Things to do in Durham

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Durham Travel Guide

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What to do in Durham

Discover the most popular places to visit in Durham

Duke University

Walk around the campus of Duke University, a top college in Durham. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's stunning cathedral.

North Carolina State University

Explore the campus of North Carolina State University, a top college in Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

This was an interesting trail I found today. I parked at PNC arena then followed a pathway that went under Edwards Mill rd. And route 40. The first mile is nothing special. It's a very wide Greenway with a ton of manholes. But it leads you to a smaller trail that borders the Schenck forest and turns into loblolly trail in Umstead! This area was very pretty and followed what I believe was Reedy Creek.

The best part is I walked 4 miles total and only saw 3 other people!

Lenovo Center

Catch an event at Lenovo Center during your trip to Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

University of North Carolina

Explore the campus of University of North Carolina, during your travels in Chapel Hill. Experience the area's entertainment choices or attend a sporting event.

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

Enjoy an outing to North Carolina State Fairgrounds during your stay in Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Raleigh Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Raleigh Convention Center during your trip to Raleigh. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Crabtree Valley Mall

You can enjoy retail therapy at Crabtree Valley Mall during your trip to Raleigh. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

You can make plans for a show at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek on your trip to Raleigh. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Duke University Hospital

Though Duke University Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Durham while you are here.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Durham

Downtown Durham

4.5/5(105 area reviews)

Discover a historic district with 97 contributing buildings, showcasing Colonial Revival, Italianate, and Art Deco architecture. Visit notable landmarks like Durham County Courthouse and Carolina Theatre.

Trinity Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trinity Park and surrounding area, you can visit Brightleaf Square and Carolina Theatre.

East Durham

While there might not be top attractions in East Durham, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Durham Performing Arts Center and American Tobacco Campus.

9th Street District

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit 9th Street District. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Northgate Mall, a few notable attractions nearby.

North Garrett Road

4/5(73 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in North Garrett Road, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Waller Family Farm and Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Forest Hills

5/5(2 area reviews)

When in Forest Hills, you can plan a visit to Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Forest Hills Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Popular day trips from Durham

Raleigh

Apex

Chapel Hill

Cary

Hillsborough

Wake Forest

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?

Whether you want to discover the cultural highlights and local charm or sample regional foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Durham.

How do I spend a day in Durham?

Museum of Life and Science and Duke Lemur Center are two awesome places to kick-start your adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Durham while you're here too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Durham?

You can't go home without checking out Carolina Theatre, ranked the top tourist attraction in Durham.

Is three days enough to stay in Durham?

Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city highlights, such as Carolina Theatre, Museum of Life and Science and American Tobacco Campus. The average stay in Durham is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Raleigh isn't far away.

Is Durham a walkable city?

It depends on what you want to see and do in Durham. Several key attractions, such as Carolina Theatre and Museum of Life and Science, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Durham's best neighborhoods, Downtown Durham is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Duke Park is 2 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?

Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Durham with kids.

What to do in Durham for adults?

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Durham for adults including Fullsteam Brewery and Honey Girl Meadery.

Are there free things to do in Durham?

From checking out parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Durham. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. American Tobacco Campus is a must for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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