visitRaleigh insider

Raleigh wears its nickname with pride. The City of Oaks is no stranger to great outdoor spaces—lush, lively and packed with places to play, wander and unwind. From sculpted gardens to wildflower fields, wooded trails to waterfront lounging, these wonders show off the area's natural side...

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...

The MICHELIN Guide—widely considered the world's foremost guide to exceptional dining—has finally landed in Raleigh (and the rest of the American South). Unveiled in late 2025, the first-ever MICHELIN Guide to the American South features 14 Raleigh-area restaurants: Three...

Raise your glass—and your expectations. Raleigh’s rooftop bars aren’t just high in altitude; they’re high in style, flavor and sky-sweeping views that pair perfectly with your next cocktail. Cheers! Urban Oak Rooftop Bar & Lounge Fourteen stories up and right in the...

Widely regarded as the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards are a glittering showcase of America's brightest culinary talent. Given out annually since 1990 in a variety of chef and restaurant categories—from outstanding chef to best new bar—recognition from the Beard...

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, use this list to get out and enjoy sunshine and the beauty of the City of Oaks. WRAL Azalea Gardens...

Who's ready to rock? Live music is back in a big way this spring in the Raleigh area! Browse the biggest and best picks of the next few months below (and send this to a friend to start picking out your shows!). March Ballyhoo!, March 11 at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard Fireside Collective, March

From historic sites and museums to art galleries and city parks, the Raleigh, N.C., area, strives to make a wide range of experiences accessible to visitors of varying abilities. Here are a few options you should absolutely take advantage of while visiting the City of Oaks. Explore our museums

Often dubbed the "Smithsonian of the South" thanks to an abundance of free museums, historic attractions and educational institutions, the Raleigh area has long been known as a budget-friendly family getaway destination for those in the Tar Heel State and beyond ( Southern Living recently...

One of the can't-miss events of the year, Art in Bloom is prepared to return for a five-day celebration of art, flowers and community at the North Carolina Museum of Art (and tickets are going to go fast !). From March 18-22, more than 50 unique floral arrangements—some standing 10 feet...