Location: Raleigh
Top Things to do in Raleigh
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Things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina (NC): The Best Historic Sites
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. Joel Lane Museum House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Built circa 1770, Joel Lane’s home is a jewel of Georgian mid-Atlantic colonial architecture. It was fully restored and furnished in the 1970s and is open for tours led by costumed docents. The site consts of three buildings and gardens: the museum, an adjacent 1790 middle-class dwelling, called the "Kitchen," beautiful herb and formal neo-colonial gardens, and a circa 1840 Visitors Center beckon visitors to enter a by-gone world. The buildings are filled with period furnishings and artifacts and paint a vivid picture of Colonel Joel Lane (1739-1795) and colonial life in the Carolina backcountry of 1770-1795.
2. Historic Oakwood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this scenic neighborhood features restored Victorian-style homes built between 1870 and 1912.
Reviewed By FoodieYum198
not a welcoming location I was only happy when i saw the old Krispy Kreme shop and memories of my youth came flooding back.
3. Historic Oak View County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Nineteenth-century farmstead tells the story of America's agricultural and rural heritage, featuring a 19th-century farmhouse, history interpretive center, Cotton Museum and a 170-acre pecan grove.
Reviewed By Jaycie_1995
This was an amazing stop for my husband and I while we were on a short trip to Raleigh. We loved touring the buildings and the historical stories behind each, which had great signs to describe what "life was like" when this was an active farm. Bonus was that the pecan harvest had just begun so we got to go into the orchards and gather pecans. Would be a great spot for kids, families, and most anyone!! Some nice walking paths and I loved petting the goats!!
4. Mordecai Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By orchiddoc - Skillman, United States
Excellent small museum where you learn about the early history of Raleigh. There is also a walking tour with a very knowledgeable guide of the structures and local history He was excellent. The only problem was we thought the tour would be about 1 hour. Unfortunately it almost 2. Lots of great info but toooooo long. Found it very interesting that the original owners were Jewish from Bonn Germany.
5. Historic Yates Mill County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Yates Mill is the last operating, water-powered gristmill in NC's capital county. The 18th century mill was restored, and the 174-acre park developed, through a partnership among the County of Wake, Yates Mill Associates, and NC State University. The park is open 361 days per year, from 8 am to sunset. The visitor center with its 2,200 square feet of exhibit space is open 8:30 am to 5 pm. The historic mill is open for guided tours Mar-Nov each year for public tours on weekends (fee: $3-5) and also by appointment on weekdays for organized groups.
Reviewed By 430sherrim - Southern Pines, United States
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit there. Well maintained walking trails, knowledgeable staff, and a nice visitor center. Recommend the $5 mill tour. Looking forward to returning for the weekend events of Sept 21st!
6. Executive Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
This 37,500-square-foot grand mansion, built during the late 1800s in the Queen Anne-style of Victorian architecture, is home to the governor of North Carolina and his family. Although the mansion itself is currently closed to the general public, free tours of the grounds are still available.
