Location: Raleigh
Top Things to do in Raleigh
The 10 Best Things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina (NC)
If you're looking for a getaway that's fun for the whole family and easy on your pocket, look no further than Raleigh. With more than 20 free attractions, this stately and energetic capital city offers an affordable way to enjoy history, culture and the good old outdoors. Spend the day hopping between the three state museums of art, history and natural sciences: all offer free admission. Visitors are free to wander around the grounds of the State Capitol, where they can also observe the legislative process. Stroll past the graves of Civil War generals at a historic cemetery or meander along cobblestone streets of City Market. Shop for the greenest broccoli, reddest apples and tastiest homemade treats around at the State Farmers Market. With over 150 parks, lakes and green ways in Raleigh alone, there is ample opportunity to enjoy golf, biking, swimming, boating and other outdoor adventures.
Restaurants in Raleigh
1. Neuse River Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By jcornwell10 - Fuquay-Varina, United States
This trail is amazing spanning Wake County all the way to Johnston. Starts at Falls Dam and goes farther than I’ve yet to discover. Was able to train for many distance races of the half and full marathon variety. Course does not overwhelm with hills which is impressive considering the area. Plenty of access points in neighborhoods and running beside river is pretty cool experience. Only issue I have encountered is low spots can get a little wet and during cold months that means ice.
2. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,284 reviews
The Southeast's largest natural history museum features dinosaurs, whale skeletons, live animals, walk-through dioramas, special exhibits, hands-on science education and accessible scientists. IMLS National Medal Finalist, 2014.
Reviewed By sarahsavvy - Sevierville, United States
We spent multiple rainy Sundays here, we love this museum so many different sections, they have a butterfly exhibit,a sloth exhibit, dinosaurs, fossils,Arthropods and many other things highly recommend this museum the best in the state
3. Umstead State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300+ year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, camp sites and lots more for nature lovers.
Reviewed By 17campbellf - Raleigh, United States
Beautiful Umstead State Park is beautiful, quiet and refreshing on a hot Raleigh day (don’t forget your bug-spray!) and full of fall splendor when that time comes. Biking, hiking and walking trails abound and you’ll see determined bikers as well as families with littles enjoying the park.
4. JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Part of the North Carolina State University, this eight-acre garden contains a wide variety of cold hardy temperate zone plants.
Reviewed By 565elizabetham - Raleigh, United States
Lovely place to walk in any season. It’s small enough to cover most of it is about an hour. Benches located in pretty settings (e.g. rose garden!)
5. North Carolina Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,793 reviews
One of the leading art museums in the American South, the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) recently completed a major, three-year expansion that places it in the front ranks of museums nationwide. The NCMA offers a permanent collection spanning more than 5,000 years, a variety of celebrated exhibitions and public programs, an amphitheater for outdoor performances, and the nation’s largest museum park—164 acres of trails and parkland containing major works of art.
Reviewed By maas_johnf - Raleigh, United States
We visited on an October "Members Only" Thursday evening. The curation has definitely improved. We were happy to see the changes in the curation of the collection in the newer main building, especially in the juxtaposition of art from different eras, styles, and countries, and the moving of a lot of more contemporary art to the main building. We were also impressed with the many focus groupings in the older exhibition building. We loved the way they are managing the pandemic with one-way arrows to guide you through the collections, face mask requirement, timed entry, and large spaces with no seating.
6. North Carolina Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 901 reviews
Explore more than 14,000 years of North Carolina history, from the state's earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. The major exhibition The Story of North Carolina features fascinating artifacts, multimedia presentations, and an interactive format for all ages. Other exhibits highlight the state's military history, sports heroes, decorative arts and more. Monthly programs include children's programs, craft demonstrations and family events. The Museum Shop, featuring North Carolina crafts, and the on-site restaurant Pharaoh's at the Museum are open daily. Admission is free, although some special exhibits require a fee. Free parking is available on weekends in the Jones/Edenton Street lot. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Reviewed By susieh443 - Durham, United States
This is a really cool museum for learning about the entire history of North Carolina. The curators have done an excellent job in the main exhibit of choosing an interesting combination of topics and features, and you'll learn a ton while being amused/horrified by the state history
7. Marbles Kids Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,101 reviews
Marbles Kids Museum is a hands-on, interactive destination that inspires children to be creative thinkers, active learners and confident individuals in today's world. With five galleries and two outdoor escapes, there is no shortage of activity for kids birth to 12 and their families. The campus also features the Wachovia IMAX Theatre at Marbles Kids Museum. This 267-seat giant-screen experience is the only 3D capable IMAX theatre in North Carolina.
Reviewed By Tizzer11 - Raleigh, United States
This is one of the best kids museums in the country. They have all sorts of neat things to play with. My family is always engage and excited when we go. And it is huge! The first time we went we only made it to most of the stuff on the first floor. The 2nd time we concentrated on the 2nd floor. And then other times we've finally seen all areas, but even then they change stuff up and there are new exhibits. My absolutely favorite is the mo eypalooza. There's only one way in and out so it's easier to keep track of your kids. And it's got a mini skiball game and a game where you launch the plastic balls and watchit roll through the track. The giant pig breaks open every so often too. It's so much fun. The hockey rink on the 2nd floor is pretty fun too or even the exercise section! We were going once a month before the pandemic. I highly suggest getting a membership. It pays for itself if you have a family of 4 and go just quarterly. It's so worth it. The staff is always super friendly and they'll walk around and talk with the kids about what they're doing or help them. I havent3eaten at the new cafe, but I hear it's supposed to be an upgrade from the previous one and the previous one was already really good and affordable. If you're a member, you get a discount at the cafe. The only downside to Marbles is that it needs more space. I know they use the building next to it for bday parties so maybe they'll expand into there as well, but then they need more room for bday parties. We have been to Kidzu in Chapel Hill, NC (this is good for under 5 and is a lot smaller more intimate than Marbles, but sometimes they'll play the guitar or do yoga with the kids and they have a craft bar where some items you pay extra for), the Madison, WI kids museum (eh, not a lot for little kids, but sometimes they have UW students come and show you actual parts of the body), the Sioux City kids museum (this is a good one too and I'd recommend it), the Magic House in St. Louis (this is a great one too, huge), City Museum in St. Louis (highly recommend, adults and older kids will love this), and the Betty Brin Children's Museum in Milwaukee, WI ( this one is better than Madison's, and comparable to Sioux, but I feel like a lot of stuff was broken.). Marbles is in our top three. It's got a lot of stuff that under 5 can do. I think Magic House might be better for older kids. I know they have a small area for 18mo or under 24 to crawl and I've been there several times, but I don't think I've seen it all. City Museum is better for older kids, teens, and adults. I think they might have a floor or two for under 5, but I'm not positive.) And then Marbles is wonderful and has a lot for 5 and under. Older kids will get enjoyment too, but I've heard that older kids that have gone since they were little have gotten bored with the exhibits.
8. State Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Seven days a week, serious food connoisseurs and regular folks, carefully pick through mounds of gorgeously presented fresh local produce at this popular open market, which is owned by the State of North Carolina.
Reviewed By 10jeannej - Clayton, United States
in season fresh foods , stores with the spices and flavorings you ever want, meat and cheese, old fashioned candy and soft drinks. great seafood restaurant and other restaurant with breakfast and county cooking
9. Pullen Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,281 reviews
Richard Stanhope Pullen founded Pullen Park on March 22, 1887. Once farmland, Mr. Pullen donated the land as a gift to the City of Raleigh to be used as parkland. He characterized it as on old cow pasture, red and rocky. He intended this land to be used for the recreation use and pleasure of the inhabitants and the visitors to the City of Raleigh. Through his visions, Pullen Park became the first public park in North Carolina.
Reviewed By howards50 - Albany, United States
This is a nice park that is close to downtown Raleigh and has many things that are good for children including a playground, carousel, kiddie boats, and a miniature train that you can ride around the park on. In addition, there are pedal boats, ball fields and tennis courts.
10. Historic Yates Mill County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Yates Mill is the last operating, water-powered gristmill in NC's capital county. The 18th century mill was restored, and the 174-acre park developed, through a partnership among the County of Wake, Yates Mill Associates, and NC State University. The park is open 361 days per year, from 8 am to sunset. The visitor center with its 2,200 square feet of exhibit space is open 8:30 am to 5 pm. The historic mill is open for guided tours Mar-Nov each year for public tours on weekends (fee: $3-5) and also by appointment on weekdays for organized groups.
Reviewed By 430sherrim - Southern Pines, United States
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit there. Well maintained walking trails, knowledgeable staff, and a nice visitor center. Recommend the $5 mill tour. Looking forward to returning for the weekend events of Sept 21st!
