Location: Raleigh
Top Things to do in Raleigh
- 1. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- 2. Pullen Park
- 3. Neuse River Trail
- 4. Marbles Kids Museum
- 5. North Carolina Museum of Art
- 6. North Carolina Museum of History
- 7. North Carolina State University
- 8. Umstead State Park
- 9. JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
- 10. State Farmers Market
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What to do and see in Raleigh, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 joeworf - Raleigh, North Carolina
We were two older adults looking for something to do. This free museum (please leave a donation) offered four floors in each of two buildings of science exhibits. They even have a Paleotology lab.My favorite part was the conservatory and watching all of the butterflies. Well worth the visit,
2. Pullen Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Richard Stanhope Pullen founded Pullen Park on March 22, 1887. Once farmland, Mr. Pullen donated the land as a gift to the City of Raleigh to be used as parkland. He characterized it as on old cow pasture, red and rocky. He intended this land to be used for the recreation use and pleasure of the inhabitants and the visitors to the City of Raleigh. Through his visions, Pullen Park became the first public park in North Carolina.
Reviewed By Anita K - Hagerstown, Maryland
What a wonderful park! It reminded me of the type of parks with rides from my childhood, 50s and 60s. The park opened in 1887. It still has the original carrousel kept in good condition over the years. There is a train that will take you around the perimeter of the park. Each ride cost $1. Big modern playground area for children. A lake with foot paddle boats, a little enclosed boat ride for toddlers, and a great concessions with traditional and healthy selections like sandwiches, wraps, soup, salads. I ordered romaine/kale Caesar salad. The soup of the day was roasted tomato soup - delicious, reasonably priced. A nice memorial to The Andy Griffith Show. You have to go to Pullen Park weather it's solo, with family/friends. You will have a good time.
3. Neuse River Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By SanNic44 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
...on the Neuse River Trail. I bicycle here sometimes. Others enjoy walking or jogging. There's plenty of varied scenery. Bridges go over the river and back. Asphalt the whole way except for the wooden bridges, which can be slippery depending upon your bicycle. So be careful. Benches to relax as well.
4. Marbles Kids Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 977 reviews
Marbles Kids Museum is a hands-on, interactive destination that inspires children to be creative thinkers, active learners and confident individuals in today's world. With five galleries and two outdoor escapes, there is no shortage of activity for kids birth to 12 and their families. The campus also features the Wachovia IMAX Theatre at Marbles Kids Museum. This 267-seat giant-screen experience is the only 3D capable IMAX theatre in North Carolina.
Reviewed By Ryan K - Oak Ridge, North Carolina
Give that Raleigh is a pretty family friendly type of city (and decent size) you expect this place to be impressive - and it is.
The ship-sea area is popular. The sports are is pretty cool as well. There's an area for building, an area for art, an area to play with fire trucks, farm animals, etc.
All in all a lot for the kids to see - though often very crowded, so don't expect a lot of personal space.
I would like to see them add a section with a changing/ rotating theme to add something new for the kids who are members and frequent the museum but otherwise no complaints.
5. North Carolina Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 NCTraveler2015 - Raleigh, North Carolina
The North Carolina Museum of Art is a great place to visit. Admission is normally free for the main building and they just charge for special events such as special exhibitions or the yearly fundraiser Art in Bloom.
The museum has two parking lots and both are a short walk to the building. The museum is broken into different galleries. There is a modern section; Egyptian, European; American; African; Rodin's sculptures; and a large section of Jewish ceremonial objects. The permanent displays rotate to showcase more of the collection.
The museum also hosts movies; concerts and other performances. The Museum Park also contains artwork and focuses on ecological purposes too.
Iris is the museum restaurant if you are looking for a bite to eat and next to the restaurant is the gift shop.
6. North Carolina Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 747 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 bfindysz - Tzuba, Israel
In one day there really isn't time or energy to take in the whole museum. We concentrated on some temporary exhibits: in particular I enjoyed the exhibit on North Carolinians in WW I, which was a fine exhibition about the war iun general and locals who fought; I also liked a small but interesting exhibit of a private Tiffany stained glass collection on loan while a local mansion is undergoing repairs.
7. North Carolina State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By gatortunor - Clemmons, North Carolina
NCSU has a sprawling campus with many excellent athletic facilities and is adjacent to the fabulous Pullen Park. Located in Raleigh not far from the state capital and legislAtive buildings, it is both a typical university microcosm and a part of the capitol City. Be sure to take in the unique bars, restaurants and shops along hillsborough street.
8. Umstead State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 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 D2958ZXgarym - King, United States
Sandwiched between two major highways northwest of Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park exemplifies what the entire North Carolina state parks system is all about. Here, in one of the most highly urbanized areas of the state, nature is carefully preserved for the enjoyment of the people, thus fulfilling the purpose and mission of the park system.
Unlike most others in the state, Umstead State Park has no special geographical feature or landmark to recommend it – no lofty peak, majestic waterfall, sandy beach, or cypress swamp. Instead, the park is centered on three man-made lakes and relies upon the simple pleasures of nature. Reedy Creek Lake and Sycamore Lake each cover 25 acres; Big Lake covers 55 acres. Fishing is a popular activity at all three, as well as along the streams which feed them, and common varieties of fish include bass, bluegill, and crappie. Boating is allowed on Big Lake, and from April 1 through mid-October, park visitors can rent a rowboat or canoe at the boathouse.
There are over 13 miles of bridle trails, some of them winding their way through the most secluded areas of the park. 20 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails crisscross the park. Some paths feature trailside markers that describe major features while others pass by the last remnants of check dams built by the CCC in the 1930s and the last vestiges of the mills which once operated along the creeks.
Umstead is one of the few state parks offering biking trails for mountain bikers.
The park includes two shelters for group picnics and numerous tables and grills for individuals and families. For those interested in enjoying nature after dark, Umstead features tent and trailer camping; three group camps including mess hall, dining area, and wash house; and primitive group camping.
9. JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Part of the North Carolina State University, this eight-acre garden contains a wide variety of cold hardy temperate zone plants.
Reviewed By Stephen B - Raleigh, North Carolina
Beautiful at any time of the year - you will enjoy this place. Easy to get to, free and educational. Bring a lunch anf family and enjoy.
10. State Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Seven days a week, serious food connoisseurs and regular folks, carefully pick through mounds of gorgeously presented fresh local produce at this popular open market, which is owned by the State of North Carolina.
Reviewed By Chrcho11
Lots of fresh vegetables but limited selection including lots of collard greens, cabbage, squash, tomatoes, squash. Some honey available. The plant section was amazing. They have a pastry section with $3 macaroons but no food trucks or hot breakfast.
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