Preplanned Travel Itineraries "With all that's happening {in Raleigh}, there's never been a better time to lace up your sneakers and experience this wonderfully walkable city -- whether for a weekend getaway or a couple of hooky-playing weekdays." 
-Use these suggested Raleigh itineraries as a starting point for planning your visit to North Carolina's Capital City area. The attractions and activities included in the itineraries will give visitors a sampling of the area's history and culture, while also highlighting some great shopping and dining as well. Best of all, many Greater Raleigh attractions are free!
Two-Day Itinerary DAY ONE:
Morning 
Start at Capital Area Visitor Information, where you can view a brief orientation film, schedule tours and pick up maps, brochures and other helpful information. Also enjoy the N.C. Museum of History (FREE), with exhibits devoted to the Civil War, sports heroes, folklife and more. Across the pedestrian plaza is the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences (FREE), the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast. Afternoon Enjoy lunch at the natural science museum's café, or visit another nearby restaurant. Cross the street from the museums to Capitol Square to tour the N.C. State Capitol (FREE) and learn about the history and legends associated with this important and symbolic building. A short walk down the Fayetteville Street Mall pedestrian plaza takes you past the statue of Sir Walter Raleigh, the 16th-century English explorer and city's namesake. Continue on to the Raleigh City Museum (FREE), housed in an 1874 building that was the city's first "skyscraper" and features exhibits that focus on the history of Raleigh. End the afternoon with a tour of one of the area's historic homes, including the N.C. Executive Mansion, completed in 1891 (FREE). Other options include the 18th-century Joel Lane House and Haywood Hall (FREE), Mordecai Historic Park, or take a self-guided walking or driving tour of the Victorian-era Historic Oakwood neighborhood. Evening For a variety of top-notch dinner options, visit the Glenwood South/Powerhouse Square area of downtown Raleigh. Check the home schedules for the area's four professional sports teams to see if the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL hockey) or the Carolina Mudcats (AA baseball) are in town! DAY TWO:
Morning Begin by driving to the State Farmers Market (FREE), where you'll find the freshest fruits and vegetables around, plus irresistible homemade baked goods, sauces and crafts. Drive to the N.C. Museum of Art (FREE), with works by American artists, as well as collections of African, Oceanic and New World art, Egyptian, Greek and Roman galleries, 20th-century art and more. Afternoon 
Drive to downtown Raleigh and have lunch in City Market. After lunch, stroll along the cobblestone streets and browse the specialty shops. Tour Artspace (FREE), where artists work in open-to-the-public studios. Next, walk through Moore Square Park, one of four parks designated in 1792 when the city was planned. Continue across the park to Exploris, an interactive museum that encourages people of all ages to learn how the world works and the part each person can play in it. Make time to see a film at the adjacent IMAX® theatre! Visitors with children may choose to end the afternoon with a trip to Pullen Park and its 1911 carousel, Andy & Opie TVLand Statue, train ride, playground and more. Evening Treat yourself to an elegant evening with dinner followed by a performance at the world-class Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
One-Day Itinerary Morning (walking tour) Start with breakfast in City Market at Big Ed's City Market Restaurant. After eating a plateful of biscuits, eggs with bacon or sausage, or maybe some french toast, you may want to walk through the cobblestone streets of City Market and do a little shopping. Shops range from home furnishings to art galleries. Also in City Market is Artspace (FREE), where artists work in open-to-the-public studios. Walk across Moore Square to Exploris, an interactive museum that encourages people of all ages to learn how the world works and the part each person can play in it. Or, see a film at the adjacent IMAX® theatre! Next, walk a few blocks to the North Carolina State Capitol (FREE). Tour the building to see the old legislative chambers and be sure to ask about the statue of George Washington in a toga! Afternoon (walking tour continues) Take a walk down newly refurbished Fayetteville Street to grab some lunch, or head to the Acro Cafe, located in the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (FREE) and the North Carolina Museum of History (FREE). The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences features four floors of exhibits, including Prehistoric N.C. (featuring the Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur) and a dry tropical rainforest with butterflies, hummingbirds and a one-toed sloth. The N.C. Museum of History has short-term and long-term exhibitions about the history of the state, including North Carolina and the Civil War and the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame. Finally, drive to North Carolina Museum of Art (FREE), with works by American artists, as well as collections of African, Oceanic and New World art, Egyptian, Greek and Roman galleries, 20th-century art and more.
Half-Day Itinerary (walking tour) 
Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (FREE) and the North Carolina Museum of History (FREE), located in downtown Raleigh. The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences features four floors of exhibits, including Prehistoric N.C. (featuring the Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur) and a dry tropical rainforest with butterflies, hummingbirds and a one-toed sloth. The N.C. Museum of History has short-term and long-term exhibitions about the history of the state, including North Carolina and the Civil War and the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame. Head across the street to the North Carolina State Capitol (FREE). Tour the building to see the old legislative chambers and be sure to ask about the statue of George Washington in a toga! Head to City Market and explore Artspace (FREE), where artists work in open-to-the-public studios. Walk through the cobblestone streets of City Market and do a little shopping or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Excursions 
You may choose to explore the "main streets" of several small towns in the area, each with its own blend of the past and the present. From the historic train station in Apex to Cary's landmark hotel, to the once-famous healing springs of Fuquay-Varina and Wake Forest's renovated Cotton Company galleries, history and nostalgia run deep in the small towns of Wake County.
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