The best things to do in Durham County

Falls Village Golf Club is a locally loved 18-hole championship course carved through Carolina pines just outside RTP, with rolling terrain, real elevation changes, and 48 strategically placed bunkers. Five sets of tees, Champion bermudagrass greens, and a friendly vibe make it perfect for a fun, thoughtful round.

From the Durham newsletter, September 23, 2026

If you're in Apex, Duke University Golf Club is a public-access design by Robert Trent Jones Sr. & Rees Jones with a legit practice setup, club fitting, and lessons from Get Golf Ready to Junior Golf. Book a tee time and treat yourself to championship-caliber greens this week.

From the Durham newsletter, September 30, 2026

Croasdaile Country Club still nails the local sweet spot, with a George Cobb course refreshed by John Lafoy, a brand-new pool open for the 2026 season, year-round tennis and four dedicated pickleball courts, plus a renovated clubhouse that keeps both fine and casual dining easy.

From the Durham newsletter, September 6, 2026

Remember Wheels Fun Park? It’s back as Wheels Durham’s Roller Skating Rink, freshly revived and run by United Skates of America, with community energy and events. Grab your crew this week, lace up, and make a few laps that feel like the good kind of throwback.

From the Durham newsletter, October 21, 2026

If you want reliable water time, Edison Johnson Aquatics Center keeps an 8-lane indoor pool humming with lap swim, low-impact fitness, lessons, and rec swim. Drop in when you can or grab a pass, and yes, they’ve got an aquatic lift, ramp and water chair.

From the Wilson newsletter, September 5, 2026

Durham Warli Mural invites neighbors to help co-create a massive piece in the indigenous Warli style, learning basics via live-streamed lessons and sending in sketches that shape the final design, a community snapshot of Durham from tobacco fields to our vibrant urban present.

From the Durham newsletter, September 16, 2026

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

Whether you care about a pure Donald Ross fairway or just want a place where kids, pickleball, and exceptional dining happily coexist, Hope Valley Country Club delivers.

From the Holly Springs newsletter, September 12, 2026

Sneak in a round at the Robert Trent Jones designed Duke University Golf Club, then linger over award-winning dining at Fairview Dining Room or a pour at Bull Durham Bar. Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club makes a weekday feel like a mini getaway with clinics, instruction, and tall pines for days.

From the Durham newsletter, October 14, 2026

Whether your Saturday means chasing pars on a George Cobb designed 18 or grabbing a poolside burger while the kids splash, Umstead Pines @ Willowhaven Golf & Swim Club keeps it simple for north Durham locals. Public tee times, Executive Chef Doug, the Pinecone Grill, and an event ready mid century clubhouse seal it.

From the Durham newsletter, October 10, 2026

Pauli Murray Mural is part of a community created series honoring Pauli Murray’s life and legacy, with bold portraits and quotes appearing on everyday buildings. It’s the kind of quick art walk that turns a coffee run into a mini history lesson, and it sticks with you.

From the Wilson newsletter, September 4, 2026

If your short game needs humbling in the best way, The Crossings Golf Club pairs lively Bermuda greens with a Ron Garl layout recognized as one of the Triangle’s most unique. Triangle Business Journal named it Most Challenging in 2019 and Best Public and Semi-Private in 2020, under new ownership since 2024.

From the Durham newsletter, October 9, 2026

Hillandale Golf Course is the go-to public track for Durham golfers, with four distinct teeing areas from 4,954 to 6,339 yards and the nationally acclaimed Hillandale Golf Shop. Book a round, get fit or take lessons with PGA pros, join a league, then debrief at The Grill.

From the High Point newsletter, September 1, 2026

Consistently ranked among North Carolina’s best, Treyburn Country Club pairs a pristine, private course with a modern Wellness Center, tennis and aquatics. Seasonal dishes from the Executive Chef and family-friendly perks make it a low-key upgrade to your routine when you want golf plus everything else.

From the Oxford newsletter, October 20, 2026