On this article, I’ll record 15 of the perfect day journeys from Durham, NC. I lately spent three lovely months in Durham and its surrounding areas and liked my time there. There’s a lot to do and see, from vital historic websites to wonderful mountain hikes and river walks.
There are a lot of issues within the metropolis itself. Nonetheless, North Carolina means many different cities, and wonderful alternatives are close by. When you’re right here, make sure to go to some unbelievable 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 fantastic day excursions from Durham and plenty of enjoyable sights to maintain everyone occupied.
Greatest Day Journeys from Durham NC
I’ve compiled this record based mostly on among the wonderful Durham day journeys I loved there. I did a little bit of every thing, from mountain climbing mountains to chilling by the ocean so I’m positive you’ll discover a lot on this record that you simply’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 implausible metropolis in its personal proper, steeped in historical past and boasting a wonderful fame for meals, bars, and nightlife. A considerably larger inhabitants than Durham means Raleigh has far more of a big-city vibe, but it surely maintains a small southern metropolis’s hospitality and welcoming nature.
Raleigh is named ‘The Metropolis of the Oaks’ as a result of its many lovely 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 Artwork and the 180-year-old North Carolina State Capitol constructing.
Location: 25 miles and 35 minutes southeast of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
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 on right here to search out out extra about this enjoyable, pedal-powered exercise.
The place to Eat: Gravy – Extremely rated Italian/American delicacies in a relaxed and comfy setting. Click on right here for instructions.
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 effectively 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 generally known 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 a wonderful museum and conflict memorial.
You’ll discover many nice outlets, bars, and eating places in Wilmington. A stroll across the former Cotton Trade constructing, now a purchasing and eating complicated, is an effective way to spend just a few hours.
Location: 2.5 hours southwest of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive
Should-Do Actions: Constitution a sailboat and cruise alongside the Cape Concern River, take a ghost stroll by historic Wilmington, or stroll alongside the attractive Wilmington Riverwalk.
The place to Eat: The Fork ‘N’ Cork – Superior burgers and sandwiches in a implausible constructing. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Carolina Seaside
Simply quarter-hour from Wilmington is the gorgeous Carolina Seaside, one in all my favourite day journeys from Durham, NC. This small seaside city is dwelling to lovely sandy seashores, the blue Atlantic Ocean, and a ton of cool bars and enjoyable issues to do.
The picket boardwalk alongside the seaside has swing seats to take a seat for hours watching the waves. Many bars look out over the horizon with some providing nice pleased hour offers. In the course of the hotter months, a semi-permanent fairground with a large Ferris Wheel is about up proper within the middle of city.
Carolina Seaside is a good place to loosen up and chill, however you may as well celebration right here. I like to recommend you do each!
Location: 2-3 hours south-southwest of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive
Should-Do Actions: Spend time chilling on the attractive sandy seaside by the ocean, ebook an island-hopping cruise, and hit the pleased hours on the boardwalk bars after a day of solar and sea.
The place to Eat: The Dive Meals & Spirits – Nice bar meals in an informal dive bar setting. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Roxboro, NC
When you like small southern cities within the US, Roxboro is the place for you. I discovered this place through a volunteer web site and ended up serving to a woman together with her gardening just a few instances every 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 obtained a kick out of. I liked the previous slices of Americana that may be seen in all places, from the classic homes and the retro theater to the old-school diners and cafes. It’s an area city the place everyone is aware of everyone, however I used to be all the time 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. When you’re after a slice of small-town southern hospitality, head for a day in Roxboro.
Location: 40-50 minutes north of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
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 go throughout state traces 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 lovely countryside. It takes simply over an hour to succeed in from Durham.
There are a number of nice lunch spots and cafes the place you’ll be able to 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 on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive is most simple. 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. When you’re feeling fortunate, likelihood 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 on right here for instructions.
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 day by day transport hyperlinks from Durham. Chapel Hill makes up the third area of the world generally known as the Analysis Triangle, together with Durham and Raleigh.
Chapel Hill is dwelling to the College of North Carolina, which considerably influences the city. The presence of the faculty campus brings a youthful vibrance and speaks to the artsy ambiance and focus of tradition that may be felt right here. There are a lot of artwork galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Franklin Avenue is the central hub of Chapel Hill and is a implausible place to hang around. There are a lot of bars, eating places, and cafes to be discovered right here, and it has an important social vibe.
Location: 12 miles south of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: Simply accessible by automotive or by bus
Should-Do Actions: Take pleasure in a day of consuming and consuming on Franklin Avenue, or absorb some tradition and go to the Ackland Artwork Museum.
The place to Eat: Blue’s on Franklin – Household-run restaurant serving excellent barbecue. Click on right here for instructions.
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, but it surely’s definitely worth the trek when you have the time.
Often called ‘Beer Metropolis USA‘ as a result of variety of high quality craft breweries that function in Asheville, it’s change 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.
When you like the nice outdoor, Asheville affords implausible mountain climbing alternatives, in addition to the Blue Ridge Parkway, usually referred to as ‘America’s Favorite Drive.’ The 469-mile parkway runs partly by Asheville and affords breathtaking views of the pure magnificence and a few implausible scenic overlooks of Linville Falls – a multi-tiered waterfall.
Location: 225 miles east of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive is undoubtedly essentially the most accessible. A Greyhound bus will get you there with a connection, but it surely 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 right here to ebook your guided hike. Take a night-time ghost stroll by 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 on right here for instructions.
8. Falls Lake
Just a few nice day journeys round Durham might be discovered at Falls Lake. Look no additional in the event you like chilling out on a seaside, toes within the water fashion. Falls Lake affords a number of vital leisure areas inside a 20-30-minute drive from Durham.
My favourite factor to do at Falls Lake is to go to Sandling Seaside. Lounging by the superbly maintained sandy seashores and clear water is a implausible solution to spend a sunny day. There are quite a few areas shaded by the bushes, ample picnic benches, and everlasting barbecue stations.
Simple parking and wonderful clear rest room amenities are bonuses. The seashores round Falls Lake can get busy on weekends, so I counsel heading out early. The admittance charge is $5-$7 per automotive (cheaper when you have seniors with you) and is accessible seven days every week from Labor Day to Memorial Day, excluding weekends in April, Could, and September.
Location: 25-Half-hour to the east of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
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 lovely surroundings.
The place to Eat: Take your individual meals as there’s nothing in the way in which of eating places on the lake. Observe – alcohol is strictly prohibited.
9. Charlotte, NC
Amtrak affords some nice day journeys from Durham, NC, by practice. Charlotte, NC, is barely a 2.5-hour rail journey away and is one other vibrant metropolis price trying out in North Carolina. It’s significantly extra cosmopolitan than Durham, with a bustling downtown space (generally known as Uptown) stuffed with tall skyscrapers and towering buildings.
Charlotte is the second largest banking metropolis within the US based mostly on property, however this doesn’t imply it’s all enterprise. With a inhabitants near 1 million, it’s a metropolis stuffed with nice bars, eating places, and plenty of issues to maintain you occupied. South Finish is famend for having a number of wonderful craft beer breweries.
Location: 2.5 hours to the west of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive or practice is equally as fast and straightforward.
Should-Do Actions: Try this wonderful brewery tour, stroll by the bustling streets of Uptown, and discover Charlotte’s wealthy historical past through 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 town and is a lovely 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 constructions.
The Holden Mill Path leads alongside the river and by the stays of a Nineteenth-century gristmill on a 3.85-mile trek. It’s an effective way so as to add a slice of Durham historical past to your hike, making it the most effective issues to do in Durham.
Location: 11 miles north-northwest of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive.
Should-Do Actions: Take pleasure in any variety of the nice mountain climbing trails, swim within the river (in the event you’re visiting within the hotter months), or spend a day enjoyable by the banks of the Eno River.
The place to Eat: Take pleasure in your individual 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 generally known as the Outer Banks. The peninsula sits alongside a big chunk of the NC coast and has huge expanses of open beachfront dealing with the Atlantic Ocean.
Business fishing was the distinguished supply of earnings on the Island for a lot of a long time, however the miles of gorgeous seashores have led to a booming tourism business in latest instances. There are wonderful water sports activities actions, corresponding to kayaking and paddle-boarding, all around the Outer Banks.
I like the historical past of the world and a few iconic areas are effectively price visiting. The Wright brothers trialed their first flight at Kill Satan Hill in 1903. It was additionally the final stand of the pirate Blackbeard, who was shipwrecked and killed at Ocracoke in 1718.
Location: Round 4 hours to the east of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
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 on right here for instructions.
12. Bryson Metropolis, NC
Bryson Metropolis is a lovely place to go to within the Nice Smoky Mountains. As day journeys from Durham go, you’ll wish to spend the evening and even the weekend visiting Bryson Metropolis, because it’s a 4-hour drive from Bull Metropolis. However the mountain climbing right here is implausible, and the surroundings is among the greatest you’ll discover in North Carolina.
If mountain climbing isn’t your factor, take a practice journey up the Nice Smoky Mountains – the views are breathtaking. The city can also be a hub for fishing lovers, with alternatives for fly fishing alongside the Nantahala River. The river can also be a preferred 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 effectively price a day journey from Durham. If in case you have time, I like to recommend you even make a weekend of it.
Location: 4 – 4.5 hours west of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive
Should-Do Actions: Take a practice journey by the attractive Nice Smoky Mountains, or go white-water rafting on the Nantahala River.
The place to Eat: Everett Avenue Diner – An amazing traditional American diner. Click on right here for instructions.
13. The Yadkin Valley Wine Area
It’s apparent why this one made the record! Just a few hours from Durham is the Yadkin Valley wine area, the primary federally accredited American Viticultural Space. It’s mentioned that the soil right here is just like that of Tuscany and that the local weather mimics wine-growing areas in France, which means the Yadkin Valley produces some distinctive European-style wines.
Wine tourism is an enormous a part of the Yadkin Valley’s enchantment, with over 40 wineries within the area. Guests can discover the picturesque vineyards, benefit from the surroundings, and style the various wines. Plenty of the wineries even have eating places or picnic areas too.
Divine Llama Vineyards is a reasonably distinctive place the place you’ll be able to take a wine tour and go Llama trekking. What’s to not love?
Location: 2.5 hours west of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By Automobile
Should-Do Actions: Go to as many vineyards as time permits, benefit from the lovely 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 straightforward to tick off two state capitols in in the future. In addition to Raleigh, Richmond (the State Capitol of Virginia) is only some hours’ drive from Durham.
Richmond performed a big function in American historical past because the capital of the Confederacy throughout the American Civil Conflict. Town has quite a few historic websites and museums, together with the compelling American Civil Conflict Museum. The Virginia State Capitol constructing, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is one other iconic historic web site price a go to.
In addition to loads of historical past, Richmond has an important arts and tradition scene, too. The Virginia Museum of Wonderful Arts is likely one of the largest and most complete artwork museums within the US. Town additionally boasts a full of life music and theater scene, with quite a few dwell music venues and theaters internet hosting performances year-round.
Location: 2.5 hours northeast of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive is most accessible, however Greyhound buses go direct from Durham with quite a few day by 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 Wonderful Arts and The Virginia State Capitol constructing, take a meals tour of the Arts District, or take a guided strolling 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 comfortable setting with a beautiful patio. Click on right here for instructions.
15. Cary, NC
Cary is likely one of the most charming day journeys from Durham, NC. It persistently ranks as the most effective locations to dwell in the US and is understood for its low crime charges, intensive greenway system, and well-maintained parks and leisure areas. Situated simply 20 miles south of Durham, it’s a high place to go to for a day journey.
The Cary Arts Middle is a hub for a lot of cultural actions within the city, internet hosting artwork exhibitions, theater productions, and music concert events. Cary can also be dwelling to the Koka Sales space Amphitheatre, a 7000-capacity outside venue that frequently brings touring performers and bands to Cary.
The Fred G. Bond Metro Park is a good place to spend just a few hours enjoyable. It options a lovely lake the place you’ll be able to 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 on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive is best however there are common bus providers, in addition to Amtrak trains to and from Durham that get you there simply as shortly.
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 Sales space Amphitheatre to observe a live performance, or go to the Cary Arts Middle.
The place to Eat: Academy Avenue Bistro – Fashionable bistro-style restaurant serving a contemporary twist on conventional American dishes. Click on right here for instructions.
Day Journeys Round Durham: FAQs
Listed below 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 Seaside and Wilmington is the most well-liked. It’s a 2.5-hour drive southeast, and yow will discover your self sitting on the attractive Carolina Seaside in a cool city on the Atlantic Ocean. Wilmington is near the seaside and is a good metropolis stuffed with tradition and historical past, I like spending the day right here.
Ten days to 2 weeks for a trip would offer you sufficient time to discover Durham and the encompassing areas. There are a lot of wonderful day journeys from Durham, NC, so it’s an important place to make use of as a hub for exploring extra of North Carolina.
You would discover lots of the wonderful day journeys from Durham with a automotive. Historic Wilmington and Carolina Seaside are simply 2.5 hours away. Charlotte is a vibrant metropolis, just a few hours within the different course.
Two state capitols are inside attain, too, with Raleigh (NC) shut by and Richmond (VA) a 2.5-hour drive away. You would shortly tick off each on the identical day with a automotive.
There’s an Amtrak station within the middle of Durham, so day journeys from Durham by practice are simply potential. A visit to Charlotte, NC, can be an important possibility as common day by day trains run between the cities. Charlotte is a bustling, vibrant metropolis price a go to and is simply 2.5-3 hours away through practice.
Eno River State Park may be very near Durham and is a stunningly lovely a part of North Carolina. With mountain climbing trails, leisure areas, water sports activities potentialities, swimming spots, and historic ruins, a visit to Eno River State Park is an effective way to spend a day. It’s the most effective 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 pupil vibe. It’s the dwelling of the College of North Carolina.
In Conclusion
There are a lot 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 obligatory for visiting among the locations in my high 15, there’s nonetheless a big variety of high spots that may be accessed through bus, practice, and even taxi with relative ease.
Durham is located in a lovely a part of the world and has a lot to supply in its personal proper. However the benefit of getting so many nice day journeys shut by is a big attraction. You’ll discover loads of day journeys from Durham, NC, to fill your journey schedule shortly.
