On this article, I’ll checklist 15 of one of the best day journeys from Durham, NC. I lately spent three stunning months in Durham and its surrounding areas and liked my time there. There’s a lot to do and see, from vital historic websites to glorious mountain hikes and river walks.
There are a lot of issues within the metropolis itself. Nonetheless, North Carolina means many different cities, and glorious alternatives are close by. Whilst you’re right here, make sure to 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 wonderful day excursions from Durham and plenty of enjoyable points of interest to maintain everyone occupied.
Greatest Day Journeys from Durham NC
I’ve compiled this checklist based mostly on a few of the glorious Durham day journeys I loved there. I did a little bit of every little thing, from mountaineering mountains to chilling by the ocean so I’m certain you’ll discover a lot on this checklist 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 automotive, 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 unbelievable metropolis in its personal proper, steeped in historical past and boasting a wonderful repute for meals, bars, and nightlife. A considerably larger inhabitants than Durham means Raleigh has far more of a big-city vibe, however it maintains a small southern metropolis’s hospitality and welcoming nature.
Raleigh is named ‘The Metropolis of the Oaks’ on account of its many stunning oak timber that line its streets and parks. It’s additionally residence 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
Top-of-the-line day journeys from Durham, NC, is to Wilmington, NC. It’s round 2.5 hours away by automotive and effectively 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 superb 1.75-mile riverwalk referred to 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 glorious museum and conflict 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 couple of hours.
Location: 2.5 hours southwest of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive
Should-Do Actions: Constitution a sailboat and cruise alongside the Cape Worry River, take a ghost stroll by way of historic Wilmington, or stroll alongside the attractive Wilmington Riverwalk.
The place to Eat: The Fork ‘N’ Cork – Superior burgers and sandwiches in a unbelievable constructing. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Carolina Seashore
Simply quarter-hour from Wilmington is the gorgeous Carolina Seashore, certainly one of my favourite day journeys from Durham, NC. This small seaside city is residence to stunning sandy seashores, the blue Atlantic Ocean, and a ton of cool bars and enjoyable issues to do.
The picket boardwalk alongside the seaside has swing seats to sit down for hours watching the waves. Many bars look out over the horizon with some providing nice joyful hour offers. Through the hotter months, a semi-permanent fairground with an enormous Ferris Wheel is ready up proper within the heart of city.
Carolina Seashore is a superb place to calm down and chill, however you too can occasion 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 automotive
Should-Do Actions: Spend time chilling on the attractive sandy seaside by the ocean, guide an island-hopping cruise, and hit the joyful 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 off-the-cuff dive bar setting. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Roxboro, NC
In case you like small southern cities in the US, Roxboro is the place for you. I discovered this place by way of a volunteer web site and ended up serving to a woman together with her gardening a couple of occasions every week throughout my keep. It’s one of many extra leisurely day journeys from Durham by automotive, because it’s solely round 40 minutes away.
Roxboro is a cute little city that I acquired a kick out of. I liked the outdated slices of Americana that may be seen in every single place, from the classic homes and the retro theater to the old-school diners and cafes. It’s an area city the place everyone is aware of everyone, however I used to be at all times 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. In case 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 automotive
Should-Do Actions: Take pleasure in 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 move 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 by way of stunning 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 mountaineering trails or chilling by the river.
Ceasars Virginia opened in 2023 and is a big on line casino, and soon-to-be lodge, 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 form of factor.
Location: 1 hour quarter-hour north of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive is most easy. Greyhound buses will get you to Danville, however you’ll want to alter at Greensboro, which takes for much longer.
Should-Do Actions: Stroll alongside the river within the historic downtown district of Danville, residence to varied well-preserved historic buildings and structure. In case 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 all the way 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 world referred to as the Analysis Triangle, together with Durham and Raleigh.
Chapel Hill is residence 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 a lot of artwork galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Franklin Avenue is the central hub of Chapel Hill and is a unbelievable place to hang around. There are a lot of bars, eating places, and cafes to be discovered right here, and it has an incredible social vibe.
Location: 12 miles south of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: Simply accessible by automotive or by bus
Should-Do Actions: Take pleasure in a day of consuming and ingesting on Franklin Avenue, 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
Top-of-the-line weekend journeys from Durham, NC, is a journey west to Asheville. It’s 225 miles away and three.5 hours (on a superb day) by automotive, however it’s well worth the trek when you’ve got the time.
Often called ‘Beer Metropolis USA‘ as a result of variety of high quality craft breweries that function in Asheville, it’s change into a hub for beer lovers. 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.
In case you like the nice open air, Asheville affords unbelievable mountaineering alternatives, in addition to the Blue Ridge Parkway, usually referred to as ‘America’s Favorite Drive.’ The 469-mile parkway runs partly by way of Asheville and affords breathtaking views of the pure magnificence and a few unbelievable scenic overlooks of Linville Falls – a multi-tiered waterfall.
Location: 225 miles east of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive 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 mountaineering tour of three waterfalls alongside the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway trails. Click on right here to guide your guided hike. Take a night-time ghost stroll by way of 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 if you happen to like chilling out on a seaside, 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 fantastically maintained sandy seashores and clear water is a unbelievable approach to spend a sunny day. There are quite a few areas shaded by the timber, ample picnic benches, and everlasting barbecue stations.
Simple parking and glorious clear rest room amenities are bonuses. The seashores round Falls Lake can get busy on weekends, so I counsel heading out early. The admittance price is $5-$7 per automotive (cheaper when you’ve got seniors with you) and is accessible seven days every week from Labor Day to Memorial Day, excluding weekends in April, Could, and September.
Location: 25-Half-hour to the east of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive solely, because it’s fairly rural when you get to the lake.
Should-Do Actions: Catch some rays on the seaside, take a swim in Falls Lake, and spend a day wanting over some stunning surroundings.
The place to Eat: Take your personal meals as there’s nothing in the way in which of eating places on the lake. Word – 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 (referred to as Uptown) stuffed with 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 stuffed with nice bars, eating places, and plenty of issues to maintain you occupied. South Finish is famend for having a number of glorious craft beer breweries.
Location: 2.5 hours to the west of Durham. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: By automotive or practice is equally as fast and straightforward.
Should-Do Actions: Take a look at this glorious brewery tour, stroll by way of the bustling streets of Uptown, and discover Charlotte’s wealthy historical past by way of 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 exterior town and is a phenomenal 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 residence to a few of my favourite mountaineering trails in Durham. 5 entry areas have options that embrace twenty-four miles of trails, leisure areas, and historic constructions.
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 automotive.
Should-Do Actions: Take pleasure in any variety of the nice mountaineering trails, swim within the river (if you happen to’re visiting within the hotter months), or spend a day enjoyable by the banks of the Eno River.
The place to Eat: Take pleasure in 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 referred to as the Outer Banks. The peninsula sits alongside a big chunk of the NC coast and has huge expanses of open beachfront going through the Atlantic Ocean.
Business fishing was the distinguished supply of earnings on the Island for a lot of a long time, however the miles of gorgeous seashores have led to a booming tourism business in latest occasions. There are glorious water sports activities actions, akin to kayaking and paddle-boarding, everywhere in the Outer Banks.
I really like the historical past of the world and a few iconic areas are effectively 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 automotive
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 by way of 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 phenomenal place to go to within the Nice Smoky Mountains. As day journeys from Durham go, you’ll need to spend the night time and even the weekend visiting Bryson Metropolis, because it’s a 4-hour drive from Bull Metropolis. However the mountaineering right here is unbelievable, and the surroundings is a few of the finest you’ll discover in North Carolina.
If mountaineering isn’t your factor, take a practice trip up the Nice Smoky Mountains – the views are breathtaking. The city can be a hub for fishing lovers, with alternatives for fly fishing alongside the Nantahala River. The river can be a well-liked spot for white-water rafting and kayaking adventures.
The small-town vibe of Bryson Metropolis, blended with the gorgeous surroundings and quite a few leisure actions, is effectively value a day journey from Durham. In case you have 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 automotive
Should-Do Actions: Take a practice journey by way of the attractive Nice Smoky Mountains, or go white-water rafting on the Nantahala River.
The place to Eat: Everett Avenue Diner – An amazing traditional American diner. Click on right here for instructions.
13. The Yadkin Valley Wine Area
It’s apparent why this one made the checklist! Just a few hours from Durham is the Yadkin Valley wine area, the primary federally accredited American Viticultural Space. It’s mentioned 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 a large a part of the Yadkin Valley’s attraction, with over 40 wineries within the area. Guests can discover the picturesque vineyards, benefit from the surroundings, and style the various wines. Plenty of the wineries even have eating places or picnic areas too.
Divine Llama Vineyards is a fairly 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 Automotive
Should-Do Actions: Go to as many vineyards as time permits, benefit from the stunning surroundings, and pattern some glorious 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 in the future. In addition to Raleigh, Richmond (the State Capitol of Virginia) is only some hours’ drive from Durham.
Richmond performed a big position in American historical past because the capital of the Confederacy in the course of the American Civil Struggle. The town has quite a few historic websites and museums, together with the compelling American Civil Struggle Museum. The Virginia State Capitol constructing, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is one other iconic historic web site value a go to.
In addition to loads of historical past, Richmond has an incredible arts and tradition scene, too. The Virginia Museum of Nice 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 reside 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 automotive is most accessible, however Greyhound buses go direct from Durham with quite a few every day companies. Amtrak will even get you there, however with a connection that takes considerably longer.
Should-Do Actions: Go to the Virginia Museum of Nice 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 – Wonderful 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 persistently ranks as one of many finest locations to reside in the USA and is thought for its low crime charges, intensive 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 be residence to the Koka Sales space Amphitheatre, a 7000-capacity out of doors venue that commonly brings touring performers and bands to Cary.
The Fred G. Bond Metro Park is a superb place to spend a couple of hours enjoyable. It options a phenomenal lake the place you possibly can go paddle boating/boarding and fishing. There are additionally some good playgrounds, picnic areas, and mountaineering 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 automotive is best however there are common bus companies, in addition to Amtrak trains to and from Durham that get you there simply as rapidly.
Should-Do Actions: Head all the way down to Fred G. Bond Metro Park for a soothing 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 Avenue Bistro – Fashionable 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 most well-liked. It’s a 2.5-hour drive southeast, and you will discover your self sitting on the attractive Carolina Seashore in a cool city on the Atlantic Ocean. Wilmington is near the seaside and is a superb metropolis stuffed with tradition and historical past, I really 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 a lot of glorious day journeys from Durham, NC, so it’s an incredible place to make use of as a hub for exploring extra of North Carolina.
You can discover most of the glorious day journeys from Durham with a automotive. Historic Wilmington and Carolina Seashore are simply 2.5 hours away. Charlotte is a vibrant metropolis, a couple of hours within the different route.
Two state capitols are inside attain, too, with Raleigh (NC) shut by and Richmond (VA) a 2.5-hour drive away. You can rapidly tick off each on the identical day with a automotive.
There’s an Amtrak station within the heart of Durham, so day journeys from Durham by practice are simply attainable. A visit to Charlotte, NC, could be an incredible choice 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 by way of practice.
Eno River State Park may be very near Durham and is a stunningly stunning a part of North Carolina. With mountaineering trails, leisure areas, water sports activities prospects, swimming spots, and historic ruins, a visit to Eno River State Park is an effective way to spend a day. It’s probably the greatest 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 can take. The colourful metropolis has a ton of tradition and historical past and a very good pupil vibe. It’s the residence of the College of North Carolina.
In Conclusion
There are a lot of 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 automotive could also be obligatory for visiting a few of the locations in my prime 15, there’s nonetheless a big variety of prime spots that may be accessed by way of bus, practice, and even taxi with relative ease.
Durham is located in a phenomenal 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 rapidly.
