Raleigh is not known for its big ticket attractions. It’s appeal as a tourist destination lies in the small-town charm, quaint local vibe and unique attractions that set Raleigh apart from other cities in North Carolina.
Although being the North Carolina’s capital city, most of Raleigh’s attractions are not well-known.
That’s why we’ve written this guide to the top attractions in Raleigh, so you can get to know the history, natural beauty, unique culture, and fun side of the City of Oaks.
From leisure and amusem*nt parks to museums and nature preserves, these landmarks in Raleigh are considered the top attractions that you shouldn’t miss on any visit to the city.
Raleigh NC Attractions
Below are some of the most unmissable places to visit if you’re looking to uncover the historical, cultural, and family-fun attractions in the City of Oaks.
You can also view these attractions on this interactive map:
Pullen Park
If you’re looking for fun attractions for kids, don’t miss Pullen Park.
Located on 66-acres of land near North Carolina State University and just a five-minute drive from downtown Raleigh, Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina, and the 5th oldest operating amusem*nt park in the USA.
Here you can rent pedal boats, ride a historic carousel and miniature train, let the kids run free on the playgrounds, have a picnic or grill out in one of the picnic areas, see a play, or use the sports fields or tennis courts to play your favorite sport.
Read our full guide to Pullen Park Raleigh.
- Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh
- Website: www.raleighnc.gov
North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Art Museum is one of the top museums in Raleigh for art lovers. What’s more is that admission to the Museum’s permanent collection and Museum Park is completely free.
This art museum is home to more than a dozen beautiful gallery spaces showcasing art from around the world.
You can self-explore, take an engaging tour, see performing arts, and participate in family workshops.
Don’t miss taking a stroll through the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, the 164-acre park and trail system through natural areas that features more than a dozen commissioned works of art and sculptures.
We love biking the Art to Heart trail, which also runs through the park.
- Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh
- Website: ncartmuseum.org
Capital Area Greenway System
If you love walking or biking trails, just outside the metropolitan area is 180-miles of greenway trails to explore.
The Capital Area Greenway System is made up of 28 individual trails, passing through wetlands, meadows, forests, past lakes and other green spaces.
The trail is a combination of paved trail and boardwalks, making it easy for hikers and bikers to explore.
Popular trails on the Greenway System include:
- Neuse River Greenway Trail (27-mile paved trail stretching from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the Wake County border line in southeast Raleigh)
- American Tobacco Trail (23-mile trail running along an abandoned railroad bed)
- Art to Heart Trail (6 mile trail connecting the NC Museum of Art to downtown Raleigh)
- Lake Johnson Park (paved three-mile greenway loop)
- Lake Lynn Trail (paved 2.8 mile loop)
- Sal’s Branch Trail in Umstead State Park
- Mountains-to-Sea Trail (1175 miles) stretches from the Great SmokyMountainsall the way to the Outer Banks, passing Falls Lake State Recreation Area, just north of Raleigh, before connecting to the Neuse River Greenway Trail. You can ride part of it on this ebike tour in Clayton
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
When I think of the most iconic Raleigh attractions, the first thing that comes to mind are all the excellent free museums in Raleigh, but by far my favorite of them all is the Museum of Natural Sciences.
It is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum and North Carolina’s most visited museum with over 4 floors of exhibits including live animals, education and research centers, dinosaur and whale skeletons, and so much more.
This museum is easily somewhere you could spend an entire day wondering around and is one of the best things to do in downtown.
Read our full guide on NC Museum of Natural Sciences here.
- Address: 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh
- Website: naturalsciences.org
North Carolina Museum of History
Located across from the museum of natural sciences is the Museum of History. It was founded in 1902 and receives more than 400,000+ visitors a year.
On display are over 14,000 years of history, preserved in over 150,000 artifacts. The museum focuses on North Carolina history, and some highlights include a full-size replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer and the lunch counter from a 1960 sit-in in Salisbury, and much more.
We also enjoy the small NC Sports Hall of Fame on the third floor of the history museum.
Again, this museum is free admission, but they charge for some special and temporary exhibits.
- Address: 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh
- Website: ncmuseumofhistory.org
William B. Umstead State Park
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Raleigh near Cary, is William B. Umstead State Park. If you love nature trails through the forest, biking, trail running, picnicking, camping, canoeing, and horseback riding, don’t miss this park.
With its more than 5,000 acres of forest, Umstead is North Carolina’s most visited state park and a natural oasis surrounding three man made lakes with easy access from I-40 and I-70.
For families looking for easy trails to do with kids, we love the Sal’s Branch Trail and the Pott’s Branch Trail.
- Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave & 2100 N Harrison Ave
- Website: www.ncparks.gov
North Carolina State Capitol Building
Built of local stone in 1840, the State Capitol building is the most iconic landmark in Raleigh and is located in the heart of downtown at the end of Fayetteville Street.
It’s a National Historic Landmark and one of the best-preserved examples of Greek Revival-style architecture in the city.
At one point, the building housed the office of the Governor, the Supreme Court and the chambers of the General Assembly, as well as various other state offices.
There’s a statue of George Washington dressed as a Roman general in its rotunda, which is definitely worth checking out for a selfie.
I recommend you start your visit by walking around the exterior of the building and walk among the impressive oak trees and explore the monuments and statues on display.
Admission is FREE (donations appreciated).
Self-guided Tours: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.
Guided Tours: Weekdays at 10am and 1pm. A Capitol Interpreter will offer a brief overview of the history of the building outside the east entrance.
- Address: 1 East Edenton St, Raleigh
- Website: historicsites.nc.gov
Marbles Kids Museum
Got young kids? The Marbles Kids Museum is an attraction you absolutely cannot miss if you’re visiting Raleigh with kids.
There’s two levels of kid-focused museum activities with dozens of hands-on exhibits and the state’s only 3D-capable IMAX theater.
The museum aims to nurture children’s imagination and creativity, and allow them to discover and learn in dozens of different ways, through interactive exhibits and daily educational programs
Located in the Moore Square District of downtown Raleigh, Marbles serves a diverse population of families, school groups and community organizations.
A highlight of the museum is the wall that wraps around the museum, which is filled with more than one million marbles that light up at night.
- Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh
- Website: marbleskidsmuseum.org
Dorothea Dix Park
Dorothea Dix Park is the largest park in Raleigh on a whopping 300+ acres. It boasts impressive skyline views which frames the huge, open space with wide-open fields, rolling meadows, and tree-lined paths.
The City of Raleigh has big plans for a transformative public space at Dix Park – think mini Central Park NYC.
It also has the largest dog park in the city, for those looking for attractions for dogs in Raleigh.
Located just 5-minutes from downtown, Dix Park is a lovely space at any time of the year and plays host to numerous events and festivals, including the field of sunflowers each year.
- Address: 2105 Umstead Dr, Raleigh
- Website: dixpark.org
Read our guide to Dorothea Dix Park and the free Dorothea Dix Park historical walking tour.
Mordecai Historical Park
At the end of North Person Street (our favorite street) you’ll find Mordecai Historic Park, once known as the largest plantation in Wake County and home to many interesting pieces of North Carolina history.
Here you can see the Mordecai Historic House, the oldest residence in Raleigh still on its original foundation, and the birthplace of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President.
Begin your visit at the Visitor Center (a short walk from the parking area which lines Mimosa Street) where you’ll find tour tickets and park information, as well as the gift shop and meeting space.
Read ourguide to the Mordecai Historic Park guided tour with a lot more interesting history!
- Address: 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh
- Website: www.raleighnc.gov
Morgan Street Food Hall
Raleigh is a great city to visit for foodies, and there’s plenty of local and regional dishes to try.
One place you can taste test NC cuisine from many different local vendors under one roof is the Morgan Street Food Hall, a 22,000 square feet of space inside a repurposed warehouse in the thriving Warehouse District.
Choose from 20 different food concepts showcasing local eateries housed in food stalls.
It’s a lively atmosphere and a popular place for the community to hang out on the outdoor patio, especially their Mimosa weekends.
- Address: 411 West Morgan St
- Website: MorganFoodHall.com
Historic Yates Mill County Park
If you love learning about local history and walking nature trails, then put Yates Mill County Park on your list of tourist attractions to check out in Raleigh.
There’s lovely hiking trails around a 24-acre pond and the Historic Yates Mill, all nestled within this 174-acre wildlife refuge and environmental resource center.
The Historic Yates Mill County Park is the last remaining water-poweredgristmillin Wake County
Admission is free, but to tour the mill to learn about the “farm-to-fork” process, witness the corn grinding process and purchase bags of ground yellow and white cornmeal will cost $3-$5 (March through Nov.).
Read our full review of Historic Yates Mill Country Park here.
- Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Road
- Website: www.wakegov.com
State Farmers’ Market
Considered one of the nation’s best and most modern state farmers’ markets, the NC State Farmers Market is an iconic landmark not to be missed.
This market oasts 75 acres of indoor and outdoor vendor space where you can sample and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and gift products from farmers across the state.
- Address: 1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh
- Website: www.ncagr.gov
Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts
The Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts is Raleigh’s premier arts venue and is where you can see theatrical productions at the Kennedy Theater, listen to the North Carolina Symphony in the Meymandi Concert Hall, and watch the Carolina Ballet.
This venue has been a historic and cultural focal point in downtown Raleigh since 1932, playing host to Broadway classics, rock legends, and talks from major political figures.
- Address: 2 E South St, Raleigh
- Website: dukeenergycenterraleigh.com
Transfer Co. Food Hall
There’s not one but two awesome food halls in downtown Raleigh, and one that cannot be skipped is Transfer Co. Food Hall, which is housed in the historic Carolina Coach Garage and Shops.
With 50,000+ square feet of renovated warehouse space, the former warehouse is now home to 10+ vendors serving up local and international favorites, and is regarded as a place for the community to gather and come together through food.
Inside is bright and open with a nice variety of food choices including burgers, seafood, Asian, Italian, Mexican, Bagels, Beer, Wine and more.
- Address: 500 E Davie St, Raleigh
- Website: Transfercofoodhall.com
Raleigh Beer Garden
With 350+ beers on tap, The Raleigh Beer Garden holds the world record for largest selection of draft beer (verified by the folks at Guinness World Records), which definitely puts it on the list of one of the most unique Raleigh attractions.
With over 40 local breweries in Raleigh the craft beer scene is unlike any other in the Southeast, so if you love a craft brew, the Raleigh Beer Garden is the best place to sample many local beers.
This massive 8,500-square-foot venue has 3 levels, tons of outdoor space, a back garden patio (family-friendly), a rooftop bar, and ever changing selection of beers!
- Address: 614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: TheRaleighBeerGarden.com
Contemporary Art Museum (CAM)
CAM Raleigh is a multimedia contemporary art gallery with no permanent collection, but offers exhibitions of works by artists with regional, national, and international recognition
The CAM is an art center that’s popular among local residents and is always busy.
Every exhibition is unique and designed to be thought-provoking and transformative. It also offers free admission.It’s a popular place to go on First Fridays in Raleigh.
- Address: 409 W Martin Street, Raleigh
- Website: camraleigh.org
City of Raleigh Museum
The City of Raleigh Museum is another museum in the city dedicated to local history. It was founded by a local historian, Beth Crabtree, who aspired to showcase the city’s history, and is now carried on by Mary Cates who brings her vision to life.
If you want to learn more about the beloved city of Raleigh, this is the best place to do so.
- Address:220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
- Website:Click here
Pope House Museum
If you’re looking for attractions that showcase Raleigh’s African American heritage, the Pope House Museum is the place to learn about this.
It’s the only African-American house museum in the state and takes visitors into the life of Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope, who was the only African-American man to run for mayor of a Southern capital in the Jim Crow Era.
- Address:511 S Wilmington St, Raleigh
- Website:Raleighnc.gov/poe-house
PNC Arena
For sports fans, don’t miss a hockey game or basketball game at PNC Arena, the largest indoor arena in Raleigh.
Home to the Carolina Hurricanes, the state’s national hockey team, you can watch a game in a stadium of 18,700 seats.
But basketball fans have even more space to watch the NC Wolfpack with 19,500 seats and 61 suites, including 13 luxury boxes and 2,000 club seats.
If you love a sporting event, this is the biggest sporting attraction in the city. Read our guide to PNC Arena so you can plan for a great event.
Videri Chocolate Factory
Another unique attraction is Videri Chocolate Factory, the only bean-to-bar chocolate factory in Raleigh.
This artisan chocolatier allows visitors to watch how chocolate is made from their downtown factory, as well as try some samples.
They also sell coffee and soft serve ice cream, and are pooch friendly!
Historic Oakwood Cemetery
For more than 140 years, the Oakwood Cemetery has been the final resting place of over 22,000 of the area’s most notable citizens including prominent city, state, and national leaders.
A place of unique significance, meaning and value, Historic Oakwood Cemetery is a beautiful park-like setting filled with ornate tomb stones and intricately-designed mousoleums.
Among the many beautiful monuments and statues are those of seven governors, five United States Senators, eight Supreme Court Chief Justices of North Carolina, four Civil War generals, two Secretaries of the United States Navy, numerous Raleigh mayors, and thousands of other individuals.
- Address: 701 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: HistoricOakwoodCemetery.org
Drive Shack
North Carolina is a golfing state and so we couldn’t miss Drive Shack off our list, which is the best golfing attraction in the city.
This three-story, interactive 260-yard long golf driving range offers physical targets to aim for with augmented reality and virtual games.
We’ve played there a few times and had a blast every time. Don’t worry, no golf experience is necessary and you can make it as competitive as you like. For us it’s more about having a hit, a drink, and a laugh.
Read our review of Drive Shack Raleigh.
- Address: 6901 Play Golf Way, Raleigh
- Website: www.DriveShack.com
Frankie’s Fun Park
No, Raleigh doesn’t have a Six Flags or Busch Gardens or big sprawling theme park like Carowinds in Charlotte (2.5 hrs away), but it does have Frankie’s Fun Park.
Here you’ll be entertained with go-karts, laser tag, batting cages, bumper boats, flight simulators, mini-golf, arcade games and much more.
No admission price to enter the park. You pay per activity that you choose to play. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Popular for families, birthday parties, and group events.
- Address: 11190 Fun Park Dr, Raleigh
- Website: www.frankies.com
Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden
As one of three accredited rose gardens in North Carolina, the Raleigh Rose Garden include sixty rose beds surrounded by an arboretum of evergreen and deciduous trees.
In the summer months, it regular has free outdoor movies, which is always a local-favorite past-time.
Every year (in normal times) they host Art in the Garden, the annual arts festival benefiting Raleigh Little Theatre. The Raleigh Rose Garden is open to the public 7 days a week.
- Address: 301 Pogue St., Raleigh
- Website: www.RaleighLittleTheatre.org
READ MORE: 6 lovely gardens in Raleigh (and one nearby) and our full guide to the Raleigh Rose Garden.
The Raleigh Market
Since 1971, this flea market at the State Fairgrounds has offered one of the most unique and entertaining shopping experiences in North Carolina.
Each weekend, over 600 indoor and outdoor vendors showcase an incredible range of items, from high-end antiques to power tools and everything in between.
- Address: 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh
- Website: TheRaleighMarket.com
JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Speaking of gardens, this nationally acclaimed garden has one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants in the Southeast.
Here you can stroll through 10 acres of gardens with 5,000 plants collected from all over the world on display. Read our guide to the JC Raulston Arboretum.
- Address: 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh
- Website: jcra.ncsu.edu
Final Thoughts
As much as I love to visit “touristy” cities, I don’t know if I could cope living in a big touristy city like Orlando, or Los Angeles, or even Savannah, Georgia.
Although historic and the capital city of North Carolina, Raleigh has youthful energy and is a vibrant place to be, despite its attractions being on the smaller side.
We hope this list of attractions has given you a few ideas of places to visit whilst in Raleigh.
If you are visiting Raleigh for the first time and need a place to stay, check out this list of the best hotels in Raleigh or these cool vacation rentals in Raleigh.
How many of these have you visited? What Raleigh attractions would you add to this list?
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