Durham, North Carolina might not be as effectively referred to 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 in every of my favourite US locations.
Having simply spent virtually 3 months there, I’ve put collectively a listing of the perfect locations to go to in Durham, in addition to different actions that await you in and round ‘Bull Metropolis’.
With wonderful lakes and hikes, an superior bar and restaurant tradition, in addition to some severely fascinating and vital components of American historical past to uncover, there’s some actually cool stuff to do in Durham.
Greatest Issues To Do in Durham
After experiencing the town for round 3 months, I used to be capable of see and do numerous enjoyable issues in Durham. This checklist consists of my high really helpful 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 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 key leagues.
As soon as the topic of an acclaimed 1988 movie 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 the town heart.
Tickets begin from as little as $10. In addition they provide promotions comparable to $1 scorching canine evening, $5 beer evening, and children eat without spending a dime evening. Partaking in one in every of America’s favourite pastimes is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Durham for households and folks of all ages.
Handle: 409 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click on right here for instructions)
2. Discover the Warehouse District
Durham was as soon as the middle of the tobacco world and its revenues have been the lifeblood of the city’s economic system, from its earliest days till the eventual demise of the cigarette business. 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 numerous warehouses and factories in Durham. These have since been transformed into bars, places of work, eating places, breweries, residences, retailers, and wine bars to make it one of many coolest vacationer sights in Durham.
It’s straightforward to easily stroll round admiring a number of the lovely previous buildings and options such because the Fortunate 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 Predominant St, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click on right here for instructions)
3. Get to Know the Metropolis with a Durham Scavenger Hunt
Durham is a superb strolling metropolis so contemplate signing your self up for a Durham scavenger hunt. It’s a extremely nice technique 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 telephone as an interactive information and with a distant host you’ll be set challenges round Durham to finish. Submit images 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 an alternate technique to discover the town. It’s some of the enjoyable issues to do in Durham.
Click on right here to be taught 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 an enormous expanse of water surrounded by lovely woodlands making it among the finest issues to do round Durham.
There are a selection of recreation areas which have picnic benches, barbecues, and bathroom amenities 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 Seashore – it’s completely lovely.
It will get fairly busy on weekends, particularly throughout the hotter months. I visited early on Independence Day, nonetheless, and had no bother discovering a pleasant shady spot by the lake. It prices $5-$7 per automobile, however if you happen to’re out of season on a weekday it’s free. Simply one of many nice free issues to do in Durham.
Handle: 14813 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States (click on right here for instructions)
5. Go to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Speaking of free issues to do in Durham, Duke Gardens has to rank as among the finest methods to spend just a few hours. Only a quick 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 primary 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 positively price this as among the finest locations to go to in Durham.
Handle: 420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708, United States (click on right here for instructions)
6. Stroll the Tobacco Path
Durham’s Tobacco Path is a former railroad hall that stretches from central Durham to the city of Apex, 22 miles away. What was as soon as an important route for transporting tobacco is now a well-maintained path dotted with standard public recreation areas. It attracts loads of hikers, joggers, cyclists, and basic followers of the good outdoor.
Alongside the path, you’ll acquire an enchanting glimpse into a few of Durham’s wealthy cultural heritage as you encounter previous tobacco barns, commemorative signage, deserted rail tracks and stations, art work, and sculptures.
You’ll be able to be a part of the path at many entry factors, so it’s not essential to stroll the entire 22 miles if you happen to don’t wish to. The light slopes make this an ideal exercise for all ages and is surely one of many high issues to do in Durham.
Handle: 601 W Predominant St #103, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click on right here for instructions)
7. Have a Beer (or three) within the Breweries Downtown
Downtown Durham is a vigorous and standard a part of city; stuffed with cool bars, breweries, and eating places. Visiting is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Durham at evening.
Two of the preferred brewing corporations downtown are Fullsteam Brewery and Ponysaurus Brewing Firm. Each provide thirsty patrons an inviting taproom and bar, and pleasant, educated employees. There are additionally some imaginative craft beers to strive, which can be made onsite with regionally sourced components.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Durham for {couples} however downtown must 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 definitely worth the very quick stroll from the town heart any day of the week.
8. See a Present on the Carolina Theater
The Carolina Theater was in-built 1926 and is a good looking constructing stuffed with historic attraction. Its character, class, and ornate structure make you’re feeling as if you’re stepping again in time. Individuals journey from throughout to attend performances right here and it is likely one of the hottest Durham sights.
Musicians, comedy acts, dance recitals, and movie screenings are on on the theater frequently. I used to be fortunate sufficient to see one in every of my favourite nation music artists right here who by probability was passing by means of Durham throughout my keep. The Carolina Theater additionally homes an intimate cinema that showcases impartial and basic movies.
Handle: 309 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701, United States (click on right here for instructions)
9. Take a Stroll Across the Duke Campus
Throughout my keep in Durham, I lived two blocks from the East Campus of Duke College, and day by day I took a stroll by means of the fantastically landscaped grounds.
I cherished admiring the Georgian-style structure of the primary thoroughfare. I want this had been my faculty! Duke is an enormous participant on the US faculty 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 all the time loved discovering new alleys and pathways whereas discovering a number of the much less apparent buildings and issues to see in Durham.
Handle: 712 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, United States (click on right here for instructions)
10. Take a Day Journey to Wilmington
Only a 2-hour drive away is the charming historic city of Wilmington. It’s one of many nice locations to go to close to Durham. A captivating metropolis on the southeastern shoreline, it’s recognized for its picturesque waterfront, wealthy historical past, and vigorous arts scene.
You’ll be able to take a pleasant stroll alongside the 1.75-mile boardwalk that runs alongside the Cape Worry River, and discover a World Battle 2 battleship – the USS North Carolina. Should you fancy it, you may also drive 10 minutes additional to the gorgeous Carolina and Kura seashores.
Often known as ‘Hollywood East’ because of its recognition as a filming vacation spot, you may take a tour of some iconic set places for TV exhibits and films comparable to One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, and Iron Man 3.
I opted for an structure and historical past tour and received to see a number of the city’s most iconic and traditionally vital properties, church buildings, and buildings. I additionally discovered a great deal of cool 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 beautiful Cape Worry River, however they do exist. And though the Wilmington Boardwalk is an effective way to see a part of the river, it’s effectively price discovering a skipper prepared to take you out for an fascinating and distinctive perspective of Wilmington from the water.
Some associates and I booked a really affordable 2-hour boat tour and had a lot enjoyable simply cruising alongside the river on a good looking spring day. Our information was actually educated concerning the historical past of the native space and gave us some nice suggestions for bars and eating places after our cruise too. What’s to not like? Click on right 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 lots to see, and with solely an evening in Raleigh, I opted for a ghosts and ghouls strolling 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 concept one place may have so many paranormal occasions and websites with chilling histories.
The tales of corrupt politician bootleggers that also hang-out the undergrounds and the peg-legged spirit have been totally entertaining and I’ll admit to feeling a little relieved after I reached the well-lit security of my trendy resort…
I additionally received to see an excellent chunk of Raleigh this manner and discovered some fascinating details. The tour lasted round an hour and was actually satisfying. I’d positively advocate giving it a go. Click on right here to be taught 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 provides a ton of various and distinctive distributors promoting all the things 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 be taught extra about sustainability and occasions inside the metropolis.
You’ll additionally discover quite a few meals vans do you have to wish to seize a tasty snack. There are additionally espresso stalls if you happen to’re on the lookout for just a little pick-me-up, and stay music taking part in when you browse. Through 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 on right here for instructions)
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 positioned 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 at some point change into the American Tobacco Firm – 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 enchanting 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) provides quite a lot of info on the historical past of tobacco in North Carolina; from its origins and manufacturing to the historic tendencies, 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 an effective way to spend just a few hours in Durham.
Handle: 2828 Duke Homestead Rd, Durham, NC 27705, United States (click on right here for instructions)
15. Go to Eno River State Park
Final however certainly not least on my checklist of what to see in Durham is the beautiful 4000-acre Eno River State Park. It provides a number of the greatest mountain climbing round and an abundance of nice trails and rolling hills. There are such a lot of superb spots for picnics and a number of the most lovely surroundings in North Carolina.
As it’s possible you’ll 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 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 quick 10-minute drive from central Durham and completely definitely 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, quick 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 scorching. 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 recreation because the solar units within the night.
2-3 Days in Durham Itinerary
In your first day get to know the town with a enjoyable scavenger hunt. Then cease off downtown to discover a number of the cool bars and breweries on provide.
On day two, get out of the town just a little and discover the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum, an iconic and vital a part of Durham’s historical past. Keep on just a little 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 ultimate day absorb the fantastic thing about Duke College with a brief stroll across the East Campus. From there you may simply stroll by means 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, if you happen to’re in luck and the Bulls are taking part in at house, get to a recreation.
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 wish 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.
Be sure you head as much as Duke Gardens – among the finest free issues to do in Durham. Should you’ve received the vitality afterwards you may even stroll again to the town by means of the Duke College East Campus. Proceed on by means of the Warehouse District and you should definitely reward your self at a number of of the quite a few espresso and beer stops that you just discover alongside the best way.
Get out to Falls Lake for some R&R. It’s such a good looking 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 largest vacationer sights in Durham; both a present on the Carolina Theater or a Durham Bulls recreation. Each are an absolute should!
Every week provides you with loads of time to take just a few day journeys out of city. So head all the way down to Wilmington for an informative strolling tour, then constitution your individual boat and discover the Cape Worry River. Raleigh is likely one of the greatest 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 strolling 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 just a few of the perfect neighborhoods in Durham for vacationers:
Downtown Durham
Downtown Durham is filled with bars, eating places, cafes, and breweries. It’s the vigorous a part of city but additionally properties some actual historic websites comparable to King’s Sandwich Store. 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 referred to as Boxcar right here that has an ideal every day glad 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 residences might be extra available for lodging, particularly if you wish to keep near all of the motion. Take a look at this nice condo that not solely provides an expensive house ideally positioned for downtown, but additionally a health heart and BBQ space.
Central Durham
Durham is such a walkable metropolis, it felt like all the things 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 Predominant, a cool previous dive bar and one of many least expensive round with free meals up for grabs 3 nights every week.
The enduring Durham Lodge is a perfect place to remain. It’s a cool historic constructing, has a rooftop bar, and is seconds from a primary hub of different sights the place you may 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 residences than motels because it’s a suburban space with tree-lined quiet streets, small parks, church buildings, faculties, and naturally the well-known Duke East Campus.
Basing your self right here means you’ll nonetheless solely be 10-Quarter-hour stroll in both course from all the things you might probably require throughout your keep in Durham.
It’s the form of space the place you wouldn’t be shocked to see a classical quartet hanging up a set within the park or a bluegrass band jamming on a entrance porch. Take a look at this nice studio condo 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 wanting 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 an ideal collection of North Carolina BBQ, The Blue Observe Grill sits in an iconic location within the coronary heart of downtown Durham. There’s all the time an ideal alternative 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 wonderful, and completely to not be missed. Being somebody that all the time struggles to resolve on a facet dish, it was nice to see the choice to order a plate of sides – decide any 4 for $11. Nice if you happen to simply need one thing small or to share. Click on right here to search out it on the map.
Hutchins Storage
Hutchins Storage is regarded by many locals as the perfect pizza in Durham. Many make a weekly journey downtown to seize one in every of these scrumptious pies. I can affirm, the pizzas are big, contemporary, and a number of the greatest I’ve ever eaten. They’re fairly 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 previous storage and has been transformed into an ideal indoor and out of doors eatery. Click on right here to search out it on the map.
Juju
On the far facet of the Duke East Campus, you’ll discover Juju, a very talked-about 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 definitely worth the Uber trip from downtown or a pleasant stroll by means of the campus for a go to. I strongly advocate reserving because it will get busy. Click on right 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 standard spot for locals and guests alike. It provides quintessential American house cooking with an enormous menu that covers all the things from fundamental breakfasts to hearty night meals. Situated on ninth Avenue, Elmo’s has the feel and appear of a standard diner and it’s an ideal expertise simply strolling by means of the door.
You may need to attend a couple of minutes for a desk, however the employees is tremendous organized and can name you as quickly as your desk is prepared. Should you’re heading in alone or simply with a good friend, go for countertop service the place you’ll be seated faster and have much more of that true classic diner expertise. Click on right here to search 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 big 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 contains a microbrewery that provides an ideal collection of beers to accompany your meal, in actual fact, many individuals go for the drinks and find yourself staying for the meals. Click on right here to search out it on the map.
Attending to Durham
Durham is in shut proximity to a large-sized worldwide airport (RDU) with flights from all throughout America touchdown each hour, and from main international locations comparable to Paris and London each day.
From right here, you may simply rent a automotive, prepare a personal switch or just order an Uber to take you to the middle of Durham (round 25-Half-hour away).
One in all my largest sights to Durham was that it’s such a walkable metropolis, but it surely does get highly regarded throughout the summer season months, and the occasional storm can rapidly descend. Fortunately, Uber is available and normally very inexpensive provided that it’s not an enormous metropolis to traverse.
Hireable scooters are sometimes at hand if you happen to simply fancy getting there just a little faster and a daily and dependable bus service additionally hyperlinks all primary 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 vigorous brewery and bar scene.
Within the springtime, earlier than the warmth and humidity change into too intense.
Completely. There are a ton of issues to do and its proximity to a significant college makes it a extremely occurring metropolis.
Every week to 10 days provides you with 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 all the time felt extraordinarily protected strolling about day and evening. As when visiting any main metropolis, you must all the time be cautious, but it surely’s a snug and pleasant place to be.
Visiting the breweries and bars of downtown Durham. You’ll be able to spend an excellent few afternoons partaking in a number 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. Should you’re prepared to journey just a little additional out, Carolina Seashore is beautiful and sits on the Atlantic Ocean about 2.5 hours drive away.
North Carolina is understood for its personal specific model of barbecue, so that you gained’t be wanting choices. My greatest decide is the Blue Observe Grill in downtown Durham. Order the ribs!
In Closing
Durham is an excellent 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 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 get pleasure from.
