Durham, North Carolina might not be as properly often known as a few of its greater neighboring cities similar 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 turned one in all my favorite US destinations.
Having simply spent nearly 3 months there, I’ve put collectively a listing of the most effective 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 critically attention-grabbing and essential elements of American historical past to uncover, there’s some actually cool stuff to do in Durham.
Greatest Issues To Do in Durham
After experiencing town for round 3 months, I used to be in a position to see and do numerous enjoyable issues in Durham. This record contains my prime beneficial actions, plus among the different must-dos across the metropolis – there’s one thing for everybody in Durham!
1. Watch a Durham Bulls Recreation
The Durham Bulls are a Triple-A affiliated baseball workforce. This principally means you’re certain to see some top-notch ball gamers all hoping to make that ultimate step or make a fast return to the main 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 workforce on the baseball scene. They’ve a powerful stadium, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, that’s simply walkable from town heart.
Tickets begin from as little as $10. Additionally they provide promotions similar to $1 sizzling canine evening, $5 beer evening, and youngsters eat totally free evening. Partaking in one in all America’s favourite pastimes is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Durham for households and other people 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 guts of town.
As huge tobacco began to shut down within the early 2000s, it left behind numerous warehouses and factories in Durham. These have since been transformed into bars, workplaces, eating places, breweries, flats, retailers, and wine bars to make it one of many coolest vacationer points of interest in Durham.
It’s straightforward to easily stroll round admiring among the stunning outdated 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 think about signing your self up for a Durham scavenger hunt. It’s a extremely nice solution to see some completely different areas and spend a number of 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 photographs of the cool belongings you discover alongside your hunt to an interactive scoreboard, and see the way you evaluate with present and former opponents.
The scavenger hunt prices as little as $10 and lasts two hours. I gained’t give any clues as to the belongings you may discover alongside the way in which, however it’s another solution to discover town. It’s one of the enjoyable issues to do in Durham.
Click on here to study extra in regards to the Durham scavenger hunt.
4. Get Out to Falls Lake
Twenty minutes exterior of town, you’ll discover Falls Lake. It’s a large expanse of water surrounded by stunning woodlands making it top-of-the-line issues to do round Durham.
There are a selection of recreation areas which have picnic benches, barbecues, and bathroom services in addition to straightforward 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 throughout the hotter months. I visited early on Independence Day, nevertheless, and had no bother discovering a pleasant shady spot by the lake. It prices $5-$7 per car, however in case you’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 top-of-the-line methods to spend a number of hours. Only a brief hop from town heart, 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 principal benefactor, Benjamin N. Duke (extra on the Dukes later), that is an inspiring and spectacular place to go to. Be sure you put on your strolling footwear as there are over 5 miles of pathways and trails all through the gardens. I undoubtedly charge this as top-of-the-line 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 a vital route for transporting tobacco is now a well-maintained path dotted with in style public recreation areas. It attracts loads of hikers, joggers, cyclists, and normal followers of the nice open air.
Alongside the path, you’ll acquire a captivating glimpse into a few of Durham’s wealthy cultural heritage as you encounter outdated tobacco barns, commemorative signage, deserted rail tracks and stations, art work, and sculptures.
You may be part of the path at many entry factors, so it’s not essential to stroll the entire 22 miles in case you don’t wish to. The light slopes make this an ideal exercise for all ages and is for sure one of many prime 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 vigorous and in style a part of city; filled with cool bars, breweries, and eating places. Visiting is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Durham at evening.
Two of the preferred 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 strive, which are made onsite with domestically sourced elements.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Durham for {couples} however downtown must be my choose for a number of quiet early drinks. Perhaps seize a pleasant meal, adopted by some stay music with cocktails or some retro enjoyable on the Boxcar Bar and Arcade. It’s well worth the very brief stroll from town heart any day of the week.
8. See a Present on the Carolina Theater
The Carolina Theater was built in 1926 and is a stupendous constructing filled with historic allure. Its character, class, and ornate structure make you are 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 regularly. I used to be fortunate sufficient to see one in all my favourite nation music artists right here who by probability was passing via Durham throughout my keep. The Carolina Theater additionally homes an intimate cinema that showcases unbiased and basic 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 every single day I took a stroll via the superbly landscaped grounds.
I beloved admiring the Georgian-style structure of the principle thoroughfare. I want this had been my college! Duke is a giant 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. Nevertheless, it may be intersected at many factors. I at all times loved discovering new alleys and pathways whereas discovering among 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 identified for its picturesque waterfront, wealthy historical past, and vigorous 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. In case you fancy it, you may as well drive 10 minutes additional to the attractive Carolina and Kura seashores.
Also called ‘Hollywood East’ attributable to its reputation as a filming vacation spot, you may take a tour of some iconic set locations for TV exhibits and films similar to One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, and Iron Man 3.
I opted for an architecture and history tour and obtained to see among the city’s most iconic and traditionally vital properties, church buildings, and buildings. I additionally realized a great deal of cool info about Wilmington’s historical past.
11. Discover Cape Concern From a Distinctive View
Only a few non-public constitution boats can be found on the beautiful 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 properly value discovering a skipper prepared to take you out for an attention-grabbing and distinctive perspective of Wilmington from the water.
Some buddies and I booked a really affordable 2-hour boat tour and had a lot enjoyable simply cruising alongside the river on a stupendous spring day. Our information was actually educated in regards to the historical past of the native space and gave us some nice ideas for bars and eating places after our cruise too. What’s to not like? Click on here to guide 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 record. The state capital of North Carolina is just about Half-hour away and has its personal mix of distinctive historical past and Americana combined in with a vibrant bar, brewery, and artwork scene. It’s properly value a go to.
There’s quite a bit to see, and with solely an evening in Raleigh, I opted for a ghosts and ghouls walking tour of town to get to know among the spooky historical past that haunted the bottom I used to be strolling on. I had no concept one place might 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 after I reached the well-lit security of my fashionable lodge…
I additionally obtained to see an excellent chunk of Raleigh this fashion and realized some attention-grabbing 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 guide 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. Situated 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 various 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 group 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 a lot of meals vans do you have to wish to seize a tasty snack. There are additionally espresso stalls in case you’re searching for slightly pick-me-up, and stay music enjoying whilst you browse. Throughout 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 prime issues to do in Durham is to go to the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum. It’s situated only a few minutes exterior of town heart 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 at some point turn out to be the American Tobacco Company – one of many largest the world has ever identified.
From this quaint and peaceable farm that dates again to the mid-Nineteenth century, the Duke household wrote its title into the historical past books by changing 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 a captivating peak into the previous.
It’s free to go to however guided excursions can be found for only a few {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 facet. It’s an effective way to spend a number of 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 not at all least on my record of what to see in Durham is the beautiful 4000-acre Eno River State Park. It presents among the greatest mountaineering round and an abundance of nice trails and rolling hills. There are such a lot of wonderful spots for picnics and among the most stunning surroundings in North Carolina.
As you could guess, it’s additionally a well-liked spot for river actions similar to fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The clear, contemporary water can be a well-liked swimming spot, particularly throughout 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 brief 10-minute drive from central Durham and completely well worth the journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Durham
Listed here are some concepts that will help you plan your go to to Durham; from one-day, brief stays, or a whole week, learn on to seek out out extra:
1 Day in Durham Itinerary
Spend a number of 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 recreation 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 among the cool bars and breweries on provide.
On day two, get out of town slightly and discover the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum, an iconic and essential a part of Durham’s historical past. Keep on slightly additional in the identical course to the attractive Eno River State Park for a spot of mountaineering or simply to relax out by the majestic Eno River.
In your ultimate day soak up the fantastic thing about Duke College with a brief stroll across the East Campus. From there you may simply stroll via the historic Warehouse District, stopping at any variety of cool bars and cafes alongside the way in which that take your fancy.
End up with a stay present or film on the Carolina Theater within the night. Or, in case you’re in luck and the Bulls are enjoying at house, get to a recreation.
1 Week in Durham Itinerary
Kick off your week by discovering the most effective locations to see in Durham. Take a enjoyable scavenger hunt and see among the highlights of town. You’ll undoubtedly wish to revisit downtown greater than as soon as, so head right down to Fullsteam Brewery for a number of beers within the night.
Be sure you head as much as Duke Gardens – top-of-the-line free issues to do in Durham. In case you’ve obtained the power afterwards you may even stroll again to town via the Duke College East Campus. Proceed on via the Warehouse District and be sure you reward your self at a number of of the quite a few espresso and beer stops that you just discover alongside the way in which.
Get out to Falls Lake for some R&R. It’s such a stupendous spot; they’ve seashores at quite a few recreation websites and the water is so refreshing to swim in. Go away time to get to one of many largest vacationer points of interest in Durham; both a present on the Carolina Theater or a Durham Bulls recreation. Each are an absolute should!
Per week gives you loads of time to take a number of 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 greatest locations to go to close to Durham and is simply Half-hour away. Find out about among 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 vigorous and enjoyable place to be at any time.
The place to Keep in Durham
These are a number of of the most effective neighborhoods in Durham for vacationers:
Downtown Durham
Downtown Durham is stuffed with bars, eating places, cafes, and breweries. It’s the vigorous a part of city but in addition properties some actual historic websites similar to King’s Sandwich Shop. It’s a cute hole-in-the-wall fashion eatery that’s been in operation since 1942.
You’ll additionally discover a cool bar / retro arcade referred to as Boxcar right here that has an ideal day by day completely happy hour, an enormous beer backyard, and plenty of superior basic gaming machines.
Downtown is the most effective place to remain for first-time guests and also you’ll discover that apartments will likely 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 expensive area ideally situated for downtown, but in addition a health heart 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 outdated dive bar and one of many most cost-effective round with free meals up for grabs 3 nights every week.
The enduring Durham Hotel is a perfect place to remain. It’s a cool historic constructing, has a rooftop bar, and is seconds from a principal hub of different points of interest the place you may 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 flats than accommodations because it’s a suburban space with tree-lined quiet streets, small parks, church buildings, colleges, 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 presumably require throughout your keep in Durham.
It’s the type of space the place you wouldn’t be shocked to see a classical quartet placing up a set within the park or a bluegrass band jamming on a entrance porch. Take a look at this great studio apartment near each the Duke campus and downtown.
Greatest 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 obtained you coated. Listed here are only a few of my favourite locations to eat in Durham.
The Blue Notice Grill
Providing an ideal collection of North Carolina BBQ, The Blue Note Grill sits in an iconic location within the coronary heart of downtown Durham. There’s at all times an ideal selection of beers and cocktails in addition to nightly stay music, with solely sure high-profile occasions requiring a canopy cost.
The ribs listed here are superb, and completely to not be missed. Being somebody that at all times struggles to resolve on a facet dish, it was nice to see the choice to order a plate of sides – choose any 4 for $11. Nice in case you simply need one thing small or to share. Click on here to seek out it on the map.
Hutchins Storage
Hutchins Garage is regarded by many locals as the most effective pizza in Durham. Many make a weekly journey downtown to seize one in all these scrumptious pies. I can verify, the pizzas are large, contemporary, and among the greatest 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 title suggests, an outdated storage and has been transformed into an ideal indoor and outside eatery. Click on here to seek out it on the map.
Juju
On the far facet of the Duke East Campus, you’ll discover Juju, a very fashionable Asian fusion and tapas bar that has a terrific menu of small plates and bites in addition to an enormous collection of sake.
The meals right here is superior, the Mongolian beef was my private favourite. It’s well worth the Uber journey from downtown or a pleasant stroll via the campus for a go to. I strongly suggest reserving because it will get busy. Click on here to seek 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 in style spot for locals and guests alike. It presents quintessential American house cooking with an unlimited menu that covers every little thing from primary breakfasts to hearty night meals. Situated on ninth Road, Elmo’s has the feel and appear of a conventional diner and it’s an ideal expertise simply strolling via 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. In case you’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 seek out it on the map.
Bull Metropolis Burger and Brewery
The title says all of it I suppose! Boasting award-winning burgers in an actual informal setting, this place is a should. The parts are large and the standard is phenomenal – and don’t get me began on the facet dishes. The relaxed ambiance and bench-style seating make it a really welcoming place to go to.
BCBB additionally includes a microbrewery that gives an ideal collection 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 seek 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 similar to Paris and London each day.
From right here, you may 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 largest points of interest to Durham was that it’s such a walkable metropolis, nevertheless it does get very popular throughout the summer time months, and the occasional storm can shortly descend. Fortunately, Uber is available and often very inexpensive on condition that it’s not an enormous metropolis to traverse.
Hireable scooters are sometimes at hand in case you simply fancy getting there slightly faster and a daily and dependable bus service additionally hyperlinks all principal 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, prime college, and vigorous brewery and bar scene.
Within the springtime, earlier than the warmth and humidity turn out to be too intense.
Completely. There are a ton of issues to do and its proximity to a serious 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 possibilities to revisit all of the locations you actually beloved. You’ll even have time to get out and about, exterior town.
I at all times felt extraordinarily safe strolling about day and evening. As when visiting any main metropolis, it is best to at all times be cautious, nevertheless it’s a cushty and pleasant place to be.
Visiting the breweries and bars of downtown Durham. You may spend an excellent few afternoons partaking in plenty of domestically brewed beers in some actually cool settings.
Sandling Seaside, which sits on the banks of Falls Lake, is round 20 minutes from central Durham. In case you’re prepared to journey slightly additional out, Carolina Seaside is beautiful and sits on the Atlantic Ocean about 2.5 hours drive away.
North Carolina is thought for its personal specific model of barbecue, so that you gained’t be in need of choices. My greatest choose is the Blue Notice Grill in downtown Durham. Order the ribs!
In Closing
Durham is a superb metropolis that I got here throughout by pure probability and a set of unusual coincidences, however I beloved each minute of my time there. From the pleasant and welcoming folks to the vigorous bar scene and classic slices of American historical past, there are such a lot of cool locations to go to in Durham, I actually imagine it has one thing for everybody to take pleasure in.
