Durham

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Durham's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore Downtown Durham
morning
:

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local cafe. Afterwards, stroll around the historic downtown area and admire the unique architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Durham Farmers' Market to sample local produce and artisanal goods. Grab lunch from one of the food stalls and enjoy it in the nearby Central Park.

evening
:

Head to a local brewery for a refreshing drink and enjoy some live music. End your day with dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant.

day 2
Nature Day at Duke Gardens
morning
:

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Duke Gardens. Take a peaceful walk through the blooming flowers and serene ponds.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens, taking in the natural beauty around you. You can also visit the nearby Sarah P. Duke Gardens for more exploration.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to the nearby Eno River State Park for a relaxing hike. Return to Durham for a laid-back dinner at a local eatery.

day 3
Art and Culture
morning
:

Kick off your day with a visit to the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. Explore the impressive collection before heading to lunch.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit the historic Brightleaf Square for some unique shopping and art galleries. Enjoy the beautiful ambiance of this vibrant area.

evening
:

Check out the local theater scene by catching a performance at the DPAC. Dine at a nearby restaurant and share your experience afterward.

day 4
Culinary Delights
morning
:

Visit a local café for a hearty breakfast, enjoying some of Durham’s renowned coffee. After breakfast, join a cooking class to immerse yourself in local flavors.

afternoon
:

Savor the meal you prepared for lunch, learning more about the culinary scene. Consider visiting a few local food spots to sample different cuisines.

evening
:

Wrap up your culinary adventure with a dinner reservation at one of the city's top-rated restaurants. Enjoy the vibrant ambiance and delicious meals.

day 5
Active Adventure
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local smoothie bar. Rent a bike and explore the American Tobacco Trail, enjoying the scenic bike paths.

afternoon
:

Stop for lunch at a café along the trail, taking a moment to recharge. Continue biking or take a leisurely walk in one of Durham's parks.

evening
:

As daylight fades, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a bistro. Reflect on your active day with a walk through the lively streets of Durham.

day 6
Historical Exploration
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast in a historic diner. Then, visit the Duke Homestead State Historic Site to learn about the tobacco industry history.

afternoon
:

Explore the historic sites of downtown Durham, including the old tobacco warehouses and train depots. Stop for a hearty lunch at a classic Southern diner.

evening
:

Experience Durham's rich history by joining a ghost tour in the evening. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a historic restaurant.

day 7
Game Day Excitement
morning
:

Fuel up with breakfast at a local brunch spot before the excitement of game day. Wear your team colors as you head out to the stadium.

afternoon
:

Join the pre-game festivities, enjoying food and activities around the stadium. Experience the thrill of cheering for your team during the game.

evening
:

After the game, celebrate or commiserate with fellow fans at a nearby bar. Enjoy some late-night munchies and share your favorite moments from the day.

day 8
Nightlife and Entertainment
morning
:

Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at home or your hotel. Spend the morning relaxing and planning your evening entertainment.

afternoon
:

Take a stroll in a local café or visit an art gallery for a light lunch. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that Durham has to offer.

evening
:

Indulge in dinner at a downtown restaurant before hitting the nightlife. Experience live music or dancing at a popular club to wrap up the night.

day 9
Family Fun Day
morning
:

Kick off your family day with a hearty breakfast. Visit the Museum of Life + Science for engaging, interactive exhibits.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at the museum's café, then explore the outdoor exhibits, including the butterfly house. Enjoy some fun activities together.

evening
:

End your family fun day with a trip to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to catch a minor league baseball game. Celebrate the day with ice cream before heading home.

day 10
Wine and Relaxation
morning
:

Visit a cozy café for a relaxing breakfast to start your day. Then, head to a nearby vineyard for a tour and wine tasting.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the vineyard, savoring the wine and scenic views. Spend some time exploring the winery's grounds.

evening
:

Return to Durham for dinner at a wine bar, where you can enjoy more local selections. Share your favorite tastings and unwind after a lovely day.

Discover Durham

Read more in our Durham 2024 Travel Guide.

Durham Travel Guide