33 Best & Fun Things to Do in Raleigh (NC)

Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina and a tourist hub frequented by lots of travelers every year.

Founded in 1792, Raleigh was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who had created the lost Roanoke Colony.

Recognized as the second-largest city in North Carolina, Raleigh, also known as the “City of Oaks” because of its many oak trees, is home to most of the state’s unique attractions.

Fun things to do in Raleigh cut across visiting some of the state’s notable attractions, these include North Carolina State University, North Carolina State Capitol, North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Museum of History, and more.

Here is a list of the best things to do in Raleigh, NC, for a memorable vacation.

Things to Do in Raleigh

1. Visit the North Carolina State Capitol

North Carolina State Capitol
Credits: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
North Carolina State Capitol

This is one of the best things to do in Raleigh, NC if you are politically inclined. A North Carolina State Capitol visit is a perfect addition to your checklist.

This historical structure was built in 1840 and had undergone quite some renovation and restructuring over the years. A perfect example was that of 1970 when a stunning rotunda was installed in the building.

Nevertheless, the building still maintains its original Greek Revival architectural pattern, which portrays the old style.

The North Carolina State Capitol is open for a tour by visitors who wish to know more about the government in North Carolina.

The building is open for a visit Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it features a wide range of impressive, necessary knowledge for visitors.

Admission into the North Carolina State Capitol building is free of charge for individuals of all ages.

Address: 1 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

2. Explore Pullen Park

Credits: -ted / Flickr
Pullen Park

A visit to Pullen Park is worth adding to your list of things to do in Raleigh, NC, for a fun outdoor time.

Pullen Park is one of the best places to visit in Raleigh. It was established in the late-19th century, and ever since has been highly frequented by both locals and tourists alike.

Covering over 60 acres of land space, this park has many mind-blowing attractions for a memorable, fun experience.

Pullen Park is located close to downtown Raleigh and boasts several fun activities, including picnicking, theatre performances, sports activities, and swimming in an aquatic center.

The park is one of the significant historic Raleigh attractions, it also features trials suitable for a fun stroll, biking, and hiking

Pullen Park is open for visitors every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA

3. Live Theater at Raleigh Little Theater

Raleigh Little Theater
Credits: Cgb628 [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Raleigh Little Theater
Among other fun things to do in Raleigh for some theatre time, a visit to Raleigh Little Theater is worth adding to your list of things to do in Raleigh.

Established in 1936, Raleigh Little Theater is a live theater suitable for individuals of all ages. It is frequented by both tourists and locals alike.

The theater has lots of entertainment to offer with its classic community theater productions, which feature several talented actors.

Some famous shows hosted in this theater over the years include “Charlie Brown Christmas,” as “SPAMALOT,” and “The Tempest.”

Raleigh Little Theater is a perfect place to visit at night to witness engaging live entertainment.

Do check out the theatre’s schedule to appropriately plan your visit to watch the best theatre of your choice.

Add a visit to Raleigh Little Theater to your list of things to do in Raleigh, NC, for some night time entertainment.

Address: 301 Pogue St, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

4. Visit the Videri Chocolate Factory

Videri Chocolate Factory
Credits: Reverie 39 [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Videri Chocolate Factory
If you are a chocolate lover, a visit to Videri Chocolate Factory is a perfect addition to your list of cool things to do in Raleigh, NC.

Located inside the historic Raleigh Depot building, Videri Chocolate Factory offers a taste of sweetness to its visitors.

Videri Chocolate Factory produces some of the best chocolate in North Carolina. This factory was established by three iconic chocolate lovers, namely Sam Ratto, Starr Ratto, and Chris Heavener.

The factory purchases sugar and cocoa beans from different farms in Central and South America, and with these, produce yummy organic chocolate free of chemicals or additives.

The factory open for a group tour with not less than 10 participants at the cost of $20 per person.

The tour takes participants through the factory, showing them how the best chocolates in the city are produced.

Stop by the factory’s shop to buy any of the yummy chocolates available, some of which include Blueberry and Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Anise Ganache, and more.

Address: 327 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

5. Sports at North Ridge Country Club

The North Ridge Country Club
Credits: GryphPack [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
The North Ridge Country Club
North Ridge Country Club is an impressive complex covering about 400 acres of rolling, wooded terrain in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This country club boasts several fun-filled social and recreational activities, which gives visitors an exciting, memorable experience.

The complex feature two amazing 18-hole golf courses, namely Oaks and Lakes, which were expertly designed by George Cobb, and Gene Hamm.

The two golf courses are moderately challenging and are suitable for golfers of all skill levels, be it professionals or beginners.

Also featured in this spectacular 70,000 square foot clubhouse are comfortable eateries for a unique dining experience and a casual coffee bar.

This area’s other fun recreational opportunities include tennis, a fitness center, a golf learning center, pickleball, and a resort-style pool complex that comprises a family-size pool, clubhouse, splash pad, snack bar, and a relaxing environment.

Do visit The North Ridge Country Club while you are in Raleigh, NC, for a wonderful sport experience.

Address:6612 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

6. Juniper Level Botanic Garden

Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Credits: Scott Zona / Flickr
Juniper Level Botanic Garden

Located 12 miles south of downtown Raleigh, visiting the Juniper Level Botanic Garden is one of the best things to do in Raleigh, NC, for nature lovers.

This beautiful nature garden covers about 28-acre of land space. It features over 27,000 varieties of exotic plants, native perennials, rare delights, and unusual species of shrubs and trees rarely found in most parts of the world.

Juniper Level Botanic Garden is highly frequented by lots of researchers, gardeners, and nature lovers from all over the world who wish to know more about this amazing “Eden of rare plants.”

This garden is one of the most spectacular in America, and as a secret treasured nature sanctuary, it is open to the public only eight weekends a year.

Do check out the opening dates to enable you to properly plan a visit to this beautiful garden while you are in Raleigh.

Address:9249 Sauls Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

7. Go Ape Treetop Adventure

Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Credits: travelarium.ph / Shutterstock

Go Ape Treetop Adventure is one of the best fun things to do in Raleigh for an adventure time.

Located at Blue Jay Point Country Park, this amazing Raleigh attraction takes visitors elevated above the trees

Exciting adventures that can be experienced at Go Ape! include a Log Swing, ziplining, and canopy tours.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure also offers 2 Tarzan swings, climbing rope ladders, Spider’s Web, Double Stirrups, Apple Picker’s Ladder, and crossings the Log Swing.

Before the adventure, there is a safety briefing which lasts for an average of half an hour, after which participants are strapped and set out for a lifetime thrill.

To be on the safe side of the adventure and avoid injuries of any sort, do take heed to every safety instruction given to you.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure offers entertaining outdoor nature thrills and is suitable for all family members, including children.

Address: 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614, USA

8. Tazza Kitchen Cameron Village

Tazza Kitchen Cameron Village
Credits: Tazza Kitchen Cameron Village / Facebook
Tazza Kitchen Cameron Village

Tazza Kitchen is a classic award-winning restaurant which offers diners delicious local and modern delicacies prepared using a wood fire, meat, and garlic in a comfortable and spacious environment.

Featuring a casual bistro-style seating, the restaurant has a homelike feel with a friendly and lively atmosphere where excellent food and wines are offered at an affordable price.

The restaurant’s menu features various Baja California and Italian-inspired cuisine prepared using carefully selected fresh locally sourced ingredients from renowned local food artisans and farmers.

There are two prominent expert chefs in this restaurant, namely Jared Dalby and Justin Burchill, who prepare many delicious dishes in their experience.

Tazza Kitchen entrees include unique local brews and several small-production wines.

The restaurant food is very hygienic and suitable for intake as the chefs being extremely cautious uses sustainable seafood and hormone and antibiotic-free poultry and meat.

Tazza Kitchen opens for diners Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with 2hours break from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30.

It is also open on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a 1 hour 30 minutes break from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Monday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: 432 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605, USA

9. Visit the City Cemetery

City Cemetery
Credits: Cgb628 [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
City Cemetery
City Cemetery is a vast and magnificent cemetery in Raleigh enclosed by an iron fence that goes as far back as the 18th century

This is an attraction that should be visited if you wish to pay respect to Raleigh’s dead legends.

The cemetery is divided into different sections, one of which comprises dead black people, most of whom were slaves.

City Cemetery is a suitable resting place for the dead and has been a final resting place for many North Carolina people.

Do sign up for a guided tour to get more stories behind the city cemetery and Raleigh’s iconic locals buried here. The cemetery is open throughout the day

Address: 17 S East St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

10. Explore Joel Lane Museum House

Joel Lane Museum House
Credits: Jamie Bradway / Flickr
Joel Lane Museum House

Joel Lane Museum House is a historic building in Raleigh, NC, built in the 18th century, which was a great way to usher a new development era to Raleigh’s then rustic city.

This historical building portrays a significant aspect of Raleigh’s fascinating history. It is currently managed and owned by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in North Carolina.

Over the years, the Joel Lane Museum House has maintained its original architectural pattern and condition.

It is designed with a striking yellow color scheme on the outside, which gives it a distinctive, beautiful look.

Joel Lane Museum House is open to tour by interested individuals who wish to get some of the many information featured in this building.

A visit to this museum is one of the top things to do in Raleigh as it takes you on a journey through the history of how Raleigh began its development.

Visit The Joel Lane Museum House any week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

There are different admission fees for various age grades; $4 for students from elementary school to college, $7 for seniors, and $8 for adults. Admission into Joel Lane Museum House is free for children at the age of six and below.

Address: 728 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

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11. Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art

North Carolina Museum of Art
Credits: JR P / Flickr
North Carolina Museum of Art

Among many fun things to do in Raleigh, NC, a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art is worth adding to your list.

Recognized to be one of the best cultural institutes in North Carolina, this museum features beautiful artworks collected from talented artists in different parts of the world.

North Carolina Museum of Art gives visitors a bit of the artwork styles from countries like Oceania, Egypt, North Carolina, and lots more.

Among other collections of exhibits in this museum include “John James Audubon’s The Birds of America” and “The Collector’s Eye,” with displays that cut across different disciplines.

Most of the exhibits housed by The North Carolina Museum of Art are over a thousand years old. This makes it a highly frequented museum by lovers of art all over the world.

Do pay a visit to this museum to behold various impressive arts and learn the exciting stories behind them if you are in Raleigh for the weekend.

The museum is open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m everyday of the week except Fridays when it is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission into the North Carolina Museum of Art to view the permanent collection is free of charge. For exclusive exhibitions and educative classes, visitors are expected to pay an affordable fee.

Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

12. Visit the Pope House Museum

Pope House Museum
Credits: Wikipedia (Public Domain)
Pope House Museum

Pope House Museum is a historic house once owned by Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope. It was constructed in 1901 and restored as a museum in honor of his legacy.

Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope is a significant figure in the black community who first ran for mayor as a black man in the time of segregation.

After winning, he became the only black man to hold such a vital position in the south at that time.

Today, this early 20th century home has been given a beautiful look due to a series of restoration carried out in this house.

In 1999, The Pope House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Raleigh, NC.

Pope House Museum features lots of unique artifacts and exhibits, which helps visitors know more about the black iconic figure Dr. M. T. Pope.

There are also available tours of this building every Saturday, which takes you through a series of exciting stories about Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope.

If you are interested in African American history, add a visit to Pope House Museum to your list of cool things to do in Raleigh, it makes what to do in Raleigh for a fun museum time

Address: 511 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

13. Dining at Jose and Sons

Jose and Sons
Credits: Jose and Sons / Facebook
Jose and Sons

For an exciting night time dining experience, visit the Jose and Sons. This unique Mexican restaurant serves Mexican dishes with a bit of southern flair in a conducive and welcoming setting.

Jose and Sons is a family-owned and operated top-notch restaurant focus at given diners a memorable dining experience with dishes expertly prepared using carefully selected fresh ingredients.

The restaurant menu features delicious classic Mexican dishes such as huevos rancheros and tacos as well as several southern-inspired delicacies like “Smokey shrimp ‘n grits.”

Jose and Sons are one of the best places to visit in Raleigh if you love Mexican or southern foods.

Address: 327 W Davie St #102, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

14. Explore the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh

CAM Raleigh
Credits: Suzie Tremmel / Flickr
CAM Raleigh

Contemporary Art Museum is another remarkable art museum in Raleigh. Also known as CAM Raleigh, this is one of the best places to visit for art lovers.

The museum is located in downtown Raleigh, it features a wide range of regularly rotating exhibitions giving visitors a new set of spectacular artwork to behold on each visit.

There is always a new art experience to uncover in the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, making each visit worthwhile.

The museum has featured notable works made by several renowned talented artists, including Chris Bradley, Jonathan Horowitz, and Angel Otero.

Parked with lots of outstanding arts to see, the Contemporary Art Museum is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Art lovers can also visit the museum by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission into the museum is free of charge.

Address: 409 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

15. A Meal at Sassool

Sassool
Credits: Sassool – Raleigh / Facebook
Sassool

A perfect place to get delicious Mediterranean food in Raleigh, Sassool is a Lebanese restaurant that offers expertly prepared delightful cuisine.

Sassool is known to be one of Raleigh’s best food joints, which offers delicious shwarma, hummus, and several other delights.

This Lebanese restaurant also offers classic Lebanese concoctions such as mjadarah and labneh.

Feel free to visit this restaurant if you are an omnivore, vegan, or vegetarian as the restaurant menu features a wide range of dishes, most of which are without meat.

After having a meal in this restaurant, you can stop by the grocery store opposite to buy some groceries.

Sassool is an ideal place to visit for some dining time, and it is open for diners Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: 9650 Strickland Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615, USA

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16. Meet Nature at JC Raulston Arboretum

JC Raulston Arboretum
Credits: Belight / Shutterstock
JC Raulston Arboretum

To witness the incredible gift of nature in Raleigh, North Carolina, visit the JC Raulston Arboretum, which comprises thousands of beautiful plants.

A perfect place to visit in Raleigh, NC, for nature lovers, JC Raulston Arboretum gives an amazing thrill of enchantment and beauty with all its incredible natural gems.

The arboretum also features lots of unusual trees, including the golden chain tree, the muku tree, and the seven-son’s tree.

Other plants that can be found in the JC Raulston Arboretum include the ‘Twisted Tongue’ agave, the blue baneberry perennial, and the twin-flowering abelia.

The arboretum also offers different tours every Sunday from March to October, which teaches visitors more about plants in that garden.

Recognized as one of the best Raleigh NC attraction sites, JC Raulston Arboretum is open every day of the week of April through October from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 17.November to March.

Admission into this arboretum is free. If you are a nature lover, this answers what to do in Raleigh, NC.

Address: 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA

17. Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Credits: Zimmytws/ Shutterstock
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a popular tourist attraction located in Downtown Raleigh.

This museum is one of the largest Natural Sciences Museum in North Carolina, and it features many exceptional nature-related pieces of information.

The museum features different collections of exhibits, which cuts across various fascinating topics, including the tropics, the age of the dinosaurs, and a butterfly room.

Filled with lots of things to learn about nature, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has knowledgeable and friendly tour guides ready to assist visitors in understanding complex topics.

You can also visit with your children as many interactive exhibits teach a lot about plants and animals.

Admission into the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is free, and it is open for a visit on Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is open for donations

Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

18. Explore William B Umstead State Park

William B Umstead State Park
Credits: Zhong Chen / Shutterstock
William B. Umstead State Park

If you are looking for a place to have a fun outdoor time, then you should add a visit to William B. Umstead State Park to your list of things to do in Raleigh.

Covering about 6,000 acres of land space, William B Umstead State Park is an outdoor fun area nestled between Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Durham, in the state of North Carolina.

The park is located in an easy to find destination and showcases the beautiful gifts of nature of Raleigh and North Carolina in general.

This Park’s outstanding features are neatly connected trails suitable for hiking, biking, strolling, and horseback riding.

The park also boasts camping, boat rentals, designated picnic areas, and various educational programs.

Visit the William B Umstead State Park to behold the lake’s beautiful views and have some quiet time in the various nature-filled serene environment.

Address:8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617

19. Pottery at Klaystation

klaystation
Credits: MarinaGrigorivna / Shutterstock

To bring out the creativity in you, do visit Klaystation, a pottery venue that allows visitors to mold a mug or any homemade gift of their design.

Klaystation pottery studio offers visitors lots of pre-fired earthenware and tools to make their desired masterpiece.

Some of the tools available to select from while in this pottery studio include idea books, brushes, paints, sponges, and lots more.

After molding the desired masterpiece, Klaystation pottery studio glazes the craftwork and dries it up in the kiln for it to be ready to be picked up in about a week.

Klaystation is a perfect place to visit with kids to make them creative while playing. The pottery studio is also open for birthday parties.

Address: 10511 Shadowlawn Drive #113, Raleigh, North Carolina

20. Explore the Yates Mill

Yates Mill
Credits: Earth Trotter Photography / Shutterstock
Yates Mill

For some outdoor time, visit the Yates Mill County Park, a fun-filled area covering about 574 acres of land space and an amazing wildlife refuge.

The park features an eponymous Yates Mill known to be the only historic surviving mill in the wake-up county and believed to date as far back as 1756.

Having been restored over the years, this is a beautiful area worth exploring while you are in the city of Raleigh.

Yates Mill is open for tourists and features two special tours at the same fee, the open mill tour, and the Corn Grinding tour, which teaches participants about Mills and how they operate.

The park is open to visit everyday of the week from 8 a.m. until sunset, and the tours are by appointment only during specific hours.

Do visit this area for amazing sightseeing. Admission into the Yates Mill County Park is between 3 and 5 dollars.

Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

21. Visit the City of Raleigh Museum

City of Raleigh Museum
Credits: Leo Suarez [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
City of Raleigh Museum
Among other spectacular museums in North Carolina, the City of Raleigh Museum is a perfect addition to your list of places to visit in Raleigh.

This museum is housed by the historic Briggs Hardware Building built in 1874 by Thomas Briggs, a collaborative group of non-governmental organizations currently owns the museum.

The city of Raleigh Museum features thousands of exciting exhibits related to Raleigh. It has been host to various notable exhibitions, including America’s Wars: Individual Experience and Collective Memory and Silent Killers: The Legacy of the 1918 Spanish Flu.

A tour of this museum and seeing all its fascinating exhibits is an amazing thing to do in Raleigh, NC.

Admission into the City of Raleigh Museum is free of charge, and it is open for visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Address: 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

22. The Mordecai House

The Mordecai House
Credits: Warren LeMay / Flickr
The Mordecai House

Among other spectacular historic structures in Raleigh, The Mordecai House is a unique home worth checking out while you are in the city.

Completed in 1785, The Mordecai House is the oldest surviving building in the entire Raleigh and now a National Historic Landmark.

The house was built separately by Joel Lane and was initially a plantation many years ago before being transformed into a beautiful park and museum.

A fantastic area to explore, Mordecai Square Historical Park has many educational opportunities for its visitors.

The Mordecai House was the exact birthplace of the late President Andrew Johnson. A perfect way to explore this area is joining the Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours, which begins and ends at the Mordecai House.

This is sure one of the best fun things to do in downtown Raleigh as there are also many amazing sights, beautiful to behold.

Address: 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA

23. Visit the North Carolina Museum of History

North Carolina Museum of History
Credits: Arty-chan / Flickr
North Carolina Museum of History

For some history, visit the North Carolina Museum of History, a remarkable museum filled with lots of fascinating history about Raleigh and the state of North Carolina in general.

The North Carolina Museum of History thrives on portraying significant history orally and through visuals and many artifacts from over a thousand years ago.

Among other historical exhibits in this museum include the “Carbine” Williams’s workshop by inventor David Marshall and the “1920s Drugstore.”

If you want to know more about the past, visit this spectacular museum of history as there many captivating North Carolina backstories waiting for you to uncover while taking a fun tour of the museum.

North Carolina Museum of History is open for visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 12p.m. to 5 p.m on Sunday. Admission into the museum is free of charge.

Address: 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

24. A Drink at The Green Light

The Green Light
Credits: Maksym Fesenko / Shutterstock

Located in downtown Raleigh, The Green Light is a spectacular bar voted by Architectural Digest to be one of the country’s best speakeasies.

The Green Light is a minibar within the Architect Bar, hidden up a narrow set of stairs behind a bookcase.

The bar offers some of the best cocktails in the city, and its interior is quite quirky, with the walls covered in reclaimed wood reflecting the attributes of the 1922 building that houses it.

The Green Light is a cool place to have a drink with its comforting bar-like atmosphere complemented with great music, dim lights, refined collection of craft beers, and superb cocktails.

Address: 108 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

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25. Dining at Morgan Street Food Hall

Morgan Street Food Hall
Credits: Morgan Street Food Hall / Facebook
Morgan Street Food Hall

Morgan Street Food Hall is a wonderful food location that comprises several eateries, it makes what to do in Raleigh for an amazing dining experience.

This dining complex is part of the city’s Warehouse District, and there are over a dozen restaurants to choose from.

Morgan Street Food Hall offers a wide range of eating delicacies from across the state and different parts of the world.

Among other excellent restaurants in this area include the Iyla’s Southern Kitchen, and Cousins Maine Lobster is a popular food joint frequented by tourists and locals.

Do visit the Morgan Street Food Hall to get breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner from any of the many eateries while in Raleigh, NC.

Address: 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

26. Visit the Raleigh Farmers Market

Raleigh Farmers Market
Credits: Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock
Farmers Market

If you wish to purchase some items while in Raleigh, NC, visit the Raleigh Farmers Market.

Raleigh Farmers Market is an amazing market that offers various items ranging from fresh seasonal produce from across the country to meats, crafts, baked goodies, cheeses, lotions, candies, picture frames, NC wines, candies, and lots more.

Covering about 75 acres of land space, this market features many indoor and outdoor specialty shops, a garden center, and classy restaurants, which offer an amazing dining experience.

The market also serves as a host to various special events, including the Watermelon Day on the 30th of July, Weekend Gardener Show during August, Potato Day in September, and lots more.

Do check out the market’s calendar to enable you to plan your visit to the most suitable event of your choice.

Raleigh Farmers Market is open everyday of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

27. Dining at Stanbury

Stanbury
Credits: Stanbury / Facebook
Stanbury

Stanbury is one of the best restaurants in Raleigh, which offers an amazing dining experience.

This classic restaurant features a variety of deliciously prepared cuisine served in a beautiful and well-furnished setting.

Situated in a charming old building in the Mordecai neighborhood near downtown Raleigh, Stanbury has a welcoming atmosphere with wooden tables, a large bar, and an open kitchen where the delicious dishes are prepared.

This restaurant is frequented by locals and tourists alike, and its menu features dishes prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Stanbury also offers fine cocktails, the bar has a variety of carefully selected fine wines and beers to order alongside their delicious American classics.

Additionally, the restaurant features an outdoor patio for al fresco dining. Stanbury is open for diners 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Address: 938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA

28. Kids Time at Marbles Kids Museum

Marbles Kids Museum
Credits: North Carolina National Guard / Flickr
Marbles Kids Museum

If you are looking for what to do in Raleigh, North Carolina, with kids, check out the Marbles Kids Museum.

Recognized as one of the most fun and famous Raleigh attractions for kids in the city, the Marbles Kids Museum has lots of exciting and educative exhibits.

Among other notable features of this museum explore “Around Town,” which creates an opportunity for children to have a wonderful experience of driving and attending school.

Another exciting feature of the museum is the “Sun Sprouts,” which educates kids on every necessary information about gardening, and the “Treetunes,” which focuses primarily on music.

This is one of the best things to do in Raleigh for some family time as parents can also be part of the thrill as they watch the kids have fun and learn new things.

Marbles Kids Museum is open for visitors every week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an admission fee of about $7 for individuals of all ages except kids below the age of one who is admitted free of charge.

Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA 29.

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29. Fun at King’s Bowl

king bowl
Credits: Mindscape studio / Shutterstock
Bowling

King’s Bowl is an amazing tourist attraction for game lovers, which offers 32,000 square feet of gaming and bowling space.

A spectacular entertainment complex, King’s Bowl comprises about 18 standard ten-pin bowling lanes where visitors can bowl all through the week.

The facility is also open for private rentals and league use any time of the week.

Among other fun-filled gaming features of this facility include Six billiard tables, shuffleboard, air hockey, ping-pong, foosball tables, and several other interactive games like hoops and bubble hockey.

King’s Bowl also boasts live sports screening with its high-definition 30 giant-screen televisions, which shows major sporting events throughout the week and five HD projector screens used for private special events.

Another amazing feature of the facility is the sports bar and full-service restaurant, which offers delicious dishes such as street tacos, chicken wings, pizzas, vegetarian burger crumbles, and lots more.

The bar offers a unique menu of fine craft beers for visitors above 21 years of age. Keep in mind that this facility is rated 21+ after 10:00 pm and that adults should always accompany children below 18 during the day.

Address: 141 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609.

30. Explore Clemmons Educational Forest

Clemmons Educational Forest
Credits: Mike [CC BY-SA 2.0], Wikimedia Commons
Clemmons Educational Forest
North Carolina is quite an education hub with many educational forests, one of which is the Clemmons Educational Forest located in Clayton, NC, very close to Raleigh.

Recognized as one of the best educational forests in the entire state, Clemmons Educational Forest has been in existence for over 40 years now.

This education forest offers visitors a wide range of significant learning experience about nature.

Besides education, the Clemmons Educational Forest features impressive hiking trails and many informative exhibitions all aimed at giving visitors a fun experience.

The forest also has many designated picnic areas where interested individuals can chill and eat with their family or loved ones.

There are many things to learn about nature in this forest, some of which are taught by experienced rangers.

Clemmons Educational Forest is open for visitors on Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Address: 2256 Old U.S. Hwy 70, Clayton, NC 27520, USA

31. Visit the J.S. Dorton Arena

J.S. Dorton Aren
Credits: Steve / Flickr
J.S. Dorton Aren

Established in 1952, J.S. Dorton Arena is a neatly structured event space which is the hosting ground for most of the most significant events in Raleigh city.

This arena is one of the largest event spaces in North Carolina that can comfortably accommodate thousands of people at a go.

A remarkable and notable feature of this arena is the roof that does not have any steel posts that obstruct vision due to the suspended design.

J.S. Dorton Arena features events like concerts, the state fair, athletic competitions, and lots more.

Among other famous artists hosted in this arena include Johnny Cash and Led Zeppelin.

If you are in Raleigh, NC, for the weekend, do stop by the J.S. Dorton Arena to witness any of the many events which take place here from time to time.

Address: 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

32. See The North Carolina Executive Mansion

North Carolina Executive Mansion
Credits: Jill Lang / Shutterstock
North Carolina Executive Mansion

Another historic structure in Raleigh, the North Carolina Executive Mansion, is a spectacular tourist attraction site.

If you have an interest in real estate, a tour of the North Carolina Executive Mansion should be added to your list of things to do in Raleigh.

Built in 1883, this mansion was designed by architects A.G. Bauer and Samuel Sloan in a fine Victorian architectural pattern.

North Carolina Executive Mansion has been home to several state governors since the year 1891.

If you intend to tour this historical mansion, make early reservations, as tours must be scheduled about two weeks ahead of time.

According to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, this mansion has the finest governor’s residence interior in America.

Address: 200 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

33. Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
Credits: Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours / Facebook
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

North Carolina is filled with lots of delicious, locally prepared foods, and joining the Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours is a perfect way to try them out.

Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours takes participants through some of the best food locations in the entire North Carolina.

Not only will the participant get to taste delicious cuisines, but the walking tour also creates an opportunity for individuals to explore Raleigh, NC, and get to know more about different aspects of the city’s history.

Some of the many tours categories carried out by this tour company include Raleigh’s Downtown Speakeasies: The Craft Cocktail Tour, Raleigh Downtown Dinner & Drinks Tours, and Raleigh Downtown Tasting Tour: Foodies, Food Halls, and Food Shops

If you are in Raleigh, NC, for the weekend, do sign up for any of the available tours. This is one of the best fun things to do in Raleigh, NC, for foodies.

Planning a road trip through Florida, be sure to check out our list of things to do in Punta Gorda, things to do in Clermont & things to do in Pompano Beach for a fun trip.

Plan to Explore Raleigh

Raleigh is a popular tourist destination filled with lots of fun attractions ranging from landmarks, museums, sports centers, pleasant parks, monumental sites, reserved areas, and lots more to give you a fun time here.

Start planning a visit to this welcoming city with this checklist of things to do in Raleigh, NC, feel free to pin this article as a guide to fall back to while making plans.