3 Day Durham: History, Culture, and Nature

Discover the charm of the South in Durham, USA.

03 May 2023

Durham, a city in North Carolina is a perfect destination for tourists who are seeking a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the city's historic downtown or visit the renowned Duke University campus. Durham's outdoor attractions include the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Eno River State Park, which offer scenic views and ample hiking trails.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Get to Know Durham

  • Hotel The Durham Hotel
  • Start your day with coffee at Cocoa Cinnamon, a quirky coffee shop offering a range of unique coffee blends.
  • Head to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a 55-acre public garden with stunning flora and fauna.
  • For lunch, stop by the Durham Farmers Market, offering fresh produce and local cuisine.
  • After lunch, visit the Nasher Museum of Art, showcasing contemporary art from around the world.
  • End your day with dinner at Mateo Bar de Tapas, offering delicious Spanish-style small plates.
Day 2

Explore Durham's History

  • Hotel 21c Museum Hotel
  • Start your day with breakfast at Monuts, famous for their housemade bagels and donuts.
  • Visit the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum to learn about Durham's tobacco industry and cultural heritage.
  • Next, head to the Historic Durham Athletic Park, a historic baseball stadium used in the movie Bull Durham.
  • For lunch, visit Dames Chicken and Waffles, serving up Southern comfort food classics.
  • After lunch, explore the Museum of Durham History and learn about the city's growth and development.
  • End your day with dinner at Pizzeria Toro, offering wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza.
Day 3

Get in Touch with Nature

  • Hotel Aloft Durham Downtown
  • Start your day with brunch at Guglhupf Bakery, offering European-inspired pastries and dishes.
  • Visit the Eno River State Park for hiking trails, swimming, and fishing in a scenic natural setting.
  • For lunch, head to Gocciolina, an Italian restaurant serving fresh handmade pasta.
  • After lunch, visit the historic American Tobacco Campus for shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Durham skyline.
  • End your day with dinner at The Parlour, a local favorite for homemade ice cream.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Durham by plane is to fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). From the airport, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Durham which takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Car

The best way to get to Durham by car is to take the I-40 or I-85 highways. If you are driving from the north, you can take the I-95 until it joins the I-85. If you are driving from the south, you can take the I-95 until it joins the I-40. Both routes will take you to Durham.

Train

While there are no direct train services to Durham, you can take a train to either Raleigh or Greensboro and then take a bus or taxi to get to Durham. The closest Amtrak station to Durham is located in Raleigh, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.

Boat

Durham is a landlocked city and can only be accessed by road. There are no seaports or navigable waterways that lead to Durham or the surrounding areas.

Bus

The best way to get to Durham by bus is to take the Greyhound bus which runs daily from various cities in the USA, including New York and Atlanta. The Greyhound bus station in Durham is located in the downtown area and is easily accessible by foot or taxi.

Destination

Durham

Welcome to a city where the past and present collide, much like that time your grandpa tried to rap at a family gathering. Durham may not have a hip-hop career, but it certainly has a rich history and plenty of character to boot.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

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More travel plans

Experience Durham's Best in 2 Days

Durham, United States offers a wealth of cultural, historical and outdoor experiences for tourists. Visitors can immerse themselves in the art scene at the Durham Arts District, enjoy a stroll through the Duke Gardens and campus, and explore the city's rich African American heritage at the Hayti Heritage Center. Additionally, the city is known for its award-winning restaurants and breweries, making it a foodie paradise.

Durham in 4 Days: Savor Southern Charm!

Durham, located in North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its world-class universities, museums and festivals. Visitors can explore the impressive Duke University campus, take a stroll through the historic Brightleaf Square or sample the local Southern cuisine at one of the many restaurants. Durham also offers easy access to the outdoors with hiking trails, parks and lakes nearby.

A Romantic Long Weekend in Durham

Durham, located in the charming state of North Carolina, is the perfect getaway for couples seeking a romantic retreat. With an array of cozy bed and breakfasts and fine dining options, Durham promises to be a romantic destination for foodies and art lovers alike. The breathtaking beauty of the Duke Gardens and scenic views from the Eno River State Park will take your breath away and create unforgettable memories with your partner.

Durham on a Dime: 5 Days of Adventure

A trip to Durham, United States on a limited budget can still be a great experience. Budget-friendly options for accommodations include Airbnb or hostels. Exploring Durham's local attractions such as the Duke Homestead State Historic Park or hiking at Eno River State Park can also be affordable ways to enjoy the city.