Raleigh

A thriving Southern capital city shaped by the passionate minds of its residents, Raleigh, N.C., was founded in 1792 and named for Sir Walter Raleigh, the Englishman who attempted to establish the first colony on the shores of the new world in the 1580s. The only state capital to have been planned and established by a state as the seat of state government, the city’s founding fathers called Raleigh the “City of Oaks” and dedicated themselves to maintaining the area’s wooded tracts and grassy parks.

Today, gleaming with 21st-century modernism, Raleigh holds dear its history, preserving art, culture, green spaces and more than 200 historic places held in high esteem on the National Register. One of the fastest growing cities in the country—nearly half a million people, plus numerous thriving startups and established businesses—now call Raleigh home.

In Raleigh, you’re just as likely to happen upon a world-class museum as you are a world-record-setting beer garden, and odds are good you’ll want to visit both a state park and the State Capitol while you’re here. In between, you’ll find that all types of artists, athletes, creative-class innovators, makers and entrepreneurs have found a place they can thrive.
 


The North Carolina Museum of Art has more than a dozen galleries holding works from around the world and a variety of art types.... View More

With more than 350 beers on tap, passionate mind Niall Hanley’s Raleigh Beer Garden has one of the world's largest beer... View More

Stroll nature trails or walk along 22 miles of hiking trails meandering through forest. Also offered are camping, picnicking,... View More

Completed in 1840, this National Historic Landmark is one of the best-preserved examples of a civic building in Greek... View More



Smart and savvy locals are the lifeblood of the city, the brains behind its educational institutions, renowned research facilities, historic preservation efforts and enviable rankings for a quality of life that is physically represented through Raleigh’s 180 miles of lush greenways and more than 10,000 acres of natural parklands.

Smart, homegrown and authentic, Raleigh is a place where you’ll be warmly welcomed and invited to experience and share food, drinks and stories with friends old and new.


 

Insider Articles

Dining & Drinks

Whether you’ve just gone to a concert, enjoyed a few local beers or find yourself hungry well after dinner time, these 20+ late-night dining spots around downtown Raleigh will surely satisfy. From the Glenwood South district to Fayetteville St. and everywhere in...

Dining & Drinks

What do you get when you mix books, beer, blooms and bao in Raleigh, N.C.? One of the top 10 new restaurants in the country! Bon Appétit has named Brewery Bhavana—the brewery, bookstore,...

Artist Linda Dallas

Linda Dallas

Linda Dallas's Art Studio

Raleigh, N.C., artist and illustrator Linda Dallas draws inspiration from the kitchen, using color, texture and perspective to transform food into fine art.

“Creativity doesn't just live in the arts. Creativity lives in business. Creativity lives in science. That is what makes for a Smart City.”

Areas of Raleigh

Raleigh, N.C.

Get to know more of Raleigh and its 11 surrounding towns! Click an area on the map or the links below to explore.

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Downtown Raleigh

Historic neighborhoods, museums, Southern diners and global eats, green spaces, performance venues, breweries and nightlife spots work together to create one incredible, cultural hotspot.

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East Raleigh

Steeped in history, East Raleigh continues to grow with historic neighborhoods, two distilleries, family-fun facilities and restaurants serving up delicious, down-home Southern food.

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Midtown Raleigh

Includes four, different shopping, entertainment and dining areas all within a short drive—North Hills, Crabtree Valley, Cameron Village and the Five Points neighborhood.

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North Raleigh

Home to hundreds of restaurants, large retail stores, entertainment complexes, parks and recreation areas. Family entertainment is easy to find as well as fun, outdoor things to do

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RDU/Brier Creek

Aptly named for its proximity to RDU International Airport, the area is home to hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail, restaurants, breweries and an array of family fun.

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South Raleigh

Located just south of downtown, this area is one of the city’s most rapidly growing. With multiple parks, eateries and entertainment options, it's a great place to spend a day or stay.

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West Raleigh

Boasts two-dozen live performance venues and visual art galleries, including the North Carolina Museum of Art! This hip, college-town drag also includes the N.C. State Fairgrounds and PNC Arena.

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Apex

Celebrating its turn-of-the-century railroad heritage, the charming town of Apex features more than 60 commercial and residential structures dating from 1870 to 1940.

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Cary

One of the fastest-growing cities in the South, Cary is home to renowned restaurants, world-class shopping, top-tier entertainment, culture and arts and a range of outdoor experiences.

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Fuquay-Varina

Originally, visitors traveled to the quaint town seeking the healing powers of its mineral spring. Today the town remains a rewarding place for day-trip adventures or weekend getaways.

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Garner

Venture just 10 minutes from downtown Raleigh and check out Garner, an All-America City with unique amenities and a genuine, hometown authenticity.

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Holly Springs

At its beginnings, travelers stopped by the area's springs to quench their thirst, and while that bit of history doesn’t continue today, visitors do stop to indulge in breweries and dining spots.

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Knightdale

Perfect for those seeking a welcoming, youthful culture, Knightdale boasts lots of parks and trails for the active-minded, a distillery plus a local-hangout, nano brewery.

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Morrisville/RTP

A growing enclave known for its diversity, educated populace and cultural vibrancy. Includes excellent global dining, plus the local-favorite, indoor climbing spot Triangle Rock Club.

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Rolesville

As the second-oldest town in the Raleigh area, Rolesville’s roots run deep. Established in 1837, the town has held fast to its engaging, Southern charm.

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Wake Forest

A beautiful small town with enough history, culture and activities to keep travelers entertained for days on end. Stroll through the charming, historic downtown district!

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Wendell

Along Main St. and throughout historic downtown Wendell—on the National Register of Historic Places—vintage shops, dining spots and buildings display the architecture of our American heritage.

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Zebulon

Just 25 minutes from downtown Raleigh, Zebulon is a vibrant, welcoming community with activities ranging from sporting events (Carolina Mudcats baseball!) to down-home Southern dining.

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