North Raleigh

North Raleigh, encompassing the expansive area north of Midtown Raleigh, is home to a growing number of large residential enclaves along with hundreds of restaurants, large retail stores, entertainment complexes, parks and recreation areas.

Family entertainment, especially for large groups, is easy to find, with options like Galaxy Fun Park, Adventure Landing, DefyGravity and Launching Pad Trampoline Park, to name a few. These options make North Raleigh the go-to destination for mini golf, go-kart racing, roller skating, bowling, trampoline fun and other activities that the whole family will enjoy. 
 


DefyGravity is a cutting-edge Trampoline Sports Arena unlike anything you have ever experienced. Part entertainment venue and... View More

This 53-acre lake and park provides two miles of paved, scenic greenway trails with exercise workout stations. Visitors may enjoy... View More

This 237-acre nature preserve offers five miles of trails, a playground, picnic areas, nature activities and rental facilities.... View More

Locally owned and operated, Winston’s Grille has been a favorite Raleigh landmark for 25+ years. Over the years, Winston’s has... View More



Enjoy outdoor adventures at one of the area’s parks and adventure courses. Shelley Lake Park offers 53 acres of woods and scenic greenway trails, and visitors are welcome to fish, canoe, kayak, sail or rent boats. Durant Nature Preserve is a 237-acre facility that offers five miles of trails, a playground, picnic areas and more. Adventure seekers can zip, swing and climb through trees at Go Ape Treetop Adventure & Treetop Junior.

When it’s time to feed the crew, head to Rise Biscuits & Donuts for a freshly-made donut or biscuit, or visit one of the dozens of popular North Raleigh restaurants, including Bella Italia Ristorante, Nantucket Grill, Chow, Margaux’s Restaurant, Winston’s Grille or Saint Jacques French Cuisine.

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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