Durham Travel Guide 2025: Food, Family Fun, Arts & Local Favorites

Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Catching a Durham Bulls game is a summer tradition. The stadium is lively but family-friendly, with great food stands and plenty of entertainment between innings.

Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, the energy of the crowd and the view of downtown make it worth the experience.

American Tobacco Campus

The American Tobacco Campus is one of my favorite spots in Durham. Once a tobacco factory, it’s now a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. The string lights and water features make it especially pretty in the evening, and it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll after dinner.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Walking through Duke Gardens feels like escaping the city without ever leaving it. The gardens are beautifully landscaped with ponds, flowers, and shaded trails.

I love coming here in the spring when everything is in bloom, but it’s a peaceful spot year-round for picnics, photography, or simply slowing down.

Museum of Life and Science

This is one of the best family-friendly museums in North Carolina. It combines interactive science exhibits with outdoor areas featuring farm animals, butterfly houses, and even a small train ride. Kids love it, but adults enjoy it just as much—it’s a place where learning feels like play.

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)

DPAC brings Broadway shows, concerts, and comedians to Durham, making it a hub for live entertainment in the Triangle. The modern theater has a polished but approachable feel, and catching a show here makes for a perfect date night or evening out.

Historic Brightleaf Square

This historic district offers boutique shopping, dining, and a dose of Durham’s past. The brick buildings and cobblestone paths give it charm, and it’s fun to wander through the shops or grab a coffee in between exploring downtown.

• Mateo Bar de Tapas: This restaurant blends Spanish tapas with Southern ingredients in a way that feels uniquely Durham. Sharing small plates here makes for a fun dining experience, and the flavors are bold and creative. The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming—perfect for a night out.

• The Original Q Shack: For barbecue lovers, Q Shack delivers smoky, flavorful meats with all the classic Southern sides. I like how casual it is—you order at the counter, then settle in for hearty portions that never disappoint. It’s a great spot to experience local flavors.

• Nana’s: A long-standing favorite, Nana’s offers refined dining with seasonal menus. The dishes highlight fresh, local ingredients, and the setting makes it feel like a special-occasion restaurant. It’s perfect for couples or anyone looking to enjoy a slower, elevated meal.

• Monuts: What started as a donut shop has grown into a local breakfast and lunch favorite. Their creative sandwiches and baked goods make it a must-stop, and the relaxed vibe is very “Durham.” I love how it feels both inventive and down-to-earth.

• Fullsteam Brewery: Fullsteam is more than just a brewery—it’s a community gathering place. Their beers often use local ingredients, and the space is casual and welcoming with long tables, food trucks, and board games. It’s the kind of spot where you can easily spend an afternoon with friends.

• Guglhupf Bakery, Café & Biergarten: This German-inspired café is a gem, with freshly baked breads, pastries, and hearty European dishes. The outdoor biergarten makes it especially fun in nice weather. I love stopping here for brunch and staying a little too long over coffee and cake.