The largest natural science museum in the Southeast, with four floors of dinosaurs, live animals, working research labs, and the jaw-dropping Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit. A true Raleigh gem that visitors consistently call a must-see.

Home to an extraordinary collection spanning ancient Egyptian to contemporary art, plus a 164-acre outdoor museum park with trails, sculptures, and open lawns. One of the highest-rated attractions in the entire state.

Over 5,500 acres of pristine forest just minutes from RDU airport. Miles of hiking and biking trails through full-canopy mixed forests, with wildlife, creeks, and a true escape from city life. Raleigh’s outdoor crown jewel.

A massive, free museum covering 14,000 years of North Carolina history across multiple floors. From colonial life to the civil rights movement, live demonstrations to hands-on exhibits — easy to spend an entire day here.

The oldest public park in North Carolina features the state’s oldest carousel, a beloved train ride, paddle boats, playgrounds, and beautifully maintained grounds. A magical spot for families and a true piece of Raleigh history.

An endlessly imaginative children’s museum in the heart of downtown, with hands-on play zones for every age — from a pretend town to water play to science and engineering exhibits. Plus an IMAX theater. Beloved by families from across the region.

A spectacular 308-acre urban park with sweeping Raleigh skyline views, a sunflower field, a dog park, and the famous giant Thomas Dambo trolls hidden throughout the trails. A unique, one-of-a-kind park experience that visitors rave about.

A stunning example of Greek Revival architecture completed in 1840, still serving as North Carolina’s working state capitol. Free self-guided tours reveal the state library, geology room, and legislative chambers. Surrounded by impressive monuments and sculpture gardens.

Home of the acclaimed North Carolina Symphony, this downtown performing arts complex hosts world-class concerts, opera, ballet, and Broadway-style productions throughout the year. A cultural anchor for the entire Triangle region.

164 acres of outdoor art integrated into native North Carolina landscape — meadows, forests, ponds, and playgrounds, with large-scale sculptures woven throughout. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or peaceful hike just west of downtown.

Raleigh’s oldest surviving plantation house and birthplace of President Andrew Johnson. Guided tours bring the antebellum South to life. The park also hosts popular ghost tours, special seasonal events, and is considered one of Raleigh’s most historically significant sites.

Downtown Raleigh’s beloved mid-size music venue with one of the best sound systems in the city. Multi-level layout with standing GA downstairs and seating upstairs. Intimate enough to feel close to the artist, with an eclectic lineup spanning all genres.

A beautifully preserved 18th-century gristmill set alongside a scenic pond and forest trails south of Raleigh. Perfect for photography, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Popular for graduation and family photo shoots, and just a short walk from Howling Cow Creamery.

One of Raleigh’s best-kept secrets — a pedestrian overlook with a panoramic view of the downtown skyline, freight rail lines, and the warehouse district below. Especially stunning at night. A favorite for photographers and anyone wanting a unique urban vantage point.

North Carolina’s stunning Victorian governor’s mansion, open for guided public tours by reservation. Beautifully decorated during the holiday season with special open-house events. A rare chance to see the inside of an active official residence — worth planning around.