For many, thinking of things to do in Durham, NC, would be a complex list to come up with.
But, let us tell you, this under-the-radar city is in the middle of a renaissance of
art, culture, science, and technology. This former tobacco farming town has got something
to tempt every visitor. For families with active kids, head to the Eno River State Park
for a day of hiking, exploring, and outdoor adventures. And animal rescue lovers will
be pleased to know there’s one of the world’s most famous lemur rescue, rehabilitation,
and research centers in Durham.
For couples looking to wine and dine, there are a plethora of top-class breweries, distilleries,
wineries, eateries, and bars to explore. Get your happy hour going with local mead or a
craft cocktail, then head to one of the many award-winning farm-to-table dining establishments
that dot the city center. Oh, and don’t forget to check out a show or sports game
while you’re there. Book tickets at DPAC, the Carolina Theater, or the Cameron Indoor
Stadium. So if you’re looking for things to do in Durham, NC, or curious to see if
it’s the spot for your next American vacation, watch on for our top picks in this perfect
all-season destination.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
The Sarah P. Duke Gardens are located in the heart of Duke University, and they were established
in the 1930s by passionate gardener and Duke Medical School faculty member Dr. Frederic
M. Hanes. Today, the gardens spread out over 55 acres. There are four distinct areas to
explore: the Terraces & Historic Gardens, the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, the
Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, and the Doris Duke Center Gardens. There are a lot of gardens
to get around, so those with green thumbs should plan to spend two or so days there
if they want to see everything.
Carolina Theater
The Carolina Theater first opened its doors to adoring crowds in the 1920s. But you only
have to take one look at the Art Deco architecture of its stunning facade to work that out. Stars
of Hollywood’s Golden era—think Ronald Reagan and Katharine Hepburn—once graced
its stage, and it almost fell into ruin in the 1970s. Thankfully, a group of passionate
local patrons poured their money and love into the place and got it up and running once
again. Head there for films, music performances, and, if you need family-friendly entertainment,
the Carolina Theatre also has you covered. In 2021 and 2022, they’re running a series
of plays and performances specially formulated to keep the kids and parents happy!
Are you looking for more deep dives into what to see and do at the most exciting vacation
spots across America and the world? Then, be sure to like and share this video–for
the algorithms, you know–and subscribe to our channel for more just like it. Hit the
notifications bell to see the freshest videos right when they’re uploaded.
Cameron Indoor Stadium
There’s no denying it; when it comes to basketball, the Cameron Indoor Stadium is
iconic in every way. Fans literally dream of watching a game in this famous sports center,
and many visit Durham with the sole purpose of stopping in here. The stadium opened in
1940 and has been renovated extensively over the decades to keep up with technological
advances in the sport and larger crowds. Even if you’re not a basketball fanatic, you’ll
still find the stadium worth a look. The building itself is historically exciting, and there
is memorabilia to browse.
Duke Lemur Center
Did you know there are more than one species of lemur? How about that lemurs only come
from the tiny island nation of Madagascar? And that, sadly, lemurs are one of the world’s
most threatened types of mammals? You can learn all these exciting lemur facts and see
over 14 species of lemur up close and personal at the Duke Lemur Center. This world-class
study and protection center has around 200 animals in its care and, luckily for all of
us, is open to visitors.
Museum of Life + Science
The 75-year-old Museum of Life + Science is handily located just outside of downtown Durham.
The 84-acre campus houses museum buildings, outdoor exhibits, and one of the East Coast’s
largest butterfly conservatories. Through a series of interactive exhibitions, even
the littlest visitors can explore the world of dinosaurs, learn how the railway works,
journey through different natural ecosystems, and travel into space. The museum is open
Tuesday through Sunday, and there’s food on site so you and the family can stay all
day.
Eno River State Park
With its dense forests, crystal clear, meandering streams, and a plethora of native flora and
fauna, North Carolina is one of the most scenic states in America. This state park follows
the path of the Eno River as it snakes its way through the counties of Durhan and Orange.
You can hike along well-maintained trails that take you to historic mills, river bluffs,
and fords that were actually used by settlers. If you want to stay overnight and don’t
mind roughing it a bit, both individual and group backcountry campsites are available.
People visit to fish (angling only) and bird-watch, and you can also canoe or kayak in the river—though
this adventure is one for experienced boaters only.
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
Lovers of fine art will have their aesthetic cravings satisfied at the Nasher Museum of
Art at Duke University. Since 2005, the museum has brought an array of world-class traveling
exhibitions to Durham residents. It also boasts an impressive collection of historical, modern,
and contemporary art from around the world. Even the building itself is attractive; New
York City-based architect Rafael Viñoly designed it.
DPAC: Durham Performing Arts Center
DPAC is housed in a stunning building and hosts equally exciting performances year-round.
From musicals to spoken-word poetry and stand-up, you’ll find it all on stage here. Best of
all, the ticketing depends on which showing you choose and where you sit, so there is
a range of ticket prices to suit every budget.
RollingView Falls Lake State Park
If you’re looking to get out on the water, plan to spend a day or two at RollingView
Falls State Park. This picturesque aquatic locale is actually a reservoir—a watery
expanse of over 12,000 acres. There are hundreds of campsites and RV hookup sites dotting its
shoreline and five swimmable beaches. You can kayak and go boating on the lake, as well
as fish. And the forest is filled with trails for both hikers and mountain bikers.
Bennett Place Historic Site
If you know your Civil War history, you likely have heard of Bennett Place. This quaint,
demure farmhouse was, in fact, the site of a momentous occasion: the signing of the surrender
papers for the southern armies took place here in April 1865. The Bennett’s farmhouse
has been reconstructed with a kitchen, smokehouse, and living areas, offering a glimpse into
Southern lifestyles of the Civil War era. Try to visit when a reenactment takes place
to get a real taste of what life was like for the soldiers who fought in one of America’s
most pivotal wars.
Durham Farmers Market
Durham Famer’s Market has been located right in the heart of downtown Durham since 1999.
In the following decades, vendor numbers grew to today’s whopping 65-plus sellers. During
the primary season, the market is open on Saturday mornings until midday, making it
the perfect place to grab your produce for a Saturday dinner with friends or nibble on
locally produced cheese, meats, bread, and honey as you browse a fine selection of handicrafts
by some of Durham’s most talented artisans.
V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection
When we stumbled across this weird and wonderful musically oriented tourist spot, we just knew
we had to include it in this list! V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection is home to the most
extensive collection of vintage tubas in the world. It was started in the 1830s and today
showcases a cross-section of the different types of instruments in the tuba family. The
collection is open to the public, but you need to make a reservation with at least 24
hours’ notice, so keep this in mind when planning your Durham itinerary.
Sample Local (Alcoholic) Beverages
Durham townsfolk took to the craft beer craze like fish to water, and today, there are dozens
of craft beer breweries in the city. You can pretty much walk into any of them and be guaranteed
a good tipple. Two of our favorites are Dirty Bull Brewing Company to Hi-Wire Brewing. If
you’re not into beer, why not step back in time and enjoy some locally crafted mead
at Honeygirl Meadery & Tasting Room, get your apple on at Bull City Ciderworks, or head
to one of the many distilleries. We highly recommend Durham Distillery or Mystic Distillery
and Farm if you’re interested in seeing the distillation process in action.
American Tobacco Historic District
In the early 2000s, what was once an industrial center filled with warehouses and factories
for processing tobacco was transformed into a hub for the arts. The area contains 14-plus
converted historical buildings, first built in the 1870s by the American Tobacco Company—once
one of Durham’s largest employers. The former railway line was replaced with an artificial
river, and parkways, performance spaces, an outdoor amphitheater, and more were installed.
Head to the district to see music and stage shows or engage in a spot of shopping and
a bite to eat at the American Tobacco Campus.
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in Durham, NC? Or would you
add some places, events, or sites we’ve missed? If you want to watch more videos like
this one, head over to the ViewCation channel and subscribe. Hit that notification bell
while you’re there. Oh, and don’t forget to give this video a thumbs up and share it
with your friends and family.