Whether you’ve lived here for 50 years or are visiting for the holidays, there are plenty of exciting activities + areas to explore in Raleigh. If you can find them. Instead of turning to Google this time, let your dedicated RALtoday City Editors offer up some alternatives to well-known spots.
Raleigh’s museums
Raleigh is known as the Smithsonian of the South for its 17 top-notch museums, most of which have free entry and are perfect for guests, a day off, or learning something new. But if you really want to learn about Raleigh, explore some local oddities + historical locations off the beaten path.
- Historic Yates Mill County Park: Explore the 18th century gristmill and native wildlife refuge.
- Pullen Park: Hop on the carousel at the fifth oldest amusement park in the US.
- Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park: Search for the cloud chamber, which is one of only 16 in the world and two in the US.
Iconic breweries
Raleigh is home to many craft brewers we know and love, but not everyone’s into our hoppy places. Try an upscale or casual cocktail bar for your next night out.
- In addition to high-quality cocktails, Bittersweet serves desserts like pies, cupcakes, and sundaes and is the perfect spot for an after-dinner nightcap.
- The folks behind Killjoy know a thing or two about non-alcoholic bevs, making it a perfect place for unwinding with or without alcohol.
- Watts & Ward has a speakeasy vibe and is centrally located so your night doesn’t have to end there.
All kinds of barbecue + Southern food
If you’re on the hunt for a good Raleigh restaurant, chances are you’re faced with a bevy of barbecue restaurants + spots slinging Southern comfort food with a twist. That being said, the Triangle is bursting with other award-winning options.
- Tamasha has been recognized for its beautiful interior — and the inventive Indian food is just as delicious + photogenic.
- Hear us out: Raleigh’s coffee shops are home to some of the best food and baked goods around.
- Although there’s no such thing as Raleigh-style pizza yet, the 40+ pie places in the area prove that we draw inspiration from everywhere, including New York- and Chicago-style ‘za.
