Things To Do

Sarah P. Duke Gardens (Duke Gardens)

55 Acres of botanical bliss for garden lovers, located on the grounds of Duke University. There are several areas including the white garden, the Asian garden, the historical gardens, and rose garden. The newest addition is the Discovery Garden, featuring organic vegetable beds, an orchard, fruiting shrubs and vines, a reconstructed tobacco barn, a rain garden, a chicken coop and more. Also worth visiting is the Duke University chapel on the Duke west campus, which is a short walk from the gardens.

North Carolina Museum of Life & Science

Situated on 84-acres, this interactive science park includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits which are safe havens for rescued black bears, lemurs, and endangered red wolves. Other popular attractions include over 60 species of live animals, Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Into the Mist, Hideaway Woods, and Earth Moves.

Duke Lemur Center

The Duke Lemur Center is a world leader in the study, care, and protection of lemurs— the earth’s most threatened group of mammals. With more than 200 animals across 14 species, the DLC houses the world’s largest and most diverse population of lemurs outside their native Madagascar. Please note that you must have a prepaid tour reservation in order to visit the Durham Lemur Center.

American Tobacco Campus

The American Tobacco Campus is the center of cool in downtown Durham. It’s a historic Lucky Strike cigarette factory complex from the 1800s recently renovated to create a cultural hotspot of entertainment options. It encompasses 40 acres of Durham dining destinations, bars, unique boutiques, independent movie theaters, galleries and more. There’s plenty of green space if you just want to wander and then relax in the area. It’s also the site of the beloved Burt’s Bees headquarters. There are often community events held beneath the smokestack, so be sure to check the schedule while you’re in town. You can also rent road bicycles nearby and ride on the American Tobacco Trail from the Tobacco Historic District.

9th Street

This quaint street which lies to the west of downtown Durham is home to all kinds of boutiques and specialty stores that sell eclectic gifts, handmade crafts, arts, clothes and home goods. The Duck Shop, Zola Craft Gallery, and The Regulator Bookshop are iconic institutions worth popping into. If you need a refuel, check out Madhatter’s Cafe and Bakeshop or the Blue Corn Cafe for a delicious bite and a beverage.

Brightleaf Square

Brightleaf Square is set in a pair of historic tobacco warehouses called Watts and Yuille, that have since been revitalized into a trendy area for foodie favorites and locally owned shops. Sit outside on the brick-paved sidewalks to enjoy al fresco dining.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Durham’s minor league baseball park and home to the Durham Bulls. If you’d like to see the Bulls play a home game, check out their schedule here.

North Carolina Museum of Art

Just a 23-minute drive from downtown Durham down the I-40, the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh is the state's premier art destination. Hosting major national touring exhibits, the museum is also home to one of the largest collections of Renoir sculptures in the United States. The 164-acre museum park is home to more than a dozen monumental sculptures, and the grounds feature an amphitheater that hosts three seasons of music, movies, and other programs. Iris, the restaurant located within the museum, is a wonderful place for brunch.

Full Steam Brewery

Durham’s home to a number of creative craft breweries. Fullsteam Brewery is a celebration of all things Southern and one of the best breweries in Durham. They brew by the credo “plow to pint” and partner with nearby farmers and local foragers.

Picnic

This is the go-to spot in town for some authentic Southern eats. It’s a legend among locals and a mandatory meal for any out of towner. For locally-sourced whole-hog BBQ and Southern fare with craft beer and cocktails.

Elmo's Diner

Elmo’s has that quaint and homey feel you hope for from a neighborhood diner, walls adorned with fliers for community events, and crayon-colored duck drawings from all the children who have had family meals here. The menu boasts an array of American classics, as well as their famous breakfast food which is served all day long.

Lady Bird Taco

Lady Bird Taco is a small cart/hot table just by Beyu cafe. They make tacos fresh to order that are double wrapped (2 tortillas) and filled with plenty of whatever your base filling is. Salsas, onion, cilantro and radish are available for you to add.

Bull City Burger and Brewery

BCB&B has incredible pasture-raised beef burgers, and is also known for brewing its own world-class beer! Employing sustainable and community-driven principles for their beer and food, BCBB keeps its ingredients pure to ensure amazing-tasting results.

Vin Rouge

A rustic French bistro that boasts all the culinary classics from France.

Cocoa Cinnamon

The three Cocoa Cinnamon locations (affiliated with Little Waves Coffee Roasters) are Durham favorites, where locals come to enjoy delicious, fresh churros, house-made espresso drinks, hot chocolate drinks, infusion teas and local pastries. Micro Roaster of the Year Finalist for 2021 and 2022. https://littlewaves.coffee/pages/cocoa-cinnamon-lakewood-little-waves-coffee-roastery

Haunted Ghost Walk