Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Family Attractions for Summer Visits ©Azul Photography We're Full of Ideas in Raleigh, N.C. There's an endless supply of trip-worthy things to do here. Raleigh's known for innovation, and this creative thinking leads to an incredibly diverse range of trip ideas for visitors. Visit Raleigh and its passionate locals are ready to share them! Right Now in Raleigh The Best Restaurants in Raleigh Right Now It's no secret that the City of Oaks has a supercharged food scene—food and travel media haven't been shy about "spilling the tea" on good eats in Raleigh in recent years. Some of the headlines? The Hottest Food City in the South; The Most Underrated Eats on the East... The Biggest Tourist Attraction in Raleigh In a city packed with world-class art, live music and leafy green parks, it might surprise you that Raleigh’s most-visited year-round attraction is all about ancient bones, wild weather and the mysteries of the natural world. The biggest tourist attraction in Raleigh—by... Icons and Institutions: Raleigh, N.C.'s Oldest Restaurants Legendary barbecue spots, old-school soda shops, a hot dog joint that's over 100 years old and more! The Raleigh, N.C., area is rooted in history (founded on Dec. 31, 1792, the City of Oaks is more than 230 years strong), and a host of the area's most celebrated... At Dix Park, Thomas Dambo's Trolls Have Arrived to a Rockstar Welcome Internationally acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo—known for his whimsical, larger-than-life troll sculptures crafted from recycled materials—has brought five towering trolls to life at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park Only one other location in the U.S., a park in Maine, is home... Not to brag, but the recent accolades for Raleigh's food scene say it all: One of America’s hottest food cities (Zagat); one of the most underrated food cities on the East Coast ( USA TODAY ); one of five surprising Southern food towns ( Garden & Gun ); and one of 12 global destinations to travel to thanks to our culinary prowess ( Forbes ). Good Eats in Raleigh Award-Winning Chefs and Restaurants in the Raleigh Area Widely regarded as the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards are a glittering showcase of America's brightest culinary talent. Given out annually since 1990 in a variety of chef and restaurant categories—from outstanding chef to best new bar—recognition from the Beard Awards is considered an incredible honor. They may be second to only the MICHELIN Guide when it comes to food and drink prestige in America. And although it took a while for the Beard Foundation to fully open their eyes to the incredible food coming from the City of Oaks, they did so just in time. Since 2008, the Raleigh area has accounted for more James Beard nominations (43) than any other destination in North Carolina. You can see the full list below of chefs and restaurants in the Raleigh area that have earned Beard recognition, but it's worth pointing out a few shining stars. Botiwalla Delivers Crave-Worthy Indian Street Food to Raleigh One of North Carolina’s most acclaimed chefs just landed in Raleigh, and the line out the door is evidence of just how excited locals are. Botiwalla, an Indian street food restaurant from Asheville-based chef Meherwan Irani, recently opened in the trending Raleigh Iron... A Guide to Rooftop Bars in Raleigh, N.C. Looking for a fun spot to spend a night on the town in Raleigh, N.C.? These bars, all with unique features and their own character, are some of the most popular, most loved-by-locals and sometimes most hidden-from-visitors places to grab a drink. The Best Ice Cream in the Raleigh Area The Raleigh area's agricultural background and vibrant artistic culture are together helping local chefs create unique spins on everyone's favorite summertime treat. With fresh and local ingredients such as milk from local grass-fed cows to ripe peaches and strawberries from the local farmers, Raleigh's ice cream makers are creating desserts you can't miss to the City of Oaks. Catch all the events and things to do around Raleigh! Raleigh, N.C., hosts thousands of events every year, including many enriching experiences for your visit. We've got the most music in N.C., a hopping collegiate and professional sports scene and a host of accolade-worthy, homegrown culinary and cultural festivities. Dates: September 19, 2026 Venue: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival Dates: October 1 - 3, 2026 Venue: Fayetteville St. and various venues in Raleigh Triangle Oktoberfest Dates: October 2 - 3, 2026 Venue: Koka Booth Amphitheatre Dates: October 16 - 18, 2026 Venue: Memorial Auditorium at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts Subscribe to Our Newsletter Sign up for visitRaleigh the E-magazine Visitor Information Center

Call us at 919.645.2677 or get helpful info here! Long known as a “city in a park,” Raleigh, N.C., continues to impress visitors with its lush environment and many offerings for outdoor recreation—more than 10,000 acres of parkland offer up kayaking gems, biking routes, running trails and wide open spaces to explore. The Great Outdoors in Raleigh Seven Outdoor Wonders of Raleigh Raleigh wears its nickname with pride. The City of Oaks is no stranger to great outdoor spaces—lush, lively and packed with places to play, wander and unwind. From sculpted gardens to wildflower fields, wooded trails to waterfront lounging, these wonders show off the... Neuse River Trail: One of America's Most Scenic Bike Rides The Neuse River Greenway Trail—a 30-mile paved, uninterrupted greenway that stretches from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the Wake County line in southeast Raleigh—is a year-round haven for outdoor recreation. With views of historic sites as well as winding boardwalk... Seven Peaceful Nature Preserves to Explore The great outdoors are still great. That statement rings true in the Raleigh area more than ever right now as the area's parks, greenways, lakes, favorite hammock spots and other outdoor spaces have been a welcome escape from homes, office buildings, cars and crowds... The Best Trails to Hike, Bike and Run There's no shortage of ways to find peaceful escapes in order to explore the outdoors in the City of Oaks. Use any of the Raleigh area’s 180 miles of greenways—many of them connecting to attractions and letting you travel all over the destination—or numerous other miles... Raleigh is home to seven different areas, each with their own personalities and stand-out things to do. Plus, there are 11 charming towns in the Raleigh area to explore! Explore the Raleigh area Downtown Raleigh Midtown Raleigh RDU/Brier Creek Morrisville/RTP Downtown Raleigh Historic neighborhoods, museums, Southern diners and global eats, green spaces, performance venues, breweries and nightlife spots work together to create one incredible, cultural hotspot. Steeped in history, East Raleigh continues to grow with historic neighborhoods, two distilleries, family-fun facilities and restaurants serving up delicious, down-home Southern food. Midtown Raleigh Includes four, different shopping, entertainment and dining areas all within a short drive—North Hills, Crabtree Valley, Village District and the Five Points neighborhood. Home to hundreds of restaurants, large retail stores, entertainment complexes, parks and recreation areas. Family entertainment is easy to find as well as fun, outdoor things to do RDU/Brier Creek Aptly named for its proximity to RDU International Airport, the area is home to hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail, restaurants, breweries and an array of family fun. Located just south of downtown, this area is one of the city’s most rapidly growing. With multiple parks, eateries and entertainment options, it's a great place to spend a day or stay. Boasts two-dozen live performance venues and visual art galleries, including the North Carolina Museum of Art! This hip, college-town drag also includes the N.C. State Fairgrounds and Lenovo Center. Celebrating its turn-of-the-century railroad heritage, the charming town of Apex features more than 60 commercial and residential structures dating from 1870 to 1940. One of the fastest-growing cities in the South, Cary is home to renowned restaurants, world-class shopping, top-tier entertainment, culture and arts and a range of outdoor experiences. Originally, visitors traveled to the quaint town seeking the healing powers of its mineral spring. Today the town remains a rewarding place for day-trip adventures or weekend getaways. Venture just 10 minutes from downtown Raleigh and check out Garner, an All-America City with unique amenities and a genuine, hometown authenticity. At its beginnings, travelers stopped by the area's springs to quench their thirst, and while that bit of history doesn’t continue today, visitors do stop to indulge in breweries and dining spots. Perfect for those seeking a welcoming, youthful culture, Knightdale boasts lots of parks and trails for the active-minded, a distillery plus a local-hangout, nano brewery. Morrisville/RTP A growing enclave known for its diversity, educated populace and cultural vibrancy. Includes excellent global dining, plus the local-favorite, indoor climbing spot Triangle Rock Club. As the second-oldest town in the Raleigh area, Rolesville’s roots run deep. Established in 1837, the town has held fast to its engaging, Southern charm. A beautiful small town with enough history, culture and activities to keep travelers entertained for days on end. Stroll through the charming, historic downtown district! Along Main St. and throughout historic downtown Wendell—on the National Register of Historic Places—vintage shops, dining spots and buildings display the architecture of our American heritage. Just 25 minutes from downtown Raleigh, Zebulon is a vibrant, welcoming community with activities ranging from sporting events (Carolina Mudcats baseball!) to down-home Southern dining.