Read First Part 1: Ultimate Guide to Durham
One of the vibrant cities in North Carolina, Durham has been a magnet for tourists across and outside the United States. The city never disappoints, whether it is business, entertainment, shopping or nightlife.
Durham is part of North Carolina’s renowned “Research Triangle”, featuring plenty of delights that will amaze and amuse you. Apart from the historical landmarks and iconic sights the city offers, it hosts a variety of annual events and festivals that are known for their notable appeal for both locals and visitors.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular who has for its charm, be rest assured there’s always something for you. Here’s the part 2 of our ultimate Durham travel guide with all our tips for planning your trip to North Carolina.
Best Things to do in Durham
Apart from visiting and exploring the historic sites, there is plenty to do in Durham.
Take in a Baseball Game
The game of the city of Durham is baseball, and their triple-A baseball team was made even more famous by the 1988 film Bull Durham, starring Kevin Costner. There is nothing quite like taking in a game at their 10,000-seater stadium, which has been designed to maintain the historic feel of going to a game in the 1940s and 1950s. While the season proper starts in April, you can catch off-season action from early March.
Meet Adorable Primates at the Lemur Centre
Part of Duke University, the Lemur Centre is a sanctuary for the largest population of lemurs outside of their native Madagascar. Get up close and personal with this adorable but endangered primate species, and learn more about the threats to their habitat, and their work underway to protect them.
Go Fishing in the Eno River
Get out of the city and make your way to Eno River State Park, which is home to both incredible natural beauty and interesting historic sites. Hike along a variety of nature trails, which all center on the Eno River. The river is ideal for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. You can also stop by the West Point Mill, the only mill remaining of the 32 that once lined the river. The mill is now a family-run working mill and a great place to buy souvenirs and presents.
Explore the Museum of Life and Science
The Museum of Life and Science in Durham is far more than just another natural science museum. It is an 84-acre complex of discovery that will spark joy in children and adults alike. Try the hands-on scientific models inside the museum, and then explore the grounds, taking in the enchanting butterfly house, outdoor dinosaur trail, and recreations of habitats for over 600 species. No matter what day you visit, there are engaging, hands-on activities for kids and families.
Visit Nasher Museum of Art
If art is more to your taste, you will find the street of Durham littered with contemporary artists and their work. For a more concentrated experience, make your way to the Nasher Museum of Art, part of Duke University. Its collections cover Pre-Columbian Art, Medieval Art Classical Antiquities and Contemporary Art, in particular from the African Diaspora. It is all housed inside a futuristic cube building.
Add Moogfest to your bucket-list
If you are fortunate enough to be visiting during April, make sure to add Moogfest to your list of things to do. Described as a synthesis of music, art, and technology, it takes place at venues across the city and completely transforms the atmosphere for a week. While the festival is known for electronic music and pop innovation, there is so much more happening with art, science and culture all on display.
Where to Stay
From luxury five-star hotels to boutique hotels, cozy villas to modern apartments, Durham accommodation scene has something for everyone. If you’re in the city on business or leisure vacation, you can stay in a self-catering apartment equipped with modern amenities in Durham’s most accessible and stunning locations. Need accommodation? You can book an unforgettable stay in one of our Durham apartments.
How to Get Around Durham
Getting to Durham is simple, as it is well serviced by both air and rail. The city is served by Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and you can get a taxi into the city center for around $30-$40, or some buses run to the Regional Transit Centre, from where you can get another bus into Durham. The city is still well served by trains as well. The Amtrak Carolinian line runs between New York and Charlotte, stopping at Durham, daily.
While the best way to explore the center of the city is on foot, to reach the other parts of the city you will probably want to get a bus. GoDurham offers routes that cover most of the city, while GoTriangle has services to nearby Raleigh and Chapel Hill. For anything else, you will find Uber plentiful and affordable in Durham.
Best Time to Visit Durham
You can visit Durham at any time of the year, and there’s no end to the ways you can have an amazing vacation. The temperatures are moderate and comfortable all through the year. Rain is minimal and predictable, and you’ll have some pretty spectacular foliage to act as a background for your visit and pictures.
It’s time to start planning your trip to Durham! The city is made for business travelers, adventurers, history buffs and those looking for new experiences. Looking for somewhere to stay in Durham? Take inspiration from our collection of apartments for one-of-a-kind vacation.
