Attractions Nearby Durham, Day Trips and Excursions

(Durham, North Carolina - NC, USA)

North Carolina is a state with many, many cultural attractions and tempting day trips within reach of Durham. The city of Durham is part of the Research Triangle metropolitan area, along with both Chapel Hill and the state capital of Raleigh, where university related attractions abound and are just a short drive away.

Further afield from Durham are the attractions of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Fayetteville and the Piedmont Triad region. If you have the time, you may also like to pencil in a trip to North Carolina's biggest city, Charlotte.

Blue Ridge Parkway

A National Parkway known for its extreme beauty and scenic views, the Blue Ridge Parkway is situated roughly 160 miles / 257 km to the northwest of Durham, where it stretches for over 450 miles / 724 km along the famous Blue Ridge Mountains. Particular highlights open throughout the year include the Folk Art Center in Asheville, and also the Museum of North Carolina Minerals at Spruce Pine.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a mere 11 miles / 18 km to the southwest of Durham, being so close in fact that many locals consider it to be simply a suburb. An appealing and rather affluent university town, Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina (UNC), which was founded more than 200 years ago. Franklin Street forms the main thoroughfare in central Chapel Hill and is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, while further attractions include the Morehead Planetarium, the Ackland Art Museum, the NC Botanical Garden and the university's Finley Golf Course.

Charlotte

Charlotte has become a popular tourist destination and is to be found some 145 miles / 233 km to the southwest of Durham. Charlotte often also goes by the name of 'Queen City' and is brimming with quality tourist attractions, such as its Bank of America Stadium, Discovery Place, the Charlotte Museum of History, the University of North Carolina (UNC) Botanical Gardens, and Paramount's Carowinds theme park, where roller coasters and exciting water rides are always popular. Also of note in Charlotte is the Lowe's Motor Speedway, where just under 170,000 spectators can be accommodated.

Fayetteville

Located within Cumberland County and some 90 miles / 145 km south of Durham, the city of Fayetteville has a number of popular attractions that are worthy of consideration. Downtown Fayetteville is where you will find the Airborne and Special Operations Museum (on Bragg Boulevard), while nearby, the Festival Park is an integral part of the local community and features weekly open-air concerts during the summer months.

Piedmont Triad / North Carolina Triad

The Triad is the name for a grouping of three neighboring cities - Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. Of these Triad cities, it is Greensboro and Winston-Salem where the most noteworthy attractions reside. In Greensboro, look out for the stately 19th-century Blandwood Mansion, the Tannenbaum Historic Park, the Wet N' Wild Emerald Pointe Theme Park and the Guilford Native American Art Gallery. Those headed for Winston-Salem should consider checking out the Delta Arts Center, the Downtown Arts District (DADA), the Historic Bethabara Park, the Old Salem Museums and Gardens, and also the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem.

Raleigh

Located around 28 miles / 45 km from Durham, Raleigh has much to offer. A popular excursion with both locals and tourists in Durham, attractions at Raleigh include the Exploris Museum, the breathtaking North Carolina State Capitol building, the Historic Oak View County Park and the widely acclaimed North Carolina Museum of Art. Raleigh has close connections with the Durham area and also features excellent shopping facilities, top restaurants and many impressive historic buildings.