There are so many great things to do in Durham, a northeastern college town that straddles the River Wear. There is even an entire museum that seeks to showcase traditional life in these parts! Cultural cravings leading you to the outdoors? Opt to stroll by a bona fide Norman cathedral and stunningly pretty botanic gardens. These are the top Best Things to Do in Durham- An appealing destination in North Carolina.
Contents
Visit Museum of Life and Science
Located on West Murray Avenue north of downtown Durham, the Museum of Life + Science is a natural science museum that features many hands-on exhibits. Formerly known as the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, the museum sits on 80 acres of land and consists of several buildings and attractions.
Some examples are the main building, a butterfly house, a dinosaur trail, a farmyard, and a train, and there are both indoor and outdoor exhibits. One of the best things to do in Durham, North Carolina, the museum is known for its Aerospace exhibit that displays many early NASA space program artifacts on loan from the National Air and Space Museum. The three-story glass Magic Wings Butterfly House is one of the museum’s most popular exhibits. Browse weekend getaways in NC.
Drink Up Durham Style
Durham is home to an ever-growing craft beer scene. You’ll find an impressive variety of innovative, locally produced beers from which to choose.
Ponysaurus Brewing Co is a spacious, friendly brewery and taproom that came from humble beginnings as an attic loft microbrewery. Today, Ponysaurus serves a lively crowd with a thirst for excellent beer, of which there is plenty.
Bull City Burger and Brewery combines family-friendly food and craft beer to create a congenial atmosphere where everyone is welcome. Everything is homemade down to the buns, beef hotdogs, mustard, pickles, and even sauerkraut. Tour the brewery, or simply enjoy the product.
Go to the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Wake Forest
Falls Lake State Recreation Area, conveniently located between Durham and Wake Forest, is made up of a 12,000-acre reservoir with seven recreation areas around its shoreline. Backpacking, biking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and camping are all popular activities here.
The Falls Lake Trail follows the entire south shore of the lake, traveling over 50 miles. A portion of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, the trail connects many recreational areas and provides camping stops for backpackers.
There are more than 300 campsites within four access areas. There are five swim beaches in the recreation area. Three have nearby restrooms and changing facilities.
Try out some adventures at the Eno River State Park
If you are getting tired of the city life- shall we recommend a bit of the outdoors for you? As we all know- Durham is expanding as a city. But, we do need some greenery. And, the best place to take a break here amid nature is the Eno River, State Park.
In the Eno River State Park- the options are vast. There are a lot of trails here too. Go walk along a trail, enjoying some of the best views. The blue river that flows through the green forests is indeed a sight that must not be missed.
You can even go kayaking in the river water. Those who love nature- shall fall for the Eno River State Park too.
Catch a game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
A trip to Durham is incomplete without making your way to the infamous Durham Bulls Athletic Park. But, why a park suddenly?
The city’s very own minor league baseball team- Durham Bulls calls this park their home. The game nights are lovely here for which we think that you should book a seat beforehand. But, even if you cannot get a ticket- don’t worry for there are some other amazing experiences here.
There lies a location not far away from the stadium where the iconic movie- Bull Durham was made. So, head over to the park, enjoy a game, eat a few bites!
Goose Creek, Washington
Just a short drive from the historic towns of Bath and Washington, Goose Creek State Park is a haven for birds and bird watching. The visitor center has a bird-watching observation station to facilitate the viewing of hundreds of bird varieties. In addition to a variety of birds, the park has a vibrant butterfly garden full of native plants.
Outdoor activities, in the same waters that Blackbeard was said to have traversed, include boating, sailing, paddling, fishing, and swimming. A boat ramp and separate paddling launch are located at the north end of the park across Goose Creek. Swimmers will enjoy a sandy swim beach on the south end of the park.
