Raleigh, the City of Oaks, is a beautiful North Carolina city with plenty of culture, restaurants, and activities to enjoy year-round. It received its nickname from the historic downtown streets lined with giant oaks and is a popular destination for young couples, business travelers, and college students. While you’re visiting we’ve put together our list of the best things to do in Raleigh, that highlight this fun southern city in all its glory.
Visit a Museum
Raleigh has an abundance of great museums that are sure to keep everyone in your group entertained. A few of the most popular, and our favorites, include the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Museum of Art, and North Carolina Museum of History. The best part of visiting any of these three museums –they all offer FREE admission, making it a no-brainer to check out while you’re in town.
Hours of Operation:
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (downtown): Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm, Sun, 12-5 pm
North Carolina Museum of Art: Tues-Sun, 10 am-5 pm
North Carolina Museum of History: Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm, Sun, 12-5 pm
Hike or Stroll a Park
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Raleigh is the place for you with its captivating views and almost infinite trails and parks to explore. A few great parks to picnic in include the Dorthea Dix Park, Pullen Park, and Lake Crabtree County Park. Feel like taking a hike? Check out William B Umstead State Park, with 8 different trails to try, or the Greenway Trail System which is a paved trail connecting many of Raleigh’s scenic parks.
Park Locations:
Dorthea Dix Park: 2105 Umstead Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
Pullen Park: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
Lake Crabtree Country Park: 1400 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560
William B Umstead State Park: 8801 Glenwood Ave, NC 27617
Grab a Bite the Food Hall
The food halls in Raleigh are a foodie’s delight! Stop by the Morgan Street Food Hall and experience over 21 different vendors offering everything from burgers & fries to sweets & wood-fired pizzas. Or stop in at the Transfer Co. Food Hall and sample all kinds of cuisine like hand-crafted burritos, raw bar items, bagels and more!
Food Hall Location/Hours:
Morgan Street Food Hall: 411 West Morgan Street
Sun-Thurs, 8 am-10 pm
Fri & Sat 8 am-12 am
Transfer Co. Food Hall: 500 East Davie Street
Mon, 11 am-10 pm
Tues-Thurs, 7 am-10 pm
Fri, 7 am-11 pm
Sat, 8 am-11 pm
Sun, 8 am -8 pm
Take a Historic Raleigh Tour
There is nothing quite like the history of a town founded in 1792, so much to learn and explore, all unique to this quaint little city. Our favorite tour in town is the Raleigh Trolley tours of Mordecai Historic Park. It’s about an hour-long guided tour making stops along the way through the downtown Raleigh area. The stops on this tour include Bicentennial Plaza, Joel Lane House, Fayetteville Street, and City Market. Tickets are only $10 for adults and $4 for kids 7-17!
InTown Rates In Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, the City of Oaks, is a beautiful North Carolina city with plenty of culture, restaurants, and activities to enjoy year-round. It received its nickname from the historic downtown streets lined with giant oaks and is a popular destination for young couples, business travelers, and college students. While you’re visiting we’ve put together our list of the best things to do in Raleigh, that highlight this fun southern city in all its glory.
Visit a Museum
Raleigh has an abundance of great museums that are sure to keep everyone in your group entertained. A few of the most popular, and our favorites, include the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Museum of Art, and North Carolina Museum of History. The best part of visiting any of these three museums –they all offer FREE admission, making it a no-brainer to check out while you’re in town.
Hours of Operation:
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (downtown): Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm, Sun, 12-5 pm
North Carolina Museum of Art: Tues-Sun, 10 am-5 pm
North Carolina Museum of History: Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm, Sun, 12-5 pm
Hike or Stroll a Park
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Raleigh is the place for you with its captivating views and almost infinite trails and parks to explore. A few great parks to picnic in include the Dorthea Dix Park, Pullen Park, and Lake Crabtree County Park. Feel like taking a hike? Check out William B Umstead State Park, with 8 different trails to try, or the Greenway Trail System which is a paved trail connecting many of Raleigh’s scenic parks.
Park Locations:
Dorthea Dix Park: 2105 Umstead Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
Pullen Park: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
Lake Crabtree Country Park: 1400 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560
William B Umstead State Park: 8801 Glenwood Ave, NC 27617
Grab a Bite the Food Hall
The food halls in Raleigh are a foodie’s delight! Stop by the Morgan Street Food Hall and experience over 21 different vendors offering everything from burgers & fries to sweets & wood-fired pizzas. Or stop in at the Transfer Co. Food Hall and sample all kinds of cuisine like hand-crafted burritos, raw bar items, bagels and more!
Food Hall Location/Hours:
Morgan Street Food Hall: 411 West Morgan Street
Sun-Thurs, 8 am-10 pm
Fri & Sat 8 am-12 am
Transfer Co. Food Hall: 500 East Davie Street
Mon, 11 am-10 pm
Tues-Thurs, 7 am-10 pm
Fri, 7 am-11 pm
Sat, 8 am-11 pm
Sun, 8 am -8 pm
Take a Historic Raleigh Tour
There is nothing quite like the history of a town founded in 1792, so much to learn and explore, all unique to this quaint little city. Our favorite tour in town is the Raleigh Trolley tours of Mordecai Historic Park. It’s about an hour-long guided tour making stops along the way through the downtown Raleigh area. The stops on this tour include Bicentennial Plaza, Joel Lane House, Fayetteville Street, and City Market. Tickets are only $10 for adults and $4 for kids 7-17!
