10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Chapel Hill, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a laid-back college town with great food, beautiful trees, and lots of things to do,
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in
Orange County, is a perfect pick. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family trip, or a quick day visit from Raleigh or Durham, Chapel Hill offers a little bit of everything.
Below are
10 fun things to do in and around Chapel Hill that will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this charming Carolina town.
1. Stroll Down Franklin Street
Franklin Street is the heart of Chapel Hill. If you only have a few hours in town, start here.
You’ll find:
- Locally owned restaurants and coffee shops
- UNC gear stores and quirky boutiques
- Bars and music venues with live shows
Walk a few blocks and you’ll see why people fall in love with this place. You can grab a slice of pizza, duck into a used bookshop, and then sip a drink on a patio, all on the same block.
If you’re visiting during basketball season and the Tar Heels win a big game, Franklin Street turns into one huge celebration. It’s loud, chaotic, and a lot of fun to witness.
Tip: Parking can be tight, especially on game days. If you can, park once and explore on foot.
2. Explore the UNC-Chapel Hill Campus
You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The campus is walkable, pretty, and full of history.
Don’t miss:
- The Old Well – the classic photo spot; legend says drinking from it brings good luck for students.
- Polk Place & McCorkle Place – large grassy quads perfect for people-watching.
- Campus Y & South Building – historic buildings that give you that “old college” feel.
I like to grab a coffee on Franklin Street, then wander through campus under the big oak and maple trees. In spring, the flowers are out. In fall, the leaves turn bright red and gold. It feels like walking through a movie set.
Travel tip: Wear comfy shoes. The campus is hilly in spots (there’s a reason it’s called Chapel
Hill).
3. Visit the Ackland Art Museum
Right next to campus and just off Franklin Street, the
Ackland Art Museum is one of the best free things to do in Chapel Hill.
Inside, you’ll find:
- American and European paintings
- Asian art and ceramics
- Rotating modern and contemporary exhibits
The museum isn’t huge, which is actually nice. You can see a lot in an hour or two without feeling rushed. It’s a great break on a hot summer day or a rainy afternoon.
Why go? It’s quiet, it’s free (donations encouraged), and it adds a little culture to your Chapel Hill visit.
4. Walk the Trails at the North Carolina Botanical Garden
Just a short drive from Franklin Street, the
North Carolina Botanical Garden is one of the most peaceful spots in Chapel Hill.
You’ll find:
- Native plant gardens
- Walking paths and short wooded trails
- Pollinator and herb gardens
If you like being outside but don’t want a long hike, this is perfect. The garden focuses on plants that naturally grow in North Carolina, so you get a real sense of the local landscape.
I’ve spent easy mornings here just wandering the paths, listening to birds, and reading the little signs by the plants. It’s also a nice place to bring kids—they can explore without a long drive out into the country.
Good to know: Check their website before you go; they often have special events, classes, and plant sales.
5. Catch a Game in Tar Heel Country
Chapel Hill is
college sports heaven. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, catching a game adds a fun local flavor to your trip.
Depending on the season, you can see:
- Men’s or women’s basketball at the Dean E. Smith Center
- Football at Kenan Memorial Stadium
- Baseball, soccer, or lacrosse at on-campus fields
Game days are an experience—fans in Carolina blue, tailgates, and a buzz all over town. Restaurants and bars fill up, so plan ahead if you want a pre- or post-game meal.
Try this: Even if you can’t get tickets, watching a game at a Franklin Street bar surrounded by Tar Heel fans is a blast and very “Chapel Hill.”
6. Relax at the Coker Arboretum
Right on the UNC campus, but slightly tucked away, you’ll find
Coker Arboretum. It’s about 5 acres of peaceful paths, flowering shrubs, and tall trees.
This is a great spot to:
- Take a quiet walk before or after lunch
- Enjoy a picnic on the grass
- Let kids run around a bit while you relax
In spring, the azaleas and dogwoods are beautiful. In fall, the colors are bright and the air feels crisp. It’s hard to believe you’re just steps away from busy Franklin Street.
Local tip: Bring a book or a journal. It’s one of the calmest places in Chapel Hill to just sit and reset.
7. Eat Your Way Through Chapel Hill & Carrboro
You can’t talk about things to do in Chapel Hill without talking about the
food scene. For a small town, there are a lot of great options.
Some ideas:
- Breakfast or brunch at a local cafe or bakery
- BBQ or Southern comfort food for lunch
- Farm-to-table dinners with local ingredients
- Craft beer or cocktails in the evening
Just next door is
Carrboro, also in Orange County, basically attached to Chapel Hill. It has a more artsy, laid-back vibe and tons of local restaurants and bars.
If you like exploring by taste, you could easily spend a whole day just eating and drinking your way through Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
Tip: Ask locals or servers where they like to eat on their day off. You’ll usually get the best, least-touristy spots that way.
8. Shop and Stroll at University Place & Local Markets
If you enjoy a mix of shopping and browsing, check out
University Place and Chapel Hill’s markets.
You might find:
- Local art and handmade goods
- Boutiques with clothing and gifts
- Occasional pop-up markets and events
On certain days, nearby Carrboro hosts popular farmers’ markets with local produce, baked goods, and crafts. It’s a nice way to connect with the community and pick up a few tasty treats or souvenirs.
Why it’s worth it: These markets and shops give you a peek into everyday life in Chapel Hill and Orange County—not just the tourist side.
9. Get Outside at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Want a real hike but don’t want to drive too far? Head over to
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area in nearby Hillsborough, still in Orange County and just a short drive (about 15–20 minutes) from Chapel Hill.
Highlights include:
- Wooded trails with moderate climbs
- Scenic overlooks with views of the Eno River
- Quiet spots for a picnic or a break
The trails aren’t super long, but they give you a good workout and some great views. It’s a perfect half-day outing if you want to balance city exploring with some nature time.
Bring: Sneakers or hiking shoes, a bottle of water, and maybe a light snack. The trails can be a little rocky in spots.
10. Explore Historic Hillsborough
To round out your Chapel Hill trip, take a short ride up to
Hillsborough, another charming town in Orange County. It has a cute, historic downtown that feels like stepping back in time.
You can:
- Walk along the Eno Riverwalk
- Browse small shops and art galleries
- Check out historic homes and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries
Hillsborough moves at a slow, easy pace. It’s a nice change of scene after the energy of Chapel Hill and campus life.
Tip: Pair a morning hike at Occoneechee Mountain with lunch and a stroll in Hillsborough for a full, relaxed day outside Chapel Hill.
Planning Your Trip to Chapel Hill, NC
Here are a few quick tips to help you plan:
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall are ideal—mild temperatures, pretty colors, and lots going on around campus.
- Getting around: A car is helpful, but downtown Chapel Hill and UNC are very walkable once you park.
- Where to stay: Look for hotels or short-term rentals near Franklin Street or within a short drive; you’ll be close to food, shops, and campus.
If you enjoy a mix of college-town energy, good food, art, and easy access to nature, Chapel Hill and the rest of Orange County make a great North Carolina getaway.
What Would You Add to This Chapel Hill Bucket List?
Have you spent time in
Chapel Hill, NC or elsewhere in
Orange County? Maybe you have a favorite brunch spot, a hidden trail, or a go-to bar on Franklin Street.
- What’s your favorite thing to do in Chapel Hill?
- Which of these 10 ideas would you try first?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your Chapel Hill stories and tips. And if you found this list helpful for planning your trip, please
share this post with a friend who’s thinking about visiting North Carolina.
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