Location: Raleigh
Top Things to do in Raleigh
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10 Free Things to do in Raleigh That You Shouldn't Miss
If you're looking for a getaway that's fun for the whole family and easy on your pocket, look no further than Raleigh. With more than 20 free attractions, this stately and energetic capital city offers an affordable way to enjoy history, culture and the good old outdoors. Spend the day hopping between the three state museums of art, history and natural sciences: all offer free admission. Visitors are free to wander around the grounds of the State Capitol, where they can also observe the legislative process. Stroll past the graves of Civil War generals at a historic cemetery or meander along cobblestone streets of City Market. Shop for the greenest broccoli, reddest apples and tastiest homemade treats around at the State Farmers Market. With over 150 parks, lakes and green ways in Raleigh alone, there is ample opportunity to enjoy golf, biking, swimming, boating and other outdoor adventures.
Restaurants in Raleigh
1. Neuse River Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By jcornwell10 - Fuquay-Varina, United States
This trail is amazing spanning Wake County all the way to Johnston. Starts at Falls Dam and goes farther than I’ve yet to discover. Was able to train for many distance races of the half and full marathon variety. Course does not overwhelm with hills which is impressive considering the area. Plenty of access points in neighborhoods and running beside river is pretty cool experience. Only issue I have encountered is low spots can get a little wet and during cold months that means ice.
2. Blue Jay Point County Park
3. James B. Hunt Jr. Library
4. Imurj
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
We are a creative collective for local artists and musicians of North Carolina, offering gallery space, a shop of locally crafted goods, live music venue, and a recording studio. Kick back and relax in our lounge-inspired creative space and enjoy a coffee, beer, wine or food from our bar & cafe while you take in the local art, enjoy a live performance, creative meet-up, workshop or class. Spend the day experiencing the local art and music of North Carolina!
5. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,284 reviews
The Southeast's largest natural history museum features dinosaurs, whale skeletons, live animals, walk-through dioramas, special exhibits, hands-on science education and accessible scientists. IMLS National Medal Finalist, 2014.
Reviewed By sarahsavvy - Sevierville, United States
We spent multiple rainy Sundays here, we love this museum so many different sections, they have a butterfly exhibit,a sloth exhibit, dinosaurs, fossils,Arthropods and many other things highly recommend this museum the best in the state
6. Umstead State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300+ year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, camp sites and lots more for nature lovers.
Reviewed By 17campbellf - Raleigh, United States
Beautiful Umstead State Park is beautiful, quiet and refreshing on a hot Raleigh day (don’t forget your bug-spray!) and full of fall splendor when that time comes. Biking, hiking and walking trails abound and you’ll see determined bikers as well as families with littles enjoying the park.
7. JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Part of the North Carolina State University, this eight-acre garden contains a wide variety of cold hardy temperate zone plants.
Reviewed By 565elizabetham - Raleigh, United States
Lovely place to walk in any season. It’s small enough to cover most of it is about an hour. Benches located in pretty settings (e.g. rose garden!)
8. Cameron Village
9. North Carolina Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,793 reviews
One of the leading art museums in the American South, the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) recently completed a major, three-year expansion that places it in the front ranks of museums nationwide. The NCMA offers a permanent collection spanning more than 5,000 years, a variety of celebrated exhibitions and public programs, an amphitheater for outdoor performances, and the nation’s largest museum park—164 acres of trails and parkland containing major works of art.
Reviewed By maas_johnf - Raleigh, United States
We visited on an October "Members Only" Thursday evening. The curation has definitely improved. We were happy to see the changes in the curation of the collection in the newer main building, especially in the juxtaposition of art from different eras, styles, and countries, and the moving of a lot of more contemporary art to the main building. We were also impressed with the many focus groupings in the older exhibition building. We loved the way they are managing the pandemic with one-way arrows to guide you through the collections, face mask requirement, timed entry, and large spaces with no seating.
10. North Carolina Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 901 reviews
Explore more than 14,000 years of North Carolina history, from the state's earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. The major exhibition The Story of North Carolina features fascinating artifacts, multimedia presentations, and an interactive format for all ages. Other exhibits highlight the state's military history, sports heroes, decorative arts and more. Monthly programs include children's programs, craft demonstrations and family events. The Museum Shop, featuring North Carolina crafts, and the on-site restaurant Pharaoh's at the Museum are open daily. Admission is free, although some special exhibits require a fee. Free parking is available on weekends in the Jones/Edenton Street lot. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Reviewed By susieh443 - Durham, United States
This is a really cool museum for learning about the entire history of North Carolina. The curators have done an excellent job in the main exhibit of choosing an interesting combination of topics and features, and you'll learn a ton while being amused/horrified by the state history
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