3 Best Places To See in Durham, NC

“Sarah P. Duke Gardens offers learning, inspiration, and enjoyment through excellence in horticulture and community engagement. The garden comprises nearly fifty-five acres of landscaped and forested areas at Duke University in Durham, NC. There are 5 miles of alleys, walks, and paths through the gardens. More than four hundred thousand visitors worldwide visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens annually, enjoying these 55 acres of specialized gardens. The garden inspires transformative learning, promotes wellness, and builds community. They have several fantastic outdoor locations for weddings and other special occasions. Sarah P. Duke Gardens offers classes in gardening, photography, and natural history, tours, and free drop-in programs for families during spring break. The garden's motto is inspiration, enjoyment, and excellence in learning through horticulture and community engagement. Visit this garden, which has free admission.”

“The Museum of Life and Science aims to create a place of lifelong learning. The museum is an 84-acre campus that includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits. The museum was formerly known as the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science and the North Carolina Children's Museum. The museum has a collection of hand-crafted exhibits designed to ignite curiosity and wonder. The Museum of Life and Science is one of the largest butterfly houses on the East Coast, with more than 60 species of live animals; every visit is a new adventure for visitors. The farm allows visitors to see how animal keepers provide stimulation for the animals and offers a weekly up-close experience. Exhibits include Hideaway Woods, Aerospace, BioQuest, Magic Wings Butterfly House, and Dinosaur Trail. Children (ages 2 and under) and members of this museum can get free admission.”

“Nasher Museum of Art welcomes over one million visitors, making it a must-see destination for art enthusiasts and cultural aficionados. The museum is a 65,000-square-foot building that was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly. Nasher Museum of Art is Duke University's art museum, located on Duke's Durham campus. The museum has been known as a place to "raise the cultural bar" on college campuses. The museum is committed to presenting innovative, inclusive and accessible collections, exhibitions, publications and programs that stimulate intellectual discourse, enrich individual lives and generate new knowledge. Visitors can explore the Modern and contemporary collections of art by diverse artists. Nasher Museum maintains a particular focus on artists of African descent. Nasher Museum Café offers fresh, seasonal foods for lunch on Fridays, lunch on Thursdays, and brunch on Fridays. You can also buy art-inspired gifts at the museum shop.”