UNC Chapel Hill: The Ultimate Guide to What's ACTUALLY Fun to Do

So you find yourself in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, home to the legendary University of North Carolina. Whether you're a new student trying to figure out the lay of the land, a returning alum on a nostalgia trip, or a visitor just curious about what all the fuss is about, you're in for a treat. This town is SO much more than just a university. It’s a vibrant hub of culture, food, nature, & history.

Honestly, it can be a little overwhelming at first. There’s so much to see & do, packed into a relatively small area. But don't you worry. I'm here to give you the inside scoop, the real deal on what's worth your time near UNC. We’ll cover everything from the can't-miss spots on campus to the best eats on Franklin Street & the hidden gems that only locals seem to know about.

Finding your way around & especially finding a place to park can be a headache, particularly on game days or during peak hours. It's a common struggle. Here’s a little tip before we dive in: check out Prked. It’s a pretty cool service that lets homeowners rent out their private driveways & garages for parking. It can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to get close to campus or downtown without circling for an hour. Super convenient & often more affordable than you'd think.

Alright, let's get into it. Here's your ultimate guide to the best things to do around UNC Chapel Hill.

You can't come to Chapel Hill & not explore the UNC campus. It's one of the most beautiful public university campuses in the country for a reason. Founded way back in 1789, it’s steeped in history & Tar Heel pride. Just walking around is an experience in itself, with the majestic oak trees & historic buildings. But there are some specific spots you HAVE to check out.

First up, The Old Well. It's the iconic symbol of the university, probably the most photographed spot in the entire state. Legend has it that a sip from the Old Well on the first day of classes brings good luck & good grades. Even if you're not a student, it's a beautiful spot for a photo op.

Just a short walk from there is the Coker Arboretum. Managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden, this is a five-acre oasis right on campus. It's an outdoor classroom filled with a huge variety of trees, shrubs, & flowers native to North Carolina. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle & bustle for a bit, have a quiet walk, or just relax on a bench with a book. They even offer free guided tours on the third Saturday of each month from March to November.

For the sports fans, a visit to the Carolina Basketball Museum is an absolute MUST. Located in the Ernie Williamson Athletics Center, this museum is a shrine to the storied history of UNC basketball. It's packed with artifacts, photos, videos, & exhibits that celebrate the legendary players & coaches who have worn the Carolina blue. Best part? Admission is free. Right next door is the famous Dean E. Smith Center, affectionately known as the "Dean Dome," where the Tar Heels work their magic on the court. And for football fans, Kenan Memorial Stadium is another impressive sight, nestled right in the middle of campus.

UNC is also a major hub for the arts. The Ackland Art Museum, located right on the edge of campus at the corner of Franklin Street, is a true gem. It’s a free museum with an incredible collection of over 20,000 works of art. You’ll find everything from European masterpieces by artists like Delacroix & Dürer to contemporary Asian art & North Carolina pottery. They have a rotating schedule of about 10-12 special exhibitions a year, so there's always something new & exciting to see.

For the performing arts, you have Memorial Hall, which hosts the Carolina Performing Arts series. This is where you can catch nationally acclaimed musicians, dance troupes, & theatrical performances. The university also has the PlayMakers Repertory Company, a professional theater in residence that puts on some truly fantastic shows.

And let's not forget the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center. This was actually a training center for NASA astronauts back in the day, which is pretty cool. Today, it offers amazing full-dome planetarium shows that are fun for all ages, as well as interactive science exhibits. While the exhibits have free admission, the planetarium shows are well worth the ticket price for a journey through the stars.

Just off campus, you'll find Franklin Street, the absolute pulse of Chapel Hill. This is where the town & the university truly merge. The street is lined with a dizzying array of restaurants, bars, shops, & galleries. It’s where students go to celebrate a big win, grab a bite between classes, or just hang out with friends.

Honestly, you could spend a whole trip just eating your way down Franklin Street. The options are endless & cater to every taste & budget.

For a quintessential Chapel Hill experience, you have to go to Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (or "TOPO" as the locals call it). It’s famous for its rooftop patio which has the BEST views of downtown. They brew their own award-winning beer & serve up delicious Southern-inspired pub food. It’s the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon or a lively evening.

If you're in the mood for something a little different, Franklin Street has you covered. Lantern is an award-winning restaurant that beautifully blends Asian flavors with local North Carolina ingredients. It's a bit more upscale, making it great for a date night or a special occasion. For incredible South Indian food, check out Cholanad Restaurant & Bar. Their dosas & biryanis are to die for. And for a taste of Turkey, Talulla's offers authentic dishes in a warm & vibrant atmosphere.

Looking for a more casual bite? Cosmic Cantina is a beloved institution for late-night burritos & cheap, delicious Mexican food. Momo's Master serves up fantastic Nepali dumplings that are both affordable & incredibly satisfying. And you can't go wrong with Que Chula Craft Tacos & Tequila Bar for a fun, festive atmosphere & some of the best tacos in town. For a classic North Carolina experience, Blue's on Franklin serves up traditional hickory-smoked BBQ that is simply mouthwatering.

This is also where finding parking can get tricky, especially in the evenings. Driving up & down Franklin Street looking for a spot is a rite of passage, but not a fun one. This is another one of those times where using a service like Prked to find a nearby driveway can save you a world of frustration & get you to your dinner reservation on time.

Beyond the food, Franklin Street is great for just wandering. You'll find classic spots like Chapel Hill Sportswear for all your Tar Heel gear, as well as charming local boutiques, bookstores, & record shops. It has a creative & literary spirit that is really unique.

A newer addition that has become a local favorite is Franklin Motors, the town's first & only beer garden. It's a super cool spot located in a former auto shop, with a huge selection of craft beers, a food truck serving up delicious bites, & a great outdoor space with a fire pit. It's the perfect place to relax with friends.

Chapel Hill & the surrounding area are brimming with a vibrant arts scene that extends far beyond the UNC campus.

We've already talked about the fantastic Ackland Art Museum, but there are other great spots to explore as well. In the neighboring town of Carrboro, just a stone's throw from Chapel Hill, you'll find FRANK Gallery. This is an artist cooperative that showcases a diverse range of works from talented local artists, including paintings, photography, & sculpture.

A short drive away in Hillsborough, the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts features contemporary fine arts from the local community. And if you're willing to venture a little further to Durham, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a major center for the arts with impressive contemporary & historical exhibitions.

For a deeper dive into local history & culture, the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture & History on the UNC campus is an important stop. The center provides programming that examines African-American diaspora cultures & often features powerful art exhibits in its Brown Gallery.

Chapel Hill has a legendary music scene that has launched some pretty famous bands, including James Taylor, Ben Folds Five, & Superchunk. The legacy lives on in the town's incredible live music venues.

The most famous of these is undoubtedly Cat's Cradle in Carrboro. This place is an institution. Countless iconic bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, & The Smashing Pumpkins played here before they hit the big time. It continues to attract amazing national acts while also showcasing up-&-coming local talent. It's a must-visit for any music lover.

Other great venues include Local 506 & The Cave, both on Franklin Street. The Cave is a cozy, dive-bar-type place that has been around forever & hosts a wide variety of acts. For a different vibe, VIBEZ UNC is a popular nightclub with DJs & a lively dance floor. And don't forget the outdoor concert series! In the warmer months, you can catch free shows at Fridays on the Front Porch at The Carolina Inn or the Sunday Concert on the Village Green in Southern Village.

When you need a break from the books or the buzz of Franklin Street, Chapel Hill offers some beautiful natural escapes.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden is a must-see for any nature lover. With over 1,100 acres of gardens & conservation areas, it's a stunning place to explore. You can wander through gardens showcasing native plants from across the state, from the mountains to the coast. The kids will love the Wonder Garden with its digging areas, & the carnivorous plant collection is a local favorite.

For hiking & biking, the Carolina North Forest is a 750-acre woodland preserve with miles of multipurpose trails for all skill levels. The Bolin Creek Trail is another popular choice, offering a paved, accessible path that runs through lush greenery right in town.

If you're looking for a bit more of a rugged adventure, head to Eno River State Park or Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area in nearby Hillsborough. Both offer beautiful hiking trails, scenic overlooks, & opportunities for fishing & picnicking. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is another fantastic option, with camping, swimming, boating, & miles of trails to explore.

For those who enjoy a more leisurely outdoor activity, the Coker Arboretum on campus is always a delight. And for a truly unique experience, you can go kayaking or canoeing on University Lake or Cane Creek Reservoir.

And for the adrenaline junkies, Xtreme Park Adventures in nearby Durham offers everything from paintball & laser tag to ziplining & a 60-foot free fall!

One of the great things about Chapel Hill is its location. It's part of the "Triangle" area, along with Durham & Raleigh, & it's also close to some incredibly charming small towns.

Carrboro, which sits right next to Chapel Hill, has a funky, eclectic vibe all its own. It's home to the Cat's Cradle, FRANK Gallery, & the much-loved Weaver Street Market, a local co-op grocery store with a great hot bar & a lawn that serves as a community gathering spot.

Hillsborough is a historic gem with a quaint downtown district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can stroll along the Riverwalk, browse the unique shops & art galleries, & enjoy a meal at one of its excellent restaurants. It feels like stepping back in time in the best way possible.

Just a few miles from downtown Chapel Hill, Southern Village is a picturesque planned community with a European-inspired feel. Its central hub, Market Street, has a great selection of restaurants, shops, & a movie theater. The Village Green is a popular spot for outdoor concerts & movie nights in the warmer months. It's a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

Whew, that's a lot! But hopefully, this gives you a much clearer picture of all the amazing things to do near UNC Chapel Hill. It's a place with a rich history, a thriving arts scene, a fantastic food culture, & beautiful natural surroundings. There really is something for everyone here.

So get out there & start exploring. Take a walk through the arboretum, catch a show at Cat's Cradle, treat yourself to a delicious meal on Franklin Street, & just soak in the unique & wonderful atmosphere of this special town.

Hope this was helpful & gives you a great starting point for your Chapel Hill adventures. Let me know what you think or if you discover any other hidden gems