What to do and see in Raleigh, North Carolina (NC): The Best Outdoor Activities

December 18, 2021 Lean Nau

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. Capital Area Greenway

222 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601-1316 +1 919-996-3285 http://www.raleighfree.com/greenways.html
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Capital Area Greenway

Reviewed By FrequentFlier625584 - Jasper, United States

This greenway and park were so impressive, beautifully done & clean, bathrooms & trails with clear maps. We felt like we were so delighted to find this special place, hard to believe we were 5 min from the shopping areas. We hope everyone living here realizes how lucky they are!

2. Neuse River Trail

Raleigh, NC +1 919-977-5164 http://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content/ParksRec/Articles/Greenways/NeuseRiverTrail.html
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 243 reviews

Neuse River Trail

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.

3. Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park

Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 176 reviews

Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park

Go Ape is an unparalleled outdoor adventure experience in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Guests tackle dangling obstacles, explore the trees from a new perspective and fly around on multiple ziplines from exciting heights. The Treetop Adventure and Treetop Journey ropes courses blend in with the forest environment, fostering a sense of natural wonder.

4. Enso Movement

3200 Wellington Ct Suite 115, Raleigh, NC 27615-4135 +1 919-977-8698 [email protected] http://www.ensomovement.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enso Movement

5. Annie Louis Wilkerson Nature Preserve

5229 Awls Haven Dr Off Raven Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27614-9803
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Annie Louis Wilkerson Nature Preserve

6. Lonnie Poole Golf Course

1509 Main Campus Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606-5234 +1 919-833-3338 http://www.lonniepoolegolfcourse.com
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Lonnie Poole Golf Course

7. River Ridge Golf Club

3224 Auburn Knightdale Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610-8201 +1 919-661-8374 http://www.golfriverridge.com
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

River Ridge Golf Club

8. TreeRunner Raleigh Adventure Park

Excellent
87%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

TreeRunner Raleigh Adventure Park

TreeRunner Raleigh Adventure Park is the hottest new aerial adventure park to come to the Raleigh area. Three hours, seven courses, three levels, and loads of fun!

9. Wil-Mar Golf Club

2300 Old Milburnie Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604-9778 +1 919-266-1800 http://www.wil-margolfclub.com
Excellent
23%
Good
69%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 13 reviews

The spacious front nine and tree-lined back nine offer Bentgrass greens and lush Bermuda fairways, making this 18-hole course a challenge to golfers at all levels.

10. Dead Broke Farm

6921 Wildlife Trl, Raleigh, NC 27613-5687 +1 919-596-8975 [email protected] http://www.deadbrokefarm.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 422 reviews

Dead Broke Farm

Dead Broke Farm has a 110 acres of wood trails and more than 50 horses for all experience levels. We offer guided trail rides, pony rides, birthday parties, Hindu Indian Weddings, horse boarding, horse training, and horses for sale.

Reviewed By NicoleGuay28

Oh my goodness, we LOVED our experience at Dead Broke Farm!! My daughter (age 11) came for a week of summer camp, and she has enjoyed it so much! Everyone at the farm has been so kind and encouraging, and this was a big deal because my daughter had never been on a horse before. She was instantly at ease, and she has loved every minute of it. Today is the last day of camp, and my daughter is truly sad to see it come to an end. This will DEFINITELY become an annual tradition!

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