The Best Road Trip from Apex to Durham: Top Places to See!

Do you have a weekend off and want to take a quick road trip? Well, we have the perfect route and itinerary for you! Take your car and take the scenic drive from Apex, NC to Durham, NC. This road trip will take you through some beautiful scenic routes and most importantly, you can explore some fantastic places along the way!

We have listed down some great spots and attractions you don't want to miss out on! So, buckle up and get ready for a ride!

Top 5 Places to Stop by During the Apex to Durham Drive

1. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area along with the adjacent New Hope Game Land covers over 46,768 acres and is a great stopping point on your way to Durham. It's a great place for camping, fishing, hiking, boating, picnics, and more. You can take your family and have a great time at the lake. There are many camping spots, ranging from standard tent camping to RV camping. You can reserve a sight, or if you're lucky, you may find an open one on the spot.

The lake offers many recreational activities such as bird watching, hunting, mountain biking, paddling, and swimming. Take a canoe or kayak and paddle through the water or enjoy the sun and swim in it. If you're looking for adventure or peace, Jordan Lake is an excellent option for both.

2. Nasher Museum of Art

The Nasher Museum of Art is located on Duke University's campus in Durham, NC, and it's a must-visit art museum in the state. The museum features a great collection of contemporary art and historic art of African American, Hispanic, and local artists. The museum also organizes many international exhibitions throughout the year.

The museum has four different galleries, the permanent collection gallery, the traveling exhibition gallery, the special exhibition gallery, and the sculpture garden. You can schedule a guided tour or explore the museum yourself. It's an exciting place for art enthusiasts and visitors who want to explore something unique.

3. Duke Lemur Center

Located on Duke University's campus, the Duke Lemur Center is home to over 200 lemurs and other prosimians. The center is a non-profit organization that conducts research, breeding programs, and conservation efforts to protect the world's endangered species of lemurs.

You can take a guided tour to learn about the lemur's behaviors, diet, and environment. The center offers different tours such as the Walking with Lemurs tour, the Behind the Scenes tour, and the Lemurs Live tour. You can also make a reservation during peak season, or you can try your luck and see if there's an empty spot. It's a fun and educational place for kids and adults of any age.

4. Duke Gardens

Duke Gardens is one of the most beautiful public gardens located on Duke University's campus in Durham. It covers 50 acres of land and is divided into four main sections; the Historic Gardens, the H.L Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, and the Doris Duke Center Gardens.

You can take a leisurely stroll in the gardens, explore the flowers, plants, and landscape. If you're a photographer, you can take some fantastic photos of the gardens and the scenery. Don't forget to bring your camera and fully charge the batteries. The best thing about this place is that it's free to the public, and you can explore as long as you want.

5. Eno River State Park

Eno River State Park is located in Durham, NC, and it's a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a 4,200-acre park with 28 miles of hiking trails, camping sites, picnic areas, and a beautiful river. You can take your dog and explore the different trails, go fishing in the river or camp overnight in the designated area.

The park is famous for its beautiful river and waterfall, The Bobbit Hole, where you can take a dip in the cold water, sit down and enjoy the scenic beauty. Eno River State Park is a perfect place to spend your day full of adventure and fun.

In Conclusion

From Natural parks to great museums and scenic gardens, Apex to Durham drive has something to offer for everyone. Take your car and enjoy the scenic beauty of the roads, stop by some refreshing places for a break, and explore the fantastic attractions listed above. This road trip will leave you with some unforgettable memories to cherish.