Your Guide to Southpoint and Research Triangle Park
The Research Triangle Park (RTP), North America's largest research park, has positioned the Triangle as a dynamic place to live and work.
Now, with a top super-regional mall and an emphasis on live, work and play, South Durham is more visitor-friendly than ever.
Investment in South Durham ramped up in the 1950s with the establishment of Research Triangle Park, providing careers for many graduates of the Triangle’s universities and spurring growth that continued as technology, research and biotech firms attracted engineers, scientists and other inventive professionals to the area.
Today, with walkable greenways, historic driving tours, global cuisines and history-making discoveries, these neighborhoods represent a core chapter in Durham’s growth. Read on to learn why SoDu is a thriving region well worth exploring, for shoppers, foodies and history buffs.
The Southpoint area is nestled between Highway 54 and Fayetteville Road to the north and Renaissance Parkway to the south and is anchored by The Streets at Southpoint, a sprawling indoor/outdoor mall. Given its convenient location near Interstate 40, this is one of Durham’s most active and populous neighborhoods.
Operating since 2002, The Streets at Southpoint’s brick facades and charming faux advertisements are a nod to Durham’s rich history in farming and finance. With a blend of locally-owned eateries, national department stores, a spacious food court and plenty of specialty shops, visitors to the mall will find it is much more than a run-of-the-mill shopping experience. A regular slate of street performances lends an extra layer of nostalgia to the visitor experience as crowds gather to enjoy live music, magicians, jugglers and dancers among the shops.
In 2024, The Streets at Southpoint introduced a Social District, making it possible for shoppers to enjoy the shopping center with to-go cocktails and alcoholic beverages from participating businesses. Check the signage to find out where drinks are sold to go.
While it has been around for over 20 years, Southpoint defies trends for malls by continuously being a major driver of tourism for Durham and expanding its roster of top retail stores, including a Dick's House of Sport, Alo Yoga, Vuori, a Lego Store and Aritzia which all opened in 2025.
Several shopping plazas surround the mall, too, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for in the Streets at Southpoint, there’s more to explore a short drive away.
Southpoint and South Durham
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Perkins OrchardA short drive from the mall, the open-air produce market Perkins Orchard has been open for more than 50 years and…
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The Streets at SouthpointA shopping and dining destination located at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Fayetteville Road, The Streets at Southpoint is a…
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AMC Southpoint 17Located conveniently at The Streets at Southpoint, AMC Southpoint 17 Movie Theater is a great place to see a movie on…
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Bean TradersFlannel, Birkenstocks, mismatched mugs, plates and cutlery ... it's all a part of the charm of this South Durham gem where…
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People’s CoffeeCoffee for the people, People's Coffee has proudly served Black & White Coffee near the Southpoint area since 2018. You'll never…
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Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.Qamaria began as the quest of two Yemeni entrepreneurs to build a supply chain that could source Yemeni coffee. Fast forward…
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Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.Durham's first female, veteran-owned brewery serves beer lovers with more than 15 taps dedicated to their beer, ranging from Cackalacky Southern…
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Beer Tooth TaproomNamed after a song by Shelby Merchant, The Beer Tooth Taproom is a relative newcomer to South Durham on a mission…
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Bua Thai CuisineEnjoy authentic Thai flavors at Bua Thai. Owned and operated by three Durham locals who moved to NC from Thailand over…
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Growler GrlzOwner and founder Karen Poulson has been serving South Durham in this taproom's Hope Valley Commons location since 2014. Growler Grlz…
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Hilton Garden Inn Durham SouthpointHilton Garden Inn/Durham Southpoint hotel is adjacent to the Streets at Southpoint shopping mall, and only 10 miles from RDU International…
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Hyatt Place Durham/ SouthpointConveniently located in South Durham, near shopping, eateries, and entertainment, the pet-friendly Hyatt Place Durham Southpoint offers a pool and fitness…
Things do to Near Southpoint
Whether you’re looking to furnish your apartment, stock your fridge, find the perfect gift or update your wardrobe, The Streets at Southpoint and surrounding area has you covered. But first, be sure to fuel your day properly. Grab a coffee from Bean Traders (around the corner on Hwy 54 in the Homestead Market shopping center) a waffle from People’s Coffee (just across Highway 751 near Target), or a biscuit at Rise (or all three!) to power your shopping spree.
In addition to big retail names like Nordstrom, Belk and Macy’s, as well as furnishings resources like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, West Elm and Restoration Hardware, several Triangle-based boutiques can be found throughout the mall and its surrounding plazas. Even if you don’t need a gift for someone else, it is nearly impossible to leave Light Years Jewelry or The Artisan Collective empty-handed. Treat yourself to a massage at Massage Envy or a pedicure at Noire Nail Bar, then check out the seasonal decor, snacks and drinks at Cost Plus World Market or pick up a bath bomb at LUSH for the ultimate self-care Sunday.
Need a break from shopping? Take a walk on the American Tobacco Trail, a 22-mile paved trail that follows the former American Tobacco Company’s railroad route (you can take it all the way from the vibrant American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham south into Wake and Chatham Counties). Or, unwind with a movie at AMC Theater 17 followed by quesadillas and margaritas at Los Tres Magueyes.
A short drive from the mall, the open-air produce market Perkins Orchard has been open for more than 50 years and features a killer daily deal: as much produce as you can fit in a bag for $25 (plus a bonus item like jam or a pineapple). Nearby in the Sutton Station shopping center, don’t miss Bua Thai for authentic sticky rice, crispy spring rolls and perfectly spiced curry dishes. Next door, The Wine Cellar offers weekly tasting events and a distinctive selection of wines from around the world. Top the night off with a gelato from Dulce Cafe or a giant slice of cake from Nantucket Grill.
What is the Research Triangle Park?
Geographically central to Duke University, North Carolina Central University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, this 7,000-acre research park is among the first of its kind and largest in the country, with more than 300 companies. Established in 1959, Research Triangle Park (RTP) has attracted tech giants like IBM, Cisco and Lenovo, government agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and biotech and pharmaceutical companies like BASF, GlaxoSmithKline and United Therapeutics.
RTP is also home to more than 100 startups at the Frontier campus. These companies are pioneering innovations in cancer treatment methods, sustainable building materials and more. The campus features a free (yes, free!) coworking space during the week and regular networking and educational events geared toward its burgeoning entrepreneurial community.
In the 60 years since its founding, RTP inventors have been awarded thousands of patents, and many of their discoveries remain in use today. For example, the UPC barcode was first introduced by IBM in the 1970s; the first HIV/AIDS treatment was developed in the 1980s at GSK, and LED lighting was launched by Cree in 1989.
Though most corporate campuses in RTP are closed to outside visitors, there are several opportunities to engage with this historic epicenter of research. A driving tour is an eye-opening experience that gives visitors a sense of the expansive nature of RTP’s land, the companies housed there and their vast research capabilities. A network of walking and biking trails lined with native greenery are also open to the public, and may inspire your next big idea.
RTP Area
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TopgolfConveniently situated between Durham and Raleigh, the newest location for this restaurant/bar/entertainment venue promises to be a hole-in-one. With three different…
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Boxyard RTPBoxyard RTP provides a space for food and entertainment to the Research Triangle Park. Built from repurposed shipping containers, Boxyard's unique…
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Top BoxTop Box offers an upstairs indoor/outdoor flex space ideal for private parties of 20-200. Three shippig containers provide temperature-controlled indoor seating…
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RTP UncorkedA destination for wine enthusiasts, RTP Uncorked at Boxyard RTP features a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can meet and unwind.
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Daughters Coffee & BooksWhat’s more inviting than an independent bookstore/coffee shop combo? Get comfy with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee and explore…
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Bulkogi BoxyardThe Bulkogi food truck was founded in 2009 by the So family with the vision of bringing Korean culture and cuisine…
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KatSushiA combined effort of Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe and acclaimed Raleigh restaurateur Anthony Rapillo, KatSushi is the latest concept at…
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Fullsteam RTPFullsteam makes "distinctively Southern beer," often partnering with other local businesses and sourcing their ingredients from nearby farms or local foragers…
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La Taqueria by KatsujiCelebrity chef, Katsuji Tanabe has opened his latest concept in Boxyard RTP. True to his roots, he’s showcasing Mexico-city style tacos…
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Lulu Bang BangLuLuBangBang is a casual approach to Asian food, focusing on street food items cooked on coconut charcoal grill and woks. You’ll…
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Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen RTPDrift Coffee's newest location at Hub RTP is a prime spot to grab a coffee and get some work done or…
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Glasshouse KitchenGlasshouse Kitchen is located near the intersection of Cornwallis Road and Miami Boulevard in RTP and, as its name implies, the…
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Bean Traders RTPNow, you can get the same coffee and pies you know and love but at a second location. Bean traders newest…
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The Glass Jug Beer Lab — RTPThis popular craft brewery, bar, and beer and wine bottle shop has locations next to Durham Central Park and in South…
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KoKyu Na’MeanAs an old school/new school Korean sandwich joint, KoKyu’s Na’Mean is a great place to go if you’re looking for a…
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La Recette PatisserieWhat began in an apartment is now a fully fledged bakery creating French, Algerian and Middle Eastern Desserts. Order cupcakes, cake…
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Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle ParkNear RTP and just four miles from RDU International Airport, the Sheraton Imperial was recently renovated and offers an onsite cafe…
Visitor Attractions in RTP
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from sightseeing, stop by Boxyard RTP to try out some locally grown businesses. Composed of a few dozen upcycled shipping containers, the unique structure houses a handful of locally-grown eateries and shops, as well as regular live entertainment, an on-site dog park and plenty of space to unwind.
Get caffeinated with a coffee or apease your sweet tooth with some ice cream at Baehko.
For something more filling, food truck success story Bulkogi has Korean-Latin fusion covered with bowls, burritos and quesadillas. Run by Top Chef alum Chef Katsuji Tanabe and local restaurateur Anthony Rapillo, La Taqueria by Katsuji serves delicious Mexico City style tacos and mezcal-based cocktails. In addition to its signature beers, Fullsteam Brewery’s Boxyard location features unforgettable square pizza with farm-fresh toppings.
More of a wine or cocktail drinker? Pop into RTP Uncorked to find a new favorite wine.
Glasshouse Kitchen, RTP’s newest eatery, is located near the intersection of Cornwallis Road and Miami Boulevard, and as its name implies, provides natural light in spades thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides. The architecture mimics a greenhouse in a nod to RTP’s growing AgTech cluster, and inside, local food is celebrated on the plate.
Just outside RTP’s boundaries, near the intersection of Highways 54 and 55, are even more flavorful dining options to try. Weekday lunches don’t get better than Vit Goal Tofu, where authentic Korean meals are served with bountiful banchan, or KoKyu’s Na’Mean sandwich concept, whose Ko Faux Bahn will make even the most steadfast carnivores consider a vegetarian lifestyle. LuLu Bang Bang offers pan-Asian street food in a modern, relaxed atmosphere, too.
If you’re in the area over the weekend, be sure to grab breakfast at True Flavors diner before stopping by the South Durham Farmer’s Market at the Greenwood Commons shopping center. Next door, there’s a good chance The Glass Jug Beer Lab will have a keg tapping event, trivia night or food truck ready to enjoy. This family-owned spot began as a humble bottle shop before embracing its proximity to Research Triangle Park and brewing its own experimental beers.
Hub RTP
Hub RTP has positioned itself as the downtown of the research park. Filled to the brim with offerings, Hub RTP has apartments, commercial space, retail stores and more. Cheeni RTP: Indian Food Emporium serves street-style classics & Indian-ish cult favorites. Also from Cheeni, Nanny Goat provides the customers with produce and local craft pantry items. Drift Coffee and Kitchen, which originated on the NC coast, has opened up a new location at Hub RTP, serving up delicious drinks and nutritious breakfast plates.
Head here for live music every month through the Concerts at the Creek series. Regional artists will come to Hub RTP and perform once a month, with ¡Tumbao! and DJ G appearing in March and Kaira Ba coming to town in April. Soon, Hub RTP will also hold art workshops where skilled artists will lead hands-on art instruction every month. The park plans to add even more retail stores, labs, residential space, outdoor space and a headquarter hotel in 2026, making it more visitor-friendly than ever
Where to Stay Near Southpoint and RTP
After all that walking, kick your feet up at one of the area’s hotels. Near RTP and just four miles from RDU International Airport, the Sheraton Imperial Hotel at Research Triangle Park was recently renovated and offers an onsite cafe and restaurant. If you’re staying near Southpoint, the Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint is steps away from the mall and surrounding areas, and features a Ruth’s Chris Steak House on site. Also near Southpoint, Hyatt Place Durham/Southpoint provides sustainable amenities like electric vehicle charging stations.
So, ready for your next cultural or culinary Durham experience? We invite you to look south.
