We're More Than Medicine

There's more to Durham than Duke

The city of Durham, population 288,000, is well known for being the City of Medicine. Research Triangle Park, one of the largest research parks in the U.S., is home to more than 190 companies that have created a culture of scientific advancement and collaboration. Duke University Hospital is ranked #1 in the state and among the top health care places in the world. People come from all over to receive top-quality health care at Duke.  But there's much more about Durham to love than just the medicine.

Something for everyone

We're close to everything ... and close to home

Located right between the mountains and the beach, Durham is just hours from your favorite vacation spots.

Durham is within an hour's drive of several surrounding areas, including Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Greensboro.

And don't worry — when you're ready to come home, there's always a hot meal and a cold local brew waiting for you.

Speaking of Which, Have You Heard About Our Cuisine?

The food of Durham has been featured in places like Southern Living, Bon Appétit, The New York Times, and Gourmet Magazine.  There really is something for everyone to enjoy in Durham, but here are a few favorites:

For Beer

For Burgers

For Breakfast

For Everything Else

You Won't Leave Empty-Handed.

With all the local shopping available, who needs Amazon?  Durham is home to many mom-and-pop stores and has been ranked as one of the best areas for starting a business.  You'll definitely find something unique to give to a friend (or keep for yourself!).

If you're looking for something a little more all-in-one, try our shopping malls:

  • The Streets at Southpoint. With over 100 different stores, a cinema complete with an IMAX theater, and more than 20 restaurants, Southpoint has plenty to keep you busy. The mall includes both an indoor section and an outdoor "Main Street." Stores include Nordstrom, Macy's, the Apple Store, Crate + Barrel, Anthropologie, Cole Haan, and other luxury stores.
  • Northgate Mall. Includes anchor department stores like Macy's and Sears, along with dozens of smaller apparel, jewelry, electronics, sports, and beauty stores. It also hosts Stadium 10, a movie theater with stadium-style seating, and a full-sized carousel in the middle of the mall for children to ride. 
  • Brightleaf Square.  Located in downtown Durham, Brightleaf, and the surrounding city block, hosts everything from art to massage.  With its history still vibrant in the quaint square, it's the total package.  If you want the feel of a mall while staying close to downtown, this is the place.

Want a Break from City Life?  We've Got That, Too.

We love all our attractions, concerts, and socializing here in Durham, but sometimes we like to get away and enjoy the quiet for a few hours, too.

  • Take a walk, a hike, or even a nap in a hammock along the Eno River in Eno River State Park.  The park offers secluded wilderness trails with the serenity of a clear river drifting and cascading over a rocky stream bed. The park also hosts many events, including Festival for the Eno and the Eno River Run.  Click here to view all Eno events.
  • Go for a run, horseback ride, or mountain bike through Duke Forest.  Even though the forest is owned and managed by Duke University as an outdoor laboratory, public recreation is permitted as long as it does not conflict with teaching and research projects and regulations and safety instructions are followed.
  • Pack a picnic lunch and head to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, one of the premier public gardens in the United States.  The Gardens are renowned for the landscape design and high quality horticulture.  Each year, more than 300,000 visitors come to Duke Gardens from all over the world. Admission is free, and they are open 365 days a year.
  • Participate in the running of the Bulls.  No, not that one.  Running is big in Durham, and there is always a race to be a part of.  There are races that are free, for fun, for kids, and for everyone.  There's even a race where intersections of downtown Durham are blocked off and runners run through the streets.  Register for a race or two today and enjoy exercising as well as socializing.
  • Click here to check out our other great parks, trails, and facilities.

Don't Leave Fido at Home.

Durham is a very dog-friendly community.  Dogs are welcome just about everywhere — even where outside dining is offered.  Several shops allow dogs inside (just be sure to ask first), and your pooch will never be parched with all the large water bowls scattered around outside.

Be sure to check out our dog parks as well.

We're the Place to Be, for Just About Everything.

Durham has been ranked:

  • Top Ten Best Places to Live (U.S. News and World Report) 
  • #1 Smartest City and #2 Brainiest City (Newsweek & The Daily Beast) 
  • #1 Place to Live and Work (Employment Review) 
  • #1 Best City For Jobs (Forbes) 
  • #2 Best Area to Start A Business (Forbes) 
  • #4 City For Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses (National Policy Research Council) 
  • Top Ten Hubs For Creative Class (Fast Company) 
  • #1 America’s Foodiest Small-Town (Bon Appétit) 
  • #1 Best Cities For Education (Forbes) 
  • #1 Boomtown In America (Business 2.0) 
  • #2 Healthiest City For Women (American Health for Women) 
  • #2 Best Green Cities (Country Home) 
  • #3 Most Enlightened City (Utne Reader) 

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Go here to start planning your visit today.  See you when you get here!