Durham, North Carolina will not be as nicely often known as a few of its greater neighboring cities equivalent 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 turned one among my favourite US locations.
Having simply spent virtually 3 months there, I’ve put collectively a listing of the most effective 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 attention-grabbing 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 town for round 3 months, I used to be capable of see and do loads of enjoyable issues in Durham. This record consists of my prime really useful 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 last step or make a fast return to the foremost 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 formidable 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 equivalent to $1 sizzling canine night time, $5 beer night time, and children eat free of charge night time. Partaking in one among America’s favourite pastimes is among the finest issues to do in Durham for households and other people of all ages.
Deal with: 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 business. An enormous quantity was produced yearly proper from the center of town.
As massive tobacco began to shut down within the early 2000s, it left behind loads of warehouses and factories in Durham. These have since been transformed into bars, workplaces, eating places, breweries, flats, retailers, and wine bars to make it one of many coolest vacationer sights in Durham.
It’s simple to easily stroll round admiring a number of the lovely outdated 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..
Deal with: Brightleaf Sq., 905 W Important 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 think about signing your self up for a Durham scavenger hunt. It’s a very nice approach 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 photographs of the cool belongings you discover alongside your hunt to an interactive scoreboard, and see the way you evaluate with present and former rivals.
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 way in which, however it’s an alternate approach to discover town. It’s one of the enjoyable issues to do in Durham.
Click on right here to study extra concerning the Durham scavenger hunt.
4. Get Out to Falls Lake
Twenty minutes exterior of town, you’ll discover Falls Lake. It’s a large expanse of water surrounded by lovely woodlands making it among the finest issues to do round Durham.
There are a variety of recreation areas which have picnic benches, barbecues, and bathroom services in addition to simple 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, nevertheless, and had no hassle discovering a pleasant shady spot by the lake. It prices $5-$7 per car, 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.
Deal with: 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 brief hop from town middle, Duke Gardens is a wonderful 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 fundamental 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 fee this as among the finest locations to go to in Durham.
Deal with: 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 a vital 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 achieve a captivating glimpse into a few of Durham’s wealthy cultural heritage as you encounter outdated tobacco barns, commemorative signage, deserted rail tracks and stations, art work, 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 if you happen to don’t wish to. The mild slopes make this an ideal exercise for all ages and is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Durham.
Deal with: 601 W Important 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 full of life and well-liked a part of city; filled with cool bars, breweries, and eating places. Visiting is among the finest issues to do in Durham at night time.
Two of the most well-liked brewing firms 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 domestically sourced substances.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Durham for {couples} however downtown must be my choose for just a few quiet early drinks. Perhaps seize a pleasant meal, adopted by some reside music with cocktails or some retro enjoyable on the Boxcar Bar and Arcade. It’s definitely 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 in-built 1926 and is a ravishing constructing filled with historic attraction. Its character, magnificence, and ornate structure make you are feeling as if you’re stepping again in time. Folks journey from throughout to attend performances right here and it is among the hottest Durham sights.
Musicians, comedy acts, dance recitals, and movie screenings are on on the theater regularly. I used to be fortunate sufficient to see one among my favourite nation music artists right here who by probability was passing by means of Durham throughout my keep. The Carolina Theater additionally homes an intimate cinema that showcases unbiased and traditional movies.
Deal with: 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 on daily basis I took a stroll by means of the superbly landscaped grounds.
I cherished admiring the Georgian-style structure of the principle thoroughfare. I want this had been my faculty! Duke is a giant participant on the US school scene and its status is obvious 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.
Deal with: 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 full of life arts scene.
You possibly can take a pleasant stroll alongside the 1.75-mile boardwalk that runs alongside the Cape Worry River, and discover a World Warfare 2 battleship – the USS North Carolina. When you fancy it, you may also drive 10 minutes additional to the gorgeous Carolina and Kura seashores.
Also called ‘Hollywood East’ as a consequence of its recognition as a filming vacation spot, you’ll be able to take a tour of some iconic set places for TV exhibits and flicks equivalent to One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, and Iron Man 3.
I opted for an structure and historical past tour and bought to see a number of the city’s most iconic and traditionally important properties, church buildings, and buildings. I additionally discovered a great deal of cool info about Wilmington’s historical past.
11. Discover Cape Worry From a Distinctive View
Only a few personal constitution boats can be found on the gorgeous Cape Worry River, however they do exist. And though the Wilmington Boardwalk is a good way to see a part of the river, it’s nicely value discovering a skipper prepared to take you out for an attention-grabbing and distinctive perspective of Wilmington from the water.
Some mates and I booked a really cheap 2-hour boat tour and had a lot enjoyable simply cruising alongside the river on a ravishing spring day. Our information was actually educated concerning the historical past of the native space and gave us some nice ideas for bars and eating places after our cruise too. What’s to not like? Click on right here to e book 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 have to be in your record. The state capital of North Carolina is simply 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 nicely value a go to.
There’s quite a bit 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 concept 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 after I reached the well-lit security of my fashionable resort…
I additionally bought to see chunk of Raleigh this manner and discovered some attention-grabbing info. The tour lasted round an hour and was actually satisfying. I’d positively advocate giving it a go. Click on right here to study extra and to e book 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 gives a ton of numerous and distinctive distributors promoting every part 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 quite a lot of meals vans do you have to wish to seize a tasty snack. There are additionally espresso stalls if you happen to’re in search of slightly pick-me-up, and reside music enjoying when you browse. In the course of the hotter months of April to September, a late afternoon market can be held each Wednesday from 3 pm till 6 pm.
Deal with: 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 just some minutes exterior 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 inspiration for what would sooner or later turn into 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 turning 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 just some {dollars}. The accompanying museum (additionally free) gives quite a lot of data on the historical past of tobacco in North Carolina; from its origins and manufacturing to the historic traits, commercial, and consumption of tobacco all through the USA and the world.
I’ve by no means smoked however I cherished this place for the historical past facet. It’s a good way to spend just a few hours in Durham.
Deal with: 2828 Duke Homestead Rd, Durham, NC 27705, United States (click on right here for instructions)
15. Go to Eno River State Park
Final however not at all least on my record of what to see in Durham is the gorgeous 4000-acre Eno River State Park. It gives a number of the finest mountaineering 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 chances are you’ll guess, it’s additionally a preferred spot for river actions equivalent to fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The clear, contemporary water can 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 definitely 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 complete week, learn on to seek out out extra:
1 Day in Durham Itinerary
Spend just a few hours exploring the Sarah P. Duke Gardens within the morning earlier than it will get too sizzling. Then hit the breweries downtown within the afternoon to chill down with a chilly one. End off by getting your self right down to a Bulls sport because the solar units within the night.
2-3 Days in Durham Itinerary
In your first day get to know 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 slightly and discover the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum, an iconic and vital a part of Durham’s historical past. Keep on slightly additional in the identical path to the gorgeous Eno River State Park for a spot of mountaineering or simply to relax out by the majestic Eno River.
In your last day soak up the fantastic thing about Duke College with a brief stroll across the East Campus. From there you’ll be able to simply stroll by means of the historic Warehouse District, stopping at any variety of cool bars and cafes alongside the way in which that take your fancy.
End up with a reside present or film on the Carolina Theater within the night. Or, if you happen to’re in luck and the Bulls are enjoying at house, get to a sport.
1 Week in Durham Itinerary
Kick off your week by discovering the most effective locations to see in Durham. Take a enjoyable scavenger hunt and see a number of the highlights of town. You’ll positively wish to revisit downtown greater than as soon as, so head right 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. When you’ve bought the power afterwards you’ll be able to even stroll again to town by means of the Duke College East Campus. Proceed on by means of the Warehouse District and be sure you reward your self at a number of of the quite a few espresso and beer stops that you just discover alongside the way in which.
Get out to Falls Lake for some R&R. It’s such a ravishing spot; they’ve seashores at quite a few recreation websites and the water is so refreshing to swim in. Depart time to get to one of many largest vacationer sights in Durham; both a present on the Carolina Theater or a Durham Bulls sport. Each are an absolute should!
Every week will provide you with loads of time to take just a few day journeys out of city. So head right down to Wilmington for an informative strolling tour, then constitution your personal boat and discover the Cape Worry River. Raleigh is among the finest locations to go to close to Durham and is simply Half-hour away. Study a number of the historical past and provides your self a fright with a ghosts and ghouls strolling tour.
End off your week with one other journey Downtown. There are many breweries, cafes, bars, and eating places and it’s a full of life and enjoyable place to be at any time.
The place to Keep in Durham
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Durham for vacationers:
Downtown Durham
Downtown Durham is filled with bars, eating places, cafes, and breweries. It’s the full of life a part of city but additionally properties some actual historic websites equivalent 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 known as Boxcar right here that has an amazing day by day comfortable hour, an enormous beer backyard, and plenty of superior traditional gaming machines.
Downtown is the most effective place to remain for first-time guests and also you’ll discover that flats can be extra available for lodging, particularly if you wish to keep near all of the motion. Take a look at this nice house that not solely gives an opulent area ideally situated for downtown, but additionally a health middle and BBQ space.
Central Durham
Durham is such a walkable metropolis, it felt like every part 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 buying, and locations to eat. My private favourite was 106 Important, a cool outdated 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 fundamental hub of different sights the place you’ll be able to deeply immerse your self in Durham’s nightlife scene.
Trinity Park
Trinity Park is a superb space to remain for households, and also you’ll discover extra flats than inns because it’s a suburban space with tree-lined quiet streets, small parks, church buildings, colleges, and naturally the well-known Duke East Campus.
Basing your self right here means you’ll nonetheless solely be 10-Quarter-hour stroll in both path from every part you could possibly presumably require throughout your keep in Durham.
It’s the form 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. Take a look at this nice studio house 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 in need of a terrific restaurant. Whether or not it’s conventional North Carolina barbeque or Asian fusion tapas, Durham’s bought you coated. Listed below are just some of my favourite locations to eat in Durham.
The Blue Observe Grill
Providing an amazing 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 amazing alternative of beers and cocktails in addition to nightly reside 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 aspect dish, it was nice to see the choice to order a plate of sides – choose any 4 for $11. Nice if you happen to 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 most effective pizza in Durham. Many make a weekly journey downtown to seize one among these scrumptious pies. I can verify, the pizzas are large, contemporary, and a number of the finest I’ve ever eaten. They’re moderately priced too and go completely with a cool beer choice from the accompanying bar.
The constructing was as soon as, because the identify suggests, an outdated storage and has been transformed into an amazing indoor and outside eatery. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
Juju
On the far aspect of the Duke East Campus, you’ll discover Juju, a very fashionable 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 journey 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 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 gives quintessential American house cooking with an enormous menu that covers every part from fundamental breakfasts to hearty night meals. Positioned on ninth Avenue, Elmo’s has the feel and appear of a standard diner and it’s an amazing 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. When 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 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 phenomenal – and don’t get me began on the aspect dishes. The relaxed environment and bench-style seating make it a really welcoming place to go to.
BCBB additionally incorporates a microbrewery that gives an amazing collection 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 equivalent to Paris and London every day.
From right here, you’ll be able to 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 very popular throughout the summer season months, and the occasional storm can rapidly descend. Fortunately, Uber is available and often very inexpensive on condition that it’s not an enormous metropolis to traverse.
Hireable scooters are sometimes at hand if you happen to simply fancy getting there slightly faster and an everyday and dependable bus service additionally hyperlinks all fundamental 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 full of life brewery and bar scene.
Within the springtime, earlier than the warmth and humidity turn into too intense.
Completely. There are a ton of issues to do and its proximity to a serious college makes it a very occurring 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 cherished. You’ll even have time to get out and about, exterior town.
I all the time felt extraordinarily secure strolling about day and night time. As when visiting any main metropolis, it is best to all the time be cautious, but it surely’s a cushty and pleasant place to be.
Visiting the breweries and bars of downtown Durham. You possibly can spend few afternoons partaking in a number of domestically brewed beers in some actually cool settings.
Sandling Seaside, which sits on the banks of Falls Lake, is round 20 minutes from central Durham. When you’re prepared to journey slightly additional out, Carolina Seaside is gorgeous and sits on the Atlantic Ocean about 2.5 hours drive away.
North Carolina is understood for its personal explicit model of barbecue, so that you gained’t be in need of choices. My finest choose is the Blue Observe Grill in downtown Durham. Order the ribs!
In Closing
Durham is a superb metropolis that I got here throughout by pure probability and a set of unusual coincidences, however I cherished each minute of my time there. From the pleasant and welcoming individuals to the full of life bar scene and classic slices of American historical past, there are such a lot of cool locations to go to in Durham, I really imagine it has one thing for everybody to get pleasure from.