Raleigh, North Carolina, is a city filled with culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you are a tourist or a resident, there are endless options for exploration and enjoyment. From outdoor adventures to world-class museums, Raleigh has something for everyone. In this Raleigh Nc local guide, we will highlight the best places to visit in Raleigh, NC.
Your Raleigh Nc local guide
Exploring Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh is the heart of the city, and it’s where you’ll find many of its most iconic landmarks and attractions. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in downtown Raleigh:
The North Carolina State Capitol
The North Carolina State Capitol is a beautiful historic building that dates back to 1833. It is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States and is open for guided tours. You can also wander the grounds and take in the beautiful gardens and monuments.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of downtown Raleigh:
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast and is a must-visit for nature lovers. It features an extensive collection of exhibits on the natural history of North Carolina and beyond, including live animals and interactive displays.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
The Raleigh City Museum
The Raleigh City Museum tells the story of the city’s rich history and culture through a series of fascinating exhibits and artifacts. It’s a great place to learn about the city’s past, present, and future.
Parks and Nature in Raleigh
Raleigh is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, and there are plenty of parks and nature trails to explore. Here are some of our top picks:
William B. Umstead State Park
William B. Umstead State Park is a vast nature reserve that covers over 5,500 acres. It features over 20 miles of hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. The park is also home to an impressive array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and coyotes.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the park:
Pullen Park
Pullen Park is a charming park that offers plenty of family-friendly activities. It features a carousel, train rides, a playground, and paddle boats. It’s a great place to spend a lazy afternoon with the kids.
Neuse River Trail
The Neuse River Trail is a 33-mile paved trail that runs from Falls Lake Dam to the Wake/Johnston County line. It’s a popular spot for hiking, biking, and jogging, and offers stunning views of the Neuse River.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Arts and Culture in Raleigh
Raleigh is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, and there are plenty of museums and performance venues to explore. Here are some of our favorites:
North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art is a world-class museum that features an extensive collection of art from around the world. It also boasts an impressive sculpture garden, which is a must-see for art lovers.
Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is the premier performing arts venue in Raleigh, hosting a wide range of events, including concerts, dance performances, and theater productions. Check out their Facebook page for more info.
CAM Raleigh
CAM Raleigh is a contemporary art museum that showcases cutting-edge works of art from both established and emerging artists. It features a wide range of exhibits and programs, including installations, performances, and artist talks.
Food and Drinks in Raleigh
Raleigh has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of restaurants and bars offering a wide range of cuisines and libations. Here are some of our top picks:
Brewery Bhavana
Brewery Bhavana is a unique hybrid concept that combines a brewery, dim sum restaurant, flower shop, and bookstore. It’s a must-visit for beer lovers and foodies alike, and its beautiful decor and ambiance make it a great spot for a night out.
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey is a beloved local spot that serves up some of the best fried chicken in town. It’s a casual, laid-back spot with a welcoming atmosphere, and the honey-drizzled chicken is not to be missed.
Garland
Garland is a contemporary Indian restaurant that offers a fresh take on traditional dishes. It features an open kitchen, a colorful interior, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
Day Trips from Raleigh
If you’re looking to venture beyond Raleigh, there are plenty of great day trip options within easy driving distance. Here are some of our top picks:
Durham, NC
Durham is a vibrant city located just 30 minutes from Raleigh. It’s home to the historic Duke University campus, the Durham Performing Arts Center, and a thriving food and drink scene.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of Durham:
Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill is a charming college town located about 40 minutes from Raleigh. It’s home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops.
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro is a bustling city located about 1.5 hours from Raleigh. It’s home to the Greensboro Science Center, the Greensboro Historical Museum, and plenty of great shopping and dining options.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Conclusion on Raleigh Nc local guide
Raleigh, NC is a city that truly has it all. From its rich history and culture to its stunning natural beauty, there are endless options for exploration and enjoyment. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to check out these top picks for the best places to visit in Raleigh.
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Founder of Hot Mug Coffee. Business woman. Traveler. Self-Declared Host. If you’re here, you know the amazing, hits-the-spot feeling of good coffee. The key to my heart (and to keeping the engine running) is coffee, and I’ve sipped and savored A LOT of coffee over the years and around the world. I’m on a mission to bring great coffee and the warm fuzzy feeling of coffee culture into your home and life, every cup, every day, every time.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram