Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Durham, North Carolina, United States
1. American Tobacco Campus Waterfront Park
A scenic waterfront park with a unique blend of history and modernity, offering walking trails, outdoor events, and stunning views of the American Tobacco Campus.
- Historical Site: Located on the site of the historic American Tobacco Company.
- Outdoor Events Venue: Hosts a variety of outdoor concerts and events throughout the year.
- Pet-Friendly: A great spot for dog owners to walk their pets.
2. Baldwin Park
A picturesque urban waterfront park featuring a lake, walking trails, and recreational facilities, perfect for picnics, fishing, and relaxing.
- Lake Access: Offers a fishing pier and boat rentals.
- Recreational Facilities: Includes tennis courts, basketball courts, and playgrounds.
- Community Events: Regularly hosts community events such as farmers markets and concerts.
3. Falls Lake State Recreation Area
A vast outdoor area with a beautiful lake for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, offering opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
- Boating and Fishing: Provides boat ramps and fishing spots.
- Swimming Opportunities: Features designated swimming areas.
- Camping Availability: Offers campgrounds for overnight stays.
4. Duke University Marina
A marina located on the shores of Lake Michie, offering boat slips, sailing lessons, and kayak rentals.
- Boat Slips: Provides slips for short-term and long-term boat storage.
- Sailing Lessons: Offers lessons for those looking to learn or improve their sailing skills.
- Kayak Rentals: Rent kayaks for paddling around Lake Michie.
5. Oval Park
A small waterfront park with a lake and walking paths, perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic.
- Lake Access: Offers a scenic lake view.
- Walking Paths: Features easy-to-navigate walking paths.
- Picnic Spots: Provides picnic tables for a relaxing lunch.
6. Sarah P. Duke Gardens Boat Tour
A guided boat tour through the scenic Sarah P. Duke Gardens, showcasing the gardens' beauty from a unique perspective.
- Guided Tour: Provides knowledgeable guides to explain the history and significance of the gardens.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens from the water.
- Seasonal Availability: Available seasonally, typically from spring to fall.
7. Eno River State Park
A beautiful state park featuring the Eno River, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and canoeing opportunities.
- Hiking Trails: Provides a variety of easy to challenging hiking trails.
- Canoeing Opportunities: Offers canoe rentals and access points for self-guided canoe trips.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, including birds, deer, and beavers.
8. Lake Michael Park
A family-friendly park featuring a lake for fishing, swimming, and boating, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds.
- Lake Access: Offers fishing spots and designated swimming areas.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Includes a playground, picnic areas, and a sandy beach for building sandcastles.
- Boat Rentals: Rents paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes.
9. Riverwalk at Brightleaf Square
A scenic waterfront walkway with shops, restaurants, and events, offering a unique Durham experience.
- Shopping and Dining: Features a variety of local boutiques and eateries.
- Events Venue: Hosts seasonal events such as farmers markets, concerts, and art shows.
- Waterfront Views: Provides stunning views of the scenic waterfront.
10. Rosemary Street Beach
A small beach located in downtown Durham, offering a unique urban waterfront experience.
- Urban Waterfront: Located in the heart of downtown Durham.
- Swimming Opportunities: Offers a small swimming area.
- Public Art: Features public art installations along the beach.
11. Salisbury Lake Park
A peaceful lake park featuring a fishing pier, picnic areas, and walking trails.
- Fishing Pier: Provides a fishing pier with scenic views.
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic tables for a relaxing lunch.
- Walking Trails: Features easy-to-navigate walking trails.
12. Lake Raleigh at Pullen Park
A lake in a park offering boating, fishing, and picnic areas, as well as a historic carousel.
- Boating and Fishing: Provides boat rentals and fishing spots.
- Historic Carousel: Features a historic carousel dating back to the early 20th century.
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic tables for a relaxing lunch.
13. Lake Johnson Park
A large park featuring a lake with fishing and boating opportunities, as well as sports fields, picnic areas, and walking trails.
- Fishing Opportunities: Offers fishing spots and a fishing pier.
- Boating Opportunities: Provides boat rentals and access points for self-guided canoe trips.
- Sports Facilities: Includes sports fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse.
14. Lake Crabtree County Park
A large park featuring a lake with fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Fishing Opportunities: Offers fishing spots and a fishing pier.
- Boating Opportunities: Provides boat rentals and access points for self-guided canoe trips.
- Swimming Opportunities: Features designated swimming areas.
15. Neuse River Trail
A scenic trail along the Neuse River, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
- Hiking and Biking: Provides easy-to-navigate trails for both hiking and biking.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers opportunities to observe local birdlife.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the Neuse River and surrounding wetlands.