Things to Do in Durham

Things to Do in Durham, NC - Durham Attractions

Things to Do in Durham

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Museum of Life + Science, Specialty Museums, Walking Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Durham

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Botanical haven with meticulously curated gardens, including an Asiatic Arboretum and a serene Japanese garden. Highlights native plants and seasonal tulips amid peaceful walking paths.
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Interactive museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits, featuring a butterfly house, animal encounters, and a dinosaur trail amidst scenic landscaping.
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Live performances venue with comfortable seating and clear stage views, hosting a diverse array of shows amid a vibrant atmosphere.
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Gothic-style chapel featuring stained glass windows, a towering bell tower, and intricate pipe organs. Includes a crypt and serene gardens for exploration.
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Historic district with a revitalized industrial aesthetic, showcasing a mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Features charming waterways and outdoor spaces for live music and relaxation.
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Historic site detailing the Civil War's conclusion with a personal touch through a guided tour, educational film, and peaceful grounds to explore significant historical narratives.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • lyclee
    Chicago, IL115 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is way more expansive than expected, prepare to walk for a few hours if you want to cover most of it. There are often a few gardens within each area so meander in your favorite section(s) and breeze through others if you are short on time. We've been to a few gardens in other states and this is definitely one with a great variety of plants with an impressive grounds design to match. It is must-visit if you are visiting Duke or the surrounding area. If the gardens parking lot is full or want to avoid paid parking try the Alumni & Visitor lot on Duke University Rd.
    Written September 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Topaz-VT
    Brattleboro, VT27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    First off although this attraction is family friendly, we were all senior citizens with no children along and all of us loved our many hours exploring the exhibits there & will go back next trip to the area! Loved their many outdoor exhibit areas & cafe with very good food. If you drink alcohol, they also have a section for that. We enjoyed their expresso bar off the gift shop. Especially loved the very large, naturalized exhibits for Bears, Red Wolves and Lemurs as well as the water focused areas and a butterfly- insect building. They also have a farm animal section and a few other areas for exploring. Learned a lot about the lives of red wolves, too! Highly Recommend for all ages; easy walking!
    Written September 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rebecca D
    Cary, NC1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just want to give a shout out to the welcoming and helpful staff who move us into and out of Durham and DPAC. Every public-facing staff member, inside and out, is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.
    Written July 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FactotumDellaCitta
    London, UK3,982 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The campus grounds, even beyond the pretty Sarah P Duke Gardens, are lovely and definitely worth a walk and some exploration.
    Written December 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Diane K
    Wallingford, PA1,321 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The bulls games are fun and entertaining. Beautiful evening for baseball. Definitely bring hat and sunglasses if you are sitting in the outfield. Plenty of food choices and good draft beer. We had the raspberry vodka lemonade. Pricy drinks but that’s usual for these kind of places. Very family friendly! Definitely a fun evening!
    Written August 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeremy B
    Washington DC, DC201 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Duke University's campus is like a fairy tale had a baby with a high-end architecture magazine. The Duke Chapel stands out with its spires reaching for the heavens and stonework that looks like it was carved by elves on a caffeine high. And then there are the modern buildings that look like they belong in a sleek sci-fi movie. It’s a combo that makes you wonder: Why doesn’t the rest of America build more like this? I mean, who wouldn't want their college to look like a majestic castle and their dorms to resemble futuristic utopias?
    Written August 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FinickyNewYorker
    New York City198 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Did a 1.2 loop. Perfect for hot weather. Dogs are allowed on leash. Very quiet and relaxing. I read some reviews that it can be difficult to park but we had no problem.
    Written July 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kcon001
    Bradenton Beach, FL35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really interesting repurposing of the tobacco factories. Great outdoor nooks and crannies full of waterfalls and features. Well done use of the old industrial brick and metal work. Aesthetically pleasing place to have dinner, relax, and walk around. Highly recommend this.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bob S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting historic site and story. Be sure to talk with the park rangers. I don't know why I didn't go sooner. The museum has many good things to view and read as well as a movie.
    Written July 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DarkPrincess
    Corning, NY23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice relaxing atmosphere. Great selection of beverages with outside seating and umbrellas to shield the sun or rain. Definitely check this place out!
    Written June 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • malaykah
    Houston, TX96 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a unique and fun tour! My best friend and I took this tour. It exceeded our scope tarpons. We copious not stop smiling while watching the lemurs eat. Highly recommend although at two points in the tour we were in the same place staring at sleeping lemurs for a good 15 minutes too long. Either way, don’t miss this tour!
    Written November 6, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Doug
    Burlingame, CA4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an experience! Even though not a Duke alum, the feeling of entering the basketball arena and walking on the court was amazing. Pete, the Duke volunteer who welcomed us into the arena was warm and friendly and made us feel at home. We had a blast!
    Written February 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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