Attention Newlyweds: Here's Your Guide to Durham Mini-Moons

If you can’t spare thousands of dollars or two weeks away from work, or you'd rather take a shorter trip closer to home to celebrate your union, you're not alone.

You're a lucky lovebird, as it turns out. Durham is the perfect place to build a temporary love nest before flying to your forever wedded home. To all the newlywed and not-so-newlywed (but still deeply in love) couples out there, this post is for you.

If you have your nuptials in Durham or nearby, the Bull City is the ideal destination to start your life together on a fun and adventurous mini-moon. Here are a few splurge and save suggestions for a mini-moon in Durham.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of ways to spend a day in Durham, but it's also a great place to spend the night — or several nights. Durham has approximately 70 lodging options (with nearly 9,000 guest rooms), ranging from boutique hotels and cozy bed and breakfasts and locally-owned inns, plus over 1,000 active listings on Airbnb and VRBO. For a county just 16 miles across, Durham’s lodging options are as exciting and diverse as those you might normally find in larger metropolitan areas.

Durham is home to seven bed and breakfasts, ranging from second-generation farmhouses to historic urban homes. For instance, book a stay at the Black-owned Morehead Manor to spend a night in the former Liggett and Meyers CEO's manor. The diversity of offerings means that you can find the experience you want — whether that's a complete rural getaway or cozy convenience — while you enjoy all that Durham has to offer with the love of your life. Love to hit the links? Plan to stay at Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club. If you prefer lounging in the sun, try out one of Durham's hotels with pools. No matter what your preference, all of Durham's inns are committed to providing unique lodging options and exceptional hospitality.

Durham offers many lodging properties from major hotel groups like Starwood, Marriott, and Hilton, so you can look for opportunities to use credit card points and rewards programs. Additionally, many hotels near Research Triangle Park offer lower prices on the weekends compared to weeknight rates, providing a great value for weekend visitors. Search our website by district, keywords, and amenities to find your ideal lodging property.

You can also rent private homes through Airbnb, where you’ll find options for every budget.

Splurge

Once the ceremony is over and the family has left town, it’s time for you and your partner to kick back and relax. Go big and book a night at one of Durham's luxury hotels. Head to the 21c Museum Hotel Durham Spa for the “Me + 1” couples package that starts with your choice of a detox or moisture body scrub, then a deep tissue or Swedish massage. Other stylish downtown options include The Durham Hotel and Unscripted.

For a fun, rooftop dinner date, head up to The Lenny where you can enjoy brasserie-style plates with areal views of downtown and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Finally, take the opportunity to get all dolled up for a Broadway performance at DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center.

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During the day, grab your smartphone and head outdoors for a fun and impromptu photoshoot. With all of the lovely flowers, Sarah P. Duke Gardens (pictured) makes the perfect backdrop! Snap photos of each other among the stunning flora and ask friendly strangers to take a few pictures of you together in the romantic environment. You can also grab a drink and snap pictures on the roof at The Durham Hotel.

Toast your love with a behind-the-scenes tour of Durham Distillery, Durham’s award-winning craft distillery that produces gin and specialty liqueurs. Your tour concludes with a tasting of all five of the distillery’s products for $15 per person.

Head indoors to hear music at the Blue Note Grill every Tuesday evening, where you can dance to live blues music. There’s no cover, and you can also indulge in brews and barbecue. Venues like Motorco Music Hall, Missy Lane's Assembly Room and The Fruit offer musical events and dance opportunities to enjoy in addition to a lineup of reasonably priced local and regional acts throughout the week.

For more ideas, see our suggestions for exploring the Bull City on a budget.

Where to Eat

Splurge

NanaSteak is a cherished and well-respected restaurant perfect for a special occasion, so it’s an excellent choice for your first mini-moon meal. Take part in encountering delightful wines, or an a la carte menu of intricately prepared steaks and accompaniments. Also a Durham fine dining staple, Nanas Rockwood offers a carefully curated wine list and a seasonally changing menu perfect for celebrating your wedding.

After dinner, head over to the swanky Alley Twenty Six cocktail bar for a delicious and sophisticated libation. On the weekends, Durham is a brunch town, so head to Vin Rouge for a Parisian-inspired champagne brunch. See more brunch options and a complete list of Durham's award winning restaurants.

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Durham is the mecca of eating well on the cheap, with many options to fit a variety of budgets. If there isn’t a food truck rodeo going on during your stay, head to The Can Opener. For authentic Mexican tacos starting at $2 a pop, go to Taqueria La Vaquita, or nosh on eclectic slices and toppings at Pie Pushers.

Durham’s coffee shops are also a cozy place to spend some private time together, especially at Cocoa Cinnamon or The Oak House, where you can also grab a cocktail or beer in the evenings. After dinner, a double scoop cone at The Parlour is a must-do, with some of the most inventive ice cream flavors in the Triangle.

Want more options? Visit Durham’s hidden gem restaurants. Planning your special day? Our sales team knows everything about tying the knot in Durham, and we are here to help.

Ways to Spend Your Days

With so many choices for daytime activities in Durham, you will need a little guidance. Those looking for outdoor activities can go for a hike at Eno River State Park* or hop on a section of the Mountains to Sea Trail at Falls Lake. If you want to be closer to the water, book a guided paddle tour with Two Sisters Outdoor Adventure Co. or go for a swim at West Point on the Eno. Golf fans can spend a day on one of Durham's best golf courses or just spend an afternoon hitting balls at Top Golf.

If you prefer the town over the trail, Durham has plenty of options. Peruse local goods at one of Durham's many unique shops. While your out and about, take some photos commemorating your mini-moon at some of Durham's most instagrammable spots. If the weather makes you wary of running from spot to spot, you can spend the day indoors at one of Durham's art galleries or museums.

*As of August 2025, Eno River State Park is closed due to flooding. Please check the park website for updates.

Enjoy Durham's Night Life

As the sun sets, the Bull City presents a new range of options for you and your sweetie to spend your time. For an intimate night sipping some of the best cocktails in town, plan to visit Kingfisher, Aaktun or Bar Virgile. Enjoy rooftop views, dancing, and a social atmosphere at The Velvet Hippo. Durham also boasts multiple excellent wine bars like Delafia, LouElla, and Coupe & Stein.

For a more active night, head to a bar with games or activities like Boxcar or Clouds Brewcade. Fans of live music should have no problem finding a show at one of the many music venues in Durham.

There are so many ways to celebrate your newly minted nuptials in Durham, so make the most of it. Whether you have one day or a few, a large budget or small, your bound to find the perfect mini-moon itinerary here in the Bull City.