Chapel Hill
Day Trips
Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Chapel Hill's hidden gems and unique experiences!
Begin your morning with a leisurely stroll along Franklin Street. Admire the colorful storefronts and lively atmosphere as local shops and cafes open up. Stop by a cozy coffee shop to fuel up with a freshly brewed latte and pastry.
Dive deeper into the heart of Chapel Hill by browsing independent boutiques and bookstores. Grab a light lunch at a farm-to-table eatery featuring seasonal produce. Enjoy people-watching from a shaded bench at Phillips and Franklin Street intersection.
Return to Franklin Street to catch street performers and local musicians filling the sidewalks with music. Dine at one of the eclectic bistros offering Southern-inspired cuisine. End the evening with a handcrafted cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the bustling street.
Start your morning with a guided tour of the historic Old Well at UNC Chapel Hill. Learn about the university’s legacy as you walk through the leafy quad and admire the iconic Georgian architecture. Capture photos beneath the ivy-covered arches before students fill the walkways.
Visit the Ackland Art Museum for its diverse collection spanning centuries and continents. Wander through exhibition halls showcasing European masters and contemporary works by local artists. Grab a quick bite at the museum cafe with garden views.
Experience the vibrant campus energy at a Tar Heels basketball practice if in season or catch a live performance at the Paul Green Theatre. Dine at one of the charming campus boundary restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients. Conclude with a moonlit walk past the Gothic Revival bells tower.
Begin with an immersive star show at the Morehead Planetarium, a pioneering institution in space education. Soak up knowledge about astronomy and planetary science under the domed theater’s dazzling projections. Check out the historic artifacts used by astronauts training for the moon missions.
Head to the nearby UNC Natural Sciences departments for interactive exhibits and research displays. Explore the geology collections and marvel at gem specimens from around the world. Then enjoy lunch at a science-themed cafe featuring brain food salads and smoothies.
Attend a stargazing event on the planetarium’s rooftop terrace if available. Sip hot cocoa as telescopes reveal the moon’s craters and distant galaxies. Wrap up with dinner at a popular campus eatery known for its astronomy-themed cocktails.
Stroll through the verdant trails of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Breathe in the scents of native wildflowers and listen to songbirds in the conservation area. Photograph the seasonal blooms at the Gums and Conifers exhibit.
Join a guided tour highlighting the garden’s sustainability initiatives and ethnobotanical displays. Stop for a picnic lunch on the Lath House lawn surrounded by cascading vines. Explore the Medicinal Plants Trail to learn about traditional uses of native flora.
Return at dusk for the garden’s night walk event when fireflies light up the paths. Enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby farm-to-table restaurant backing onto the garden grounds. Cap the night with a glass of local wine on an outdoor patio under twinkling lights.
Explore the preserved architecture of downtown Chapel Hill on a guided heritage walk. Discover stories behind the town’s founders as you pass by iconic landmarks like the Chapel of the Cross. Delight in the ambience of sunlit courtyards and brick pathways.
Visit the historic Carolina Inn for a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury. Have lunch in the elegant dining room featuring traditional Southern fare. Tour the on-site museum to see memorabilia from the hotel’s storied past.
Take part in a ghost tour weaving through Chapel Hill’s oldest buildings and cemeteries. Savor a dinner at a dimly lit tavern known for its handcrafted cocktails and Appalachian dishes. Listen to spooky tales as you stroll under ancient oak trees.
Drive to Eno River State Park for a refreshing hike along the rippling river. Cross historic stone bridges and spot turtles basking on sun-warmed rocks. Pack a snack to enjoy at one of the shaded picnic shelters by the water.
Continue along the river trail to discover hidden waterfalls and swimming holes. Wade into the cool, clear water for a gentle afternoon dip. Photograph the lush surroundings as sunlight filters through the canopy.
Head back to Chapel Hill for dinner at a rustic restaurant specializing in local game and fish. Refuel with hearty comfort food after a day of outdoor exploration. Wind down with live bluegrass music on the patio.
Start in neighboring Carrboro with a visit to the famous Weaver Street Market for artisanal coffees and fresh pastries. Browse farmer stalls offering organic produce and handcrafted goods. Enjoy people-watching in the bustling outdoor seating area.
Explore local galleries showcasing crafts, paintings, and photography. Stop by a maker’s studio to see potters at work and try clay molding yourself. Refuel with lunch at a vegan deli featuring innovative plant-based dishes.
Catch an indie music set at The ArtsCenter followed by a tasting flight at a craft distillery nearby. Dine on shareable plates inspired by global street food vendors. End the night with live theater or an outdoor movie screening in the town square.
Begin your day sampling small-batch brews at a local brewery with a sunlit patio. Chat with brewers about their hops selection and fermentation techniques. Pair your tasting flight with a freshly baked pretzel from the on-site kitchen.
Bike or drive to the next stop for a distillery tour featuring locally grown corn and rye. Watch the copper stills in action and learn about the art of spirit aging. Sip artisanal gin or whiskey neat alongside a cheese board.
Return for a sunset rooftop session at a third venue known for inventive cocktails. Enjoy bar snacks like cashew cheese dip and spiced nuts as the sky changes colors. Cap off the trail with a late-night pizza slice from a cult-favorite joint.
Head to Jordan Lake early to catch the sunrise shimmering on the water. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a tranquil morning glide along the shoreline. Keep an eye out for herons and turtles among the reeds.
Hike one of the lakeside nature trails that wind through woodlands and meadows. Stop at a picnic shelter overlooking the water for sandwiches and homemade cookies. Rent a fishing rod to try catching bass or catfish off the pier.
Return to Chapel Hill for dinner at a waterfront-inspired restaurant serving fresh-caught fish. Unwind with a craft cocktail infused with lake herbs like mint and lemon balm. Take a leisurely drive around the lake under the moonlight before heading back.
Sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast at a cozy cafe known for its signature waffles and mimosas. Catch up on your journal or photos from the week while sipping freshly squeezed juice. Plan your evening by browsing local gig calendars.
Visit a local vinyl record shop to discover rare LPs and Chapel Hill music history. Attend a free afternoon acoustic set at a coffee shop featuring student performers. Grab a gourmet sandwich for a late lunch before gearing up for the night.
Start with dinner at a trendy gastropub offering craft beer pairings with Southern comfort dishes. Head to Cat’s Cradle or Local 506 to catch national touring bands or local indie acts. End the 10-day adventure dancing the night away or chatting with new friends at the bar.