Day trips from Durham: History, art and beach fun are a short drive away
As the weekend rolls around and the monotony of the workweek fades into the rearview mirror, the urge to explore beckons!
From Durham, North Carolina, in the heart of the state's vibrant Research Triangle, there are tons of incredible options for a quick getaway. So how do you pick the right one?
Let's go through the top day trips from Durham, NC.
1. Williamsburg, VA
Williamsburg should be top of your list when you're planning your day travels.
Spend your morning immersing yourself in the history of Colonial America. Walk through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, where costumed interpreters bring history to life. Visit historic buildings, museums and shops. Don't miss Williamsburg's Governor's Palace and the Capitol Building.
Then, enjoy a traditional colonial meal at one of the taverns in Colonial Williamsburg. Try dishes like Brunswick stew, colonial game pie or Virginia ham.
Discover the story of America's first permanent English colony at Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum near Williamsburg. Explore indoor and outdoor exhibits, replica ships, and a recreated Powhatan village.
Take a scenic drive to the Williamsburg Winery, Virginia's largest winery. Enjoy wine tastings, tours of the amazing vineyard and winemaking facilities, and the scenic beauty of the countryside.
2. Asheville, NC
Another option is to head to Asheville.
Arrive at the Biltmore Estate around late morning. This grand estate, built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century, features a stunning mansion, beautifully landscaped gardens and a winery. Take a guided tour of the mansion and stroll through the gardens.
After exploring the Biltmore Estate, grab lunch at one of Asheville's many fantastic restaurants. Whether you're craving Southern comfort food, farm-to-table cuisine or international flavors, Asheville has something to satisfy every palate.
Take a self-guided tour of the Asheville Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile walking trail through downtown Asheville. Discover sculptures, historic landmarks and interpretive markers that tell the story of Asheville's past and present.
Explore the River Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood filled with galleries, studios and creative spaces. Watch artists at work, browse unique artwork and shop for handmade crafts and gifts.
3. Myrtle Beach, SC
Spend the day hanging out on the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach. Relax, enjoy the sunshine and jump into the Atlantic Ocean. Look up local events before you plan your trip, so you can get the most out of your experience.
Explore the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which offers a variety of interesting shops, restaurants, and awesome attractions. You can enjoy arcades, souvenir shops and tasty treats like saltwater taffy and ice cream.
Shop and dine at The Market Common, a modern lifestyle center with upscale shops, restaurants and entertainment options. Explore boutiques, enjoy a meal on outdoor patios or catch a movie at the cinema.
Escape the crowds and relax at Myrtle Beach State Park, a natural oasis with pristine beaches, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Enjoy swimming, fishing, birdwatching and exploring maritime forests and dunes.
4. Hillsborough, NC
Walk through downtown Hillsborough and explore its historic district. You can visit sites like the Burwell School Historic Site, the Orange County Historical Museum and the historic courthouse.
Enjoy a peaceful walk or hike along the Riverwalk trail that runs alongside the scenic Eno River. The trail offers awesome views of the river and surrounding nature. It's perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Take a self-guided or guided tour of the historic gardens of Hillsborough. Visit private gardens, public parks and historic sites, and learn about the town's horticultural heritage and gardening traditions.
Later, visit the Eno Gallery in downtown Hillsborough to look at works by local and regional artists. Browse paintings, sculptures, pottery, and other fine art pieces. Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Hillsborough BBQ Company, a local favorite known for its slow-cooked barbecue, homemade sides, and Southern hospitality. Try classic barbecue dishes like pulled pork, ribs and brisket, served with tasty sauces and accompaniments.
5. Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville has a rich military history, being home to Fort Liberty, one of the biggest military installations in the entire world. Visitors interested in military history can explore museums like the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and visit historic sites such as Averasboro Battlefield.
Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking and birdwatching at Lake Rim park located in Fayetteville. You can also rent kayaks or canoes to paddle around the lake.
Then, spend a peaceful day exploring the beautiful gardens, nature trails and exhibits at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Experience a taste of the Old West at Jambbas Ranch Tours, located just outside of Fayetteville. Take a guided tour of the ranch, interact with farm animals and enjoy activities such as gem mining and horseback riding.
6. Charlotte, NC
If you're more of a big-city person, why not head over to Charlotte for your next road trip?
Motorsports enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Explore interactive exhibits, artifacts, and displays showcasing the history and culture of NASCAR racing.
Dive into the history of the American South at the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte. Explore exhibits that explore topics such as civil rights, immigration, urban development and Southern identity.
There are amazing neighborhoods in Charlotte for you to explore.
Known for its artsy vibe and historic mill buildings, NoDa is a trendy neighborhood filled with galleries, boutiques, breweries and live music venues. It's a great place to explore street art, enjoy local cuisine and experience Charlotte's creative community.
South End is a dynamic neighborhood known for its historic industrial buildings, converted warehouses, and vibrant street life. It's a hotspot for dining, shopping and entertainment, with an array of restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and art galleries.
The Rail Trail runs through South End, offering a scenic pathway for walking, biking and exploring.
Try these day trips from Durham, NC
If you're feeling bored, start planning one of these day trips from Durham, NC. There's so much to explore in this area.
