Read update
- There Are Five More Things To Do In Chapel Hill, North Carolina!
Chapel Hill is only one of North Carolina’s many beautiful towns. And it has so much to offer. The main attraction for most is the University of North Carolina (Go Tar Heels!). And no wonder why! World-renowned for its sports programs, both men and women dominate everything from basketball to swimming to field hockey and soccer. Aside from sports, the university also offers historic buildings, gardens, and great photo ops near the Bell Tower and the Old Well.
But whether you’re a Tar Heel fan or not, Chapel Hill is an ideal travel destination for people of all ages. Tourists can explore Franklin Street and nearby Carrboro, dine at delicious restaurants, and explore parks and gardens.
UPDATE: 2023/05/16 14:42 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There Are Five More Things To Do In Chapel Hill, North Carolina!
This guide has been refreshed with five new places in Chapel Hill, as well as tips to make the vacation perfect. Whether people want to explore a botanical garden, eat lunch with kittens, or even tour the University of North Carolina campus, everything is possible in Chapel Hill!
Things To Do
There are so many things tourists can do in North Carolina, and one of them is to visit Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill offers the creativity and excitement of a college town mixed with southern culture and beautiful landscapes. Here is the ultimate travel guide to Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
1 North Carolina Botanical Garden
One of the first things to experience in Chapel Hill, NC, is the North Carolina Botanical Garden. This is a stunning garden operated by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and offers visitors 700 acres of plants and wildlife to explore.
One of the standout features of this botanical garden is that it only charges a recommended ticket price of $5 in the form of a donation to the upkeep of the grounds. Members of the North Carolina Botanical Garden can enter for free, so that's another idea if someone wants to come here many times.
2 Coker Arboretum
Another thing to do while in Chapel Hill is check out Coker Arboretum, a serene arboretum within the North Carolina Botanical Garden on the campus of the University of North Carolina. Like many destinations in the Chapel Hill area, the University of North Carolina takes care of this property.
Notably, the park showcases a wide variety of plantings, including flowering trees and shrubs, as well as special perennial vegetation. If someone is looking to spend the morning or afternoon walking through a beautiful nature scene, this is what they should do.
3 The Forest Theatre
For tourists interested in architecture, heading over to The Forest Theatre in Chapel Hill is worth it. Here, people can experience a historical campus amphitheater staging theatrical & musical shows and other events throughout the year. This amphitheater is a favorite site for theatrical and musical performances and is currently booking weddings.
4 Cat Tales Cat Cafe
The next event to consider in Chapel Hill is Cat Tales Cat Cafe, where people can eat alongside adoptable kittens and enjoy a couple of hours with these precious animals. The idea behind the cat café was to give people a more intimate opportunity to engage with kittens, ultimately leading to them being adopted.
Of course, guests do not have to adopt to eat here, but that is a great souvenir to remember the vacation!
5 Kidzu Children's Museum
For families traveling to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, visiting the Kidzu Children's Museum is a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Here, children can experience a private, 501 non-profit children's museum serving ages infant through tween and learn about STEM, the arts, child health, and emerging literacy.
Although this isn't quite an amusement park, it is a nice way to learn something and spend time with the younger members of the group in a safe environment.
6 Explore The University Of North Carolina
There are so many great places to hike in North Carolina. But for tourists looking for more of a stroll, UNC is perfect. Tourists can spend hours walking around the beautiful greenery.
Even for non-students, there's still an opportunity to learn. Anyone wishing to learn more about the campus can stop by the UNC Visitors Center for a self-guided university tour. And any trip to UNC should include a game or a trip to the North Carolina basketball museum.
7 Morehead Planetarium
The Morehead Planetarium is located on the University of North Carolina campus. It has impressively trained astronauts for NASA and offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at current science research through family-friendly activities.
The dome seats 240 people under a 68-foot-high ceiling. Catch a weekend star show at the Morehead Planetarium.
- Check the calendar first; tickets should be bought in advance.
While the Morehead Planetarium is entertaining for all ages, it also has many programs for kids!
- Address: 250 E Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
- Hours: Friday, 2:30 PM to 6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday, 1 PM to 6 PM.
8 The Old Well
Located on the University of North Carolina campus, the Old Well is legendary among students. Rumor has it that if students drink from the well, they'll receive good grades in classes.
Standing proud at the entry to McCorkle Place (a grassy quad), the Old Well’s classic columnar style is definitely worth a look. It’s been a focal point of the school since it opened in 1793.
- Address: E. Cameron Avenue, Chapel Hill
- Hours: Daily, 24 hours
9 Carolina North Forest
The Carolina North Forest is one of many hiking trails that show off North Carolina’s beauty. Exploring 750 acres of woodlands offers a natural oasis for students, locals, and visitors to relax and recharge.
From the Crow Branch Overlook Loop to the Pumpkin Loop, there are 14 popular trails in the Carolina North Forest. Tourists can pick one best suited for their afternoon.
10 Stroll Franklin Street
Franklin Street is Chapel Hill’s main street. Start on the east end and take time wandering past a mix of new spots and old classics. The Carolina Coffee Shop and Sutton’s Drug Store have been on Franklin Street for over a century. It’s a great spot to stop for a bite to eat after an afternoon of shopping.
11 Best Time To Go To Chapel Hill
North Carolina offers four very distinct seasons. All beautiful in their own way, spring and fall are the best times of year to visit Chapel Hill.
Spring (March through May)
Springs offers lots to do, including lots of local festivals and events. Temperatures range from highs in the mid-80s to lows in the mid-50s.
Summer (June through August)
Summers are very hot and humid, with July being the hottest month. If tourists can stand the intense heat, summer offers a relaxed trip as most college students have left the area for summer break.
Fall (September through November)
Fall days are warm, with highs ranging from 88 degrees, but days (and especially the nights) get colder as the season progresses. Students arrive back in the area, and fall sports commence. This is definitely an exciting time of year in Chapel Hill.
Winter (December through February)
The weather is too cold in winter for warm-weather travelers. Temperatures often drop below 0 degrees, and it rains or snows a fair amount. In fact, the nearby mountains see so much snow that North Carolina is able to claim some of the best ski resorts in the south.
12 Best Ways To Get Around Chapel Hill
Walking
Chapel Hill is a great walking city. Check out these free walking tours!
Bus
Chapel Hill Transit offers free bus service to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the University of North Carolina.
Bike
Chapel Hill is an excellent city for cyclists. There’s an extensive system of greenways, and the city is currently working on completing more than 28 miles of trails to allow cyclists to access nearly every part of town.
Check out Chapel Hill's bicycles and greenways map.
Drive
It’s easy to drive around Chapel Hill. The city offers more than 850 parking spots downtown. There’s even a parking map to help tourists find them easily. But that being said, parking can be difficult. Uber and Lyft are also available, and Zipcars are available on the UNC campus.
Tourists visiting on the weekend can park at the UNC campus for free.
13 Where To Eat In Chapel Hill
From cheap eats to fine dining, Chapel Hill offers a variety to tourists.
Breakfast
Merrit’s Store & Grill
Merrit’s Store & Grill started as a lunch counter at the back of a filling station. Its claim to fame is a BLT named “The Love Sandwich.”
- Address: 1009 South Columbia Street, Chapel Hill
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 4 PM; Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Lunch
Kipos Greek Taverna
Restauranter Giorgios Bakatsias own Kipos Greek Taverna, and the menu is run by his sister, Olga.
Offering a flavor of Bakatsias, this is a must-visit lunch spot. Try the spanakopita!
- Address: 1800 East Franklin Street, #16, Chapel Hill
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 2: 30 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM (only late on Saturday until 10 PM; Monday, Closed.
Dinner
Bluebird is a French Bistro offering a little piece of Paris in Chapel Hill.
- Address: 601 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill
- Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 5 PM to 9 PM; Sunday, 10 AM to 2 PM.
14 Where To Stay In Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill offers ample accommodations to suit any budget.
Whether visitors are looking for a high-end hotel, a comfortable room in an affordable spot, or a budget deal, there’s something for everyone.
Luxury
The Carolina Inn
Centrally located in Chapel Hill and only five minutes from the University of North Carolina, the Carolina Inn is a beautiful and historic hotel.
- Address: 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill
- Amenities: Complimentary wired Internet access; 24-hour business center; express check-in; fitness center; bar/lounge; valet parking; restaurant; room service.
Mid-range
Aloft Chapel Hill
The Aloft Chapel Hill Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind stay!
- Address: 1001 South Hamilton Road, Chapel Hill
- Amenities: indoor pool; restaurant; free Wi-Fi; fitness center; bar/lounge; coffee shop; pet-friendly; ergonomic workspaces.
Budget
Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham
Located on the west side of Interstate 40 and Highway 54, The Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham is an excellent option for travelers on a budget.
- Address: 6121 Farrington Road, Chapel Hill
- Amenities: Outdoor pool; room service; coffee machine; fitness center; free Wi-Fi; flat-screen TV.
15 Popular Neighborhoods In Chapel Hill
Downtown
The main strip is Franklin Street, but the entire downtown is quaint and charming. Eat at one of Chapel Hill’s many fine eateries, window-shop at quirky stores, and stop to people-watch from a cozy coffee shop.
Downtown gives visitors a peek at students' extracurricular life!
University of North Carolina
The 729-acre university campus is like its own neighborhood. Much of the city revolves around the school. From sports games to college culture and just students milling about, Chapel Hill's UNC is a place worth visiting. The park-like campus is the beating heart of the city.
Tourists can explore historic libraries, hear the toll of the Bell Tower, and sip water from the Old Well.
Nearby Carrboro
Carrboro is so close that it feels like an extension of Chapel Hill. It’s famous for its farmer’s market, which has been in business for over 40 years.
Carrboro is also loaded with cafés and restaurants. Just about a mile from Franklin Street, Carrboro is a great spot to dine with friends.
16 Tips For Staying In Chapel Hill
For anyone coming to Chapel Hill in North Carolina, there are some things to be aware of. First, the town is incredibly walkable, often surprising guests who are used to relying heavily on vehicles. According to walkscore.com, Chapel Hill scores 70/100 for walkability, so most errands can be accomplished on foot.
It's also worth noting that this is a college town, meaning that local bars, restaurants, and attractions can become rowdy on weekends and holidays. Of course, that's not to say it will be unsafe, but it is a good idea to keep an eye out for anything suspicious and try to avoid engaging with intoxicated college students.
In contrast, for those who want to be social, it's recommended to head to Franklin Street for all things entertainment and socializing. It is filled with numerous coffee shops, restaurants, museums, music stores, and bars: all things to liven up a vacation.
17 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Chapel Hill
Start the day with a tour of the famous UNC campus! The quad closest to Franklin Street is McCorkle Place, and it’s a great place to begin. Learn about the history of the school while walking around the picturesque grounds. Pick up a copy of The Daily Tar Heel (it dates back to 1893!) and admire the buildings (some date back to the 1700s).
Be sure to check out Davie Poplar, a beautiful tree with a bench underneath. Rumor has it that sitting on the bench beside someone special means they may marry someday!
See the Old Well and the Bell Tower, and the Beaux-Arts Wilson Library. Tourists really could spend the entire day on campus, but there’s more to see in Chapel Hill.
After exploring the university, head to Franklin Street. Grab lunch and explore the unique shops. Soak in the charming downtown before heading to the Morehead Planetarium for an evening with the stars.
After the show, head to Carrboro for dinner and linger for an after-meal coffee.
FAQ
Q: Is Chapel Hill NC worth visiting?
Chapel Hill is definitely one of the beautiful towns in North Carolina worth visiting. From all the wonderful attractions at the University of North Carolina to delicious eateries, parks, and gardens, Chapel Hill is a charming college city with many things to do.
Q: What is Chapel Hill known for?
Chapel Hill is known first and foremost for the University of North Carolina and their world-renowned sports program. It regularly ranks at the top of the list for best college town and top cities to live in the U.S.
Q: Does it snow in Chapel Hill NC?
Chapel Hill sees an average of 8 inches of snow per year. Sometimes that snow comes in multiple storms, sometimes in just one or two. Some winters see no snow at all.
Nearby neighbors, however, do see a lot of snow. In fact, some of the best ski resorts in the south are in North Carolina.