Chapel Hill Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of Chapel Hill, North Carolina with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a vibrant town located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. This university town is home to the prestigious University of North Carolina and has a rich history, culture, and natural setting. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or indulging in southern cuisine, Chapel Hill has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Chapel Hill

Here is a list of the top places to visit in Chapel Hill:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
  • Ackland Art Museum
  • North Carolina Botanical Garden
  • Chapel Hill Museum
  • Horace Williams House

Natural Attractions of Chapel Hill: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Carolina Basketball Museum
  • Coker Arboretum
  • Battle Park
  • Bolin Creek Trail
  • Duke Forest

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is surrounded by beautiful parks and trails that can be explored on foot or by bike. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Chapel Hill:

  • Bolin Creek Trail
  • Merritt’s Pasture
  • Carolina North Forest
  • Morgan Creek Trail
  • Fan Branch Trail

Best Things to Do in Chapel Hill: Activities and Tours

Chapel Hill offers a wide range of activities and tours, from historic walking tours to food and wine tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Chapel Hill:

  • Take a historic walking tour of UNC’s campus.
  • Visit the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for an unforgettable planetarium show.
  • Take a food and wine tour to sample local cuisine and beverages.
  • Attend a Carolina basketball game at the Dean Smith Center.
  • Visit the Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market to shop for fresh produce and crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chapel Hill

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for Chapel Hill:

Day Itinerary
1 Visit the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, followed by an afternoon at the Ackland Art Museum
2 Spend the morning walking around UNC’s historic campus, followed by an afternoon hike in Battle Park
3 Take a food and wine tour in the morning, followed by a visit to the North Carolina Botanical Garden in the afternoon
4 Visit the Horace Williams House to learn about the history of Chapel Hill, followed by a visit to the Carolina Basketball Museum
5 Explore the Bolin Creek Trail by bike, followed by an afternoon visit to the Chapel Hill Museum
6 Spend the day hiking in the Duke Forest and Morgan Creek Trail
7 Visit the Coker Arboretum in the morning and spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs at the Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market

Food and Drink Scene of Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill has a rich food and drink scene, featuring southern comfort food, barbecue, and local craft breweries. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pulled pork barbecue
  • Fried chicken and waffles
  • Pimento cheese sandwich
  • Banana puddin’

Local Beverages

  • Cheerwine soda
  • Sweet tea
  • Craft beers from local breweries like Steel String Brewery and Top of the Hill Brewery

Where to Stay in Chapel Hill: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many lodging options in Chapel Hill, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some options to consider:

  • The Franklin Hotel
  • Aloft Chapel Hill
  • The Carolina Inn
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Carrboro

What to Buy in Chapel Hill: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Chapel Hill offers a variety of unique souvenirs and local products that are worth bringing home. Here are some ideas:

  • UNC apparel and merchandise
  • Handmade pottery from local shops
  • Locally produced honey, jams, and sauces
  • North Carolina peanuts and pecans

Local Culture and Customs of Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is known for its vibrant arts scene, intellectual environment, and passion for sports. Visitors can experience local culture through attending live concerts, art exhibitions, and sports games.

Best Time to Visit Chapel Hill

The best time to visit Chapel Hill is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cool and may bring snow and ice.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chapel Hill

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Chapel Hill:

Do:

  • Do visit UNC’s campus and take a historic walking tour.
  • Do try the local southern cuisine and craft beers.
  • Do attend a Carolina Basketball game to experience the local sports culture.

Don’t:

  • Don’t miss out on outdoor adventures like hiking and biking.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent during the summer months.
  • Don’t litter or damage the natural surroundings during your outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chapel Hill

Overall, Chapel Hill is a safe town with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take necessary precautions like locking their doors and securing their valuables.

Health in Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is home to excellent medical facilities like UNC Hospitals and UNC Health Care. Visitors should take necessary precautions to prevent tick bites and be aware of potential allergens like pollen during the spring and fall seasons.

Getting to Chapel Hill: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chapel Hill

The nearest airport to Chapel Hill is Raleigh-Durham International Airport, located 23 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Chapel Hill

Greyhound bus stations are located in downtown Durham and downtown Raleigh, which are both about a 30-minute drive from Chapel Hill.

Other Options

Another option for getting to Chapel Hill is to rent a car and drive on your own. Chapel Hill is located off of several major highways, including I-40 and I-85.

How to Get Around in Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a small town that can easily be navigated on foot or by bike. However, visitors without a car may also consider taking the local bus system, Chapel Hill Transit.

Where to Go Next from Chapel Hill: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Chapel Hill is located in the heart of North Carolina, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Durham, NC: Home to Duke University and a thriving food and beer scene.
  • Raleigh, NC: The state capital with museums, parks, and historic sites.
  • Asheville, NC: A trendy mountain town with world-class restaurants and natural beauty.
  • Outer Banks, NC: A popular beach destination with historic lighthouses and stunning sunsets.

Conclusion

Chapel Hill is a charming town that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in sports, arts, or outdoor adventures, Chapel Hill has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore one of the best towns in the heart of North Carolina!

The Old Well, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The Old Well, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Spring at Coker Arboretum Spring at Coker Arboretum Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower Looking down Franklin Street from Columbia Road Looking down Franklin Street from Columbia Road The Carolina Inn The Carolina Inn