Best Things To Do in Raleigh, NC | Activities, Events & Recreation

THINGS TO DO IN Raleigh

Discover Raleigh's best activities

From parks and trails to local dining and nightlife — explore everything Raleigh has to offer. Browse expert guides on neighborhoods, dining, events, and real estate trends. Everything you need to live well in your city.

The Curiosity Shoppe

7 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Downtown Raleigh boutique with eclectic gifts, art prints, local maker goods, and one-of-a-kind home accessories.

NC Made

227 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Downtown Raleigh boutique showcasing handmade goods, art, and gifts from North Carolina makers.

Person Street Hardware

510 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604

Raleigh's quintessential neighborhood hardware store and community hub with curated local goods, gifts, and that old-school mercantile charm.

REI Raleigh

2600 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607

Outdoor gear, apparel, and adventure equipment in Cameron Village.

Uniquities

4421 Six Forks Rd Ste 112, Raleigh, NC 27609

Raleigh's go-to boutique for luxury women's fashion, designer labels, and curated accessories at North Hills.

NC Museum of History

5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Free museum exploring four centuries of North Carolina history in downtown Raleigh.

Ornamentea

509 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Raleigh's premier bead and jewelry-making studio with thousands of materials and hands-on workshops for all skill levels.

Artspace

201 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Downtown Raleigh's nonprofit artist collective with working studios, galleries, and creative workshops open to the public.

Lynnwood Brewing Concern

1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604

Raleigh's neighborhood biergarten-style brewery with craft beers, live music, food trucks, and a sprawling dog-friendly patio.

Raleigh Beer Garden

614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

Glenwood South's iconic multi-level beer garden with 370+ taps, craft cocktails, rooftop views, and regular live entertainment.

Raleigh Little Theatre

301 Pogue St, Raleigh, NC 27607

Raleigh's beloved community theatre for performances, classes, and outdoor concerts since 1936.

Clouds Brewing

137 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Downtown Raleigh rooftop brewery and restaurant with inventive craft beers, creative pub fare, and sweeping city views.

Lilly's Pizza

1813 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608

Raleigh's legendary neighborhood pizzeria in Five Points, beloved for creative gourmet pies and an unbeatable local atmosphere.

Trophy Brewing & Pizza

827 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Raleigh craft brewery and pizzeria beloved for creative beers and wood-fired pies in Boylan Heights.

Poole's Diner

426 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Raleigh's beloved downtown dining landmark—known for seasonal comfort food and the iconic mac-au-gratin.

Gonza Tacos y Tequila

1205 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Lively Raleigh Mexican cantina celebrated for creative tacos, fresh guacamole, and one of the best tequila selections in the Triangle.

Raleigh Brewing Company

3709 Neil St, Raleigh, NC 27607

Award-winning Raleigh craft brewery known for Hell Yes Ma'am blonde ale, great pub food, and a vibrant taproom.

Raleigh 4th of July at Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park, 820 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

Raleigh's beloved Fourth of July celebration at Dix Park with live music, food, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Bida Manda

222 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

James Beard-nominated Laotian restaurant in downtown Raleigh with a stunning garden patio and an extensive craft cocktail program.

Raleigh BBQ Festival

Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh, NC 27601

Downtown Raleigh's premier annual BBQ competition celebrating North Carolina's rich barbecue heritage with live music and craft beer.

City of Oaks Marathon

Downtown Raleigh, Raleigh, NC 27601

Raleigh's premier fall marathon winding through scenic tree-lined neighborhoods, drawing runners of all levels each November.

Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival

Moore Square, 214 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Raleigh's beloved free outdoor arts festival each May featuring hundreds of artists, live music on multiple stages, and family activities.

Wheeler Farm at Lake Wheeler

5801 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

Raleigh's working city farm with seasonal events, farm animals, educational programs, and family-friendly outdoor fun.

Pullen Park

408 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606

Raleigh's beloved historic park with a vintage carousel, miniature train, paddle boats, aquatic center, and enchanting family-friendly grounds.

Marbles Kids Museum

201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Downtown Raleigh's award-winning children's museum with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and immersive play experiences for kids of all ages.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

5901 Pinemont Dr, Raleigh, NC 27616

Raleigh's ultimate indoor trampoline park with foam pits, ninja warrior courses, dodgeball, and open jump sessions for all ages.

American Tobacco Trail

Multiple trailheads in SW Wake County and Durham, NC

22-mile rail-trail connecting the greater Raleigh area to Durham, ideal for biking, jogging, and horseback riding.

Neuse River Trail

Raleigh, NC 27610 (Multiple access points along Neuse River)

28-mile paved riverside greenway winding through forests and wetlands—perfect for cycling, jogging, and wildlife watching.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

280 State Park Rd, Apex, NC 27523

14,000-acre reservoir a short drive from Raleigh with swimming, boating, camping, hiking, and bald eagle sightings.

William B. Umstead State Park

8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617

5,500-acre wilderness state park on Raleigh's doorstep with hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and abundant wildlife.

Lake Johnson Park

4601 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606

Raleigh community park centered on a 150-acre lake with kayak rentals, wooded trails, fishing, and picnic shelters.