Durham, North Carolina will not be as effectively generally known as a few of its larger neighboring cities comparable 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 one among my favorite US destinations.
Having simply spent virtually 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 significantly attention-grabbing and essential components of American historical past to uncover, there’s some actually cool stuff to do in Durham.
Finest Issues To Do in Durham
After experiencing the town for round 3 months, I used to be capable of see and do quite a lot of enjoyable issues in Durham. This checklist consists of my high beneficial 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 staff. This mainly means you’re positive to see some top-notch ball gamers all hoping to make that closing step or make a fast return to the foremost 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 staff on the baseball scene. They’ve a powerful stadium, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, that’s simply walkable from the town heart.
Tickets begin from as little as $10. In addition they supply promotions comparable to $1 sizzling canine night time, $5 beer night time, and children eat totally free night time. Partaking in one among America’s favourite pastimes is likely one of the finest 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 trade. An enormous quantity was produced yearly proper from the center of the town.
As huge tobacco began to shut down within the early 2000s, it left behind quite a lot of warehouses and factories in Durham. These have since been transformed into bars, workplaces, eating places, breweries, flats, outlets, and wine bars to make it one of many coolest vacationer points of interest in Durham.
It’s straightforward to easily stroll round admiring a number of 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 Important St, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click here for directions)
3. Get to Know the Metropolis with a Durham Scavenger Hunt
Durham is a superb strolling metropolis so think about signing your self up for a Durham scavenger hunt. It’s a extremely nice option 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 pictures 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 best way, however it’s another option to discover the town. It’s one of the 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 exterior of the 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 through 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 in the event 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 just a few hours. Only a brief hop from the town heart, Duke Gardens is a fabulous 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 major benefactor, Benjamin N. Duke (extra on the Dukes later), that is an inspiring and spectacular place to go to. You’ll want to put on your strolling footwear as there are over 5 miles of pathways and trails all through the gardens. I positively fee 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 widespread public recreation areas. It attracts loads of hikers, joggers, cyclists, and normal followers of the nice outdoor.
Alongside the path, you’ll acquire an interesting glimpse into a few of Durham’s wealthy cultural heritage as you encounter outdated tobacco barns, commemorative signage, deserted rail tracks and stations, paintings, 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 the event you don’t need to. The light slopes make this an ideal exercise for all ages and is indisputably one of many high issues to do in Durham.
Handle: 601 W Important 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 widespread a part of city; stuffed with cool bars, breweries, and eating places. Visiting is likely 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 supply 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 regionally sourced components.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Durham for {couples} however downtown needs to be my decide for just a few 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 the 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 ravishing constructing stuffed with historic allure. Its character, magnificence, and ornate structure make you are feeling as if you’re stepping again in time. Folks journey from throughout to attend performances right here and it is likely 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 among my favourite nation music artists right here who by probability was passing by way of 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 day by day I took a stroll by way of the fantastically landscaped grounds.
I cherished admiring the Georgian-style structure of the principle thoroughfare. I want this had been my faculty! 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. Nonetheless, it may be intersected at many factors. I at all times 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. An enthralling 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 Worry River, and discover a World Conflict 2 battleship – the USS North Carolina. When you fancy it, you may as well drive 10 minutes additional to the gorgeous Carolina and Kura seashores.
Often known as ‘Hollywood East’ as a consequence of its recognition as a filming vacation spot, you possibly can take a tour of some iconic set locations for TV reveals and films comparable 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 houses, church buildings, and buildings. I additionally discovered a great deal of cool details about Wilmington’s historical past.
11. Discover Cape Worry From a Distinctive View
Only a few non-public constitution boats can be found on the gorgeous Cape Worry River, however they do exist. And though the Wilmington Boardwalk is a good way to see a part of the river, it’s effectively price discovering a skipper prepared to take you out for an attention-grabbing and distinctive perspective of Wilmington from the water.
Some mates and I booked a really affordable 2-hour boat tour and had a lot enjoyable simply cruising alongside the river on a ravishing spring day. Our information was actually educated concerning 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 ebook 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 should 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 effectively price 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 the 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 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 once I reached the well-lit security of my trendy lodge…
I additionally received to see a very good chunk of Raleigh this fashion and discovered some attention-grabbing details. The tour lasted round an hour and was actually pleasurable. I’d positively advocate giving it a go. Click here to study extra and to ebook 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 gives a ton of various and distinctive distributors promoting all the pieces 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 throughout the metropolis.
You’ll additionally discover various meals vehicles must you need to seize a tasty snack. There are additionally espresso stalls in the event you’re searching for a bit pick-me-up, and stay music enjoying 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 only a few minutes exterior of the town heart the place this historic website preserves the house and historical past of Washington Duke. He was the patriarch of the Duke household who laid the muse for what would someday develop 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 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 an interesting 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) gives quite a lot of info 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 cherished this place for the historical past facet. It’s a good 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 in no way least on my checklist of what to see in Durham is the gorgeous 4000-acre Eno River State Park. It gives a number of the finest mountain climbing 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 you might guess, it’s additionally a well-liked spot for river actions comparable to fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The clear, contemporary water can be a well-liked swimming spot, particularly through the hotter months of the 12 months.
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 below are some concepts that can assist you plan your go to to Durham; from one-day, brief stays, or a complete 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 all the way 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 the town with a fun scavenger hunt. Then cease off downtown to discover a number of the cool bars and breweries on supply.
On day two, get out of the town a bit and discover the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum, an iconic and essential a part of Durham’s historical past. Keep it up a bit additional in the identical course to the gorgeous Eno River State Park for a spot of mountain climbing or simply to sit back out by the majestic Eno River.
In your closing 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 stay present or film on the Carolina Theater within the night. Or, in the event you’re in luck and the Bulls are enjoying 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 the town. You’ll positively need to revisit downtown greater than as soon as, so head all the way down to Fullsteam Brewery for just a few beers within the night.
You’ll want to head as much as Duke Gardens – top-of-the-line free issues to do in Durham. When you’ve received the vitality afterwards you possibly can even stroll again to the town by way of the Duke College East Campus. Proceed on by way of the Warehouse District and you’ll want to reward your self at a number of of the quite a few espresso and beer stops that you simply discover alongside the best way.
Get out to Falls Lake for some R&R. It’s such a ravishing 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 offers you loads of time to take just a few day journeys out of city. So head all the way down to Wilmington for an informative walking tour, then charter your own boat and discover the Cape Worry River. Raleigh is likely one of the finest locations to go to close to Durham and is simply Half-hour away. Study 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 in addition houses some actual historic websites comparable 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 a fantastic each day pleased hour, an enormous beer backyard, and many superior basic gaming machines.
Downtown is the perfect 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 gives an opulent house ideally situated for downtown, but in addition a health heart and BBQ space.
Central Durham
Durham is such a walkable metropolis, it felt like all the pieces 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 purchasing, 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 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 major 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 superb space to remain for households, and also you’ll discover extra flats than resorts 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 all the pieces you might 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.
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 lined. Listed below are only a few of my favourite locations to eat in Durham.
The Blue Observe Grill
Providing a fantastic number 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 a fantastic selection of beers and cocktails in addition to nightly stay 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 at all times struggles to determine on a facet dish, it was nice to see the choice to order a plate of sides – decide any 4 for $11. Nice in the event you 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 one among these scrumptious pies. I can verify, the pizzas are large, contemporary, 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 title suggests, an outdated storage and has been transformed into a fantastic indoor and outside 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 number of sake.
The meals right here is superior, the Mongolian beef was my private favourite. It’s well worth the Uber trip from downtown or a pleasant stroll by way of the campus for a go to. I strongly advocate 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 widespread spot for locals and guests alike. It gives quintessential American residence cooking with an enormous menu that covers all the pieces from primary breakfasts to hearty night meals. Situated on ninth Road, Elmo’s has the appear and feel of a conventional diner and it’s a fantastic expertise simply strolling by way of the door.
You may 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. When 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 search out it on the map.
Bull Metropolis Burger and Brewery
The title says all of it I assume! 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 environment and bench-style seating make it a really welcoming place to go to.
BCBB additionally includes a microbrewery that provides a fantastic number of beers to accompany your meal, in reality, 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 world locations comparable to Paris and London each day.
From right here, you possibly can easily hire a car, organize a private transfer or just order an Uber to take you to the middle of Durham (round 25-Half-hour away).
Considered one of my greatest points of interest to Durham was that it’s such a walkable metropolis, however it does get extremely popular through the summer time months, and the occasional storm can rapidly descend. Fortunately, Uber is available and normally very inexpensive on condition that it’s not an enormous metropolis to traverse.
Hireable scooters are sometimes at hand in the event you simply fancy getting there a bit faster and a daily and dependable bus service additionally hyperlinks all major components of the town and past.
Issues To Do in Durham: FAQs
Listed below 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 develop 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 offers 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 cherished. You’ll even have time to get out and about, exterior the town.
I at all times felt extraordinarily safe strolling about day and night time. As when visiting any main metropolis, it is best to at all times be cautious, however it’s a cushty and pleasant place to be.
Visiting the breweries and bars of downtown Durham. You may spend a very good few afternoons partaking in plenty of 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. When you’re prepared to journey a bit additional out, Carolina Seashore is gorgeous 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 finest decide is the Blue Observe 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 cherished 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 actually imagine it has one thing for everybody to get pleasure from.
