The Best Things to Do in Durham, NC for the Perfect Day Out
Okay, Durham, we see you.
If you’ve ever wanted to blend a little bit of nature, a splash of adventure, and a generous pour of local charm, all into one perfect day, this is your official cheat code. We mapped out our dream Durham* day and honestly? It deserves a standing ovation (or at least a saved post on your phone).
Let’s get into it.
Kayaking the Eno River with Two Sisters Adventure Company
@twosistersadventurecompany is the move if you’re trying to do something a little different but still have fun, get outside. We booked a guided kayaking tour down the lower Eno River, and it was straight-up magical. Birds singing, sun shining, and zero cell service (Well there was…but we just pretended there wasn’t)
Our guide was full of fun facts about the area, we even made some new river friends. 10/10 recommend bringing snacks, a hat, and your most adventurous spirit.
Naturally, we brought along our new fave local kombucha from @home.bucha because staying hydrated can be delicious. The passionfruit one? Life-changing.
There’s something about sipping local flavors while floating through Durham’s backyard that just hits different. Highly recommend.
Explore ZincHouse: One of the Most Unique Things to Do in Durham, NC
After drying off and pretending we’re “outdoorsy people,” we made our way to @zinchouse and let us be dramatic it’s like walking into a movie set in Nappa Valley. Picture this: 87 acres of stunning scenery, cozy corners, craft drinks, lawn games, food trucks, boutique shopping, a wine bar and a coffee shop.
It’s giving “we live here now” energy.
We honestly lost track of time wandering, sipping, snacking, and plotting how to convince our friends to meet us here every weekend. ZincHouse is officially our new “you HAVE to see this place” spot.
Where to Get the Freshest Ice Cream in Durham: Monarca Michoacana
No perfect day is complete without dessert, and @monarcamichoacana.nc came in strong. Their menu is like a candy store meets an ice cream lab we’re talking bold flavors, bright colors, and the kind of treats that make you accidentally order two (okay, three). Top flavor recs? Passion fruit + blackberry ice cream and their coconut popsicles. Honestly, get extras. Your future self will thank you.
TL;DR?
Start with a kayak, sip local kombucha on the river, chill at the dreamland that is ZincHouse, and wrap it all up with the kind of ice cream that makes you do a happy dance in the parking lot.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Day in Durham?
Whether you're a local looking to shake up your weekend routine or visiting Durham for the first time, this itinerary is your golden ticket to the ultimate day out. From paddling peaceful rivers to sipping local brews and chasing down the city’s best ice cream we promise, Durham knows how to deliver.
Drop your favorite Durham hidden gems, eats, drinks, or adventures in the comments. We’re always looking for new places to explore (and snack at), and we’d love to feature your recs in our next adventure.
*Disclaimer: We partnered in collaboration with Discover Durham for these activities. This blog post, however, was not sponsored or paid for, and as always all opinions, recommendations are entirely our own.