Location: Raleigh
Top Things to do in Raleigh
Things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina (NC): The Best Nature & Parks
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. Blue Jay Point County Park
3. John Chavis Memorial Park
4. 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.
5. 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!)
6. Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Scenic garden adjacent to a popular community theater is used frequently for weddings and other special events.
Reviewed By nazlij2018 - Fayetteville, United States
We visited this little quiet garden on one weekend, it is very nice and enjoyable experience. Roses are very beautiful and smell great. We could eat our lunch here and meditate as well.
7. Historic Oak View County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Nineteenth-century farmstead tells the story of America's agricultural and rural heritage, featuring a 19th-century farmhouse, history interpretive center, Cotton Museum and a 170-acre pecan grove.
Reviewed By Jaycie_1995
This was an amazing stop for my husband and I while we were on a short trip to Raleigh. We loved touring the buildings and the historical stories behind each, which had great signs to describe what "life was like" when this was an active farm. Bonus was that the pecan harvest had just begun so we got to go into the orchards and gather pecans. Would be a great spot for kids, families, and most anyone!! Some nice walking paths and I loved petting the goats!!
8. 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.
9. Mordecai Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By orchiddoc - Skillman, United States
Excellent small museum where you learn about the early history of Raleigh. There is also a walking tour with a very knowledgeable guide of the structures and local history He was excellent. The only problem was we thought the tour would be about 1 hour. Unfortunately it almost 2. Lots of great info but toooooo long. Found it very interesting that the original owners were Jewish from Bonn Germany.
10. Lake Johnson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By CarsonsMommy
Beware - the main parking lot fills up quickly! We pulled in to find a traffic jam 5 cars deep, waiting for someone to leave. Luckily we were at the back and knew that’s not the only one! Turned around and drove to the 2nd, only 1/2 full lot! The hike that way takes you through the shaded, hilly woods area first. By the time you hit the sunny dam, you’re about 1/2 way there. Less hilly after the dam, and closer to the lake. Pass the clubhouse where you can rent kayaks or SUPs, or purchase drinks from the machine, Walk over the long cute bridge and watch the kayakers go under the small bridge. Look up and you’ll see old fishing lures the fishermen have tossed up onto the power lines. About 3 miles hiking loop. Lots of dogs, no horses allowed.
