Forget everything you think you know about shopping malls.
The Streets at Southpoint feels more like wandering through a lively downtown than spending the day inside a retail center.
Brick sidewalks, inviting storefronts, and open-air gathering spaces make every visit feel like a small adventure.
One minute you’re browsing your favorite national brands, and the next you’re relaxing by a fountain or grabbing a meal at a popular restaurant. The mix of indoor and outdoor spaces keeps the day fresh from start to finish.
This Durham favorite has become much more than a place to shop. It’s where families spend weekends, friends meet for dinner, and visitors discover one of North Carolina’s most enjoyable retail destinations.
From luxury fashion and home décor to sweet treats and blockbuster movies, every corner offers another reason to stay a little longer.
These ten highlights show why The Streets at Southpoint continues to draw crowds from across the Triangle.
A Main Street Design That Feels Like a Real Downtown
Walking through this shopping center feels nothing like entering a typical enclosed mall. Instead of fluorescent lights and tile floors, you’ll find yourself strolling down brick-lined streets with real sidewalks, just like a historic downtown neighborhood.
Fountains bubble in public plazas while shoppers browse storefronts that open directly onto pedestrian walkways. The designers created an atmosphere that encourages people to slow down, window shop, and enjoy the experience rather than rushing from store to store.
Landscaping adds greenery throughout the property, while architectural details on building facades create visual interest at every turn. During warm months, the outdoor spaces buzz with activity as visitors relax on benches or meet friends near the fountains.
Even the lighting fixtures and street furniture were chosen to match the downtown aesthetic. The result is a shopping destination that feels more like exploring a vibrant neighborhood than visiting a commercial center, making even a quick errand feel more enjoyable and memorable.
More Than 150 Stores From Popular National Brands
Shoppers discover an incredible variety of options across more than 150 retail locations here. From fashion to technology to home goods, nearly every shopping need gets covered under one roof (or one neighborhood, if you prefer).
Tech enthusiasts can browse the latest gadgets at the Apple Store before heading to Aritzia or Abercrombie & Fitch for new clothes. Fitness fans love exploring Alo Yoga and Vuori for stylish activewear that works in the gym and beyond.
Home decorators could spend hours wandering through Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel, finding everything from kitchen gadgets to furniture. Parents often make a special trip to the LEGO Store, where kids can build creations and explore exclusive sets.
Anthropologie offers unique clothing and home décor with bohemian flair, while dozens of other retailers fill gaps in the shopping lineup. Whether you need a last-minute gift or want to completely refresh your wardrobe, the selection here rivals anything you’d find in major metropolitan shopping districts.
An Outdoor Lifestyle District Perfect For Strolling
Something magical happens when shopping centers include generous outdoor spaces. The lifestyle district at Southpoint transforms a simple shopping trip into a leisurely afternoon activity worth savoring.
Wide pedestrian streets give everyone plenty of room to walk comfortably, even during busy weekends. Mature trees provide shade on sunny days, while carefully planned landscaping adds seasonal color and natural beauty throughout the year.
Public art installations give visitors something interesting to discover around each corner. Benches and seating areas invite people to rest between stores, people-watch, or simply enjoy being outside.
During the holidays, seasonal decorations transform the entire district into a festive wonderland. String lights twinkle overhead, wreaths adorn storefronts, and special displays create perfect photo opportunities for families and friends.
The outdoor setting also makes it easier to bring dogs along for the trip (on leashes, of course). Many visitors appreciate having fresh air and sunshine as part of their shopping experience rather than spending hours in artificial lighting.
Dining Options That Go Far Beyond a Typical Food Court
Forget sad food courts with limited choices and plastic trays. Southpoint offers legitimate restaurants where people actually want to eat, making it easy to plan an entire day around shopping and dining.
The Cheesecake Factory draws crowds with its enormous menu and signature desserts, while Uncle Julio’s serves up Tex-Mex favorites in a lively atmosphere. Both restaurants feature full-service dining where you can relax and recharge before tackling more stores.
Casual eateries provide quicker options without sacrificing quality. Cafés offer perfect spots for coffee breaks or light lunches, while grab-and-go counters serve everything from smoothies to sandwiches for shoppers on the move.
The variety means groups with different tastes can always find common ground. One person craves Italian while another wants Asian food?
No problem.
Many restaurants feature outdoor seating during pleasant weather, letting diners enjoy the downtown atmosphere while they eat. The dining scene here rivals standalone restaurant districts, giving people real reasons to visit even when they don’t need to shop.
Entertainment Makes It More Than Just Shopping
Smart developers understand that modern shopping centers need to offer experiences beyond retail. Southpoint delivers with entertainment options that keep visitors engaged for hours beyond browsing store aisles.
AMC Theatres anchors the entertainment lineup with stadium seating and the latest blockbusters on multiple screens. Movie nights become easy when you can catch dinner, shop a bit, and see a film all in one convenient location.
Outdoor gathering spaces host everything from live music performances to seasonal festivals throughout the year. Local musicians sometimes set up in the plazas, adding spontaneous entertainment to regular shopping trips.
Special events pop up regularly, from car shows to holiday celebrations to community fundraisers. These activities create a sense of neighborhood identity and give residents reasons to visit repeatedly.
The layout naturally encourages lingering rather than rushing through tasks. Fountains provide soothing background sounds, comfortable seating invites relaxation, and the pedestrian-friendly design makes it enjoyable to simply wander.
Many families treat visits here as recreational outings rather than chores, spending entire afternoons exploring the property.
Beautiful Details Hidden Throughout the Property
Observant visitors discover delightful surprises tucked into corners and integrated into the landscape. The developers clearly invested in creating a property with personality and local connection rather than generic shopping center blandness.
Bronze sculptures depicting children at play add whimsical touches to outdoor areas. These artworks celebrate childhood joy while providing photo opportunities for families visiting with their own kids.
Vintage-inspired murals reference Durham’s tobacco heritage and industrial history, grounding the modern shopping center in regional identity. Decorative fountains serve as focal points in gathering spaces, their designs complementing the downtown aesthetic.
Architectural details on building facades show impressive craftsmanship. Look closely at window frames, doorways, and rooflines to spot elements that echo historic downtown buildings.
Even practical features like lighting fixtures and street signs received thoughtful design attention. Nothing feels cheap or temporary here.
The attention to detail elevates the entire experience from merely functional to genuinely pleasant. These touches demonstrate respect for visitors and pride in creating something special rather than just another shopping development.
Family-Friendly Features For All Ages
Parents facing the challenge of shopping with kids in tow appreciate the thoughtful amenities that make family visits much less stressful. The property was clearly designed with real families in mind, not just adult shoppers.
A dedicated children’s play area gives little ones a place to burn energy between stores. Kids can climb, slide, and explore while parents take a breather on nearby benches.
Stroller rentals save families from lugging their own equipment, especially helpful for visitors from out of town. Wide walkways and ramps throughout the property make navigating with strollers, wheelchairs, or wagons much easier than cramped mall corridors.
Family restrooms provide private spaces for parents dealing with diaper changes or helping young children. These larger facilities accommodate multiple family members comfortably.
Spacious common areas prevent that claustrophobic feeling kids often experience in traditional enclosed malls. The outdoor sections especially give children room to move without parents constantly worrying about them bumping into displays or getting lost in crowds.
These features transform a potentially exhausting outing into a manageable, even enjoyable family activity.
Why It’s One of the Triangle’s Favorite Shopping Destinations
Location matters tremendously in retail success, and Southpoint hit the geographic jackpot. Its position near Interstate 40 puts it within easy reach of multiple Triangle communities, making it the natural shopping choice for millions of regional residents.
Durham residents obviously have the shortest trip, but shoppers from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Research Triangle Park all find it conveniently accessible. The interstate location means no struggling through downtown traffic or navigating confusing neighborhood streets.
This accessibility translates into consistent crowds and a thriving retail environment. Stores stay busy enough to justify keeping inventory fresh and selection deep, which in turn attracts more shoppers in a positive cycle.
The property draws an estimated several million visitors annually, cementing its status as a regional destination rather than just a neighborhood shopping center. Out-of-town guests staying in the Triangle often get directed here for shopping needs.
Competition from online retailers has closed many malls, but Southpoint thrives by offering experiences that can’t be replicated through computer screens. The combination of location, selection, and atmosphere keeps it relevant and popular.
Seasonal Events, Holiday Décor, and Special Experiences
The calendar dictates a rotating schedule of special happenings that keep regular visitors engaged throughout the year. Management understands that creating memorable moments builds loyalty and encourages repeat visits beyond standard shopping trips.
Holiday celebrations transform the property into themed wonderlands. Winter brings elaborate Christmas decorations with towering trees, twinkling lights, and festive displays that have become annual traditions for local families.
Back-to-school events help students and parents prepare for new academic years with special promotions and activities. Shopping promotions tied to major retail holidays like Black Friday create excitement and draw bargain hunters.
Spring and summer bring outdoor concerts, community fundraisers, and seasonal activities that take advantage of the lifestyle district’s open-air setting. Fall festivals celebrate harvest season with appropriate decorations and themed events.
These changing experiences mean no two visits feel exactly the same. Even if you’re buying the same products from the same stores, the atmosphere and special touches vary enough to keep things fresh and interesting for shoppers who visit frequently throughout the year.
Visitor Information
Planning your visit requires knowing a few practical details to make the most of your time at Southpoint and avoid any surprises or frustrations.
You’ll find the center at 6910 Fayetteville Road in Durham, North Carolina 27713. General hours run Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 8 PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Sundays from noon to 6 PM, though individual stores and restaurants may keep different schedules.
Call (919) 572-8800 if you need specific information about store locations or special events. Large free parking lots surround the entire shopping center, so finding a spot is rarely difficult even during busy periods.
The property meets accessibility standards with elevators, family restrooms, stroller rentals, and designated accessible parking spaces close to entrances. Wheelchair users can navigate the entire property comfortably.
Weekday mornings or early afternoons typically offer the lightest crowds if you prefer a relaxed shopping experience. Evenings work well for combining shopping with dinner in the outdoor district, especially during pleasant weather months when the atmosphere really shines.