Durham, North Carolina offers charm and variety for couples looking for romantic activities. Nicknamed “Bull City” after the tobacco industry, today Durham is an up-and-coming destination with a buzzing food scene, craft breweries, and historic attractions.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Stroll through Sarah P. Duke Gardens | Tranquil gardens at Duke University for a romantic walk. |
| Watch the Sun Set from Durham Central Park | Enjoy sunset views in an urban green space with community events. |
| Tour Historic Stagville | Visit a preserved plantation for a historical experience. |
| Cheer on the Durham Bulls | Watch a minor league baseball game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. |
| Grab Desserts from The Parlour | Enjoy ice cream in a vintage parlor setting. |
| Go Wine Tasting in Saxapahaw | Sample wines in the quaint town of Saxapahaw. |
| Paddle the Eno River | Rent a kayak or canoe for a scenic river paddle. |
| Catch a Show at Carolina Theatre | Attend various performances in a vintage theatre. |
| Book a Couple’s Massage | Relax with a couple’s massage at local spas. |
| Make Pottery Together | Create pottery pieces at Claymakers Ceramic Studio and Gallery. |
| People Watch Over Drinks at 21c Museum Hotel | Enjoy drinks and art at this boutique hotel. |
| Conclusion | Durham offers diverse romantic activities from gardens to theatres. |
From scenic gardens and museums to cozy restaurants and entertainment venues, Durham has many options for an intimate date night or special celebration. Here are 12 of the top romantic things to do in Durham for couples.
Stroll through Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Name and Location: Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC
History and Significance: Beautiful botanical gardens established in the 1930s at Duke University.
What to Expect: Walking paths, exotic flowers, trees, fountains, and scenic benches.
Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.
On the campus of Duke University, the 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens provide a beautiful, tranquil place for a romantic stroll. Walk hand-in-hand along curving paths past terraces, stone archways, and tranquil ponds.
See gorgeous blooms at the Terrace Gardens, Asian-inspired Lily Pond, and other specialty plantings. The area feels secluded despite being near campus. Find a quiet bench or have a picnic on the lawn away from crowds. Guided and self-guided tours are also available.
Watch the Sun Set from Durham Central Park
Name and Location: Durham Central Park in downtown Durham, NC
History and Significance: Urban city park established in 2001.
What to Expect: Relax on the grass or benches and watch the sunset together. Beautiful dusk views.
Visitor Information: Open daily, free entry.
Durham Central Park is an urban green space that hosts community events and a weekly Farmers Market. Come for a romantic evening watching the sunset together. Walk through the lush grass holding hands, sit together on a bench, or lay out on a picnic blanket.
Food trucks are often parked here for dinner options before the sun dips behind the horizon in a splash of pinks and oranges. Free yoga and pilates classes happen on the lawn in summer too.
Tour Historic Stagville
Name and Location: Historic Stagville in Durham, NC
History and Significance: Preserved plantation and slave quarters dating back to the 1700s.
What to Expect: Guided tours providing perspective on colonial life and slavery.
Visitor Information: Open Tue-Sat, admission fee charged.
History buff couples will love touring Historic Stagville, a preserved plantation showcasing what life was like in the pre-Civil War South. Walk through the footsteps of slaves and land owners who lived here in the 1800s.
Tour buildings like the Barton House, slave quarters, and overseer’s home. Picnic tables offer scenic spots for lunch together under shady trees. Living history days provide an immersive experience. The site provides insight into the region’s complex past.
Cheer on the Durham Bulls
Name and Location: Durham Bulls minor league baseball team, Durham Bulls Athletic Park
History and Significance: Famous Triple-A baseball team featured in the movie “Bull Durham.”
What to Expect: Watch an exciting baseball game and enjoy food, drinks and entertainment.
Visitor Information: Home game schedule online. Tickets purchased in advance.
Take your sweetheart out to cheer on the beloved Durham Bulls minor league baseball team at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Sit side-by-side in the stands rooting for the home team while munching ballpark snacks. Feel the energy of the crowd during exciting plays.
Stay late for a romantic view of the downtown skyline lit up at night. Fireworks displays after Friday games add to the ambience. It’s an all-American date sure to bring smiles.
Grab Desserts from The Parlour
Name and Location: The Parlour in Durham, NC
History and Significance: Charming bakery and ice cream shop open since 2001.
What to Expect: Indulge in homemade pies, cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream together.
Visitor Information: Open daily. No reservations needed.
With its cozy, vintage ice cream parlor theme, The Parlour makes the ideal sweet pit stop with your special someone. Delight in Instagram-worthy sundaes with fresh baked cookies or waffles. Try unique flavors like lavender honey, salted caramel brownie, and sweet potato marshmallow.
The homemade frozen custard and waffle cones are heavenly. Share a giant goblet of ice cream with two spoons to delight your taste buds.
Go Wine Tasting in Saxapahaw
Name and Location: Saxapahaw, NC
History and Significance: Quaint town near Durham featuring several wineries.
What to Expect: Sample local wines at vineyards set amidst scenic rural landscapes.
Visitor Information: Area wineries open daily for tastings. No reservations required.
The quaint town of Saxapahaw, located just west of Durham, provides a romantic wine tasting getaway. Hit Haw River Vineyard Tasting Room to sample acclaimed North Carolina wines together.
Or head to Left Bank Bottle Shop with indoor and patio space offering beer, cider, and wine by the glass. Make an afternoon of exploring Saxapahaw’s riverwalk, galleries, general store, and restaurants as well.
Paddle the Eno River
Name and Location: Eno River in Durham, NC
History and Significance: Scenic river flowing through Durham perfect for paddling.
What to Expect: Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle down the river together, taking in views.
Visitor Information: Outfitters in Durham offer rentals seasonally. Reservations recommended.
For outdoor couples, rent a tandem kayak or canoe to paddle down the lush Eno River that runs through Durham. Gently float past greenery and wildlife. Arrange kayak rentals and transportation from outfitters like Endless River Adventures.
Pack a picnic to enjoy riverside. Select put-in and take-out points for the length of river running desired. Paddling together creates priceless memories and romantic scenery.
Catch a Show at Carolina Theatre
Name and Location: Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham, NC
History and Significance: Historic 1926 theater hosting various performances.
What to Expect: See a movie, play, or live music in a beautiful classic venue.
Visitor Information: Showtimes and tickets available online.
Open since 1926, the vintage Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham hosts concerts, comedy shows, movies, and more. Check their calendar and snag tickets to a special performance.
Arrive early to admire the elaborate interior architecture and details like brass railings, grand staircases, and chandeliers. Feel like you’ve gone back in time before enjoying the show seated closely beside your sweetie.
Book a Couple’s Massage
Name and Location: Spas in Durham, NC
History and Significance: Rejuvenating spa treatments.
What to Expect: Unwind together with massages tailored for couples.
Visitor Information: Book appointments at local spas. Fees apply.
Treat yourselves to relaxation and pampering with a couple’s massage session together. Area spas like BodyLase Spa, Satin Touch Spa, and Massage Envy offer couples massage packages in the same room.
Choose from Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone or aromatherapy techniques. Sink into bliss lying side-by-side as your stresses melt away thanks to skilled massage therapists. After, unwind in the steam room or sauna.
Make Pottery Together
Name and Location: Triangle Pottery in Durham, NC
History and Significance: Pottery studio offering couples classes.
What to Expect: Create handmade pottery like bowls, mugs together step-by-step.
Visitor Information: Book private couples sessions online in advance.
Get creative and make personal pottery pieces together at Claymakers Ceramic Studio and Gallery. Take a couples wheel throwing class or hand-building workshop.
Chat, laugh, and have fun shaping clay into mugs, bowls, or figurines as mementos of your special time creating art as a pair. Experienced staff will guide and assist the process from start to finish. Plus you get to see one another’s adorable flawed attempts.
People Watch Over Drinks at 21c Museum Hotel
Name and Location: 21c Museum Hotel in Durham, NC
History and Significance: Stylish boutique art hotel with contemporary art museum.
What to Expect: Have cocktails in their trendy bar while admiring the interesting artworks on display.
Visitor Information: Open daily, no reservations needed.
The boutique 21c Museum Hotel has modern rooms and an on-site contemporary art museum that can be toured for free. Have an intimate evening at their Counting House restaurant. Sit at the bar sampling creative cocktails while admiring the quirky exhibited artworks.
Share small plates or entrees in the cutting-edge atmosphere. Not your average hotel, 21c combines artistic flair with top-notch cuisine for date night.
Conclusion
From gardens and ballgames to theatre and museums, Durham offers variety for romance-seeking couples. Stroll hand-in-hand through Duke Gardens, cheer on the Durham Bulls baseball team, or share a couples massage.
Picnic by the Eno River then catch a show at the grand Carolina Theatre. With unique local shops, restaurants, and attractions, Durham provides the perfect backdrop for making special memories together. Use this list to curate an unforgettable date idea that suits your interests.