Things to do in Durham

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A snow-covered town with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, a prominent church, and a clear view of the surrounding mountains.
A silhouette of a person, a dog, and a horse-drawn carriage against a sunset sky.
A forest with a dirt path, tall trees, and fallen logs.

Durham Attractions

They say the best things come in small packages, and this endearing city is no exception. From amazing tourist attractions to exciting activities, there are so many things to do in Durham.

If you're ready to discover the best of Durham, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an expert show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {15 fun activities in Durham fun activities in Durham} are also worth looking into.

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Durham must see attractions

1. Hampton Beach

Hugging the southeastern corner of New Hampshire, Hampton Beach is renowned as one of the cleanest beaches in the U.S. Most of the area’s attractions revolve around the Atlantic Ocean.
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A detailed sandcastle with a central figure, multiple spires, and text indicating 'Seaside' and 'Ashworth By The Sea'.

2. Ogunquit Beach

Smell the salt air and walk with the sand beneath your feet at Ogunquit Beach. The beach lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. It is within convenient walking distances from the town center. Explore its 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) of shoreline and enjoy the sea and surf.
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A crowded beach with people sunbathing, children playing, and umbrellas providing shade.

3. Perkins Cove

If you want to experience an authentic Maine fishing village, visit Perkins Cove. In this enclave of Ogunquit, located just south of the town center, explore an array of shops, restaurants and scenic walking routes.
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A garden with colorful flowers, a dock with boats, and a building with people in the background.

4. Marginal Way

Set between land and sea, Marginal Way is a 1.25-mile (2-kilometer) cliff walk between Ogunquit Beach and Perkins Cove. Watch Atlantic Ocean waves crashing into the rocks and spraying the tide pools beside the path, while surfers and divers venture out into the salty water. Considered one of the most walkable communities in Maine, Ogunquit is understandably proud of this scenic coastal path. The land for the walkway was donated to the community by Josiah Chase Jr. in 1925.
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A rocky shoreline with houses and a lighthouse.

5. Long Sands Beach

Find much to appreciate along the pretty swath of sand at York’s popular Long Sands Beach. For 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers), you can surf, sun, stroll and enjoy the scenic sights, including the Nubble Lighthouse and Boon Island.
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A beach with waves, a child in a pink jacket, and houses in the background.

Recommended things to do in Durham

Number of things to do
15
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided Haunted Walking Tour in Portsmouth APP/GPS/EMF Reader: $10
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Durham

Free Things to Do in Durham

A visit to Durham doesn't have to cost a lot. You won't even need your wallet if you check out:

University of New Hampshire - Stroll around this historic place and find out a few secrets from days gone by.

Adams Point - It's easy to feel connected with Mother Earth at this spectacular attraction.

Things to Do in Durham with Kids

There are lots of incredible experiences in Durham that the whole gang will love. These are a few of the most popular family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Durham? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Durham attractions

Adams Point

9.0/10 (4 reviews)
This serene peninsula offers a tranquil 0.7-mile loop trail through diverse habitats with stunning Great Bay views. Bring binoculars for exceptional bird watching during spring and fall migrations.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Durham

An aerial view of a historic castle surrounded by a fortified wall, with a port and a lighthouse in the background.

Dover

A marina with various boats docked, a clear sky, and a cityscape in the background.

Portsmouth

A white church with a steeple surrounded by lush greenery and purple lupine flowers.

Greenland

A field of sunflowers with bees on the flowers.

Lee

A stone building with multiple windows and a clear sky with clouds.

Newmarket

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?
Durham has a unique mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or traditional cuisine, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Durham?
Once you've checked off top attractions like The Children's Museum of New Hampshire and Dover Bowl Family Fun Center, spend the rest of your day enjoying Durham's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Durham?
You can't leave without exploring The Children's Museum of New Hampshire, ranked the top tourist attraction in Durham.
Is three days enough to stay in Durham?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city sights, such as The Children's Museum of New Hampshire, Woodman Institute and Adams Point. The average stay in Durham is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Ogunquit - Wells isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?
Planning what to do in Durham with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Durham for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's lots of things to do in Durham for adults including Flag Hill Winery.
Are there free things to do in Durham?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Durham. If you're in need of ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Adams Point is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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