visitRaleigh insider

Update, July 8: The sunflowers at Dix Park are just beginning to bloom. Full bloom may be here by this weekend! The park will host a sunflower celebration on Sat., July 11 with music, food and more. What and where are the sunflowers in Raleigh? Calling all cyclists, runners, outdoor enthusiasts

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...

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...

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 America's most spectacular gardens—a hidden gem among locals and a jaw-dropping sanctuary for plant lovers around the world—is open to the public just nine weekends per year in Raleigh, N.C. Located 12 miles south of downtown Raleigh, Juniper Level Botanic Garden is a...

A big new attraction is open in Cary, N.C. (about 10 miles from the center of Raleigh). Downtown Cary Park—a seven-acre, state-of-the-art playspace for all ages—opened in the heart of downtown Cary in late 2023. The reviews make it clear: this is undoubtedly one of America's best...

It's the most wonderful time of the year to explore the outdoors! Peak fall colors in the Raleigh area—lighting up greenways, parks and nature preserves—are generally expected from late October through mid- to late November. And while there are many places to see fall foliage in...

School’s out, the sun’s high and adventure is calling. From hands-on science and sky-high slides to vintage carousels and splash zones, these five family-friendly spots across the Raleigh area promise memory-making fun all summer long. Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park A playground...

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 of American Roots Music," was published in the fall of 2023 by University of North Carolina...