Things to do & places to visit in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

Calling itself "the southern part of Heaven," the town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina is home to the grassy malls and brick walkways of the University of North Carolina's historic campus. The presence of the country's first public university has allowed a vibrant arts and culture scene to grow in Chapel Hill. Check out a concert by a local band, watch the star's fly at the Morehead Planetarium or catch a varsity game pitting the wildly popular Tarheels against their historic Southern rivals.

Chapel Hill city in North Carolina, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 0:02.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Carolina Basketball Museum (203 reviews)
- Great Museum
Speciality Museums

It’s a must see if you like NC basketball and the superstars the program has let us watch over the years. This is a free museum that starts with a five minute video. Then you are on a self guided tour through the museum. See more..
5.0 Spring Haven Farm (42 reviews)
- Great family outing with my niece (2.5) and son (1)
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Here at Spring Haven Farm we believe that caring for animals of all types greatly enriches our lives and the lives of all who visit. Living and farming in a sustainable, renewable and responsible way is at the very core of who we are. Come visit our farm and see what we are about. See more..
5.0 FRANK Gallery (18 reviews)
- A Gallery You Must Visit!
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Such unique, beautiful art. I would recommend this to anyone. Even if you're just passing through, pop in and enjoy the pieces! See more..
5.0 Chapel Hill Public Library (11 reviews)
- An airy modern library
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Libraries

Easy comfortable library to negotiate. Great book sales twice a year. Lots of books and a comfortable surround. See more..
5.0 Brumley Forest Nature Preserve (7 reviews)
- Great Hiking and Mountain Biking
Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Brumley Nature Preserve is one of the newest Triangle Land Conservancy properties to open to the public, having opened in April 2017. It is also one of the largest at more than 600 acres with over 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The South entrance off New Hope Church Road provides access to multi-use trails, while the North side is hiking only, so this side is better if seeking solitude. Great place to explore, with a number of old ruins, cemeteries, and farm ponds. It's quite popular so try to arrive early on a nice weekend to ensure available parking. See more..
5.0 United Church of Chapel Hill (3 reviews)
- Welcome to all
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Churches & Cathedrals

We are a member church of the United Church of Christ.We invite people of every age, race, marital status, sexual orientation, means, ability and spiritual tradition to join us in the love of God and neighbor: through worship, dedication to education and commitment to service.We are an Open and Affirming congregation promoting marriage equality and invite members from the LGBT (lesbian, gay,bisexual and transgender) community to participate fully in the life and work of this church. See more..
5.0 Fetzer Field (3 reviews)
- A Special Place
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums
It's undergoing renovations now, but this piece of land is a special place in the ongoing history of the US Soccer. Anson is a legend See more..
5.0 Unique Plant (2 reviews)
- The name says it all—it's unique
Spent < 1 hour Gardens
I would just go to walk the amazing grounds. Fantastic service and knowledge. Have bought many trees from them and plan to go back to buy more. See more..
4.5 University of North Carolina (554 reviews)
- Great Campus walk but recommend avoiding Franklin Street
Educational sites

I walked around the campus of the University of North Carolina for a couple of hours in June 2021. It is a beautiful campus with very interesting architecture. I enjoyed seeing from the outside the Bell Tower, the Wilson Library, Moorhead Planetarium, the Old Well and other buildings and taking some photos. The architecture with Greek columns on some buildings was very interesting. It was not very busy because school was out for the summer. My advice during the summer would be to stick to the campus as Franklin Street (the main street with shops and restaurants near the campus) had some annoying homeless people on it and I felt uncomfortable. Perhaps it is different during the school year. In summary, I really enjoyed my walk around campus for a couple of hours. My only disappointment was that the Wilson Library was closed due to COVID19 as I had wanted to go inside and view some old book collections. See more..
4.5 North Carolina Botanical Garden (291 reviews)
- Peaceful
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas

The North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG), part of the University of North Carolina, is a 1,000 acre assemblage of display gardens and natural areas in and around Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Garden is nationally known as a center for the study, display, interpretation, and conservation of southeastern native plants. Our main gardens in Chapel Hill feature a variety of native plant displays, an indoor exhibit hall, Garden Shop, art gallery, and extensive nature trails behind the Garden. See more..
4.5 Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (173 reviews)
- Wonderful
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Observatories & Planetariums

Educational and entertaining programs for all ages that teach and explore the science of the universe. See more..
4.5 Dean E. Smith Center (152 reviews)
- Excellent!
Sunday: Arenas & Stadiums

We were on a long road trip and this was my son's only request being a huge Jordan fan. I was upset at myself because I wanted to tour the basketball museum, but didn't realize it was closed the day we were going to be there. So, we pulled up to the Dean Smith Center (closed as well) and still were able to look inside, take a bunch of pics with UNC logos and signs, and just make the best of it! My son loved it which is all that matters! See more..
4.5 Ackland Art Museum (134 reviews)
- Amazing Collection
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The Ackland Art Museum’s permanent collection consists of more than 19,000 works of art, featuring North Carolina’s premier collections of Asian art and works of art on paper (drawings, prints, and photographs), as well as significant collections of European masterworks, 20th-century and contemporary art, African art, and North Carolina pottery. The Ackland organizes several special exhibitions each year. Admission is always free to all. See more..
4.5 Coker Arboretum (65 reviews)
- Wonderful Mothers Day Walk
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Historic Walking Areas • Parks • Gardens

My wife and I visited Coker early on a Sunday morning, so parking was no issue at all. A few people were spread out on the grounds, but we were able to distance ourselves at all times. We both loved the greenery, and there were more flowers blooming here than at the NC Botanical Garden the afternoon prior. Free entry and accessibility made Coker one of the highlights of our Chapel Hill visit. See more..
4.5 PlayMakers Repertory Company (44 reviews)
- Long-standing season ticket holders!
Sunday: Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

PlayMakers Repertory Company is the professional theatre in residence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Considered the leading theatre of the Carolinas, the company has been honored by the Drama League of New York as one of the best regional theatres in the country. See more..
4.5 Top of the Hill Distillery (TOPO) (21 reviews)
- Awesome learning experience.
Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

The only USDA certified and fully-local spirits distillery in the U.S. See more..
4.5 Cat Tales Cat Cafe (15 reviews)
- My fav!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Cat Tales Cat Cafe is a cozy cage-free lounge where guests can get to know our 12 adoptable cats, while enjoying a tasty snack or drink. Our lounge is a low stress, free roaming environment that allows the cats' true personalities to shine! We welcome visitors both looking to adopt and those just looking to play with some kitties. All kitties are adoptable from Goathouse Refuge. We highly recommend making reservations in advance through our website. See more..
4.5 1870 Farm (12 reviews)
- Unexpected Gemstone Mining Experience
Spent 2-3 hours Farms

The farm was a quick stop to entertain my younger kids while my daughter attended orientation at UNC. Wasn't sure if its open all the time or not so we took our chance and drove in. Turned out we lucked out as the owner showed us the new mining area and we were the first to check out. It was loads of fun and the kids found fossils using a sluice. There was a mine shaft being built but wasn't yet open when we were there but looked fun. The animals were too cute and loved the pygmy goats and the nutty sheep called "Number 7". High Recommend! See more..
4.5 Forest Theater (11 reviews)
- Magical Spot
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Forest Theater is on the edge of the UNC Campus. It was built in 1916 are rebuilt in the 1940's. It has a completely unique feeling merging with the wooded natural area around it. It is an intimate space where you can see and enjoy productions on the stage from any seat. I go annually to see the Paperhand Puppet production. The environmental themes of this show is so suitable for the setting. The seating is stone, so you want to bring a cushion or blanket to sit on, but the seats are wide and there is plenty of room for picnic baskets. As the evening darkens the theater just grows in mystique. If you have a chance to see something in this setting you should definitely do it -- the setting is timeless. See more..
4.5 The Chapel of the Cross (11 reviews)
- Chapel of the Cross
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Though we are Roman Catholics we visit this wonderful chapel every time we we are in Chapel Hill. The building is amazing, not only from the outside but also from inside. Most of all however we like the very kind priest and all the people in the chuch who always invite us to join their service. See more..
4.5 Carolina Performing Arts (11 reviews)
- cool historic venue, parking can be difficult
Sunday: Theaters

Carolina Performing Arts is the official arts presenter of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. CPA Presents works by the world's top classical, dance, theater, and global music artists. See more..
4.5 Boshamer Stadium (7 reviews)
- Great baseball
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Great venue for NCAA baseball. Carolina usually has a good team so a good place to catch a fun game at about any time of the season. See more..
4.5 Battle Park (5 reviews)
- too bad it started getting dark
Parks • Hiking Trails • Forests

We saw a sign and decided to check out this park. The sun was already low so we knew we would not be able to walk the entire trail but we went as far as we dared before turning back. UNC bought the 93 acres of land in 1793. There is no designated parking for the park so you may have to drive around a bit before you find a legal place to park. There are several different trails and one even takes you past Gimghoul Castle and another takes you to a stone amphitheater called Forest Theater. When we were there it was after several days of heavy rain and some of the trails over the creeks were washed out but we just stepped from rock to rock and kept going. I can't wait for the weather to cool off so we can walk the entire thing. See more..
4.5 Whitehall Antiques (3 reviews)
- Best Antiques Shop I've Seen!
Antique Shops
If you are in the area, this antiques shop is well worth checking out! Even if you are not into antiques, the building alone is worth the visit - made out of architectural salvage from two old mansions that used to be in Downtown Durham - so cool! And if you do like antiques, they have a wide variety including Mid Century Modern. See more..
4.0 Downtown Chapel Hill (361 reviews)
- Franklin Street
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Franklin Street is the place to shop and dine for college students and couples alike. Right off the main drag you can find Coker Arboretum and Morehead Planetarium as well. Depending on the timing, parking can be a nightmare. But visiting Chapel Hill and not coming here would be a missed opportunity to me. See more..
4.0 Kenan Memorial Stadium (76 reviews)
- Kenan Memorial Stadium......You can't see it, but its there.
Arenas & Stadiums

Always a great visit to Kenan. Holds approximately 60,000 and you can't see it from ground level as it is built in a valley. 2 major hints....1. Always try to get tickets on the West side of the stadium if a day game. You will watch it in the shade. East side gets hammered with the setting sun. 2...Always buy the bottle of water outside the stadium because when you get it the stadium you can refill your bottle free with the big blue cooler. Just ask...its there. See more..
4.0 Kidzu Children's Museum (41 reviews)
- Great
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Children's Museums

Kidzu Children's Museum is a hands-on museum dedicated to inspiring young children and the adults in their lives to learn through creative play. Come experience Kidzu's new Launch Pad at University Mall —make, build, explore and learn in this amazing location! Our space is brimming with fun and engaging exhibits including refreshed tried and true favorites like The Makery, Gravitron, and Farm to Fork plus several spectacular new exhibits: The Forest Theatre, a large-scale climbing wall, and the immense Tarheel Treehouse! In addition to these kids-powered exhibits areas for children infant to tweens, the New Launch Pad offers a wealth of new programs and activities related to arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), child health and wellness and emerging literacy. See more..
4.0 Gimghoul Castle (30 reviews)
- Wrong Address
Castles

It took me both in car & on foot to find this place due to the wrong address provided. So once you get on Gimghoul Rd, take it straight back. It will lead to a dirt driveway. This road leads you to the castle. You can easily drive around the dirt loop, or stop & get out to take pictures. It is private property, so you can only take pictures from the driveway. It is definitely mysterious, but absolutely gorgeous & storytelling. See more..
4.0 Horace Williams House (12 reviews)
- Horace Williams House- Preservation Chapel Hill
Historic Sites

This restored 19th-century home now houses Chapel Hill's Preservation Society. See more..
3.0 University Mall (14 reviews)
- Hodge Podge of restaurants & stores
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Shopping Malls
We stopped here for a quick lunch. Ate at a chick fil a in the mall. Mall is dark but is inhabited by some unique boutiques as well as some other businesses, restaurants and a movie theater. See more..