The 10 Best Free Things to do in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (NC)

September 24, 2021 Cedrick Jardin

Calling itself "the southern part of Heaven," the town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina is home to the grassy malls and brick walkways of the University of North Carolina's historic campus. The presence of the country's first public university has allowed a vibrant arts and culture scene to grow in Chapel Hill. Check out a concert by a local band, watch the star's fly at the Morehead Planetarium or catch a varsity game pitting the wildly popular Tarheels against their historic Southern rivals.
Restaurants in Chapel Hill

1. Free Walking Tours Chapel Hill NC

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5.0 based on 60 reviews

Free Walking Tours Chapel Hill NC

Tour this charming University town. We start at the Morehead Planetarium Sun Dial, stroll down the main street seeing the town's oldest buildings, site of 1960's protests, and several famous outdoor murals. We will delve into the history of UNC as we travel along one of the college's main roads. It's a lovely, easy, barrier-free tour. Go to http://freewalkingtourschapelhill.com to join us.

2. The Carolina Basketball Museum

450 Skipper Bowles Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3433 +1 919-962-6000 https://goheels.com/news/2017/6/26/general-carolina-basketball-museum.aspx
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5.0 based on 196 reviews

The Carolina Basketball Museum

Reviewed By EDDY-H - Greenville, United States

We went once before a basketball game. I have to say it was impressive. I have worked with the University and the athletic department providing deejay and emcee services and have always been proud to be associated with UNC (also a 1983 graduate). Knowing some of the coaches, players and others represented here was an extra thrill for me and sharing with my friends and family was great. GO HEELS!

201 S Estes Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-7001 +1 919-636-4135 [email protected] http://www.frankisart.com/
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

FRANK Gallery

4. North Carolina Botanical Garden

100 Old Mason Farm Rd CB 3375, Totten Center, Chapel Hill, NC 27517-4431 +1 919-962-0522 [email protected] http://ncbg.unc.edu/
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4.5 based on 283 reviews

North Carolina Botanical Garden

The North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG), part of the University of North Carolina, is a 1,000+ acre assemblage of display gardens and natural areas in and around Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Garden is nationally known as a center for the study, display, interpretation, and conservation of southeastern native plants. Our main gardens in Chapel Hill feature a variety of native plant displays, an indoor exhibit hall, Garden Shop, art gallery, and extensive nature trails behind the Garden.

Reviewed By NCTraveler2015 - Raleigh, United States

The North Carolina Botanical Gardens is reopened in Chapel Hill. The buildings are closed but the display gardens and the restrooms are open. Although the gardens are free to visit they do ask for a $5 donation. At the moment there are various art sculptures within the garden that adds a new dimension to the gardens. The gardens are divided into the Piedmont area; Coastal Plains and the Mountains. There is also an herb garden. It is a great place to spend some time and take in nature.

5. Coker Arboretum

Cameron Ave. and Raleigh St. UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC +1 919-962-0522 http://ncbg.unc.edu/coker-arboretum
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4.5 based on 65 reviews

Coker Arboretum

6. University of North Carolina

250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3618 +1 919-962-1630 http://www.unc.edu
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4.5 based on 548 reviews

University of North Carolina

Reviewed By 245willw

America's most beautiful campus! My wife and I thoroughly enjoy a long walk to see all of the landmarks from the bell tower to the Old Well to Kenan Stadium.

7. Ackland Art Museum

101 S Columbia St UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3609 +1 919-966-5736 [email protected] http://www.ackland.org
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4.5 based on 132 reviews

Ackland Art Museum

The Ackland Art Museum’s permanent collection consists of more than 19,000 works of art, featuring North Carolina’s premier collections of Asian art and works of art on paper (drawings, prints, and photographs), as well as significant collections of European masterworks, 20th-century and contemporary art, African art, and North Carolina pottery. The Ackland organizes several special exhibitions each year. Admission is always free to all.

Reviewed By NCTraveler2015 - Raleigh, United States

The Ackland Art Museum is a free museum in Downtown Chapel Hill. It is a smaller art museum but the museum collection is great and the rotating exhibits are also quality works. I was so impressed with the Outwin exhibit. The works engage conversation. If you are in Chapel Hill, this museum is worth a stop. The gift shop is now in the museum building too.

8. A Southern Season

University Mall, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 +1 919-929-7133 http://www.southernseason.com/store.asp
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4.5 based on 143 reviews

A Southern Season

Reviewed By smrb123 - Hickory, United States

We visited this long-standing tradition the week it was closing. It had been a wonderful place to dine and shop, filled with so many wonderful foods, candies, wine and cooking tools. It is a sad day to say goodbye.

9. Patterson's Mill Country Store

5109 Farrington Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517-8604 +1 919-493-8149
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4.5 based on 10 reviews

Patterson's Mill Country Store

10. Beer Study

106 N Graham St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516-2322 +1 919-240-5423 [email protected] https://beerstudy.com/about-ch
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4.5 based on 12 reviews

Beer Study

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