10 Awesome Things to Do in Durham, NC
The Top Rated Attractions & Activities in Durham
Durham lies in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, at the pinnacle of the well-known Research Triangle. Whether your perfect day of exploring includes one-of-a-kind shopping, immersing yourself in Revolutionary and Civil War history, taking in art and seeing a show, visiting a local university, playing with the kids, roaming the trails and woods along the Eno River or Duke Forest, or watching a Durham sporting event, Durham has a multitude of options. Don’t forget to enjoy some of Durham’s top restaurants for lunch and dinner!
Here is a list of our top 10 things to do in Durham:
1. Attend an exciting sport event
Here in Durham, we love our sports teams! Next time you’re in town, catch the Durham Bulls, Duke Blue Devils, Tobacco Road Football Club, NCCU Eagles basketball, or the Carolina Flyers ultimate team! No matter when you visit Durham, there is a sports game to attend!
2. Shop at the local boutiques
Getting some retail therapy is a must on vacation! Durham has everything you’re looking for! Our local shops offer one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, local products, boutiques for children, and gift shops. Shop in Durham and leave with a cherished memento!
3. Tour Civil War historical sites
Take a step back in time and explore the history of Durham! Our city has many historical sites that tell our story. From the earliest Native American tribes to America’s earliest days and modern times, you’ll experience the people and places that made our city. One of the most significant is the Bennett Place State Historic Site, which is where Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and Union Gen. William T. Sherman met to sign the surrender papers for Confederate armies across in the Carolinas Georgia, and Florida.
4. Take in a performance at the theater
Experience the local culture and see a live performance! The Carolina Theatre and the Durham Performing Arts Center are top places to visit. A little farther away in Raleigh, the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh Little Theatre, and the North Carolina Theatre host incredible shows! There are plenty of shows to see and enjoy any time of year, so buy your tickets now!
5. Visit our Universities
Durham is known for being home to some of the most highly regarded universities in the country. Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are among them. However, there are many universities in our area to explore!
6. Enjoy the splendor of the museums & gardens
Discover our gardens and museums. Our museums offer a different perspective of the city through art. Visit the Museum of Life + Science and explore Durham’s natural world, or explore Duke University’s Nasher Museum of Art for an extraordinary view of the world of local and international artists. That’s not all! Find your favorite museum here!
Take a peaceful garden walk in one of the many local public gardens! The Sarah P. Duke Gardens is one of the finest gardens in the country. You’ll truly feel as if you’ve escaped into another world!
7. Hike or bike the trails
Durham is the perfect destination for hiking and biking. Trails offer a great way to get out and explore the city. Be sure to make stops along the way and explore the many shops, galleries, and eateries along your route!
8. Connect with the local craft breweries & wineries
Finding a local brewery or winery is the perfect way to relax or prep for a night out! Get your friends together and try local Durham brews and vino.
9. Explore with the kids at children’s museums & venues
Bringing the kids with you? For a day of play and learning, Durham has so many museums children can visit. Our top picks include Kidzu Children’s Museum and Marbles Kids Museum! The little ones will surely have a great time and maybe meet a new friend!
10. Savor the cuisine at excellent restaurants in Durham
Our area has a diverse culinary scene for locals and visitors to enjoy! American, South American, Italian, Asian, and much more are all right here! Come and explore the local food scene and find your next favorite spot!