30 Can't-Miss Things to Do in Raleigh, N.C.
Wednesday, January 01, 2025, 9am by visitRaleigh

Raleigh, N.C., is a booming metropolis that offers a big city feel with Southern charm. It's a smart, modern-meets-historic destination that has a lot to offer and no matter what path you choose on your visit, we know you'll be energized by the fired-up cultural heartbeat fostered by passionate minds of Raleigh. Here are 30 things (in no particular order) you shouldn't miss, the results of people who had a passion for creating something special, something brilliant to be experienced.
Tour the library of the future
Said by some to be one of the most advanced libraries in the world, the James B. Hunt Library—opened in 2013—was built to reflect North Carolina State University’s status as a preeminent technological research university. Bold and iconic, the library’s architectural design strikes a unique presence with its intriguing design of glass and zigzagging solar fins. Inside, be dazzled by technological wonders like curved digital display screens, touchscreen kiosks, and bookBot—a subterranean robot programmed to fetch books from the 1.5 million housed in an underground storage facility.
Visit one of the world's oldest amusement parks
Established in 1887 and designated as the first public park in N.C., Pullen Park sits nestled between downtown Raleigh and the campus of North Carolina State University. Among the world's oldest amusement parks, Pullen is known for terrific recreational opportunities, especially for kids and families. The park includes an operating carousel built in 1911, a miniature train you can ride through the park, pedal boats to move around Lake Howell, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, an arts center, and an innovative performing arts venue, Theatre In The Park (Ira David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre).
Spend a morning—or a day—at the North Carolina Museum of Art
One of the premier visual arts museums of the South features an outdoor park with works of art, trails, and a live music venue/theater. It also hosts two buildings filled with galleries, education studios, and special exhibitions. Permanent collections include ancient Egyptian artifacts, renowned European Old Master paintings, African and Judaic works of art and innovative contemporary art. You'll also find Southeast's largest collection of sculptures by Auguste Rodin, the museum store, and a café where you can eat and drink.
North Carolina State Fair (October)
Visitors flock to Raleigh during the month of Oct. to be one of the million attendees of the 11-day N.C. State Fair. The state's largest event features livestock, agricultural, arts and cultural exhibits, amusement midway, and nightly musical performances. The fair signals the end of each night with a spectacular fireworks show, a tradition that goes back to the 1950s.
The 2025 event is scheduled for Oct. 16-26.
Traverse the state's longest hiking trail
Up for an adventure? The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST)—known as "N.C.'s hiking trail"—stretches more than 1,000 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, cutting through North Raleigh near Falls Lake and the Neuse River Greenway Trail along the way. Two recommended ways to get a short taste of the trail—where the terrain is easy to tackle and provides plenty of unique plants and wildlife—are to start at either Blue Jay Point County Park or Wilkerson Nature Preserve, where you'll connect to the MST by spotting and following the white dots on tree trunks. Headed east from Wilkerson Nature Preserve to the Falls Lake Dam Visitor's Center is three miles, making the out-and-back route one of the area's best short hikes.
Spark imaginations at Marbles Kids Museum
Make a trip with your little ones (kids ages 10 and under) to Raleigh to experience Marbles. Delivering purposeful play in a big way, the museum offers themed exhibits designed to build imagination through self-led exploration of new ideas and experiences. From the world's first and only kid-driven smart power grid to hands-on STEM learning stations, Marbles educates and inspires children. Take in a movie at the Marbles IMAX, boasting N.C.'s only 3D-capable giant screen-teens and adults can also take in blockbuster hits there!
Make time for playtime at Downtown Cary Park
Downtown Cary Park—a seven-acre, state-of-the-art play space for all ages—opened in the heart of downtown Cary in late 2023.
From places for views (the elevated Skywalk) to places for brews (beer at The Bark Bar, coffee at Market 317)—plus a playground, performing arts pavilion, fire pits, a sports lawn, dog park and so much more—the park now acts as the anchor of a fast-growing, easily walkable downtown area that has become a popular destination for visitors in recent years.
Check the park's calendar for fitness classes, movie nights, free concerts, public art walks and so much more (in addition to the year-round Cary Downtown Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings).
Learn about one of Raleigh's most prominent African-American citizens
As the only African-American house museum in the state, the Pope House Museum offers a look into the life of one of Raleigh’s prominent African-American citizens, Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope. Dr. Pope was a graduate of the Leonard School of Medicine, an officer during the Spanish-American War, and the only African-American man to run for mayor of a Southern capital in the Jim Crow Era. Built-in 1901, the Pope House was built in the once thriving African-American enclave known as the Third Ward, which included the 500 block of S. Wilmington St. Today, visitors can tour the home complete with original furnishings, artifacts, and documents dating back to 1851. Admission is free.
Dine at some of downtown Raleigh's best restaurants
It's no secret that Raleigh has developed a reputation as one of the tastiest towns in the South.
The recent accolades: One of America’s hottest food cities (Zagat); one of the most underrated food cities on the East Coast (USA TODAY); one of five surprising Southern food towns (Garden & Gun); one of the world's top 10 beer destinations (VinePair); and one of 12 global destinations to travel to thanks to our culinary prowess (Forbes).
It helps, of course, to have America's best chef (Ashley Christensen—of Poole's Diner, Death & Taxes, and other hot spots—was given that honor by the James Beard Foundation in 2019).
With so little time and so much flavor, here are a few of our top recommendations:
- Best for date nights: Jolie; Centro
- Best for brunch: St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar; Irregardless Cafe
- Best for casual lunch: (ish); Clyde Cooper's BBQ
- Best for celebrating a special occasion: ORO Restaurant & Lounge; Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern
- Best for coffee and pastries: Morning Times; Layered Croissanterie
- Best all-around: Ajja; Stanbury; Madre
Wander through one of America's most spectacular gardens
One of America's most spectacular gardens—a secret among some locals but a sanctuary to plant lovers around the world—is open to the public just eight weekends per year in Raleigh, N.C. Located 12 miles south of downtown Raleigh, Juniper Level Botanic Garden is a 28-acre campus showcasing more than 27,000 different kinds of native perennials, exotic plants, rare delights, and unusual specimens of trees and shrubs not found many (or any) other places on earth. This "Eden of rare plants" draws gardeners, researchers, and fans of beautiful plants from across the globe each year for select open house dates.
Note: The next Open Garden dates are Feb. 21-23, 2025.
See what's blooming at Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden
Speaking of blooms, there’s the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden—a landmark at the center of the Raleigh Little Theatre campus. Tucked away behind Hillsborough St., the garden sports thousands of flowers that boom each spring, including more than 60 varieties of roses. It’s a serene, relaxing atmosphere accessed freely from sunrise to sunset. In the summer months, a free outdoor movie series is always a family-favorite activity.
Tackle hikes or ride bikes at William B. Umstead State Park
Outdoor lovers can use 22 miles of hiking trails, 13 miles of bridle or mountain bike trails, camp, fish, and paddle all within the nearly 6,000-acre urban recreational area. The park is located only 15 minutes outside of downtown Raleigh and is also a habitat for beavers, raccoons, deer, and unique bird species, such as the great blue heron.
Reach new heights at Triangle Rock Club
The state-of-the-art indoor climbing and fitness center, led by passionate mind Joel Graybeal and his Raleigh-smart team, features both lead and top-rope climbing, expansive bouldering terrain, and a comprehensive fitness area. The Morrisville facility has the largest and tallest climbing structures in the nearest five states and includes 100 climbing lanes and walls spanning to 55 feet.
Hit golf balls from a third-floor overlook (outdoors, with heating and air conditioning!)
Looking for big entertainment? Drive Shack—the interactive golf complex that caters to big groups—opened in 2019 in Raleigh. The three-story complex includes 96 climate-controlled golf bays, a full-service restaurant, a rooftop bar, more than 300 televisions, an arcade area, meeting rooms, and more.
The 260-yard-long driving range combines physical targets to aim for with augmented reality and virtual games. The range utilizes TrackMan technology, pinpointing the flight of your golf ball and allowing you to virtually play real-world championship golf courses or go head-to-head against friends to collect points for hitting physical targets (games are tracked and scored on television screens inside your bay).
Discover new history at the North Carolina State Capitol
Located in what was originally the exact middle of Raleigh, this National Historic Landmark was first built in 1796. A catastrophic fire destroyed the building in 1831, and the building that stands today was completed in 1840. Today, the governor, lieutenant governor, and their staffs occupy offices on-site, and the building continues to be used for official state business, including bill signings, press conferences, and historic commemorations.
Each year, more than 100,000 visitors take part in free tours, educational programs, and events at the Capitol in downtown Raleigh.
Race souped-up, electric go-karts at Rush Hour Karting
At Rush Hour Karting, your entire crew can enjoy the fast track to a seriously good time. Located in Garner, Rush Hour offers indoor, high-speed karting on a 1/3-mile track. Visitors can hop behind the wheel of European-designed karts which boast max speeds up to 40 mph. Race around hairpin curves, high-speed straights, and winding turns to claim your place in the winner’s circle. Finally, karting isn’t the only thing to enjoy at Rush Hour. You can also go rock wall climbing, play video games, shoot pool, throw parties, and for the adults (sorry, kids)—axe throwing. For post-competition indulgences, a restaurant with 20 beers on tap awaits!
New: Rush Hour Karting has opened a second facility (complete with the state's first two-story race track) in Morrisville!
Step back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park
At 174 acres, this wildlife refuge and environmental research center has it all—hiking trails, a 24-acre pond, and Historic Yates Mill, Wake County’s last remaining gristmill (fully restored and operable!). Tour the mill to learn about the “farm-to-fork” process, witness the corn grinding process, and purchase bags of ground yellow and white cornmeal. Admission is free, but the mill tour (available to the public March through November) will cost $3-5.
Take in the views on one of America's most scenic bike trails
The Neuse River Greenway Trail—a 27.5-mile paved, uninterrupted greenway that stretches from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the Wake County line in southeast Raleigh—is a year-round haven for outdoor recreation. With views of historic sites as well as winding boardwalk areas and suspension bridges crossing over wetlands, the trail is open to joggers, walkers, runners, cyclists, roller-bladers, and others. Many consider the Neuse River Greenway Trail to be the gem of the 100-plus-mile Capital Area Greenway System.
Book a weekend of luxury at one of the world's top-rated hotels
Tucked into 12 acres of woodlands overlooking a private lake in Cary, a world-class getaway awaits—literally! The Umstead Hotel and Spa—previously recognized by AAA as a Five-Diamond property and by Condé Nast Traveler as the third-best hotel in the U.S.—has earned another major accolade. Forbes Travel Guide has named The Umstead Hotel, its fine-dining restaurant Herons, and The Umstead Spa as Five-Star award winners, the highest-achievable ranking.
How big of a deal is that? No other hotel, restaurant, or spa in the state of N.C. earned a Five-Star rating, and The Umstead is one of only 12 properties in the world to earn triple Five-Star status.
Explore 300,000 square feet of science and nature at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences delights, entertains, and educates nearly a million visitors per year with fascinating exhibits, both featured and permanent, about the natural world. The museum’s four floors are divided into two parts—the Nature Exploration Center (where you’ll find the Terror of the South) and the Nature Research Center, an unmistakable architectural icon that opened to much fanfare a decade ago. Exhibits range from detailed dioramas to actual ecosystems with living animals—all of which can be explored through various self-guided tours.
In the spring of 2024, the museum opened Dueling Dinosaurs, a groundbreaking permanent exhibit that puts one of the greatest dinosaur fossils ever discovered on full display.
Visit breweries, earn rewards
More than 40 local breweries have popped up between Wake Forest, Raleigh, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and beyond—we'll cheer to that! Take your own brewery tour with the Raleigh Beer Trail. Many of the breweries will provide free tours to visitors so you can learn the difference between beers like porters and doppelbocks and sound like the beer connoisseur you plan to be in the future.
See what's new at two giant food halls
Raleigh's food scene? It's booming. What else is booming? Food halls. The trend to build massive venues that hold a large number of smaller restaurants—anchoring neighborhoods and shopping centers in urban areas across the U.S.—has officially landed in Raleigh, N.C., with Morgan Street Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall having quickly become the go-to destinations for visitors to downtown Raleigh. Here, you'll find bagels, burgers, barbecue, and more all under one roof (plus drinks and patio space for an evening well spent!
Cheers to good beer choices at Raleigh Beer Garden
With more than 350 beers on tap, the Raleigh Beer Garden has one of the world's largest beer selections available in one venue! Located in downtown Raleigh's Glenwood South entertainment district, the venue has plenty of outdoor space, including a rooftop "garden" with seating that makes it the perfect warm-weather hangout. And this beer garden does more than just beer—a full dining menu includes everything from handcrafted pizzas to cheese and charcuterie plates.
Shop 'till you drop at The Raleigh Market
Visitors have been attending The Raleigh Market every weekend since 1971. More than 600 vendors go out on Saturday and Sunday to showcase everything from antiques and collectibles to handcrafts, furniture, homemade goodies, clothing, jewelry, and more.
Pack a picnic and head to Lake Crabtree County Park
Perfect for hikers, kayakers, and mountain bikers, this county park (which was the first county park established in the Raleigh area) welcomes all to the shores of the 520-acre Lake Crabtree in Morrisville. With nature trails, seasonal boat rentals, playgrounds, picnic facilities, a fishing pier, and more, there are tons of recreational activities to take part in at little to no cost.
Zip, swing and climb through trees at a treetop adventure course
Fun for the whole family, two treetop adventure courses have big fun in mind. At Go Ape, ages 10 and up can take on a canopy course that includes a 500-foot-long zipline, platforms as high as 50 feet in the air, and more than 40 obstacles to make their way through (total course time between two and three hours). A smaller course is available for younger children as well. At TreeRunner Adventure Park, seven courses and three difficulty levels are made up of more than 70 total obstacles that reach as high as 40 feet. On Fri. nights through summer, the park puts on Glow Nights, featuring color arches, LED sequence lighting, lasers, and glow attire given to all paid climbers.
Pick out fresh goodies at the State Farmers' Market
Open from 9 am-5 pm daily, the State Farmers' Market, Raleigh is made up of 30,000 square feet of fresh vegetables, produce, flowers, and specialty goods. And you can't miss the state-wide favorite State Farmers' Market Restaurant, especially loved for its Southern, country-style breakfast menu.
Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh)
Smart, modern, and a little unexpected, CAM Raleigh (Contemporary Art Museum) is hands down a favorite among locals, and for a good reason. This striking, non-collecting contemporary art museum, located in downtown Raleigh's rapidly-growing Warehouse District, displays new and emerging work by local and national living artists. Every exhibition is unique, bold, highly memorable, and designed to be thought-provoking and transformative. Opened in 2011, this expansive, light-filled gallery space is now free admission! Open Friday and Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, and 11 am-5 pm on Sunday.
Find towering trees on trails at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Filled with shade during the summer months and rich with color in the fall, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve provides an easy, family-friendly way to escape to the outdoors in Cary. The 140-acre park—established 40 years ago and named for the atypical group of nearly 200 Eastern Hemlock trees that can be found here—is highlighted by approximately three miles of mulch-covered walking and hiking trails that lead to a series of small overlooks.
The 3,700-square-foot Stevens Nature Center provides interactive, educational nature exhibits and historical exhibits from the Piedmont of N.C., plus provides nature interpretation and environmental education programs for all ages throughout the year.
Pay respects at Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Historic Oakwood Cemetery, with its winding roads, glistening stream, and towering oaks, provides a tranquil final resting place for more than 28,000 residents. For 150 years now, the cemetery has told the stories of generations: families who formed Raleigh, soldiers who honored our country, and the people of today who chose to rest among its historic oaks. It’s also an excellent example of Victorian landscaping and mortuary art.
Launch a kayak and do some easy paddling
Up for a paddling adventure? One great spot to launch a 'yak is Robertson Millpond Preserve, a hidden, 85-acre refuge in the town of Wendell for nature lovers, canoeists, and kayakers. Opened to the public in 2015, the Blackwater Swamp property is the only bald cypress habitat in the Raleigh area, creating a unique experience of paddling through a forest-like setting. Kayak rentals for the preserve are available through Tar River Life, here.
Shop, sip, stay at North Hills
Discover an eclectic mix of 130-plus local shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels in this outdoor shopping haven. Known for its upscale finds, and also friendly for the entire family, North Hills may make it too easy to spend the whole day browsing the racks of designer clothes at Gena Chandler or Vermillion, shopping for china and crystal at Quintessentials and picking out monogrammed stationery at Paper Source. After (or in between) shopping stops, grab some food and a handcrafted brew at local favorites like The Cowfish at North Hills, Vivace or Yard House.
Marbles Kids Museum photo by Ted Richardson; Pope House Museum and Go Ape by Keenan Hairston; William B. Umstead State Park and Transfer Co. Food Hall by Brian Strickland; Historic Yates Mill by David Short
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Author: visitRaleigh
The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official and accredited destination marketing organization (DMO) for all of Wake County.