Things To Do in Raleigh

Things To Do in Raleigh – Best Attractions

Nicknamed “The Triangle,” Raleigh is a thriving Southern city. The historical capital of North Carolina is the perfect tourist destination for those on a budget. It’s also an inspiring outdoor wonderland and a vibrant technological hub.

Despite its long history (the city has been around since the late 1500s), Raleigh has a youthful vibe the locals take pride in and the visitors revel in. It is named after Sir Walter Raleigh. The English statesman, writer, soldier, and explorer laid the foundations of a short-lived settlement in the area during the 1580s.

However, like Washington DC, “The Triangle” was designed to be a capital city from the very beginning. Its old nickname is “City of Oaks” because the leaders and policymakers have always been focused on maintaining and preserving the city’s trees and parks. The result is a naturally beautiful, attractive, and very livable urban town with a nice balance of modern concrete and glass construction together with greenways and parks.

Attractions in Raleigh

 

Raleigh got its current nickname (The Triangle) in 1959 when the Research Triangle Park was established. The city forms part of the Research Triangle Area, along with Chapel Hill and Durham.

Top Tourist Attractions in Raleigh, North Carolina

There’s so much for you to explore and enjoy as a tourist in Raleigh. With fascinating history, unique cultural attractions, exciting technological developments, and numerous parks and forests steeped in natural beauty; it’ll be hard not to fall in love with this mesmerizing town.

Following are some of the must-see attractions in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Pullen Park

Located near North Carolina State University (NC State) on a beautiful stretch of 66 acres, Pullen Park is one of the oldest fully functional amusement parks in the United States. It was also the first public park in the Tar Heel State.

Pullen Park should be high on your list of places to visit in Raleigh, especially if you have children. It’s is just a five-minute drive away from downtown Raleigh. Miniature trains, pedal boats, and a historic carousel are standout rides here. Moreover, you can set up a barbecue grill and unwind in the picnic area while your little ones run free around the playgrounds. Other amenities include the tennis courts and athletic fields, Pullen Arts Center, Pullen Aquatic Center, multiple cafes/eateries, and various outdoor shelters available for rent.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

One of the largest natural science museums in the Southeast, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, is located downtown. It is housed in two separate buildings, with one of them is focusing on exploring scientific methods and the other on educational exhibits.
The Nature Exploration Center is one of the most popular sections here. It includes permanent installations such as the Arthropod Zoo and the Living Conservatory. There are also exhibits exploring the mountains, coasts, and local natural history of the Tar Heel State.

Furthermore, the Prehistoric section is the most visited at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Over here, you get to see the only genuine remains (skeleton) of an Acrocanthosaurus in the world. Moving on, the Discovery Room encourages visitors to explore everything by touch while the Nature Research Center provides a glimpse into the science behind the natural world. The latter’s space exploration exhibits and DNA Investigative Lab are a favorite with many guests.

Lastly, there’s the SECU Daily Planet. Even if you don’t visit any other section, this is the one place you can’t miss during your trip to the North Carolina Museum of Natural History. A theatrical exhibit spread over three floors and explores our planet from the inside out. And nature enthusiasts love what it has to offer!

North Carolina State Capitol Building

Situated at the end of Fayetteville Street, right in the heart of downtown, the North Carolina State Capitol Building was constructed entirely of local stone back in 1840. Based on Greek Revival-style architecture, it’s a National Historic Landmark.

Over time, the place has been home to the General Assembly, Supreme Court, Governor’s Office, and various other state departments. A statue of George Washington stands tall and proud at the entrance, greeting all and sundry.

Tip for Visitors: Start by walking around the building’s perimeter among the impressive oak trees. You’ll surely be amazed by their magnificence. Various other statues and monuments are on display in the area, all of which will hold your attention!

North Carolina Museum of History

There’s no shortage of traveling and permanent exhibits at the North Carolina Museum of History. The exhibits encompass the state’s glorious past. Moreover, you’d find remarkable displays of Native American tools, Revolutionary War costumes, housewares utilized by early European settlers, and military gear/weapons from the Civil War era.

African-American history has also been featured in detail here. From the days of slavery to the long fight for equality and freedom, every aspect has been well-documented. The North Carolina Museum of History is also home to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Many memorabilia are on display, and sports enthusiasts come here to learn more about native sporting heroes.

Yates Mill County Park

Are you a history buff with a soft spot for nature? There’s no better place to visit in Raleigh than Yates Mill County Park. Observe natural mesmerizing wonders as you enjoy history’s warm embrace!

A sprawling outdoor park with natural and historical attractions all around, you’ll never get bored at Yates Mill County Park. There’s something for everyone here, whether young couples, families, or children.

The major attraction is, of course, the Yates Mill. It’s an old gristmill that has been around since the 1750s. Its preservation over time certainly deserves appreciation. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another location in North America that offers this kind of nature, serenity, history, and fun all rolled into one!

William B. Umstead State Park

The William B. Umstead State Park is located near Cary and is just a 15-minute drive away from downtown Raleigh. It’s a heaven for those who have a thing for biking, camping, picnicking, trail running, horseback riding, and canoeing out in the wild.

With 5,000 acres of forest, the William B. Umstead State Park is North Carolina’s most visited state park. Families, in particular, love the Sal’s Branch Trail. The place is a beautiful, naturally formed oasis surrounding three human-created lakes. Easy access is possible from Interstate 40 and Interstate 70.

North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)

The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) opened its first galleries in 1956. The first state-funded collection, NCMA showcases Roman sculptures, ancient Greek artifacts, Renaissance-era art, pre-Columbian works, Egyptian burial artwork, and early American art.

Guided tours and special exhibits are some of the offerings at the NCMA. The place is one of two American museums to house permanent exhibits on Jewish art. It also regularly hosts lectures, film screenings, workshops, and performing arts shows.

Moreover, the African-American Cultural Center includes exhibits by prominent artists from the community. At the same time, the museum grounds are worth exploring because of their eye-catching gardens, sculptures, and a peaceful reflecting pool.

Capital Area Greenway System

Raleigh has about 180 miles of greenway trails to explore for those who love biking or walking trails. Known collectively as the Capital Area Greenway System, it consists of 28 individual trails. Locals and tourists alike can’t get enough of them. So, don’t forget to pack your running shoes and bike when planning a trip to The Triangle!

Following are the most frequented trails making up the Capital Area Greenway System.

• Lake Johnson Park; a paved 3-mile greenway loop
• Sal’s Branch Trail; one of the biggest attractions at the William B. Umstead State Park
• Art to Heart Trail; a 6-mile stretch of hiking and biking routes connecting downtown Raleigh to the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)
• Neuse River Greenway; a 27-mile paved trail beginning from the Falls Lake in North Raleigh and ending at the Wake County border in Southeastern Raleigh)
• Lake Lynn Trail; a paved 3-mile loop
• American Tobacco Trail; a 23-mile trail running parallel to an abandoned railroad bed
  Marbles Kids Museum

If you’ve got young children, the Marbles Kids Museum is another must-visit destination in Raleigh. Children can enjoy two levels of museum activities here, along with various hands-on exhibits and the only 3D IMAX Theater in the Tar Heel State.

The Marbles Kids Museum serves diverse school groups, families, and community organizations from its Moore Square District location in downtown Raleigh. The museum’s boundary wall is another unique feature. It’s filled with over one million marbles that light up after sunset.

Don’t forget to bring your children over and let their imaginations run wild. There’s plenty to learn and discover through daily educational programs and interactive exhibits.

Conclusion
Raleigh has a lot to offer. A standalone article needs to be written on each picturesque destination to do justice to its myriad attractions. Limitations of space have led to various places not making this list. These include the Dorothea Dix Park, Morgan Street Food Hall, and the Mordecai Historical Park, among others.