Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, has a lot to offer to its residents and visitors. Raleigh is a city full of exciting things to do. With countless historic sites, education opportunities, outdoor activities, and entertainment options around the city, there is never a shortage of things to do in Raleigh.
It is also a historic place with landmarks from the Civil War, 19th-century mansions, universities, and an abundance of gardens. There are over 200 miles of biking and hiking trails and rivers for kayaking and rafting for outdoor enthusiasts. If you are looking for things to do in Raleigh this weekend and wondering what to do in Raleigh, read on!
North Carolina State Capitol
It’s hard to look at the NC State Capitol, built-in 1840, and not admire the architectural beauty of this building. It is an elegant building that reflects Old North state’s early past.
North Carolina State Capitol is a historic building that is often referred to as the Raleigh House. The building was designed by architect William Nichols in Neoclassical style, its construction overseen by Mann S. Baldwin. The original plan was huge, with two wings on either side. But when NC hosted the Confederate Convention in 1861, the wings were left unfinished due to a lack of funds.
By Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States | Timing: Monday – Friday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7hq1wsjVvBBPNhWG8 | Phone Number: +19197334994
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Visiting the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences makes you feel like you’ve traveled across the globe while never leaving the city.
This destination recently underwent an extensive 2-year renovation, has four floors of permanent exhibits, plus traveling exhibits throughout the year. One of their newer exhibits takes visitors back to the Jurassic period with a life-size T-Rex exhibit!
Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://g.page/ncmns?share | Phone Number: +19197079800
Pullen Park
Pullen Park is a 250-acre recreational and historical park located in downtown Raleigh. It is situated adjacent to the interstate 40 terminus. It has playgrounds for children, sports fields, picnic areas, a carousel, and an amphitheater.
The late, great Henry Pullen described Pullen Park as a garden with a purpose. ‘That purpose is to link social, economic, and community development opportunities with the enormous potential of the park’s natural resources to create a ‘first-class facility in a superb setting.’
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Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States | Timing: 11:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/jBeEtR4on47vKr336 | Phone Number: +19199966468
Marbles Kids Museum
Kids of all ages can explore and learn at Marbles Kids Museum, a 40,000 square foot facility located in the historic district of downtown.
It is an early childhood education and learning center in Wilmington, Delaware. Marbles Kids Museum has been a place of wonder and imagination for children and families since 1986. From musically inclined animatronic dinosaurs to interactive play tables where children learn to read, Marbles has something fun for everyone.
Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States | Timing: Thursday: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm, Wednesday & Friday – Sunday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Monday – Tuesday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://g.page/marbleskidsMuseum?share | Phone Number: +19198344040
North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)
One of the most iconic Raleigh things to do is the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA). It is a major regional organization with a collection that includes more than 20,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, installations by artists worldwide.
Its origins can be traced to 1903 when members of the Woman’s Club of the city formed an “Art Club,” which met at the home of its first president, Mrs. Clifton B. Poole. In 1924 this group became the Art League and changed its name to the North Carolina Museum Association in 1939.
Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States | Timing: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Monday – Tuesday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5Ybz3YhioVJPwQdj7 | Phone Number: +19198396262
JC Raulston Arboretum
JC Raulston Arboretum is a public garden and natural area located about seven miles east of downtown with over 3,500 native and exotic flora species. A beautiful backdrop, this venue is often used for weddings and events.
It has five miles long network of trails spread across landscaped areas, natural streams, wetlands, and serene ponds. It is also home to the Southeast’s finest collection of horticultural rarities and remarkable links to our past. Each tree from over 500 named trees at the Arboretum is labeled with its scientific and common name – perfect for amateur explorers!
Address: 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States | Timing: Monday – Friday: 09:00 am to 04:30 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7mossNNKLtqKCFUA9 | Phone Number: +19195153132
North Carolina Executive Mansion
The North Carolina Executive Mansion is a historic place that tells an important story. The state government was maintained here during four different periods in the past. It has been home to 13 governors and their families.
Today, the Executive Mansion stands as the oldest governor’s mansion in continuous use. It is a symbol of not just a solid political stature but also a rich local culture. This lovely 1903 Richardsonian Romanesque-style home to NC’s first family is open for guided tours and special events.
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Address: 200 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States | Timing: For details visit https://www.ncdcr.gov/experiences/field-trips-capital-area-visitor-services-and-raleigh-group-visits | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VXi3sJSd3ja3uDRu6 | Phone Number: +19197333871
Mordecai House
The Mordecai House in downtown Raleigh, on the centennial campus of North Carolina State University, radiates sheer beauty.
The Mordecai House was originally constructed for Mordecai W. Hammond in 1887. It was one of the most affluent houses in downtown Raleigh at the time featuring various high-quality aesthetics, such as pecan woodwork and pocket doors. It is an excellent example of the Queen Anne Style that is typical of nineteenth-century downtown residences.
By Leah Rucker, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC 27604, United States | Timing: Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, Sunday: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TnSJXEH9KsvmdjxV6 | Phone Number: +19199964364
Visit the futuristic James B. Hunt Jr. Library
A library tour on a college campus isn’t the first place you’d expect to find a retro Coca-Cola machine and candied bacon donuts. Still, it’s exactly what visitors will experience when visiting James B. Hunt Jr. Library.
The new James B. Hunt Jr. Library is a perfect example of this future-forward thinking. The library is designed and built to be energy efficient and sustainable. It combines green technology with customer-friendly features like automated ‘book robots’ and instant checkouts. It is spearheading the way for new architectural designs on college campuses across the country.
By Seannator, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 1070 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States | Timing: Monday – Thursday: 24/7, Friday: 12:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday: 09:00 am to 12:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/72i8Ai6dJ8vrFc8n9 | Phone Number: +19195157110
City Cemetery
The city of Raleigh is filled with historical monuments, but none as intriguing history as the City Cemetery. Along with tombs and graves, old and new, many notable signs can be spotted within this place, including a gate that still stands from the era of the Civil War.
The City Cemetery was established in 1879 and is home to several Confederate deserters and victims of the first battles of the Civil War. It also has gravestones of early governors, historical markers of local Masonic lodges, and graves on the sides of mausoleums belonging to children who perished from a flu epidemic.
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Address: 17 S East St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States | Timing: Monday – Saturday: 24/7, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/A3qq3fHoisBfaonE8
Raleigh Little Theater
If you have ever been to a play at Raleigh Little Theater, then you know that this organization is really something special. It was started by local families looking to entertain themselves during the Great Depression and has thrived ever since.
Founded in 1943, it is housed in a building located on the corner of Morgan Street and Whitaker Mill Road. Once inside, you can’t help but feel like you’re about to experience something magical. Raleigh Little Theater is one of the oldest continually operating community theaters in the United States. Now, over 85 years later, RLT produces around six plays per year.
Address: 301 Pogue St, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States | Timing: For details visit https://raleighlittletheatre.org/visit-us/ | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/R9RUoTFHp4og2vp87 | Phone Number: +19198214579
J. S. Dorton Arena
J. S. Dorton Arena is the crown jewel of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An ultra-modern facility, this venue for home basketball games is a respite from the rigors of daily life.
Built in 1966, the J. S. Dorton Arena is an important local building. It has also served as a famous boxing ring and home court for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s basketball team. Apart from sporting events, the arena has also been a venue for concerts by famous bands and artists like the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Elvis Presley, and George Strait.
By Leah Rucker, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States | Timing: For timings and event details visit https://www.ncstatefair.org/facilities/dorton.htm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8qD31hcddzcfqnxu7 | Phone Number: +19198217400
Clemmons Educational State Forest
Spread over a little more than 23,000 acres, Clemmons Educational State Forest is a great place to explore the outdoors. Especially if you enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and some educational time with nature.
Clemmons Educational State Forest has been around since 1960 and is well known for its hiking trails and diversity of trees. Places such as these are lovely because of the varied terrains for hiking, including hills, slopes, cliffs, rock formations, streams, rivers, waterfalls, and creeks.
Address: 2256 Old U.S. Hwy 70, Clayton, NC 27520, United States | Timing: Tuesday – Friday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 am to 06:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xJ5RsvgZKqQnoFSn9 | Phone Number: +19195535651
The historic Yates Mill
Lying in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Yates Mill State Historic Site has several historical structures that you can explore.
Yates Mill is a relatively remote location that packs in a punch and is one of the most fun stops on the Roanoke Valley trail. It is a historic grist mill built in 1858, located at Jeffersonville, Johnson County, Indiana. The one-and-a-half-story, rectangular brick building with a gabled roof and arched windows and doors remained in operation until about 1916.
Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States | Timing: 08:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rZD6rZPrWVyteHrT9 | Phone Number: +19198566675
North Carolina Museum of History
A tour of the North Carolina Museum of History downtown inspires interest, exploration, and discovery of the cultural heritage through exhibits, educational programs, and one of the largest collections of historical exhibits.
It sits on the corner of Edenton Street and Salisbury Street downtown. Visitors can view educational exhibits ranging from an authentic pirate ship to the Corvette that carried the astronauts to the moon. There are two buildings: Historic Odum Village—located across Salisbury Street from the main museum—and the main building near the corner of Edenton and Salisbury streets.
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Address: 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States | Timing: Monday – Saturday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/QBaJEYYQvn5VL82UA | Phone Number: +19198147000
Pope House Museum
Have you ever heard of a Pope house that is also a museum? The Pope House Museum, a historic house museum built in 1911, is just that.
A fine example of Mediterranean Revival architecture, it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a landmark for the Mordecai Historic District. It is located on the edge of North Carolina State University’s campus in the United States. Guests can explore the Pope House for free or opt for audio tours that explain the ancestry behind almost every item here.
Address: 511 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States | Timing: Saturday: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, Sunday: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bQLsab2oAgXiUUvU6 | Phone Number: +19199962220
Get fit with Triangle Rock Club
Looking to get fit? Triangle Rock Club in Raleigh is the place to be. From yoga to cycling, they offer a little bit of everything. They also provide a comfortable and non-intimidating environment for people of all fitness levels to help them reach their fitness goals.
When you join Triangle Rock Club, you immediately get access to a wealth of indoor climbing areas. Take advantage of the friendly team of instructors who will help you learn the ropes and improve your technique. This will also encourage you to keep going back, which is excellent if you want to get fit.
Address: 6022 Duraleigh Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612, United States | Timing: Monday – Thursday: 05:30 am to 11:00 pm, Friday: 05:30 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fKdzgdvbz2b1K5R7A | Phone Number: +19198035534
St Paul AME Church
The current St. Paul A.M.E Church was built in 1874 after a devastating fire burned the previous building to the ground. The only thing that remained from the old structure was the large cross on top of the tower.
Full of history, tradition, and culture, this church is a historic congregation that dates back to the 1800s. The Saint Paul AME Church in Raleigh, NC, is the only remaining independent African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in Raleigh and one of the oldest in the United States.
By Brian Stansberry>, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: 402 W Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States | Timing: For details visit https://www.stpaulamechurchraleighnc.org/ | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Y3dPcy7NScMZvP6w6 | Phone Number: +19198322709
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
The Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve features over five miles of hiker-friendly trails, both paved and natural. It is located at the top of a large hill overlooking the scenic Choptank River. It comprises coastal plain forest, brackish marsh, tidal creeks, and freshwater ponds.
Its rare habitats are compelling examples of the diversity of plant and animal life found in a relatively small area along the Choptank River. The forest preserve is open year-round, though some parts may be closed after heavy rainfall or during winter conditions.
Address: 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518, United States | Timing: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HxbE7Znen8J8eA5d8 | Phone Number: +19193875980
Joel Lane Museum House
When you think of a museum house, do you imagine a building filled with boring relics from the past? Well, this museum home will prove you wrong!
Built by Joel Lane, a wealthy industrialist in 1798, the Joel Lane Museum House is a marvel that must be on your travel itinerary. The former home of Joel Lane is also a museum, given to the city by Ida Mae Fuller, daughter of Joel Lane’s great-great-grandson. On November 18, 1973, it was designated a National Historic Landmark to honor his legacy.
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Address: 160 S St Mary’s St, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States | Timing: Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 am to 02:00 pm, Saturday – Tuesday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://g.page/JoelLaneMuseumHouse?share | Phone Number: +19198333431
William B. Umstead State Park
One of the most popular Raleigh attractions, William B. Umstead State Park (also known as Umstead Park), features the Roper Mountain Science Center, which is an official North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences branch.
It has the most significant remaining mixed piedmont forest in the Southeastern United States, with many sections of it having never been logged. Deep canyons, scenic vistas, and a tall waterfall await visitors at Umstead Park. It is a beautiful place to unwind from the hectic day-to-day grind and enjoy the sounds and the sights of the great outdoors.
Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617, United States | Timing: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/u4sjkUbvD9mMSMJh6 | Phone Number: +19195714170
Mountains-to-Sea Trail
One of the most popular Raleigh attractions, the 750+ mile backcountry Mountains-to-Sea Trail traverses NC from Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks.
It’s one of the oldest long-distance trails in the United States. From its southernmost point near the coast to its northernmost point in the mountains, it crosses through various ecosystems and terrain types, winding its way through both mountains and sea. This arduous but breathtaking trail begins in the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia. It ends in Cape Hatteras National Seashore nearly 1000 miles later.
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Address: 13622, 13698 Possum Track Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States | Timing: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aUeZyugDA4YUBb557 | Phone Number: +19198250297
City of Raleigh Museum
The City of Raleigh Museum is a treasure trove of historical information and exhibits and a catalyst for education programs that are both dynamic and classic in nature.
The City of Raleigh Museum is the oldest and largest non-profit museum in NC. Located on the beautiful Pullen Park grounds, the museum offers two floors of interactive exhibits and artifacts focused on many aspects of local history. They offer a variety of educational programs, camps, and tour experiences for all ages. You can learn about the people, places, and events that have shaped Raleigh’s past and present at the museum.
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Address: 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States | Timing: Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, Sunday: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9sSP3KWVPjZkd8m46 | Phone Number: +19199962220
Videri Chocolate Factory
Videri is a small batch, bean-to-bar chocolate maker, consistently experimenting with different flavor profiles to develop new cacao varieties that are one-of-a-kind.
They have also partnered with family farms around the world to cultivate uniquely diverse cacao beans. Videri is constantly exploring new ways to bring you the most delicious experience in the United States. It is located in thriving downtown Raleigh, NC, on the beautifully renovated Davie Street. A factory tour is a great way to spend your day tasting a wide variety of chocolates and learning all about chocolate making!
By Reverie 39, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 327 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States | Timing: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 am to 09:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 06:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://g.page/videriChocolate?share | Phone Number: +19197555053
Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Juniper Level Botanic Garden is a stunning garden that features several exciting areas worth exploring! Whether it’s to learn about plants or to enjoy a leisurely afternoon picnic with family, the Juniper Level Botanic Garden is a great escape.
It is a rare treat – a place to experience not one but nearly a dozen perfectly preserved Victorian flower beds. There are over 1,800 individual plants that make up these beds, consisting of a vast collection of exceptional ornamentals and medicinal and indigenous plants.
Address: 9241 Sauls Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States | Timing: Monday – Friday: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/juniperlevelbotanicgarden?share | Phone Number: +19197724794
Sassool
There’s a new craze in dining and lifestyle trends sweeping the nation: Mediterranean food. And Sassool is the place to be if you want to experience this cuisine in all its glory.
Sassool’s mission is to bring the rich taste of Mediterranean cuisine to NC with the highest quality ingredients, favorable pricing, and efficient service in an unparalleled dining experience for diners. It serves a wide range of Levantine and Mediterranean dishes, from chicken shawarma to falafel and kebabs to fresh hummus, along with a variety of vegan options.
Address: 9650 Strickland Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615, United States | Timing: Sunday & Tuesday – Wednesday: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm, Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nLtEA9EtmWjcK9n27 | Phone Number: +19198472700
Raleigh Farmers Market
From downtown to the warehouse district and from south of town to north, a farmers’ market has vendors offering food and other goods for sale. If you are wondering what to do in Raleigh, this is it.
The Raleigh Farmers Market is unlike any other market in the area because it does not pack up and go away at the end of the day. Instead, it erupts onto a buzzing downtown Raleigh location. The Market has been supporting local farmers of North Carolina while giving customers access to affordable, healthy foods since the seventies.
Address: 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States | Timing: Monday – Saturday: 05:00 am to 06:00 pm| Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nWMFi4TnUhRnNFaY8 | Phone Number: +19197337417
Each destination has an identity, a story to tell about the people and their culture. There is a lot of stuff to do in Raleigh beyond the typical – it is known for being a modern city with a casual feel. It has a great vibe, and there are many fun things to do in Raleigh, NC!
It offers all the conveniences of a big city without any of the hassles. Home to many universities, museums, restaurants, and bars, this city is also known as one of America’s best places to live. And if you’re looking for things to do in Raleigh, this list is a great place to start.