TOP 12 THINGS TO DO IN RALEIGH NC!
Looking for the top things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina?
I’m Alison Wojnarowski with the W Real Estate Group, and after living in the Raleigh area my whole life, I’ve compiled my list of the top 12 things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Let’s take a look.
Museums
Starting off, you’ve got to visit Raleigh’s museums. Known as the “Smithsonian of the South,” Raleigh has two great museums right downtown in the Museum of History and Museum of Natural Sciences. Both are state-of-art museums and provide some really captivating exhibits, and the best part, they are free!
The Marbles Kids Museum is the premiere kids museum in the area, and a must-do if you have kids, as it is full of interactive exhibits and play stations.
And for art lovers, the North Carolina Museum of Art is huge with a great variety, and it also has a massive outdoor area with sculptures, attractions, and walking trails, which are popular spots for photography.
And bonus tip, when visiting the downtown museums, stop at the Morgan St or Transfer Co Food Halls nearby for some great food and drink options!
Parks
Next up, Raleigh’s parks are top notch.
There are so many I can’t name them all, but plan to spend time playing, walking, biking and more.
You’ll want to visit Pullen Park to ride the carousel and train, as it’s one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.
And make time to see the massive sunflower field in July at Dorothea Dix Park.
Hike the many trails of William B. Umstead Park, the 5,000 plus acre park in the middle of the city, and make sure you find the often photographed chainsaw log.
And take in the beautiful scenery on the Neuse River Greenway Trail as you can ride up to 26 miles straight along the river. Or better yet, take a kayak or tube down the river starting at the Falls Lake Dam.
Fantasy Lake
The next attraction is new to the area, as you have to visit Fantasy Lake in Rolesville. Located in a quarry used for Scuba Diving Training, which is still offered and highly recommended as well, the lake just added a floating adventure park.
You can spend hours testing your ninja warrior and wipeout skills, jumping off rock cliffs, kayaking, or just hanging out on the beach.
This place is so much fun, and a must do in the summer time.
Hurricanes Game
Moving into sports, you have to experience a Carolina Hurricanes NHL hockey game. And if you choose to only go to one game a year, try to go to a playoff game.
Raleigh loves the Carolina Hurricanes, and this passion along with our first love, tailgating, makes us the loudest house in the NHL. It gets so loud, and is so much fun to be a part of that atmosphere.
College Sports
Another great atmosphere stems from what Raleigh is really known for, College Sports. You have to experience a Duke / UNC basketball game, especially when both teams are ranked. The atmosphere is incredible, and it’s one of the most heated rivalries in all of sports.
And the NC State football games are a blast, especially when NC State and UNC play, which is a long standing rivalry. Go early and experience the tailgating, as Wolfpack fans go all out!
Durham Bulls Fireworks
Next up, make sure you make time to go to a Triple A Durham Bulls baseball game, especially on a night when they have fireworks.
The atmosphere is social and fun, as there are some fun places in and around the stadium to hang out, and a kids area behind right field.
But most Fridays and some Saturdays, the team shoots of a firework display in the outfield after the games that is surprisingly really good.
And while you’re in Durham, try out some of the amazing places to eat at the neighboring American Tobacco Campus.
Duke Gardens
Staying in Durham, Duke Gardens is an absolute MUST-DO in the spring, summer or fall. The massive garden is breathtaking, and is a great place for relaxing walks or to just hang out for an afternoon.
It’s also a very popular place for photography, and if you can time it right in the spring, the Cherry Blossoms lining the entrance are really cool to experience.
Breweries
Moving on, did you know that Raleigh has one of the best craft beer scenes in the country, which includes the largest craft beer festival as well? Did you also know that the Raleigh Beer Garden holds the world record for having the most beers on tap?
If you like craft beer, you have to go brewery hopping in Raleigh. There are breweries seemingly around every corner and everyone has their preference as to which is the best, but some of the more popular ones are Crank Arm Brewing, Trophy Brewing Company, Big Boss Brewing, Lynnwood Brewing Concern, and Funguys Brewing.
If you just want an incredible variety, go to the Raleigh Beer Garden, which at one point at nearly 400 beers on tap to earn the world record. They have a great variety.
And, every Spring, experience Brewgaloo, the country’s largest craft beer festival!
State Fair
Moving on, a great benefit of Raleigh being the capital city is the state fair heads our way each fall!
The state fair is such a fun time with plenty to see and do, and the food is absolutely incredible. Many people go just to try the new and creative food that comes along each year.
Concert at Red Hat Amphitheatre
Music wise, enjoying a concert at the Red Hat Amphitheatre is a lot of fun, as the venue is located in downtown Raleigh right behind the convention center’s famous LED screen.
While you have to go to the Coastal Credit Union Music park or the PNC Arena for major concerts, many mid-tier performances come to Red Hat’s venue and it’s a lot of fun.
Bonus tip here as well, in the winter time, they turn the theatre into an ice skating rink, which makes for a very scenic skate.
Friday Night on White in Wake Forest
Sticking with music, you need to experience Friday Night on White in downtown Wake Forest, which is one of Raleigh’s larger suburbs.
During the second Friday of every month between April and September, Wake Forest closes down their main downtown streets and sets up a stage for local acts to play in front of a pretty large crowd.
Enjoy local spins on classic songs while you either sit and relax, or dance along up front. And there are plenty of food trucks around as well as White St Brewing offering a variety of their craft beers.
Angus Barn at Xmas
I could keep going all day long, but I have to stop somewhere. You have to experience Christmas time at the Angus Barn, as it truly magical with its’ elaborate decorations.
Every year from mid-November through mid-January, the Angus Barn has its’ Christmas decorations up and let me tell you, they go ALL out.
It feels like your walking into the North Pole. But it is very popular, and you have to make reservations a year in advance, but we have had success going for early dinners in December and only waiting an hour or two.
While the food is pretty good, just the magical atmosphere makes this a must do during the winter.
I hope these top 12 things to do in Raleigh unlocked some new things for you to experience in the area! Check out our other blogs on the best parks in Raleigh NC and the top things to do in Cary NC!
If you need any real estate assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out as we would love to help you!
Please reach out via our contact information below:
Phone: 919-504-5265
Email: alison@thewgroupraleigh.com
Website: www.thewgroupraleigh.com
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Would you live in Apex, NC?
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#apexnc is one of those charming small towns that really feels like home. Located just outside of #raleighnc it does have that perfect mix of Southern hospitality and a community vibe.
Would you live in Apex, NC?
But every area has its pros and cons- comment “Apex” and I’ll send you the full list of things people love- and don’t love- about Apex.
#apexnc #raleighnc #carync #movingtoraleigh #northcarolina #thingstodoinraleigh
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📈 Since 2020, I successfully grew a Facebook group to 12,000 engaged members by consistently providing valuable content, fostering community interaction, and sharing local insights.
✅ This approach not only established me as a trusted expert in my area but also created a strong platform for networking and lead generation.
By nurturing relationships within the group and positioning myself as a go-to resource for real estate advice, I was able to convert buyer leads effectively, 💵 resulting in over $250 million in real estate sales.
This journey has transformed my business and solidified my reputation in the local market.
Want to learn more about how I did this? ➡️ Join my EXCLUSIVE Facebook Community.
Send me a DM for the link.
#realestateagent #realestatecoach #socialmediamarketing #socialmediamarketing #realestatecoaching
@postinowinecafe in the @shopvillagedistrict of #raleigh is a vibrant wine café that has quickly become a beloved spot.
Known for its inviting atmosphere and eclectic decor, @postinowinecafe offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern flair.
The menu showcases a selection of wines, complemented by a variety of artisanal bruschetta and shareable plates, making it a perfect place for social gatherings or cozy date nights!
With its outdoor seating and community-focused events, Postino captures the essence of the neighborhood, creating a welcoming environment where people can unwind and enjoy good food and great company.
Add @postinowinecafe on your to do list. It’s a must-visit destination in #raleighnc
@postinowinecafe in the @shopvillagedistrict of #raleigh is a vibrant wine café that has quickly become a beloved spot.
Known for its inviting atmosphere and eclectic decor, @postinowinecafe offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern flair.
The menu showcases a selection of wines, complemented by a variety of artisanal bruschetta and shareable plates, making it a perfect place for social gatherings or cozy date nights!
With its outdoor seating and community-focused events, Postino captures the essence of the neighborhood, creating a welcoming environment where people can unwind and enjoy good food and great company.
Add @postinowinecafe on your to do list. It’s a must-visit destination in #raleighnc
Spending an afternoon in Raleigh? Start with a delicious coffee from one of our local roasters, then take a stroll through Nash or Moore Square to soak up the City of Oaks feel. Next, take your pick of several popular museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History, both conveniently located along Fayetteville Street. You’ll also find the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Raleigh and Marbles Kids Museum, which offers interactive exhibits for families. Grab an afternoon bite at City Market (Vic’s Ristorante is one of the best spots in town for pizza) or head up to Beasley’s for southern fare. Walk by the historic State Capitol. Cap it all off by catching a breathtaking skyline view at The Dillon or 10th and Terrace and then winding down the evening with craft cocktails at the hidden speakeasy, The Greenlight.
Spending an afternoon in Raleigh? Start with a delicious coffee from one of our local roasters, then take a stroll through Nash or Moore Square to soak up the City of Oaks feel. Next, take your pick of several popular museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History, both conveniently located along Fayetteville Street. You’ll also find the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Raleigh and Marbles Kids Museum, which offers interactive exhibits for families. Grab an afternoon bite at City Market (Vic’s Ristorante is one of the best spots in town for pizza) or head up to Beasley’s for southern fare. Walk by the historic State Capitol. Cap it all off by catching a breathtaking skyline view at The Dillon or 10th and Terrace and then winding down the evening with craft cocktails at the hidden speakeasy, The Greenlight.
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Comment “diner” and I’ll send you more information about this unique spot in #raleigh
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Comment “diner” and I’ll send you more information about this unique spot in #raleigh
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
Plan your next date night at @viderichocolate in Raleigh’s Warehouse District. 💕This bean-to-bar destination offers a unique peek into the chocolate-making process, from roasting and grinding to molding. Enjoy in their organic, handcrafted chocolates on your next date night for a truly sweet experience. 🍫
Plan your next date night at @viderichocolate in Raleigh’s Warehouse District. 💕This bean-to-bar destination offers a unique peek into the chocolate-making process, from roasting and grinding to molding. Enjoy in their organic, handcrafted chocolates on your next date night for a truly sweet experience. 🍫
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Are you feeling drained by:
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❌ and a Silent Inbox … you’re not alone!
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🌟 Are you of pouring hours into content with little to show for it? 😩
Are you feeling drained by:
❌ Low Views
❌ Zero Engagement
❌ and a Silent Inbox … you’re not alone!
Many agents struggle with this. 💬 But what if you could flip the script?
👉 Now, imagine this:
✅ You wake up to messages from real leads reaching out, ready to work with you.
✅ You’ve built a thriving Facebook group that acts like a 24/7 lead funnel, connecting you with buyers and sellers who already trust you.
✅ No more guessing what to post or wasting hours on content that doesn’t deliver.
Instead of chasing leads, they come to you.
🎯 It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things.
💡 Let me help you turn your social media frustration into a system that brings in leads consistently and grows your business.
👉 Are you ready to stop posting aimlessly and start creating a strategy that actually gets you results?
🔥🔥 Let’s make it happen.
⬇️ Comment “Facebook” below and I’ll share information on a step by step guide on how I went from 0 sales to over $250 million in the last 5 years from this strategy ALONE!
#realestate #realestatemoms #realestateagent #realestatelife #realtor #coaching #realestatecoach #socialmediamarketing #socialmediaqueen