Durham, North Carolina might not be as effectively often known as a few of its larger neighboring cities resembling 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 considered one of my favourite US locations.
Having simply spent nearly 3 months there, I’ve put collectively an inventory of the very best 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 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 town for round 3 months, I used to be capable of see and do a variety of enjoyable issues in Durham. This listing contains my prime advisable 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 crew. This mainly means you’re positive to see some top-notch ball gamers all hoping to make that remaining step or make a fast return to the most important 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 crew on the baseball scene. They’ve a powerful stadium, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, that’s simply walkable from town middle.
Tickets begin from as little as $10. In addition they provide promotions resembling $1 sizzling canine night time, $5 beer night time, and youngsters eat at no cost night time. Partaking in considered one of America’s favourite pastimes is among 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 on right here for instructions)
2. Discover the Warehouse District
Durham was as soon as the middle of the tobacco world and its revenues had been the lifeblood of the city’s economic system, from its earliest days till the eventual demise of the cigarette trade. An enormous quantity was produced yearly proper from the center of town.
As large tobacco began to shut down within the early 2000s, it left behind a variety of 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 points of interest 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 Foremost 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 take into account signing your self up for a Durham scavenger hunt. It’s a very nice solution to see some completely different areas and spend a couple of 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 photographs of the cool stuff 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 received’t give any clues as to the stuff you may discover alongside the best way, however it’s another solution to discover town. It’s one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Durham.
Click on right here to study extra in regards to the Durham scavenger hunt.
4. Get Out to Falls Lake
Twenty minutes outdoors of town, you’ll discover Falls Lake. It’s a large expanse of water surrounded by lovely woodlands making it the most effective issues to do round Durham.
There are a variety 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 Seaside – 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 hassle discovering a pleasant shady spot by the lake. It prices $5-$7 per automobile, however when 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 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 the most effective methods to spend a couple of hours. Only a brief hop from town middle, 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 important 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 sneakers as there are over 5 miles of pathways and trails all through the gardens. I undoubtedly price this as the most effective 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 well-liked public recreation areas. It attracts loads of hikers, joggers, cyclists, and common followers of the nice outside.
Alongside the path, you’ll acquire a captivating glimpse into a few of Durham’s wealthy cultural heritage as you encounter previous tobacco barns, commemorative signage, deserted rail tracks and stations, paintings, and sculptures.
You possibly can be a part of the path at many entry factors, so it’s not essential to stroll the entire 22 miles when you don’t wish to. The mild slopes make this an ideal exercise for all ages and is surely one of many prime issues to do in Durham.
Handle: 601 W Foremost 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 energetic and well-liked a part of city; stuffed with cool bars, breweries, and eating places. Visiting is among the greatest issues to do in Durham at night time.
Two of the preferred brewing firms downtown are Fullsteam Brewery and Ponysaurus Brewing Firm. Each provide thirsty patrons an inviting taproom and bar, and pleasant, educated workers. There are additionally some imaginative craft beers to attempt, which might be made onsite with regionally sourced substances.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Durham for {couples} however downtown must be my decide for a couple of quiet early drinks. Perhaps seize a pleasant meal, adopted by some dwell music with cocktails or some retro enjoyable on the Boxcar Bar and Arcade. It’s well worth the very brief stroll from town middle any day of the week.
8. See a Present on the Carolina Theater
The Carolina Theater was inbuilt 1926 and is a ravishing constructing stuffed with historic appeal. Its character, magnificence, 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 among 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 considered one of 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 traditional 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 each day I took a stroll by way of the fantastically landscaped grounds.
I liked admiring the Georgian-style structure of the primary thoroughfare. I want this had been my faculty! Duke is a giant participant on the US school 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. An enthralling metropolis on the southeastern shoreline, it’s identified for its picturesque waterfront, wealthy historical past, and energetic arts scene.
You possibly can take a pleasant stroll alongside the 1.75-mile boardwalk that runs alongside the Cape Concern River, and discover a World Battle 2 battleship – the USS North Carolina. If you happen to fancy it, you can too drive 10 minutes additional to the gorgeous Carolina and Kura seashores.
Also called ‘Hollywood East’ because of its recognition as a filming vacation spot, you may take a tour of some iconic set areas for TV reveals and flicks resembling 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 realized a great deal of cool info about Wilmington’s historical past.
11. Discover Cape Concern From a Distinctive View
Only a few personal 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 effectively value discovering a skipper keen 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 ravishing spring day. Our information was actually educated in regards to 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 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 should be in your listing. The state capital of North Carolina is barely 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 effectively value a go to.
There’s rather a lot to see, and with solely an evening in Raleigh, I opted for a ghosts and ghouls strolling tour of 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 fashionable lodge…
I additionally received to see an excellent chunk of Raleigh this fashion and realized some attention-grabbing info. The tour lasted round an hour and was actually pleasing. I’d undoubtedly suggest giving it a go. Click on right 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. Positioned 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 affords a ton of numerous 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 neighborhood 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 numerous meals vans do you have to wish to seize a tasty snack. There are additionally espresso stalls when you’re in search of a bit pick-me-up, and dwell music taking part in when you browse. Throughout the hotter months of April to September, a late afternoon market can also 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 prime issues to do in Durham is to go to the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum. It’s situated only a few minutes outdoors of town middle 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 someday turn out to be the American Tobacco Firm – 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 identify 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) affords an excessive amount of data 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 liked this place for the historical past side. It’s an effective way to spend a couple of 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 on no account least on my listing of what to see in Durham is the beautiful 4000-acre Eno River State Park. It affords a number of the greatest 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 lovely surroundings in North Carolina.
As it’s possible you’ll guess, it’s additionally a preferred spot for river actions resembling fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The clear, recent water can also be a preferred swimming spot, particularly throughout the hotter months of the yr.
It’s pet pleasant and you’ll 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 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 couple 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 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 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 town a bit and discover the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum, an iconic and essential a part of Durham’s historical past. Keep on a bit additional in the identical path 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 remaining day soak up the great thing about Duke College with a brief stroll across the East Campus. From there you may 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 dwell present or film on the Carolina Theater within the night. Or, when you’re in luck and the Bulls are taking part in at dwelling, get to a recreation.
1 Week in Durham Itinerary
Kick off your week by discovering the very best locations to see in Durham. Take a enjoyable scavenger hunt and see a number of the highlights of town. You’ll undoubtedly wish to revisit downtown greater than as soon as, so head all the way down to Fullsteam Brewery for a couple of beers within the night.
You’ll want to head as much as Duke Gardens – the most effective free issues to do in Durham. If you happen to’ve received the power afterwards you may even stroll again to town by way of the Duke College East Campus. Proceed on by way 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 ravishing 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!
Every week will provide you with loads of time to take a couple of day journeys out of city. So head all the way down to Wilmington for an informative strolling tour, then constitution your personal boat and discover the Cape Concern River. Raleigh is among 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 energetic and enjoyable place to be at any time.
The place to Keep in Durham
These are a couple of of the very best neighborhoods in Durham for vacationers:
Downtown Durham
Downtown Durham is stuffed with bars, eating places, cafes, and breweries. It’s the energetic a part of city but additionally properties some actual historic websites resembling King’s Sandwich Store. It’s a cute hole-in-the-wall model 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 a fantastic day by day completely satisfied hour, an enormous beer backyard, and many superior traditional gaming machines.
Downtown is the very best place to remain for first-time guests and also you’ll discover that residences will probably 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 affords an expensive house ideally situated for downtown, but additionally a health middle and BBQ space.
Central Durham
Durham is such a walkable metropolis, it felt like every little thing was Quarter-hour in any path. 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 Foremost, a cool previous dive bar and one of many least expensive round with free meals up for grabs 3 nights every week.
The long-lasting Durham Lodge is a perfect place to remain. It’s a cool historic constructing, has a rooftop bar, and is seconds from a important 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 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 path from every little thing you may probably require throughout your keep in Durham.
It’s the type of space the place you wouldn’t be shocked to see a classical quartet putting up a set within the park or a bluegrass band jamming on a entrance porch. Try this nice studio condo 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 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 a fantastic choice 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 a fantastic alternative of beers and cocktails in addition to nightly dwell music, with solely sure high-profile occasions requiring a canopy cost.
The ribs listed below are wonderful, and completely to not be missed. Being somebody that all the time 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 when you simply need one thing small or to share. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
Hutchins Storage
Hutchins Storage is regarded by many locals as the very best pizza in Durham. Many make a weekly journey downtown to seize considered one of these scrumptious pies. I can verify, the pizzas are large, recent, 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 identify suggests, an previous storage and has been transformed into a fantastic indoor and outside eatery. Click on right here to seek 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 choice of sake.
The meals right here is superior, the Mongolian beef was my private favourite. It’s well worth the Uber experience from downtown or a pleasant stroll by way of the campus for a go to. I strongly suggest reserving because it will get busy. Click on right 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 well-liked spot for locals and guests alike. It affords quintessential American dwelling cooking with an enormous menu that covers every little thing from primary breakfasts to hearty night meals. Positioned on ninth Road, Elmo’s has the feel and appear of a standard 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. If you happen to’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 right here to seek out it on the map.
Bull Metropolis Burger and Brewery
The identify 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 outstanding – 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 encompasses a microbrewery that provides a fantastic choice of beers to accompany your meal, in truth, many individuals go for the drinks and find yourself staying for the meals. Click on right 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 world locations resembling Paris and London every day.
From right here, you may simply rent a automobile, prepare a personal switch or just order an Uber to take you to the middle of Durham (round 25-Half-hour away).
One in every 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 season months, and the occasional storm can shortly descend. Fortunately, Uber is available and often very reasonably priced on condition that it’s not an enormous metropolis to traverse.
Hireable scooters are sometimes at hand when you simply fancy getting there a bit faster and an everyday and dependable bus service additionally hyperlinks all important components of 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, prime college, and energetic 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 very taking place metropolis.
Every week to 10 days will provide you with loads of time to discover all of the distinctive issues to do in Durham with possibilities to revisit all of the locations you actually liked. You’ll even have time to get out and about, outdoors town.
I all the time felt extraordinarily secure strolling about day and night time. As when visiting any main metropolis, it’s best to all the time be cautious, nevertheless it’s a snug and pleasant place to be.
Visiting the breweries and bars of downtown Durham. You possibly can spend an excellent few afternoons partaking in plenty of regionally brewed beers in some actually cool settings.
Sandling Seaside, which sits on the banks of Falls Lake, is round 20 minutes from central Durham. If you happen to’re keen to journey a bit 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 explicit model of barbecue, so that you received’t be wanting choices. My greatest 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 liked each minute of my time there. From the pleasant and welcoming individuals to the energetic bar scene and classic slices of American historical past, there are such a lot of cool locations to go to in Durham, I really consider it has one thing for everybody to get pleasure from.
