There is no shortage of things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina. From bars and breweries to kids' museums and hiking trails, the Tar Heel State's capital city – one of the fastest growing in the United States! – has a little something for everyone. But with so many things to choose from, it can be hard to know which things to do are the best things to do in Raleigh.
So in this post, we are diving into everything good and fun in the City of Oaks. And I am sharing with you the very best things to do in Raleigh.
This post is all about the best things to do in Raleigh.
The Best Things To Do in Raleigh
Things To Do Downtown
1. Attend an event or festival.
One thing I love about downtown Raleigh is that there always something going on. So if you're in the mood to do something – but you don't know what – chances are there's a festival or something going on downtown. (Especially if you head on to the Fayetteville Street area.)
2. Explore downtown by foot.
North Carolina's capital city isn't too big, so you can pretty much see everything in 2-3 hours. On your foot tour, here are some places I'd recommend checking out.
And if you're willing to drive just a teeny, tiny bit outside the city limits – like, literally, 2 minutes – you should check out the Boylan Bridge, which is known for having the best skyline view in all of Raleigh.
Booze-Related Things To Do in Raleigh
3. Bar crawl your way across downtown.
If you're a bar-lover, you're surely enjoy a downtown Raleigh bar crawl. With more than fifty (that's 5-0!) bars located within the city's perimeter, bar crawling downtown Raleigh is an easy way to fill an entire day. Uber-ing Home: Recommended!
4. Check out one of Raleigh's many breweries.
But if you're more of a brewery person, here's some good news: There are over 40 breweries spread out across the Raleigh area, so you'll have zero trouble finding one.
5. Grab a drink (or two or three) at the record-holding Raleigh Beer Garden.
A three-time Guiness World Record Holder, the Raleigh Beer Garden is always a good time for beer enthusiasts. With more than 350 beers on the Beer Garden's rotating tap, there's something for everyone. And even if you're not a beer person (I get it – it's super heavy), they've also got lots of tasty snacks on the menu, as well as cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic options, too.
6. Take a trip out to ZincHouse (Raleigh's resident winery).
Wine-o's this one's for you. Visiting ZincHouse – Raleigh's one and only winery – is a must for your trip. While Zinc can get a little pricy (and it's a bit of a hike if you're staying downtown), the trip out there is 163% worth it.
credit: Mark Stebnicki
Outdoorsy Things To Do in Raleigh
7. Attend a Show at Red Hat Amphitheater.
Typically, tickets are relatively inexpensive. However, once you're in the gates, be ready to spend a pretty penny. (On our last trip there, I think I spent like $30 on two White Claws.)
8. Get your steps in at one of Raleigh's trails, parks, or greenways.
If you're looking to do something outdoors – and the weather permits – Raleigh has tons of trails, parks, and greenways to choose from. I've included some of my personal favorites below.
9. Shop local at the State Farmers Market.
If wholesome activities are your thing, you'd enjoy a trip to the State Farmers Market. Located just south of downtown, you'll find dozens and dozens of local vendors here, selling everything from knickknacks to fresh-brewed coffee to Venus fly traps to home-cooked pastries to yard sculptures. It's also a great place to pick up a locally-made souvenir if you're visiting from out of town.
credit: Gene Gallin
Indoorsy Things To Do in Raleigh
10. Attend an event at the Lenovo Center.
Previously known as PNC Arena, the Lenovo Center is home to the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State Wolfpack. This is also where you catch comedy shows, concerts, Disney on Ice, etc.
11. Play at DriveShack.
While DriveShack itself isn't unique to Raleigh, it's one of the more fun things to do in the area. Depending on how large your group is, it's not super expensive to rent a bay, either.
12. Throw some axes.
The concept/combination of drinking while throwing axes is always an interesting one – but it's fun, nonetheless. (And oddly cathartic when you have some steam to blow off.) Throwing axes also makes for an exceptionally fun outing with a group of friends. So if this sounds like you're kind of thing, I'd recommend heading on over to the Morgan Street Food Hall, booking a lane at Epic Axes, and getting to it!
13. Visit a museum.
Museums aren't really my thing, but if they're yours, Raleigh has quite a few to pick from. Here are some of the more popular ones. (The Museum of Natural Sciences is my personal favorite.)