Durham, North Carolina Weekend Escapes: 10 Best Short Road Trips

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Durham, NC

If you live in Durham, North Carolina, you already know it’s a fun, vibrant city. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll down the windows, and explore somewhere new—without driving for hours. The good news? Within about an hour of Durham, you’ll find small towns, lake views, hiking trails, and great food in the surrounding counties of Chatham, Granville, Orange, Person, and Wake. All of these road trips from Durham take you out of Durham County, and each one can be done as a quick day trip or an easy weekend escape.

1. Pittsboro & Jordan Lake – Small-Town Charm + Big Water Views (Chatham County)

Distance from Durham: about 35–45 minutes southwest County: Chatham County, NC If you’re craving a mix of laid-back town vibes and time by the water, head to Pittsboro and nearby Jordan Lake. In downtown Pittsboro, you’ll find:
  • Cozy cafes and coffee shops
  • Local art galleries and antique stores
  • Friendly, walkable streets with old Southern character
Then drive about 10–15 minutes to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, where you can:
  • Relax on the beach areas and have a picnic
  • Rent a kayak or bring your own
  • Look for bald eagles that nest around the lake
I like to get coffee in Pittsboro first, then head to the lake with a simple picnic—sandwiches, chips, and a cooler of drinks. It’s an easy, low-stress day trip that feels like a mini vacation.

2. Chapel Hill & Carrboro – College Town Energy Without the Durham Crowds (Orange County)

Distance from Durham: about 20–30 minutes southwest County: Orange County, NC Yes, it’s close—but it’s still outside Durham County and makes a fun little getaway. Chapel Hill and next-door Carrboro are perfect if you want a mix of culture, food, and people-watching. Top things to do:
  • Stroll down Franklin Street for shops, restaurants, and bars
  • Walk through the UNC-Chapel Hill campus and see the Old Well
  • Visit the North Carolina Botanical Garden for easy nature trails
  • Check out live music in Carrboro in the evening
If you enjoy college towns, you’ll love the energy here. It’s a great option when you want to get out of Durham but don’t feel like driving very far.

3. Hillsborough – Historic Streets & River Walks (Orange County)

Distance from Durham: about 20–25 minutes northwest County: Orange County, NC Hillsborough is one of those places that feels made for slow Saturdays. It has a charming historic downtown that’s very walkable. What to do in Hillsborough:
  • Walk the Riverwalk along the Eno River
  • Browse used bookstores and local art shops downtown
  • Visit historic sites and old homes
  • Grab lunch or ice cream and sit outside if the weather’s nice
It’s close enough for a quick morning or afternoon escape, but you can easily stretch it into a full day if you enjoy walking, browsing, and lingering over coffee or dessert.

4. Raleigh – Big-City Attractions, Easy Drive (Wake County)

Distance from Durham: about 30–45 minutes southeast County: Wake County, NC Looking for more museums, restaurants, and nightlife? Head to Raleigh, the state capital of North Carolina. Some popular Raleigh highlights:
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – great for families and science lovers
  • North Carolina Museum of History
  • Walkable downtown with plenty of bars and restaurants
  • North Hills area for shopping and dining
One thing I like to do is pick one or two main stops—maybe a museum in the morning and a long lunch downtown—so the day doesn’t feel rushed. Raleigh works well for date days, friend outings, or family road trips from Durham.

5. Falls Lake – Easy Nature Escape Near the City (Wake County)

Distance from Durham: about 25–40 minutes east/southeast (depending on which access point you choose) County: Wake County, NC If you want a fast nature fix, Falls Lake State Recreation Area is a great option. It stretches across several areas, so you can pick the access that’s closest to you. At Falls Lake, you can:
  • Swim at designated beach areas
  • Hike short trails with lake views
  • Bring a kayak, paddleboard, or small boat
  • Spend a lazy afternoon grilling at a picnic shelter
It’s one of the easiest outdoor day trips from Durham if you don’t want to drive too far but still want to feel like you “got away” for a while.

6. Apex – “Peak of Good Living” Small-Town Stroll (Wake County)

Distance from Durham: about 35–45 minutes south County: Wake County, NC Apex calls itself the “Peak of Good Living,” and it really does have that comfortable, small-town feel with a modern twist. Things to do in Apex:
  • Wander Historic Downtown Apex with its restored buildings and shops
  • Grab coffee or dessert at a local bakery
  • Check out seasonal festivals and street events (especially in warmer months)
If you enjoy town centers like downtown Cary or Wake Forest, you’ll probably like Apex too. It’s a simple, low-key road trip from Durham when you want something relaxed and easy.

7. Butner & Creedmoor – Quiet Getaway & Lake Michie Area (Granville County)

Distance from Durham: about 25–35 minutes north/northeast County: Granville County, NC Head into Granville County for a calmer pace. The towns of Butner and Creedmoor don’t feel touristy, and that’s part of their charm. Ideas for this road trip:
  • Stop in Creedmoor for a casual local meal or coffee
  • Take a scenic drive through the back roads around town
  • Pair it with time on the water at nearby lakes north of Durham (like Lake Michie on the Durham side, then continue into Granville for a loop drive)
This is a good choice if you like simple drives, quiet spots, and the feeling of “real” small-town North Carolina.

8. Oxford – Classic Southern Courthouse Town (Granville County)

Distance from Durham: about 35–45 minutes north County: Granville County, NC Oxford, NC, is one of those traditional Southern towns with a courthouse, historic buildings, and a laid-back main street. What you can do in Oxford:
  • Walk around the historic downtown area
  • Check out local shops and diners
  • Admire the older homes and quiet tree-lined streets
If you enjoy photography, bring your camera. The courthouse square and side streets offer some great small-town scenes, especially in the late afternoon light.

9. Roxboro & Hyco Lake – Lakeside Relaxing Up North (Person County)

Distance from Durham: about 45–60 minutes north County: Person County, NC Looking for a mellow lake day a bit farther out? Head up to Roxboro and Hyco Lake in Person County. Things to do in this area:
  • Visit Hyco Lake for boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the view
  • Pack a picnic and relax by the water
  • Explore downtown Roxboro’s shops and local restaurants
The drive from Durham is pretty, with rolling countryside and open views. It’s a good pick if you don’t mind a slightly longer ride for a quieter spot.

10. Wake Forest – Charming Downtown & Nearby Greenways (Wake County)

Distance from Durham: about 35–45 minutes east County: Wake County, NC Once its own small town, Wake Forest now blends into the Raleigh area but still keeps a welcoming downtown core. In Wake Forest you can:
  • Walk the historic downtown streets and browse boutiques
  • Try locally owned restaurants and coffee shops
  • Check out nearby parks and greenways for an easy walk
It’s a nice in-between spot: calmer than big-city Raleigh, but with more options than a tiny town.

Tips for Planning Your Durham Road Trips

To get the most out of these day trips from Durham, NC, a little planning goes a long way:
  • Check hours for museums, shops, and parks before you go.
  • Pack a small bag with water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
  • Start early if you want to avoid traffic, especially heading toward Raleigh or Chapel Hill.
  • Build in “wandering time” – some of the best finds are the ones you stumble on while just walking around.
If you only have a few hours, choose a closer spot like Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, or Falls Lake. For a full relaxed day, try Pittsboro & Jordan Lake, Roxboro & Hyco Lake, or Raleigh.

Where Will You Go First?

Living in or visiting Durham means you’re surrounded by great places in Chatham, Granville, Orange, Person, and Wake counties. Whether you’re into lakes, history, food, or just quiet drives down country roads, there’s a quick trip waiting for you.
  • Want water views? Try Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, or Hyco Lake.
  • Want small-town main streets? Head to Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Oxford, or Apex.
  • Want more city energy? Spend the day in Raleigh or Chapel Hill.

Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Durham

Have you taken any fun out-of-county road trips from Durham, NC? Did I miss a favorite spot in Chatham, Granville, Orange, Person, or Wake County? I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment with:
  • Your favorite nearby getaway
  • Hidden gems or local restaurants you recommend
  • Which of these 10 places you’re planning to visit next
And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who live in Durham or are planning a trip to the area. It might just inspire their next easy weekend adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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