Plan a Trip to Raleigh, N.C.

A visit to Raleigh is more than a trip to a blossoming Southern metropolis—you'll feel enriched and energized the instant you're warmly welcomed by its smart, savvy locals. Raleigh's bright minds head top-tier technology, education and life science institutions; its artists create a bevy of cultural and culinary touchstones; and its storytellers proudly carry on the collective heritage of a rich, historic capital city.

Invigorate your senses by sampling the many flavors of cutting-edge Southern cuisine enhanced by artisan craft brews and spirits. Get your toes tapping to the sounds of emerging music and bands, as well as rollicking bluegrass festivals and more. Discover gifts and treasures from local boutiques, including many handmade and custom designs for truly eclectic finds. And, join in broadening your horizons through an enticing array of visual and performing arts exhibitions. 

Raleigh may be quiet about the fact that it's leading in most recent quality-of-life rankings, but the fact is, you'll enjoy visiting as much as people enjoy living here. Come see what the city will inspire in you. Its authenticity is homegrown by passionate locals, rooted in Raleigh.


Planning info and resources

Use our Trip Planner to build your list of things to do while you're here View More

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Information on restaurants, accommodations, attractions and events View More

Download maps or explore an interactive Raleigh area map online View More

Right Now in Raleigh

Sports & Recreation

There's no shortage of ways to find peaceful escapes in order to explore the outdoors in the City of Oaks. Use any of the Raleigh area’s 200+ miles of greenways—many of them connecting to attractions and letting you travel all over the destination—or numerous other miles of trails traversing through

Beer

Passionate local chefs, brewers and creative types have teamed up to guide the Raleigh area through a foodie resurgence in recent years, bringing you delicious, unique and approachable culinary...

Things to Do

There's no shortage of ways to spend a couple of days exploring the museums, restaurants and parks in the Raleigh area on your own. And while chowing down at a favorite local restaurants is a...

Things to Do

The days are longer, the weather is warmer and the flowers are blooming—sure signs of spring in the Raleigh area! The perfect season to explore parks and gardens budding with colorful flowers,...

Live Music

Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts . Menconi's latest book, "Oh, Didn't They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation...

Dining & Drinks

Legendary barbecue spots, old-school soda shops, a hot dog joint that's more than 100 years old and more! The Raleigh, N.C., area is rooted in history (founded on Dec. 31, 1792, the City of Oaks is more than 230 years strong), and a host of the area's most...