10 Best Things To Do in Durham, NC
November 16th, 2022
Things To Do in Durham, NC
Are you looking for fun things to do in Durham, NC? Check out these top ten things to do in Durham!
Durham, NC, is the 4th most populous city in North Carolina. Often referred to as "The Bull City," it is also home to well-known Universities such as Duke University. Durham, NC, has proven to be a city that grows with its ever-changing development and innovations.
Locally, Durham is also known as "The City of Medicine." With cutting-edge technologies, Duke University Hospital is ranked number 1 in the state of North Carolina and number 23 in the nation, making this medical facility the top employer of Durham, NC. This makes Durham, NC, a paramount essential to residents and patients who travel across the nation to receive care.
As part of the Research Triangle Park, Durham will continue to be a part of the economic growth and development as more and more Tech Companies move into the area, creating more jobs and stimulating the overall health of the Durham, NC, area.
Are you thinking about moving to Durham, NC, or wondering what Durham, NC, is known for? We have you covered! We have compiled a fun and eclectic list of unique things to do while in Durham, NC.
We hope you will take away some key places to add to your list the next time you visit Durham, NC.
Check out these 10 Unique Things to do in Durham, NC!
Chapters
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Best for: Plant Lovers!
Hours: 8 am - dusk daily, year-round
Location: 420 Anderson Street, Durham, NC, 27705
Ages: All Ages
Duke Gardens has been a local favorite for many decades now. With over 600,000 visitors from all over the world annually, Duke Gardens has become a vital resource for inspiration, education, and enjoyment.
Sarah P. Duke was the widow of one of Duke University's founding members, Benjamin Duke. Her vision came to life, and nearly 80 years later, the Gardens now consist of four distinct areas:
- The Historic Garden
- H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants
- W. L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum
- Doris Duke Center Gardens
Start your visit at Doris Duke Center and Gift shop as you make your way through the Gothic Gates. Admission is free; however, there is a $2 fee per hour for parking. Plant species rotate on seasonal schedules, and there is a continual effort for the growth and development of Duke Gardens.
Lush greenery, flowers, and plants crawl throughout the 55-acre neighboring property of Duke University. Many choose this spot as a perfect backdrop to weddings, private events, and professional photographs.
Whether you are an avid gardener or love the outdoors, you will see why so many patrons frequent this Durham gem annually.
Museum of Life and Science
Best for: Families
Hours: Tuesday- Sunday, 10 am- 5 pm (9 am admission for members)
Location: 433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham, NC, 27704
Ages: All Ages
Located less than 5 miles from downtown Durham, The Museum of Life and Science has become a popular destination for families throughout the Triangle area. The 84- acre campus includes exhibits such as Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Hideaway Woods, Into the Mist, Earth Move, and Aerospace.
The science center is also home to one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the east coast. Rescuing animals such as lemurs, black bears, and endangered red wolves, The Museum of Life and Science has become a sanctuary for over 60 species of animals.
So, if you want to enhance your education on animals and science, this is the place to go! You will find many reasons why this has become a staple to the community of Durham, NC.
Duke University
Best for: Bookworms and College Students
Hours: Hours vary
Location: 2138 Campus Drive, Durham, NC, 27708
Ages: All ages may visit
If you're in Durham, you may want to visit the historic and beautiful campus of Duke University. You will see that the diverse and rich culture has been weaved throughout the campus spanning over 8,600 acres.
Duke traces its origin from a small school back to 1838 in Randolph County. The institution moved to Durham in 1892 and finally opened its doors at Duke University in 1924.
With a low acceptance rate of 5.8%, students enrolled in Duke University typically will have an average GPA of 4.13 or higher, making this university the most competitive College institution in North Carolina, ranking number 10 in the U.S. for best colleges and national Universities.
Duke University Chapel
Best for: Historians
Hours: 10 am- 8 pm, daily
Location: 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC, 27708
Ages: All Ages
"The great towering Church," found in the center of Duke University's campus, is a symbol and sanctuary open to all people. Known as a center for interdenominational Christianity, this iconic structure welcomes all walks of religion, backgrounds, and cultures.
As part of Duke University, Duke University Chapel is in partnership with the division of student affairs and serves students with opportunities to learn about other faiths while exploring their own.
Standing at 210 feet tall, this structure on campus was planned first but built last. As the saying goes, there is no doubt that Duke University saved the best for last. The Chapel will undoubtedly take your breath away while you marvel at one of the country's final great collegiate Gothic projects.
Stained glass windows, ornamental gold symbols, and stone carvings are just some of the unique characteristics that will be sure to blow your mind as you walk through this historic landmark at the highest point of Duke Universities' campus.
Be sure to plan to see the Duke University Chapel while you visit Durham, NC. It will be a visit to remember for years to come!
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Best for: Sports Enthusiasts
Hours: Dependant on Scheduled games and events
Location: 409 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC, 27701
Ages: All Ages
Dubbed "The Blue Monster," The Durham Bull Athletic Park (DBAP) seats 10,000 and is home to the Triple-A Durham Bulls team. The 1988 movie Bull Durham made the stadium famous and features a towering Bull that overlooks the left field wall.
With over 4,000 square feet of meeting space, DBAP features the PNC triangle club, exclusive luxury suites, stadium concourses, outdoor picnic areas, and Bull City Hospitality catering.
If you're attending a minor-league Durham Bulls game, many regulars know about the special treat featured as a conclusion to their games between the months of April-September; A firework show! This alone is a reason to buy tickets to a game the next time you're in Durham; it will be a visit the whole family can enjoy!
DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center
Best for: Theater and Performing Arts Enthusiasts
Hours: Dependant on showtimes
Location: 123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC, 27701
Ages: All Ages
DPAC opened its doors in 2008 and has ranked in the nation's top 5 performing arts centers annually. DPAC features one-of-a-kind entertainment while hosting over 550,000 people annually between their 200-250 performances.
DPAC features 2,700 seats, providing an intimate setting to see a performance, and is known for its state-of-the-art facility in technology and design.
Watch the works of Art come alive for Broadway productions, high-profile concerts, comedy events, family shows, and many more!
After seeing a show at DPAC, you may not want to go anywhere else. So, if you're looking for a venue to see your next live performance in Durham, consider checking out DPAC. It will be sure to satisfy all your senses!
Duke Lemur Center
Best for: Animal lovers!
Hours: Open May-September with Reservations Only, Monday-Sunday, 9 am- 4 pm
Location: 3705 Erwin Road, Durham, NC, 27705
Ages: All Ages
The Duke Lemur Center is a world leader in the study, care, and protection of Lemurs. Lemurs are the world's most endangered mammal, and the Duke Lemur Center prides itself in being an internationally acclaimed non-invasive research center.
Animal lovers will come to marvel at these furry creatures who originate from Madagascar and will be happy to see that this has become a safe place where the Duke Lemur Center has dedicated its time and resources to preserve these beautiful endangered mammals.
Because it is non-invasive, it is open to the public from May-September with reservations to educate over 35,000 animal lovers nationally and internationally.
Come and educate yourselves and enjoy some of the cutest furry residents of Durham the next time you are in town! You'll be glad you did!
Streets at Southpoint
Best for: Shopping
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am- 7 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am- 9 pm, Sunday 12 pm- 6 pm
Location: 6910 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC, 27713
Ages: All Ages
Are you looking for some good retail therapy? The Streets at Southpoint is the spot to go! Residents and visitors alike are attracted to the two-story indoor shopping and the open-air lifestyle center.
With over 160 shops, restaurants, and entertainment experiences, this spot has been popular since it opened its doors in 2002. Some favorite places to shop include Pottery Barn, Apple, Anthropology, Nordstrom, Lilly Pulitzer, and Vineyard Vines, to name a few.
Shop till you drop? No problem! Give your feet a break and indulge in lunch or dinner options such as Maggianos Little Italy, The Cheesecake Factory, or California Pizza Kitchen.
Whether you're shopping for a gift for a loved one or just looking to pass some time, consider spending some time at the Streets at Southpoint. This is a Durham staple you will not want to miss!
Cocoa Cinnamon - OND (Old North Durham)
Best for: Coffee Lovers
Hours: Winter Hours are Monday-Friday, 7 am- 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8 am- 7 pm
Location: 420 West Geer Street, Durham, NC, 27701
Ages: All Ages
Let history, character, and high-quality roasted coffee fill your cup! This fun and eclectic coffee shop aims to please the patrons and our environment!
Cocoa Cinnamon is the perfect place to meet up with friends or wind down and get some work done. Whatever the reason for your visit, you will be glad you came!
This unique coffee shop focuses on sustainability while they roast some of their most popular brews with an 80% reduction in energy usage, while their coffee roast bags are 60% compostable.
Every decision made while starting up this coffee shop aimed to inspire wonder through cultural significance and encourage an invitation to connect over some of the most freshly brewed coffee in Durham!
If you need a caffeine fix, this should be at the top of your list; it's one of Durham's best-hidden gems!
King's Sandwich Shop
Best for: Foodies
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:30 am- 3 pm, Closed Sundays
Location: 701 Foster Street, Durham, NC, 27701
Ages: All Ages
When it comes to King's Sandwich Shop, it doesn't get more All-American than this! Serving patrons hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and more since 1942. Truly a family favorite for generations, King's Sandwich shop aims to please.
Enjoy the relaxed and casual atmosphere, walk up to the iconic white brick stand-alone building on Foster Street, and wait at the outdoor picnic tables as you wait for your grub while it's being prepared.
This has become a popular place to grab a bite to eat before and after seeing a Durham Bulls game to grab a juicy burger with friendly and fast service. So if you're looking for a good-old All-American experience, look no further than King's! It has been a fan favorite for decades, and you will understand why after visiting!
Explore Durham, NC, with Raleigh Realty
Whether you live in Durham or are looking to shake things up, we hope you have enjoyed our carefully thought-out list of local favorites to entertain you while you are in Durham, NC. As you can see, Durham, NC, is a famous city that people have called home for many generations!
If you're searching for homes for sale in Durham, NC, please refer to our other areas guide and resources on our blog, including the best restaurants in Durham, best neighborhoods in Durham, and Durham Real Estate Trends.
Contact us today to start your home search! We are here to help serve you and are ready to answer questions you may have about Bull City!
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!