The University of North Carolina and the vibrant downtown area make this area an excellent choice for families and individuals of all ages. There are also fun activities and unique opportunities in this city.
There is plenty of things to do in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, during any season. The perfect Time to plan your trip is now.
Plenty of activities keep everyone entertained, such as live music venues and craft breweries.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is a great place to visit if you want something different. In nearby Hillsborough, you’ll find charming B&Bs and greenways that are perfect for relaxing.
This article covers 21 exciting things to do in Chapel Hill (NC).
Where Is Chapel Hill, North Carolina?
Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, Chapel Hill is a town that’s part of Chatham, Orange, and Durham counties.
According to the 2020 census, its population was 61,960. It is one of the largest cities in the state. The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh, and the surrounding areas have a combined population of over 1.8 million.
It was founded in 1793 and centered on Franklin Street. It features several buildings and districts listed on the National Register for Historic Places.
Some of the major businesses in the area, such as UNC Health Care and the University of North Carolina, are influential. Murals created by local artists can also be found in the area.
Things To Do In Chapel Hill (NC)
Chapel Hill is known for its unique attractions, such as the Coker Arboretum and the Ackland Art Museum. It also has several restaurants.
Other popular activities include watching a football game at the Dean E. Smith Center and visiting the local romantic parks.
These are 21 things to do in Chapel Hill, North Carolina;
1. Dean E. Smith Center
Dean Dome is a multi-purpose sports arena home to the University of North Carolina’s basketball team. It’s named after Dean Smith, the school’s former basketball coach.
The arena is frequently used for home games. It is one of the most popular athletic facilities in the country.
The facility is open Mondays through Fridays, and the public can view the playing court from the arena’s seating area.
The Carolina Basketball Museum is also located inside the facility, and free admission is offered to both facilities.
Address: This attraction is located at 300 Skipper Bowles Dr, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
2. Ackland Art Museum
The Ackland Art Museum was founded in 1958 and featured an extensive art collection. Its various exhibits aim to educate and inspire the students and the community.
The museum has a permanent collection of over 17,000 works of art. Many are European paintings, sculptures, and African and Asian art. It also features North Carolina pottery.
In addition, the museum presents various special exhibitions and traveling exhibitions throughout the year.
The museum is located on South Columbia Street in downtown Chapel Hill. It’s near the Franklin Street intersection.
Address: This attraction is located at 101 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
3. PlayMakers Repertory Company
The PlayMakers Repertory Company is a local theatre company presenting various plays.
It aims to transform the lives of its audience through art. Through its works, the company seeks to uphold the values of equality and artistic excellence.
The company’s season begins each year with a lineup of plays that cater to different audiences.
Some past shows the company has presented include “August Wilson’s autobiographical story” and a comedy about the yoga industry.
Address: This attraction is located at 120 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
4. Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium
The Bryson Field at the University of North Carolina is one of the best collegiate baseball facilities in the country.
It was opened in 1972. This facility has been used to host NCAA regionals and the Atlantic Coast Conference tournaments.
The impressive features of the Bryson Field include its capacity of 4,100 and overflow capacity of 5,000.
Its vast concourse and state-of-the-art lighting system are also some factors that make it one of the best facilities in the country.
Address: This attraction is located at 235 Ridge Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA.
5. Gimghoul Castle
The legend of Gimghoul Castle has been around for a long time. It’s located in Chapel Hill and was constructed at $50,000.
The castle was initially called Hippol Castle. It has been a source of curiosity and mystery for locals and students.
It’s believed that the castle is haunted by the ghost of a local named Peter Dromgoole, who reportedly died during a duel with a woman named Fanny.
It’s also associated with a secret society established in 1889 by some university alumni.
Address: This attraction is located at 705 Gimghoul Rd, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA.
6. Horace Williams House
The Horace Williams House was initially built in 1854 and served as the renowned Professor Horace Williams home.
It was then turned into a cultural center for the community by Preservation Chapel Hill. This organization is known for its adaptive reuse projects.
The house is the only historic structure in Chapel Hill that’s open to the public.
Address: This attraction is located at 610 E Rosemary St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
7. UNC Finley Golf Course
The University of North Carolina’s golf course, known as the UNC Finley, was designed by Tom Fazio. It features five tee boxes and various challenging holes.
The Par 72 course has a modern clubhouse and restaurant. The facility also features a variety of activities for its members, such as private lessons by professional players.
After a game, the Naismith Grill, a local restaurant, serves up a variety of food items.
Address: This attraction is located at 500 Finley Golf Course Road, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
8. Buns of Chapel Hill
A local restaurant known as Buns of Chapel Hill is located right near the university’s campus. It serves up a variety of burgers and other food items.
In addition, the restaurant allows customers to customize their creations by choosing from three different toppings.
The restaurant’s burgers are fresh ground turkey, Angus chuck beef, and homemade veggie patties. They are topped with various dressings and toppings such as cheese, bacon, and vegetables.
For dessert, customers can choose from a variety of thick-cut fries and a hand-spun milkshake.
Address: This attraction is located at 107 N Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
9. Carolina Performing Arts
The mission of Carolina Performing Arts is to provide the community with the best possible art experiences through the presentation of transformative performances.
It also produces a calendar of events featuring various music and dance performances. These events are designed to help students become more involved in the arts.
Address: This attraction is located at 114 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
10. Linda’s Bar and Grill
Linda’s Bar is a casual dining establishment that offers a variety of all-American food and drinks.
It features a menu that includes different types of food, such as cheesesteak sandwiches, Cuban sliders, and burgers.
The restaurant’s interior design is warm and welcoming, allowing customers to enjoy their food. One of the best things to do in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is to have a meal at Linda’s Bar.
Address: This attraction is located at 203 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
11. Merritt’s Store and Grill
Since 1929, Merritt’s has been serving delicious sandwiches and other food items in Chapel Hill. It’s located on South Columbia Street and features a variety of traditional southern dishes.
The restaurant uses only the finest ingredients and doesn’t use preservatives. This is a great place to enjoy a meal in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Address: This attraction is located at 1009 S Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
12. CholaNad
The restaurant known as CholaNad is located in beautiful South Carolina. It features a variety of Indian food dishes that are made with the finest ingredients.
The restaurant’s interior design features a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s filled with various food items such as chicken and lamb dishes.
Address: This attraction is located at 308 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
13. Elements
If you’re looking for a place to have the perfect romantic dinner in Chapel Hill, the Elements restaurant is a great place to meet.
It features a modern and sophisticated atmosphere that allows customers to enjoy a great dining experience.
The restaurant’s executive chef, Michael Chuong, and his team use the finest ingredients and combine them with European and Asian cooking techniques to create memorable dinner and lunch menus.
Address: The Element is located at 2110 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA.
14. Lavender Oaks Farm
One of the best things to do in Chapel Hill is visiting the Lavender Oaks Farm, a beautiful farm near downtown Chapel Hill.
This property features 60 beautiful acres of land. A beautiful forest also surrounds it. The farm offers tours and farm visits, and it’s equipped with several beautiful barns.
Address: This attraction is located at 3833 Millard Whitley Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, USA.
15. Honeysuckle Tea House
Honeysuckle Tea House has grown its organic produce by partnering with various health and ecology organizations. It also produces a variety of tea blends and herbal remedies.
The company’s staff members are passionate about creating unique and hand-crafted products.
Address: This attraction is located at 8871 Pickard’s Meadow Road, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
16. Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe
At Vimala, you’ll find multiple Indian dishes with the finest ingredients. Some of these include tandoori chicken, kofta curry, and Kerala beef.
The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere will allow you to enjoy a great meal at home or in the restaurant.
Address: This attraction is located at 431 W Franklin St Ste 415, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA.
17. Time Out
The Time Out restaurant in Chapel Hill was initially opened by Eddie Williams, an alumnus of the University of North Carolina.
It’s currently run by his son, Eddie, and it has become a prominent part of the university’s community. The restaurant serves up Southern-style food and is open seven days a week.
Address: This attraction is located at 201 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
18. Kidzu Children’s Museum
The Kidzu Children’s Museum was designed to inspire children to learn through play. It features various interactive exhibits that allow kids to explore and learn new things through play.
One of these is the flexible forest, which features a large climbing wall and various other interactive features.
Address: This attraction is located at 201 S. Estes Drive, University Place, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
19. Coker Arboretum
The Coker Arboretum is located in the heart of the University of North Carolina. North Carolina Botanical Garden manages it.
The Carolinas Arboretum in Chapel Hill offers monthly guided tours that professional naturalists lead.
These tours provide a relaxing and informative introduction to the area. This is also one of the best things to do in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Address: This attraction is located at 399 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
20. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
The Morehead Planetarium is one of the country’s largest and oldest of its kind. It was first opened in 1949 as a training facility for astronauts.
Located on the campus of the North Carolina’s University of North Carolina, the Morehead Planetarium is also a great place to visit.
Address: This attraction is located at 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
21. North Carolina Botanical Garden
The North Carolina State University’s North Carolina Botanical Garden is a part of the university’s campus. It features over a thousand acres of gardens and natural areas.
Address: This attraction is located at 100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA.
Best Time To Visit Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The summer season in Chapel Hill is from May to September, and the temperature in this area usually ranges from 27 degrees Celsius.
During the fall season, the days are warm, and the evenings are becoming colder. This is the best Time to visit the area since there are few tourists.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Chapel Hill, North Carolina?
The average cost per day on vacation in Chapel Hill is around $131.
This is based on expenses such as local transportation and meals. Previous travelers have spent approximately $40 for a meal and $27 for local transportation.
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