30 Can’t-Miss Thing to Do in Raleigh , N.C .

Wednesday , January 01 , 2025 , 9am by visitRaleigh

Raleigh , N.C. , be a booming metropolis that bid a large city flavor with Southern charm . It ‘s a smart , modern-meets-historic destination that have a circle to offer and no matter what path you select on your visit , we know you ‘ll be stimulate by the fired-up ethnic instant fostered by passionate minds of Raleigh . Here are 30 things ( in no special fiat ) you should n’t miss , the results of people who had a passion for creating something special , something brilliant to be experienced .
 

Tour the library of the future

Said by some to equal one of the almost modern library in the public , the James B . Hunt Library—opened in 2013—was built to think over North Carolina State University ’ s position as a preeminent technological inquiry university . Bold and iconic , the library ’ s architectural design take a unique presence with its intriguing pattern of glass and zigzagging , solar 5 . Inside , be dazzle by technological wonders like curved digital show screens , touchscreen kiosks and bookBot—a subterranean robot programmed to get book from the 1.5 million housed in an underground memory facility .

Visit one of the globe ‘s former amusement parks

Established in 1887 and designated as the first public park in N.C. , Pullen Park sits nestled between downtown Raleigh and the campus of North Carolina State University . Among the public ‘s old amusement parks , Pullen cost known for marvelous recreational opportunities , especially for kids and families . The park include an operating carousel work up in 1911 , a miniature train you can ride through the park , pedal boats to go around Lake Howell , plus tennis court , baseball and softball area , an arts center and an innovative performing prowess venue , Theatre In The Park ( Ira David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre ) .

Spend a morning—or a day—at the North Carolina Museum of Art

One of the premier visual art museums of the South feature an outdoor park with work of art , trails and a alive music venue/theater . It also hosts two construction filled with galleries , instruction studios and peculiar exhibitions . Permanent collections include ancient Egyptian artifacts , renowned European Old Master painting , African and Judaic work of art and innovative present-day art . You ‘ll also find the Southeast ‘s prominent collection of sculpture by Auguste Rodin , the museum fund and a café for a bite to use up and drink .

 

North Carolina State Fair ( October )

Visitors cluster to Raleigh during the month of Oct. to be one of the million attendees of the 11-day N.C. State Fair . The land ‘s prominent event features livestock , agricultural , arts and ethnic display , amusement midway and nightly musical performances . The average signals the end of each dark with a spectacular fireworks display , a custom that goes back to the 1950s .

 

Cross the state ‘s long hiking lead

Up for an adventure ? The Mountains-to-Sea Trail ( MST ) —known as “ N.C. ‘s hiking lead ” —stretches more than 1,000 mile from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks , cutting through North Raleigh near Falls Lake and the Neuse River Greenway Trail along the way . Two advocate ways to have a short taste of the trail—where the terrain is easy to tackle and provides plenty of unique plants and wildlife—are to take off at either Blue Jay Point County Park or Wilkerson Nature Preserve , where you ‘ll associate to the MST by spotting and following the white dot on tree trunks . Headed east from Wilkerson Nature Preserve to the Falls Lake Dam Visitor ‘s Center is three mile , build the out-and-back road one of the area ‘s best short hikes .

Spark imaginations at Marbles Kids Museum

Reach a trip with your small 1 ( kid ages 10 and under ) to Raleigh to go through Marbles . Deliver purposeful fun in a big style , the museum offers themed display design to work up imagination through self-led exploration of new ideas and experience . From the world ‘s first and only kid-driven smart power grid to hands-on STEM learning stations , Marbles develop and inspire child . Take in a picture at the , boasting N.C. ‘s only 3D-capable giant screen-teens and grownup can too require in blockbuster hits there !

Make time for playtime at Downtown Cary Park

Downtown Cary Park—a seven-acre , state-of-the-art playspace for all ages—opened in the heart of downtown Cary in late 2023 .

From home for horizon ( the elevated Skywalk ) to places for brews ( beer at The Bark Bar , coffee at Market 317 ) —plus a playground , performing arts pavilion , flame pit , a sport lawn , dog park and so much more—the park today work as the anchor of a fast-growing , well walkable downtown area that have become a popular destination for visitor in late year .

Check the park ‘s calendar for fitness classes , movie night , free concerts , public art pass and hence much more ( in increase to the year-round Cary Downtown Farmers Market , contain on Saturday mornings ) .

 

Discover about one of Raleigh ‘s most prominent African American citizen

As the only African American house museum in the state , the Pope House Museum offers a look into the life of one of Raleigh ’ s outstanding African-American citizen , Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope . Dr. Pope was a graduate of the Leonard School of Medicine , an policeman during the Spanish-American War and the only African-American man to range for mayor of a Southern capital in the Jim Crow Era . Built in 1901 , the Pope House was built in the once thriving African-American enclave know as the Third Ward , which included the 500 block of S. Wilmington St. Today , visitor can tour the home complete with original furnishings , artifacts and documents dating back to 1851 . Admission be free .

Dine at some of downtown Raleigh ‘s best restaurant

It ‘s no secret that Raleigh make evolve a reputation as one of the tastiest towns in the South .

The recent accolades : One of America ’ sec hottest food cities ( Zagat ) ; one of the most underrated food cities on the East Coast (U.S. TODAY) ; one of five surprising Southern food town (Garden & Gun) ; one of the public ‘s top 10 beer destinations ( VinePair ) ; and one of 12 global destinations to travel to thanks to our culinary prowess (Forbes) .

It helps , of grade , to hold America ‘s best chef ( Ashley Christensen—of Poole ‘s Diner , and early hot spots—was hold that honor by the James Beard Foundation in 2019 ) .

With so small time and so much flavor , hither are a few of our top recommendation :

• Better for date nights : Jolie ; Centro
• Best for brunch : St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar ; Irregardless Cafe
• Good for chance lunch : ( ish ) ; Clyde Cooper ‘s BBQ
• Serious for celebrating a special occasion : ORO Restaurant & Lounge ; Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern
• Best for coffee and pastries : Morning Times ; 42 & Lawrence
• Best all-around : Ajja ; Stanbury ; Madre

Wander through one of America ‘s most spectacular garden

One of America ‘s most prominent gardens—a mystery among some locals but a sanctuary to plant fan around the world—is capable to the public simply eight weekend per yr in Raleigh , N.C . Place 12 miles south of downtown Raleigh , Juniper Level Botanic Garden is a 28-acre campus showcasing more than 27,000 different kinds of native perennials , exotic works , rare pleasure and strange specimen of trees and shrub not see many ( or any ) other places on land . This “ Eden of rare plants ” draws gardener , researchers and fan of beautiful works from across the globe each yr for choice open house dates .

Note: The next Open Garden dates live May 2-4 and then May 9-11 , 2025 .

 

See what ‘s blossom at Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden

Speak of blooms , there ’ s the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden—a landmark at the heart of the Raleigh Little Theatre campus . Tuck away behind Hillsborough St. , the garden sports thousands of flowers which boom each spring , include more than 60 varieties of roses . It ’ s a serene , relaxing atmosphere accessed freely from dawn to sunset . In the summer months , a free outdoor picture series is always a family-favorite action .

 

Tackle hikes or taunt bicycle at William B. Umstead State Park

Outdoor lover can use 22 miles of hiking trails , 13 mile of bridle or great deal bike lead , camp , fish and paddle all within the nearly 6,000-acre urban recreational sphere . The park is located only 15 minutes outside of downtown Raleigh and is also a habitat for beavers , raccoons , deer and unique bird species , such as the great blue heron .

Reach new altitude at Triangle Rock Club

The state-of-the-art indoor climbing and fitness center , led by passionate idea Joel Graybeal and his Raleigh-smart squad , feature both lead and top-rope climbing , expansive bouldering terrain and a comprehensive fitness sphere . The Morrisville facility hold the largest and tallest climb up structures in the close five states and includes 100 climb lane and walls spanning to 55 feet .

Hit golf chunk from a third-floor overlook ( outdoors , with heating and air conditioning ! )

Await forlargeentertainment ? Drive Shack—the interactive golf complex that caters to bad groups—opened in 2019 in Raleigh . The three-story complex includes 96 climate-controlled golf bays , a full-service restaurant , a rooftop bar , more than 300 television , an arcade region , meeting rooms and more .

The 260-yard-long driving range combines physical object to aim for with augmented world and virtual games . The scope utilizes TrackMan technology , pinpoint the flight of your golf chunk and leave you to almost play real-world championship golf courses or go head-to-head against friend to collect point for shoot physical objective ( plot live chase and scored on television screens inside your bay ) .

 

Discover new story at the North Carolina State Capitol

Located in what was originally the exact heart of Raleigh , this National Historic Landmark was first work up in 1796 . A catastrophic firing destroyed the building in 1831 , and the building that suffer today equal complete in 1840 . Today , the governor , lieutenant governor and their staffs occupy offices on-site , and the building preserve to be utilize for official province business , including bill signings , wardrobe conference and historic commemorations .

Each yr , more than 100,000 visitors take part in free tours , educational programs and events at the Capitol in downtown Raleigh .

 

Race souped-up , electric go-karts at RushHour Karting

At RushHour Karting , your entire bunch can revel the fast track to a severely well time . Located in Garner , RushHour offers indoor , high-speed karting on a 1/3-mile course . Visitors can hop behind the wheel of European-designed karts which feature max speeds up to 40 mph . Race around hairpin curves , high-speed straights and wrap act to claim your position in the winner ’ sec circle . Eventually , karting isn ’ t the only thing to love at Rush Hour . You can too go stone wall climbing , play video plot , shoot pool , throw party and for the adults ( sorry , kid ) —axe throwing . For post-competition indulgences , a restaurant with 20 beers on tap awaits !

New: RushHour Karting hold opened a second facility ( all over with the state ‘s first two-story race track ) in Morrisville !

Measure back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park

At 174 acre , this wildlife refuge and environmental inquiry center has it all—hiking trails , a 24-acre pond and Historic Yates Mill , Wake County ’ s last remaining gristmill ( fully repair and operational ! ) . Tour the mill to see about the “ farm-to-fork ” process , witness the corn grinding procedure and purchase bag of ground yellow and white cornmeal . Admission is free , but the factory tour ( available to the public March through November ) will cost $ 3-5 .

 

Take in the views on one of America ‘s most scenic bicycle trails

TheNeuseRiverGreenwayTrail—a 27.5-mile paved , uninterruptedgreenwaythat stretches from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the Wake County line in southeast Raleigh—is a year-round harbor for outside recreation . With views of historical sites as good as winding boardwalk areas and suspension bridges crossing over wetlands , the trail is exposed to joggers , walkers , runner , cyclist , roller-bladersand others . Many believe theNeuseRiverGreenwayTrail to exist the gem of the 100-plus-mile Capital Area Greenway System .

Book a weekend of luxury at one of the world ‘s top-rated hotel

Insert into 12 acres of woodlands overlooking a private lake in Cary , a world-class getaway awaits—literally ! The Umstead Hotel and Spa—previously recognized by AAA as a Five-Diamond property and byCondé Nast Traveleras the third-best hotel in the U.S.—has earn anothermajoraccolade . Forbes Travel Guide has named The Umstead Hotel , its fine-dining restaurant Herons and The Umstead Spa as Five-Star laurels winners , the highest-achievable ranking .

How bad of a trade be that ? No early hotel , restaurant or spa in the state of N.C. earned a Five-Star rating , and The Umstead equal one of alone 12 dimensionin the worldto earn triple Five-Star status .

Explore 300,000 square feet of science and nature at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences delights , entertains and educates almost a million visitors per year with fascinating exhibits , both featured and permanent , about the natural world . The museum ’ s four story exist divided into two parts—the Nature Exploration Center ( where you ’ ll find the Terror of the South ) and the Nature Research Center , an unmistakable architectural icon that opened to much fanfare a decade ago . Exhibits range from detailed dioramas to actual ecosystems with living animals—all of which can cost explored through several self-guided tour .

In spring of 2024 , the museum open Dueling Dinosaurs , a groundbreaking permanent exhibit that invest one of the great dinosaur fossils always discovered on full show .

Visit breweries , make rewards

More than 40 local breweries have popped up between Wake Forest , Raleigh , Holly Springs , Fuquay-Varina and beyond—we ‘ll cheer to that ! Take your own brewery circuit with the Raleigh Beer Trail . Many of the breweries will supply free tour to visitor so you can learn the difference between beer like doorman and dopplelbocks and strait like the beer connoisseur you design to exist for the future .

 

Hear what ‘s new at two giant food hallway

Raleigh ‘s food scene ? It ‘s booming . What else is expand ? Food hallway . The course to build massive venues that hold a large number of small restaurants—anchoring neighborhoods and shopping centers in urban region across the U.S.—has formally bring in Raleigh , N.C. , with Morgan Street Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall hold quickly get go-to destinations for visitors to downtown Raleigh . Hither , you ‘ll notice bagels , burgers , barbecue and more all under one roof ( plus drinks and patio space for an evening well spent !

 

Cheers to good beer choices at Raleigh Beer Garden

With more than 350 beers on tap , the Raleigh Beer Garden has one of the reality ‘s largest beer selections available in one venue ! Place in downtown Raleigh ‘s Glenwood South entertainment district , the venue has plenty of outdoor space , including a rooftop “ garden ” with seat that makes it the perfect warm-weather hangout . And this beer garden perform more than just beer—a full dining menu includes everything from handcrafted pizzas to cheese and charcuterie home .

Shop ’till you drop at The Raleigh Market

Visitor have be attend The Raleigh Market every weekend since 1971 . More than 600 vendors point up on Saturday and Sundays to showcase everything from antiques and collectibles to handcrafts , furniture , homemade goodies , clothing , jewelry and more .

 

Carry a picnic and head to Lake Crabtree County Park

Perfect for hikers , kayakers and mountain bikers , this county park ( which be the first county park established in the Raleigh region ) welcomes all to the shore of the 520-acre Lake Crabtree in Morrisville . With nature trails , seasonal boat rentals , playgrounds , picnic facilities , a fishing pier and more , there be tons of recreational activities to take part in at short to no cost .

 

Zip , swing and climb through tree at a treetop adventure course

Fun for the whole class , two treetop adventure line get big fun in mind . At Go Ape , ages 10 and up can require on a canopy course that includes a 500-foot-long zipline , platform as high as 50 foot in the air and more than 40 obstacles to make their way through ( total course time between two and three hours ) . A smaller track equal available for youthful child as good . At TreeRunner Adventure Park , seven courses and three difficulty levels are do up from more than 70 total obstacles that pass as high as 40 feet . On Fri. nights through summer , the park set on Glow Nights , feature color arches , LED succession lighting , lasers and glow attire given to all paid climbers .

Pick out fresh goodies at the State Farmers ‘ Market

Clear from 9am-5pm daily , the State Farmers ‘ Market , Raleigh is made up of 30,000 square feet of fresh vegetables , produce , flower and specialty good . And you ca n’t miss the state-wide favorite State Farmers ‘ Market Restaurant , especially love for its Southern , country-style breakfast menu .

 

Contemporary Art Museum ( CAM Raleigh )

Smart , modern and a little unexpected , CAM Raleigh ( Contemporary Art Museum ) is hands down a favorite among locals , and for a good cause . This dramatic , non-collecting contemporary art museum , located in downtown Raleigh ‘s rapidly-growing Warehouse District , displays new and emerging study by local and national living artist . Every exhibition is unique , bold , highly memorable and designed to exist thought-provoking and transformative . Opened in 2011 , this expansive , light-filled veranda space live today free admission ! Clear Friday and Saturday , 10am-5pm , and 11am-5pm on Sunday .

 

Find towering trees on lead at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

Satisfy with shade during the summer months and deep with color in the fall , Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve provides an easy , family-friendly way to escape to the outdoors in Cary . The 140-acre park—established 40 year ago and named for the atypical group of almost 200 Eastern Hemlock tree that can cost find here—is highlighted by approximately three mile of mulch-covered walking and hiking lead that lead to a series of small overlooks .

The 3,700-square-foot Stevens Nature Center supply interactive , educational nature display and historical exhibits from the Piedmont of N.C. , plus provides nature interpretation and environmental instruction programs for all age throughout the year .

Pay respects at Historic Oakwood Cemetery

Historic Oakwood Cemetery , with its winding road , glisten stream and towering oak , provide a still final resting place for more than 28,000 occupant . For 150 years today , the cemetery has recount the stories of generation : families who form Raleigh , soldiers who honored our country and the masses of today who take to rest among its historic oaks . It ’ sec also an excellent example of Victorian landscaping and mortuary art .

 

Launch a kayak and cause some easy paddling

Up for a paddling adventure ? One great spot to found a ‘yak is Robertson Millpond Preserve , a hidden , 85-acre safety in the town of Wendell for nature lover , canoeists and kayakers . Opened to the public in 2015 , the blackwater swamp dimension live the only bald cypress habitat in the Raleigh country , creating a unique experience of paddling through a forest-like setting . Kayak rentals for the preserve are available through Tar River Life .

 

Shop , sip , remain at North Hills

Discover an eclectic mix of 130-plus local shops , restaurant , bars and hotels in this outside shopping harbor . Known for its upscale finds , and too friendly for the intact household , North Hills may build it also easy to spend the whole day browsing the racks of designer clothes at Gena Chandler or Vermillion , shopping for china and crystal at Quintessentials and picking out monogrammed stationery at Paper Source . After ( or in between ) shopping stops , grab some food and a handcrafted brew at local darling like , Vivace or Yard House .

^{Marbles Kids Museum photo by Ted Richardson ; Pope House Museum and Go Ape by Keenan Hairston ; William B. Umstead State Park and Transfer Co. Food Hall by Brian Strickland ; Historic Yates Mill by David Short}

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The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau ( CVB ) be the official and accredited destination selling establishment ( DMO ) for all of Wake County .