6 days in Cary, Durham & Chapel Hill Itinerary

Cary is the seventh-largest municipality in North Carolina. Start off your visit on the 4th (Sun): indulge in some personalized pampering at The Umstead Spa, walk around Fred G. Bond Metro Park, and then identify plant and animal life at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.

For more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Cary journey planner.

New York City to Cary is an approximately 8-hour car ride. While traveling from New York City, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Cary, ranging from highs of 57°F to lows of 37°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Durham.

Once the seat of a thriving tobacco industry, Durham has seen some significant moments in American history.

Change things up with these side-trips from Durham: Greensboro (J. Douglas Galyon Depot, International Civil Rights Center & Museum, &more) and Raleigh (North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences & Marbles Kids Museum). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Duke University Chapel, gain insight at Duke University, stroll the grounds of Old Town Cemetery, and take in nature's colorful creations at Sarah P. Duke Gardens.

For traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Durham trip planner.

Durham is very close to Cary. In December in Durham, expect temperatures between 57°F during the day and 37°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) so you can drive to Chapel Hill.

Chapel Hill is a town in Durham and Orange Counties, and the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UNC Health Care. Kick off your visit on the 8th (Thu): make a trip to Downtown Chapel Hill, then deepen your understanding at University of North Carolina, and then explore the world behind art at Ackland Art Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: go for a walk through North Carolina Botanical Garden, then see the interesting displays at The Carolina Basketball Museum, then relax and rejuvenate at Medical Day Spa of Chapel Hill, and finally shop like a local with FRANK Gallery.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Chapel Hill day trip site.

Chapel Hill is just a stone's throw from Durham. In December in Chapel Hill, expect temperatures between 55°F during the day and 38°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.