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10 Best Things To Do in Durham, NC

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Nov 16, 2022 10 min read
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10 Best Things To Do in Durham, NC
Chapters
01
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
02
Museum of Life and Science
03
Duke University
04
Duke University Chapel
05
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
06
DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center
07
Duke Lemur Center
08
Streets at Southpoint
09
Cocoa Cinnamon - OND (Old North Durham)
10
King's Sandwich Shop

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. 

Durham, NC cityscape and Duke Chapel in the springtime

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!

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.

Pink flowers in Spring in Duke Gardens

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!

Inside Duke Chapel in Durham, NC

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!  

Lemur on a rope with trees in the background

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!

cinnamon latte in a white mug on a wood background

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!

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
02
Museum of Life and Science
03
Duke University
04
Duke University Chapel
05
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
06
DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center
07
Duke Lemur Center
08
Streets at Southpoint
09
Cocoa Cinnamon - OND (Old North Durham)
10
King's Sandwich Shop

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