Great spots to work outside in Raleigh

You’ve got a big presentation due… and a big pile of laundry taunting you. We get it — working from home can be a mixed blessing. There are days when a change of scenery is a must if you’re going to get anything done. The good news? Research shows that tackling your tasks al fresco actually helps boost productivity .

Finding places to work outside in the City of Oaks was at the top of our to-do list, so can we just say? Check.

For that caffeine fix

Caffeine reigns supreme if you have a latte work to finish. Put on your favorite playlist and get to it.

Black & White , 327 W. Davie St.
Monday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially

Grab a coffee and chocolate pick-me-up before heading outside to the cafe’s patio located under a canopy of trees.

Fiction Coffee , 4509 Creedmoor Rd., Ste. 104
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No

This spot has a large, wrap-around patio. Bonus: If you have a meeting, step inside to use the cafe’s mini conference room.

The Morning Times , 10 E. Hargett St., Raleigh
Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No

People watch in downtown with a cold brew in hand and enjoy a cheeseburger and pickle chips from The Raleigh Times Bar on your lunch break.

The Optimist , 1000 Brookside Dr., Ste. 109, Raleigh
Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No

Walk past the baristas to find a large, outdoor patio behind the cafe.

Bonus: Raleigh has countless patios and coffee shops — bookmark our guides for more options.

Parks and public spaces

It’s hard to beat fresh air when you want to think clearly. Set up a picnic blanket or head to your favorite picnic table — just don’t forget to charge your devices and bring your own hotspot.

Dix Park , 1030 Richardson Dr.
Monday-Sunday, dawn to dusk
Restrooms: Indoor restrooms are located at the Chapel Event Center during visitor hours.
Covered: No, covered shelters available

From picnic tables and hammocks to sprawling fields, this park has plenty of space to set up shop.

Fred Fletcher Park , 820 Clay St.
Monday-Sunday, dawn to dusk
Restrooms: No
Covered: No, covered shelters available

Find a serene spot to work among this park’s 21 acres. Pro tip: Look for outlets in the walls around the amphitheater.

Midtown Park , 4011 Cardinal North Hills St.
Open 24 hours
Restrooms: No
Covered: No

Bring a blanket to lounge on this centrally located green space near eateries like Jubala and Happy + Hale.

NCMA , 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh
Monday-Sunday
Restrooms: Yes, available at The Welcome Center
Covered: No

Work at tables in the museum’s courtyard, set up by the East Cafe, or wander over to the vast Museum Park to work near your favorite sculpture.

Union Station Plaza , 510 W. Martin St.
Open 24 hours
Restrooms: No
Covered: No

In the fall, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance usually turns this space into a outdoor office with tables, chairs, wifi, plugs, and more.

Bonus: Looking for more parks to work in? Check out 30+ of our favorites .

Restaurants and bars

At these fine establishments, the patio is the way to go — especially when the Raleigh weather is at its best. Order some food and drinks to fuel your focus.

Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard , 1930 Wake Forest Rd.
Monday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes

Grab a piece of pizza (or two) and grab a seat under the bowstring-truss or head to the Yard for even more space; the Yard has separate guest wifi access.

Bull City Ciderworks , 210 E. Chatham St., Cary
Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No

Sip ciders (we love the cider slushies on a hot day) and snack on bites from local food trucks, and stay for trivia, watch parties, or improv.

East Bower Cider Company , 2020 Progress Ct. Ste. 160
Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No

Work on Raleigh’s first cidery’s spacious outdoor space with a crisp bev.

Morgan Street Food Hall , 411 W. Morgan St., Raleigh
Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday +Saturday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes

Take your pick of 19 food vendors and enjoy the spacious dog-friendly covered patio.

Raleigh Beer Garden , 614 Glenwood Ave.
Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially

You’re almost guaranteed to see plenty of pups on one of the many porches, plus you can sip on a brew while you work.

STIR Raleigh , 4242 Six Forks Rd.
Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes

Kick off happy hour early with a cocktail — and your laptop — on this North Hills patio.

Vita Vite , 200 Park at North Hills St., Ste. 130
Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially

Unwind at the wine bar and get inspired by local art.

Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing , 201 S. Boylan Ave.
Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes

Covered: Yes

Delicious small plates and an optimal view of the city? Check.

Practical amenities

The Loading Dock: Dock 1053 , 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh
Monday-Friday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes

This dog-friendly coworking space has lots of outdoor seating around its patio. Plus, it usually has cold brew, beer, or kombucha on tap. This spot is membership-based.

The Loading Dock: Prince Hall , 216 E. Lenoir St.
Monday-Friday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No

Work on this rooftop deck with a view or in the spacious backyard garden and utilize resources like high-speed wifi, a kitchen, and a printer and copier. This spot is membership-based.

Psst... check out our list of coworking spaces .

• Photo by The Loading Dock

When your workday is a little stressful

Dose Yoga , 415 N. Harrington St.
Monday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: No
Covered:No

Send your last few emails on the smoothie bar’s patio before heading inside to decompress with a hot vinyasa flow.

Purr Cup Cafe , 210 Prospect Ave.
Wednesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: No
Covered: No

This cat cafe’s patio has tables, umbrellas, and plants. Make a reservation to visit the kitties on your break.