a well-liked spot for white-water rafting and kayaking adventures.
The small-town vibe of Bryson Metropolis, combined with the gorgeous surroundings and quite a few leisure actions, is properly price a day journey from Durham. When you have time, I like to recommend you even make a weekend of it.
Location: 4 – 4.5 hours west of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive
Should-Do Actions: Take a train journey by the gorgeous Nice Smoky Mountains, or go white-water rafting on the Nantahala River.
The place to Eat: Everett Street Diner – An incredible traditional American diner. Click here for directions.
13. The Yadkin Valley Wine Area
It’s apparent why this one made the listing! A couple of hours from Durham is the Yadkin Valley wine region, the primary federally accepted American Viticultural Area. It’s mentioned that the soil right here is much like that of Tuscany and that the local weather mimics wine-growing areas in France, that means the Yadkin Valley produces some distinctive European-style wines.
Wine tourism is a large a part of the Yadkin Valley’s attraction, with over 40 wineries within the area. Guests can discover the picturesque vineyards, benefit from the surroundings, and style the various wines. A number of the wineries even have eating places or picnic areas too.
Divine Llama Vineyards is a reasonably distinctive place the place you may take a wine tour and go Llama trekking. What’s to not love?
Location: 2.5 hours west of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By Automobile
Should-Do Actions: Go to as many vineyards as time permits, benefit from the stunning surroundings, and pattern some wonderful wine. Go llama trekking and wine tasting at Divine Llama Vineyards.
The place to Eat: Tumbleweeds Steakhouse – Relaxed restaurant with nice steaks.
14. Richmond, VA
It’s fairly simple to tick off two state capitols in sooner or later. In addition to Raleigh, Richmond (the State Capitol of Virginia) is just a few hours’ drive from Durham.
Richmond performed a big function in American historical past because the capital of the Confederacy throughout the American Civil Warfare. Town has quite a few historic websites and museums, together with the compelling American Civil War Museum. The Virginia State Capitol building, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is one other iconic historic website price a go to.
In addition to loads of historical past, Richmond has an ideal arts and tradition scene, too. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is likely one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the US. Town additionally boasts a full of life music and theater scene, with quite a few reside music venues and theaters internet hosting performances year-round.
Location: 2.5 hours northeast of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive is most accessible, however Greyhound buses go direct from Durham with quite a few each day providers. Amtrak will even get you there, however with a connection that takes considerably longer.
Should-Do Actions: Go to the Virginia Museum of Superb Arts and The Virginia State Capitol constructing, take a food tour of the Arts District, or take a guided walking tour of Downtown Richmond to study in regards to the metropolis’s historical past.
The place to Eat: The Patio Thai Restaurant – Wonderful Pad Thai in a comfy setting with a beautiful patio. Click here for directions.
15. Cary, NC
Cary is likely one of the most charming day journeys from Durham, NC. It constantly ranks as one of many best places to live in the United States and is understood for its low crime rates, in depth greenway system, and well-maintained parks and leisure areas. Positioned simply 20 miles south of Durham, it’s a prime place to go to for a day journey.
The Cary Arts Center is a hub for a lot of cultural actions within the city, internet hosting artwork exhibitions, theater productions, and music concert events. Cary can be dwelling to the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, a 7000-capacity outdoor venue that frequently brings touring performers and bands to Cary.
The Fred G. Bond Metro Park is a good place to spend a number of hours stress-free. It options a good looking lake the place you may go paddle boating/boarding and fishing. There are additionally some good playgrounds, picnic areas, and mountain climbing trails. On a pleasant day, there’s nowhere higher to be.
Location: 20 miles south-southeast of Durham. Click here for directions.
Getting There: By automotive is best however there are common bus services, in addition to Amtrak trains to and from Durham that get you there simply as rapidly.
Should-Do Actions: Head right down to Fred G. Bond Metro Park for a soothing afternoon or to hike some trails, go to the Koka Booth Amphitheatre to observe a live performance, or go to the Cary Arts Center.
The place to Eat: Academy Street Bistro – Trendy bistro-style restaurant serving a contemporary twist on conventional American dishes. Click here for directions.
Day Journeys Round Durham: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on day journeys from Durham, NC:
There are a number of nice day journeys from Durham, however a visit to Carolina Beach and Wilmington is the most well-liked. It’s a 2.5-hour drive southeast, and you’ll find your self sitting on the gorgeous Carolina Seashore in a cool city on the Atlantic Ocean. Wilmington is near the seaside and is a good metropolis full of tradition and historical past, I really like spending the day right here.
Ten days to 2 weeks for a trip would offer you sufficient time to discover Durham and the encircling areas. There are lots of wonderful day journeys from Durham, NC, so it’s an ideal place to make use of as a hub for exploring extra of North Carolina.
You possibly can discover most of the wonderful day journeys from Durham with a automotive. Historic Wilmington and Carolina Beach are simply 2.5 hours away. Charlotte is a vibrant metropolis, a number of hours within the different path.
Two state capitols are inside attain, too, with Raleigh (NC) shut by and Richmond (VA) a 2.5-hour drive away. You possibly can rapidly tick off each on the identical day with a automotive.
There’s an Amtrak station within the heart of Durham, so day journeys from Durham by practice are simply doable. A visit to Charlotte, NC, can be an ideal choice as common each day trains run between the cities. Charlotte is a bustling, vibrant metropolis price a go to and is simply 2.5-3 hours away by way of practice.
Eno River State Park may be very near Durham and is a stunningly stunning a part of North Carolina. With mountain climbing trails, leisure areas, water sports activities prospects, swimming spots, and historic ruins, a visit to Eno River State Park is a good way to spend a day. It’s probably the greatest day journeys from Durham, NC and I extremely advocate including it to your itinerary.
Chapel Hill is round 12 miles to the South of Durham and is likely one of the greatest day journeys from Durham which you could take. The colourful metropolis has a ton of tradition and historical past and a very good scholar vibe. It’s the dwelling of the University of North Carolina.
In Conclusion
There are lots of nice day journeys from Durham, and it’s a wonderful location to go to and use as a hub for exploring extra of North Carolina. Although having a automotive could also be mandatory for visiting among the locations in my prime 15, there’s nonetheless a big variety of prime spots that may be accessed by way of bus, practice, and even taxi with relative ease.
Durham is located in a good looking a part of the world and has lots to supply in its personal proper. However the benefit of getting so many nice day journeys shut by is a large attraction. You’ll discover loads of day journeys from Durham, NC, to fill your journey schedule rapidly.
