Durham, North Carolina will not be as properly often known as a few of its larger neighboring cities comparable to Raleigh and Charlotte, however there are such a lot of nice issues to do in Durham that it shouldn’t be missed. It in a short time turned one in all my favourite US locations.
Having simply spent virtually 3 months there, I’ve put collectively an inventory of the perfect 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 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 quite a lot of enjoyable issues in Durham. This record consists of my prime really useful actions, plus a few 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 group. This principally means you’re certain to see some top-notch ball gamers all hoping to make that remaining 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 group on the baseball scene. They’ve a powerful stadium, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, that’s simply walkable from town heart.
Tickets begin from as little as $10. In addition they provide promotions comparable to $1 scorching canine evening, $5 beer evening, and children eat at no cost evening. Partaking in one in all America’s favourite pastimes is likely one of the finest issues to do in Durham for households and folks 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 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 points of interest in Durham.
It’s straightforward to easily stroll round admiring a few 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 Fundamental 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 take into account 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 telephone as an interactive information and with a distant host you’ll be set challenges round Durham to finish. Submit pictures of the cool belongings 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 belongings you may discover alongside the best way, however it’s another solution to discover town. It’s probably the most 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 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 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 lovely.
It will get fairly busy on weekends, particularly throughout the hotter months. I visited early on Independence Day, nonetheless, and had no bother discovering a pleasant shady spot by the lake. It prices $5-$7 per 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 the most effective methods to spend a number of hours. Only a brief hop from town heart, 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 important benefactor, Benjamin N. Duke (extra on the Dukes later), that is an inspiring and spectacular place to go to. Remember to put on your strolling footwear as there are over 5 miles of pathways and trails all through the gardens. I positively charge this as the most effective 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 in style public recreation areas. It attracts loads of hikers, joggers, cyclists, and normal followers of the nice outdoor.
Alongside the path, you’ll acquire an enchanting glimpse into a few of Durham’s wealthy cultural heritage as you encounter outdated tobacco barns, commemorative signage, deserted rail tracks and stations, paintings, and sculptures.
You may be 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 need to. The light slopes make this an ideal exercise for all ages and is indubitably one of many prime issues to do in Durham.
Deal with: 601 W Fundamental 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 in style 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 preferred 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 attempt, which can be made onsite with regionally sourced components.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Durham for {couples} however downtown must be my decide for a number of quiet early drinks. Possibly seize a pleasant meal, adopted by some dwell music with cocktails or some retro enjoyable on the Boxcar Bar and Arcade. It’s definitely worth the very brief stroll from town heart any day of the week.
8. See a Present on the Carolina Theater
The Carolina Theater was in-built 1926 and is a wonderful constructing filled with historic attraction. 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 points of interest.
Musicians, comedy acts, dance recitals, and movie screenings are on on the theater frequently. I used to be fortunate sufficient to see one in all my favourite nation music artists right here who by probability was passing by Durham throughout my keep. The Carolina Theater additionally homes an intimate cinema that showcases impartial 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 each day I took a stroll by the superbly landscaped grounds.
I liked admiring the Georgian-style structure of the primary thoroughfare. I want this had been my college! Duke is an enormous 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. Nonetheless, it may be intersected at many factors. I all the time loved discovering new alleys and pathways whereas discovering a few 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 recognized 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 Concern River, and discover a World Warfare 2 battleship – the USS North Carolina. For those who fancy it, it’s also possible to drive 10 minutes additional to the attractive Carolina and Kura seashores.
Also called ‘Hollywood East’ on account of its recognition as a filming vacation spot, you may take a tour of some iconic set areas for TV reveals and flicks comparable 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 few 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 non-public constitution boats can be found on the beautiful Cape Concern River, however they do exist. And though the Wilmington Boardwalk is a good way to see a part of the river, it’s properly value discovering a skipper prepared 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 wonderful 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 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 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 properly value a go to.
There’s lots to see, and with solely an evening in Raleigh, I opted for a ghosts and ghouls strolling tour of town to get to know a few 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 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 a very good chunk of Raleigh this fashion and realized some attention-grabbing info. The tour lasted round an hour and was actually fulfilling. I’d positively suggest giving it a go. Click on right here to be taught 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. Situated within the coronary heart of downtown, in Central Park each Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm, you’ll discover the Durham Farmer’s Market. It gives a ton of numerous and distinctive distributors promoting all the pieces 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 throughout the metropolis.
You’ll additionally discover plenty of meals vans must you need to seize a tasty snack. There are additionally espresso stalls if you happen to’re searching for slightly pick-me-up, and dwell music enjoying 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.
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 only a few minutes outdoors of town heart the place this historic website preserves the house and historical past of Washington Duke. He was the patriarch of the Duke household who laid the muse for what would sooner or later develop into the American Tobacco Firm – one of many largest the world has ever recognized.
From this quaint and peaceable farm that dates again to the mid-Nineteenth century, the Duke household wrote its title into the historical past books by changing into the undisputed leaders in American tobacco manufacturing. The house and surrounding farmland and barns have been excellently preserved, and in some locations respectfully restored, making it an enchanting peak into the previous.
It’s free to go to however guided excursions can be found for only a few {dollars}. The accompanying museum (additionally free) gives 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 facet. It’s a good way to spend a number of 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 in no way least on my record of what to see in Durham is the beautiful 4000-acre Eno River State Park. It gives a few of the finest mountain climbing round and an abundance of nice trails and rolling hills. There are such a lot of wonderful spots for picnics and a few of the most lovely surroundings in North Carolina.
As chances are you’ll guess, it’s additionally a preferred spot for river actions comparable to fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The clear, recent water can also be a preferred swimming spot, particularly throughout the hotter months of the 12 months.
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 whole week, learn on to seek 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 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 few 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 essential a part of Durham’s historical past. Keep it up slightly additional in the identical course to the attractive 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 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, if you happen to’re in luck and the Bulls are enjoying at residence, get to a recreation.
1 Week in Durham Itinerary
Kick off your week by discovering the perfect locations to see in Durham. Take a enjoyable scavenger hunt and see a few of the highlights of town. You’ll positively 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.
Remember to head as much as Duke Gardens – the most effective free issues to do in Durham. For those who’ve bought the vitality afterwards you may even stroll again to town by the Duke College East Campus. Proceed on by the Warehouse District and you’ll want to 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 wonderful 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 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 Concern 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 few 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 perfect neighborhoods in Durham for vacationers:
Downtown Durham
Downtown Durham is filled with bars, eating places, cafes, and breweries. It’s the vigorous a part of city but additionally properties some actual historic websites comparable to King’s Sandwich Store. It’s a cute hole-in-the-wall fashion eatery that’s been in operation since 1942.
You’ll additionally discover a cool bar / retro arcade known as Boxcar right here that has a terrific each day pleased hour, an enormous beer backyard, and many superior traditional gaming machines.
Downtown is the perfect 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 gives an expensive house ideally situated for downtown, but additionally a health heart and BBQ space.
Central Durham
Durham is such a walkable metropolis, it felt like all the pieces was Quarter-hour in any course. That is very true in Central Durham the place, like in most metropolis facilities, you’ll discover a ton of bars, good procuring, and locations to eat. My private favourite was 106 Fundamental, a cool outdated dive bar and one of many least expensive round with free meals up for grabs 3 nights per week.
The enduring Durham Resort 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 good space to remain for households, and also you’ll discover extra residences than accommodations because it’s a suburban space with tree-lined quiet streets, small parks, church buildings, faculties, and naturally the well-known Duke East Campus.
Basing your self right here means you’ll nonetheless solely be 10-Quarter-hour stroll in both course from all the pieces you possibly can probably require throughout your keep in Durham.
It’s the sort of space the place you wouldn’t be shocked to see a classical quartet hanging up a set within the park or a bluegrass band jamming on a entrance porch. 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 in need of a terrific restaurant. Whether or not it’s conventional North Carolina barbeque or Asian fusion tapas, Durham’s bought you lined. Listed below are only a few of my favourite locations to eat in Durham.
The Blue Be aware Grill
Providing a terrific choice of North Carolina BBQ, The Blue Be aware Grill sits in an iconic location within the coronary heart of downtown Durham. There’s all the time a terrific selection of beers and cocktails in addition to nightly dwell 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 all the time struggles to resolve on a aspect dish, it was nice to see the choice to order a plate of sides – decide any 4 for $11. Nice if you happen to simply need one thing small or to share. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
Hutchins Storage
Hutchins Storage is regarded by many locals as the perfect pizza in Durham. Many make a weekly journey downtown to seize one in all these scrumptious pies. I can affirm, the pizzas are large, recent, and a few 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 outdated storage and has been transformed into a terrific 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 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 definitely worth the Uber experience from downtown or a pleasant stroll by 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 in style spot for locals and guests alike. It gives quintessential American residence cooking with an unlimited menu that covers all the pieces from primary breakfasts to hearty night meals. Situated on ninth Avenue, Elmo’s has the appear and feel of a standard diner and it’s a terrific expertise simply strolling by the door.
You might 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 buddy, 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 title says all of it I suppose! 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 aspect dishes. The relaxed environment and bench-style seating make it a really welcoming place to go to.
BCBB additionally incorporates a microbrewery that provides a terrific choice of beers to accompany your meal, in actual fact, many individuals go for the drinks and find yourself staying for the meals. Click on right here to 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 international locations comparable to Paris and London each day.
From right here, you may simply rent a automobile, prepare a non-public switch or just order an Uber to take you to the middle of Durham (round 25-Half-hour away).
One in all my largest points of interest to Durham was that it’s such a walkable metropolis, but it surely does get highly regarded throughout the summer time months, and the occasional storm can shortly descend. Fortunately, Uber is available and often very reasonably priced provided 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 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 vigorous brewery and bar scene.
Within the springtime, earlier than the warmth and humidity develop into too intense.
Completely. There are a ton of issues to do and its proximity to a significant 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 protected strolling about day and evening. As when visiting any main metropolis, it’s best to all the time be cautious, but it surely’s a snug and pleasant place to be.
Visiting the breweries and bars of downtown Durham. You may spend a very good 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 prepared 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 Be aware Grill in downtown Durham. Order the ribs!
In Closing
Durham is an excellent metropolis that I got here throughout by pure probability and a set of unusual coincidences, however I liked each minute of my time there. From the pleasant and welcoming folks to the vigorous bar scene and classic slices of American historical past, there are such a lot of cool locations to go to in Durham, I actually consider it has one thing for everybody to take pleasure in.
