On this article, I’ll record 15 of the perfect day journeys from Durham, NC. I just lately spent three lovely months in Durham and its surrounding areas and beloved my time there. There’s a lot to do and see, from vital historic websites to wonderful mountain hikes and river walks.
There are various 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 you go to some unbelievable small cities and neighboring massive 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 points of interest to maintain all people occupied.
Greatest Day Journeys from Durham NC
I’ve compiled this record based mostly on a few of 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 just’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 automobile, 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 improbable metropolis in its personal proper, steeped in historical past and boasting a superb status for meals, bars, and nightlife. A considerably greater inhabitants than Durham means Raleigh has way more of a big-city vibe, however it maintains a small southern metropolis’s hospitality and welcoming nature.
Raleigh is called ‘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 fascinating 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
Among the finest day journeys from Durham, NC, is to Wilmington, NC. It’s round 2.5 hours away by automobile and properly well 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 Worry River is a wonderful 1.75-mile riverwalk often 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 an wonderful museum and struggle memorial.
You’ll discover many nice retailers, bars, and eating places in Wilmington. A stroll across the former Cotton Change constructing, now a buying and eating complicated, is an effective way to spend a number of hours.
Location: 2.5 hours southwest of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automobile
Should-Do Actions: Constitution a sailboat and cruise alongside the Cape Worry River, take a ghost stroll via historic Wilmington, or stroll alongside the gorgeous Wilmington Riverwalk.
The place to Eat: The Fork ‘N’ Cork – Superior burgers and sandwiches in a improbable constructing. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Carolina Seashore
Simply quarter-hour from Wilmington is the beautiful Carolina Seashore, certainly one of my favourite day journeys from Durham, NC. This small seashore city is dwelling to lovely sandy seashores, the blue Atlantic Ocean, and a ton of cool bars and enjoyable issues to do.
The wood boardwalk alongside the seashore has swing seats to take a seat for hours watching the waves. Many bars look out over the horizon with some providing nice comfortable hour offers. Through the hotter months, a semi-permanent fairground with a large Ferris Wheel is ready up proper within the middle of city.
Carolina Seashore is a good place to calm down and chill, however it’s also possible to get together 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 automobile
Should-Do Actions: Spend time chilling on the gorgeous sandy seashore by the ocean, e-book an island-hopping cruise, and hit the comfortable 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
Should you like small southern cities in 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 a number of occasions every week throughout my keep. It’s one of many extra leisurely day journeys from Durham by automobile, because it’s solely round 40 minutes away.
Roxboro is a cute little city that I bought a kick out of. I beloved 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 a neighborhood city the place all people is aware of all people, 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 well worth the quick journey alone. Should 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 automobile
Should-Do Actions: Get pleasure from 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 via 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 possibly can 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 resort, 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 kind of factor.
Location: 1 hour quarter-hour north of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automobile is most simple. Greyhound buses will get you to Danville, however you’ll want to vary 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. Should you’re feeling fortunate, probability 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 every day transport hyperlinks from Durham. Chapel Hill makes up the third area of the realm often 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 environment and focus of tradition that may be felt right here. There are various artwork galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Franklin Road is the central hub of Chapel Hill and is a improbable place to hang around. There are various bars, eating places, and cafes to be discovered right here, and it has an amazing social vibe.
Location: 12 miles south of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: Simply accessible by automobile or by bus
Should-Do Actions: Get pleasure from a day of consuming and consuming on Franklin Road, 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
Among the finest weekend journeys from Durham, NC, is a journey west to Asheville. It’s 225 miles away and three.5 hours (on day) by automobile, however it’s well worth the trek when you have the time.
Often known as ‘Beer Metropolis USA‘ as a result of variety of high quality craft breweries that function in Asheville, it’s turn into a hub for beer fans. It’s additionally a metropolis with a thriving arts and music scene; the River Arts District is thought for having a focus of artwork galleries and studios.
Should you like the good open air, Asheville affords improbable mountain climbing alternatives, in addition to the Blue Ridge Parkway, usually known as ‘America’s Favorite Drive.’ The 469-mile parkway runs partly via Asheville and affords breathtaking views of the pure magnificence and a few improbable scenic overlooks of Linville Falls – a multi-tiered waterfall.
Location: 225 miles east of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automobile is undoubtedly probably the most accessible. A Greyhound bus will get you there with a connection, however it takes for much longer.
Should-Do Actions: Take a guided mountain climbing tour of three waterfalls alongside the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway trails. Click on right here to e-book your guided hike. Take a night-time ghost stroll via 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 will be discovered at Falls Lake. Look no additional for those who like chilling out on a seashore, 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 Seashore. Lounging by the superbly maintained sandy seashores and clear water is a improbable strategy 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 bathroom 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 automobile (cheaper when you have seniors with you) and is accessible seven days every week from Labor Day to Memorial Day, excluding weekends in April, Might, and September.
Location: 25-Half-hour to the east of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automobile solely, because it’s fairly rural when you get to the lake.
Should-Do Actions: Catch some rays on the seashore, take a swim in Falls Lake, and spend a day wanting over some lovely surroundings.
The place to Eat: Take your personal meals as there’s nothing in the way in which of eating places on the lake. Be aware – 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 value testing in North Carolina. It’s significantly extra cosmopolitan than Durham, with a bustling downtown space (often known as Uptown) full of tall skyscrapers and towering buildings.
Charlotte is the second largest banking metropolis within the US based mostly on belongings, however this doesn’t imply it’s all enterprise. With a inhabitants near 1 million, it’s a metropolis full of 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 automobile or practice is equally as fast and straightforward.
Should-Do Actions: Try this wonderful brewery tour, stroll via 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 without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Durham. It’s solely 11 miles outdoors town and is a wonderful 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 buildings.
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 one of many finest issues to do in Durham.
Location: 11 miles north-northwest of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automobile.
Should-Do Actions: Get pleasure from any variety of the good mountain climbing trails, swim within the river (for those who’re visiting within the hotter months), or spend a day enjoyable by the banks of the Eno River.
The place to Eat: Get pleasure from your personal 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 often 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 outstanding supply of earnings on the Island for a lot of many years, however the miles of gorgeous seashores have led to a booming tourism business in current occasions. There are wonderful water sports activities actions, reminiscent of kayaking and paddle-boarding, all around the Outer Banks.
I like the historical past of the realm and a few iconic places are properly value 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 automobile
Should-Do Actions: Discover a few of the historic spots on the Island, take a 2-hour wild horse tour of the Outer Banks by 4WD truck, or go kayaking via 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 wonderful place to go to within the Nice Smoky Mountains. As day journeys from Durham go, you’ll wish to spend the night time and even the weekend visiting Bryson Metropolis, because it’s a 4-hour drive from Bull Metropolis. However the mountain climbing right here is improbable, and the surroundings is a few of the finest you’ll discover in North Carolina.
If mountain climbing isn’t your factor, take a practice experience up the Nice Smoky Mountains – the views are breathtaking. The city can also be a hub for fishing fans, 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, blended with the beautiful surroundings and quite a few leisure actions, is properly value a day journey from Durham. When you’ve got 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 automobile
Should-Do Actions: Take a practice journey via the gorgeous Nice Smoky Mountains, or go white-water rafting on the Nantahala River.
The place to Eat: Everett Road Diner – An incredible basic 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 accepted American Viticultural Space. It’s stated that the soil right here is much like that of Tuscany and that the local weather mimics wine-growing areas in France, that 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 numerous wines. Loads of the wineries even have eating places or picnic areas too.
Divine Llama Vineyards is a reasonably distinctive place the place you possibly can 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 sooner or later. In addition to Raleigh, Richmond (the State Capitol of Virginia) is just a few hours’ drive from Durham.
Richmond performed a big position in American historical past because the capital of the Confederacy through the American Civil Warfare. The town has quite a few historic websites and museums, together with the compelling American Civil Warfare Museum. The Virginia State Capitol constructing, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is one other iconic historic website value a go to.
In addition to loads of historical past, Richmond has an amazing arts and tradition scene, too. The Virginia Museum of Effective Arts is without doubt one of the largest and most complete artwork museums within the US. The town additionally boasts a vigorous music and theater scene, with quite a few stay 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 automobile is most accessible, however Greyhound buses go direct from Durham with quite a few every day providers. Amtrak can even get you there, however with a connection that takes considerably longer.
Should-Do Actions: Go to the Virginia Museum of Effective 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 – Glorious Pad Thai in a comfortable setting with a beautiful patio. Click on right here for instructions.
15. Cary, NC
Cary is without doubt one of the most charming day journeys from Durham, NC. It constantly ranks as one of many finest locations to stay in the US and is thought for its low crime charges, in depth greenway system, and well-maintained parks and leisure areas. Positioned simply 20 miles south of Durham, it’s a prime 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 repeatedly brings touring performers and bands to Cary.
The Fred G. Bond Metro Park is a good place to spend a number of hours enjoyable. It options a wonderful lake the place you possibly can 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 automobile 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 calming 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 Road Bistro – Trendy 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 Seashore and Wilmington is the preferred. It’s a 2.5-hour drive southeast, and you could find your self sitting on the gorgeous Carolina Seashore in a cool city on the Atlantic Ocean. Wilmington is near the seashore and is a good metropolis full of tradition and historical past, I like spending the day right here.
Ten days to 2 weeks for a trip would provide you with sufficient time to discover Durham and the encircling areas. There are various wonderful day journeys from Durham, NC, so it’s an amazing place to make use of as a hub for exploring extra of North Carolina.
You possibly can discover lots of the wonderful day journeys from Durham with a automobile. Historic Wilmington and Carolina Seashore are simply 2.5 hours away. Charlotte is a vibrant metropolis, a number of 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 possibly can shortly tick off each on the identical day with a automobile.
There’s an Amtrak station within the middle of Durham, so day journeys from Durham by practice are simply attainable. A visit to Charlotte, NC, could be an amazing possibility as common every day trains run between the cities. Charlotte is a bustling, vibrant metropolis value a go to and is simply 2.5-3 hours away through practice.
Eno River State Park could 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 top-of-the-line 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 without doubt one of the finest day journeys from Durham you could take. The colourful metropolis has a ton of tradition and historical past and a very good scholar vibe. It’s the dwelling of the College of North Carolina.
In Conclusion
There are various 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 automobile could also be vital for visiting a few of the locations in my prime 15, there’s nonetheless a big variety of prime spots that may be accessed through bus, practice, and even taxi with relative ease.
Durham is located in a wonderful 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.
