Durham, North Carolina will not be as effectively referred to 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 considered one of my favourite US locations.
Having simply spent virtually 3 months there, I’ve put collectively an inventory of the most effective locations to go to in Durham, in addition to different actions that await you in and round ‘Bull Metropolis’.
With superb lakes and hikes, an superior bar and restaurant tradition, in addition to some critically attention-grabbing and vital elements 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 in a position to see and do quite a lot of enjoyable issues in Durham. This record contains my prime beneficial 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 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 workforce on the baseball scene. They’ve a formidable stadium, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, that’s simply walkable from the town heart.
Tickets begin from as little as $10. In addition they supply promotions equivalent to $1 scorching canine evening, $5 beer evening, and youngsters eat at no cost evening. Partaking in considered one of America’s favourite pastimes is likely one of the finest 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 have been the lifeblood of the city’s financial system, from its earliest days till the eventual demise of the cigarette trade. An enormous quantity was produced yearly proper from the guts of the town.
As large tobacco began to shut down within the early 2000s, it left behind quite a lot 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 sights in Durham.
It’s straightforward to easily stroll round admiring a number of the stunning 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 Primary 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 good strolling metropolis so think about signing your self up for a Durham scavenger hunt. It’s a very nice solution to see some totally different areas and spend a number of hours sightseeing in Durham. It’s a enjoyable, and barely aggressive, exercise that’s nice for {couples}.
Utilizing your cellphone as an interactive information and with a distant host you’ll be set challenges round Durham to finish. Submit pictures of the cool stuff you discover alongside your hunt to an interactive scoreboard, and see the way you examine 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 an alternate solution to discover the town. It’s one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Durham.
Click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the Durham scavenger hunt.
4. Get Out to Falls Lake
Twenty minutes exterior of the town, you’ll discover Falls Lake. It’s a large expanse of water surrounded by stunning woodlands making it probably the greatest issues to do round Durham.
There are a selection of recreation areas which have picnic benches, barbecues, and bathroom services 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 stunning.
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 car, however should 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 probably the greatest methods to spend a number of hours. Only a brief 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 predominant benefactor, Benjamin N. Duke (extra on the Dukes later), that is an inspiring and spectacular place to go to. Make sure to put on your strolling footwear as there are over 5 miles of pathways and trails all through the gardens. I undoubtedly charge this as probably the greatest 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 good outside.
Alongside the path, you’ll achieve 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 may be a part of the path at many entry factors, so it’s not essential to stroll the entire 22 miles should you don’t need to. The mild slopes make this an ideal exercise for all ages and is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Durham.
Handle: 601 W Primary 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 well-liked a part of city; filled with cool bars, breweries, and eating places. Visiting is likely one of the finest issues to do in Durham at evening.
Two of the most well-liked brewing firms downtown are Fullsteam Brewery and Ponysaurus Brewing Firm. Each supply thirsty patrons an inviting taproom and bar, and pleasant, educated employees. There are additionally some imaginative craft beers to strive, which might be made onsite with regionally sourced components.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Durham for {couples} however downtown needs to be my decide for a number of quiet early drinks. Possibly seize a pleasant meal, adopted by some stay music with cocktails or some retro enjoyable on the Boxcar Bar and Arcade. It’s well worth the very brief stroll from the town heart any day of the week.
8. See a Present on the Carolina Theater
The Carolina Theater was inbuilt 1926 and is a stupendous constructing filled with historic allure. 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 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 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 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 each day I took a stroll by way of the fantastically landscaped grounds.
I beloved 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 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 at all times 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 vigorous arts scene.
You may take a pleasant stroll alongside the 1.75-mile boardwalk that runs alongside the Cape Worry River, and discover a World Struggle 2 battleship – the USS North Carolina. For those who fancy it, you too can drive 10 minutes additional to the attractive Carolina and Kura seashores.
Also called ‘Hollywood East’ on account of its reputation as a filming vacation spot, you’ll be able to take a tour of some iconic set areas for TV exhibits and films equivalent to One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, and Iron Man 3.
I opted for an structure and historical past tour and obtained to see a number of the city’s most iconic and traditionally vital houses, church buildings, and buildings. I additionally discovered a great deal of cool information about Wilmington’s historical past.
11. Discover Cape Worry From a Distinctive View
Only a few personal 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 keen to take you out for an attention-grabbing and distinctive perspective of Wilmington from the water.
Some pals and I booked a really affordable 2-hour boat tour and had a lot enjoyable simply cruising alongside the river on a stupendous spring day. Our information was actually educated in regards to 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 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 have to be in your record. The state capital of North Carolina is just 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 price 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 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 thought 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 completely entertaining and I’ll admit to feeling a little relieved once I reached the well-lit security of my trendy resort…
I additionally obtained to see a superb chunk of Raleigh this manner and discovered some attention-grabbing information. The tour lasted round an hour and was actually pleasurable. I’d undoubtedly suggest giving it a go. Click on right here to be taught 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 provides 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 be taught extra about sustainability and occasions inside the metropolis.
You’ll additionally discover various meals vans do you have to need to seize a tasty snack. There are additionally espresso stalls should you’re in search of slightly pick-me-up, and stay music enjoying whilst 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 positioned just some minutes exterior of the town heart 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 grow 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 title 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 an enchanting 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) provides a substantial amount 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 beloved this place for the historical past side. It’s an effective way to spend a number 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 certainly not least on my record of what to see in Durham is the beautiful 4000-acre Eno River State Park. It provides a number of the finest 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 stunning surroundings in North Carolina.
As it’s possible you’ll guess, it’s additionally a well-liked spot for river actions equivalent to fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The clear, recent water can also 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 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 search out out extra:
1 Day in Durham Itinerary
Spend a number of 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 sport 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 supply.
On day two, get out of the town slightly and discover the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum, an iconic and vital a part of Durham’s historical past. Stick with it slightly additional in the identical route to the attractive Eno River State Park for a spot of climbing or simply to relax out by the majestic Eno River.
In your remaining 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 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 stay present or film on the Carolina Theater within the night. Or, should you’re in luck and the Bulls are enjoying at dwelling, 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 the town. You’ll undoubtedly need to revisit downtown greater than as soon as, so head all the way down to Fullsteam Brewery for a number of beers within the night.
Make sure to head as much as Duke Gardens – probably the greatest free issues to do in Durham. For those who’ve obtained the vitality afterwards you’ll be able to even stroll again to the town by way of the Duke College East Campus. Proceed on by way of the Warehouse District and make sure you reward your self at a number of of the quite a few espresso and beer stops that you simply discover alongside the best way.
Get out to Falls Lake for some R&R. It’s such a stupendous 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 sights in Durham; both a present on the Carolina Theater or a Durham Bulls sport. Each are an absolute should!
Per week will provide you with loads of time to take a number of 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 finest locations to go to close to Durham and is simply Half-hour away. Find out about 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 a number of 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 vigorous a part of city but in addition houses some actual historic websites equivalent to King’s Sandwich Store. It’s a cute hole-in-the-wall fashion 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 each day glad hour, an enormous beer backyard, and many superior basic gaming machines.
Downtown is the most effective place to remain for first-time guests and also you’ll discover that residences will likely 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 in addition a health heart and BBQ space.
Central Durham
Durham is such a walkable metropolis, it felt like every little thing was Quarter-hour in any route. 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 Primary, a cool previous dive bar and one of many most cost-effective round with free meals up for grabs 3 nights per 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 predominant 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 good 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 route from every little thing you could possibly presumably require throughout your keep in Durham.
It’s the sort of space the place you wouldn’t be shocked to see a classical quartet placing 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 in need of a terrific restaurant. Whether or not it’s conventional North Carolina barbeque or Asian fusion tapas, Durham’s obtained you coated. Listed below are just some of my favourite locations to eat in Durham.
The Blue Observe Grill
Providing an ideal number of North Carolina BBQ, The Blue Observe Grill sits in an iconic location within the coronary heart of downtown Durham. There’s at all times 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 superb, and completely to not be missed. Being somebody that at all times struggles to determine on a aspect dish, it was nice to see the choice to order a plate of sides – decide any 4 for $11. Nice should you 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 most effective pizza in Durham. Many make a weekly journey downtown to seize considered one of these scrumptious pies. I can affirm, the pizzas are big, recent, and a number of the finest 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 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 number 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 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 well-liked spot for locals and guests alike. It provides quintessential American dwelling cooking with an unlimited 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 conventional diner and it’s an ideal expertise simply strolling by way 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. For those who’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 aspect dishes. The relaxed ambiance and bench-style seating make it a really welcoming place to go to.
BCBB additionally incorporates a microbrewery that provides an ideal number of beers to accompany your meal, actually, 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 world locations equivalent to Paris and London each day.
From right here, you’ll be able to 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 among my largest sights to Durham was that it’s such a walkable metropolis, nevertheless it does get highly regarded throughout the summer season months, and the occasional storm can rapidly descend. Fortunately, Uber is available and normally very inexpensive on condition that it’s not an enormous metropolis to traverse.
Hireable scooters are sometimes at hand should you simply fancy getting there slightly faster and an everyday and dependable bus service additionally hyperlinks all predominant elements 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, prime college, and vigorous brewery and bar scene.
Within the springtime, earlier than the warmth and humidity grow to be too intense.
Completely. There are a ton of issues to do and its proximity to a serious college makes it a very occurring metropolis.
Per 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 beloved. You’ll even have time to get out and about, exterior the town.
I at all times felt extraordinarily secure strolling about day and evening. As when visiting any main metropolis, you need to at all times be cautious, nevertheless it’s a snug and pleasant place to be.
Visiting the breweries and bars of downtown Durham. You may spend a superb 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. For those who’re keen to journey slightly 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 in need of choices. My finest 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 beloved each minute of my time there. From the pleasant and welcoming individuals 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 consider it has one thing for everybody to get pleasure from.
