5 places to find peace + quiet in Raleigh

Escape noise pollution in places of solitude in the Triangle.

People looking at the Freedom Park beacon.

Nature is sometimes one of the best places to find peace and quiet.

Photo by RALtoday

Raleigh is an ever growing, bustling city with plenty of fun and food to go around. It even ranked No. 6 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of best places to live in 2024.

Not surprisingly, with all of the excitement that the city has to offer, it can get pretty noisy. Based on research conducted by Earth.FM, the City of Oaks ranked the No. 66 loudest city in the US.

Where can locals go when they need a moment of peace and quiet? According to Earth.FM, the City of Oaks has plenty to offer.

More than 15 places were identified and scored in and around the city for people looking to escape the impacts of noise pollution in a peaceful environment. Earth.FM’s methodology considered:

  • Reviews of the attractions that include words like “quiet,” “peaceful,” or “tranquil”
  • The average visitor rating at each location
  • The attraction’s popularity and how that impacts its peacefulness

Here are five of the best places to visit on your next quest for tranquility, ranked in order of their Quiet Scores.

  • Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden | 5.45/6 | Stop and smell the roses from dawn until dusk at this year-round garden.
  • Historic Yates Mill County Park | 4.91/6 | Enjoy a variety of outside activities from walking to fishing at this multi-use historic park.
  • Lake Johnson Park | 4.61/6 | Explore 100+ acres of nature filled with paths and water.
  • Umstead State Park | 4.26/6 | Take in the stroll-worthy trails while admiring the lakes and taking a rest at the picnic shelters if needed.
  • Neuse River Trail | 3.72/6 | Wander the 27.5-long trail and enjoy the sounds of Mother Nature along with scenic views, a boardwalk, and historical sights.
More from RALtoday
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.
Sponsored
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
For the first time since 1990, you can back the Pack in the NCAA men’s soccer finals — and it’s all happening in Cary.
If you’re a fan of real trees over artificial, this list is for you. We’re highlighting 10 local spots to pick up Christmas trees in Raleigh, including home delivery options, pre-flocked trees, and NC-famous Fraser firs.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
Hi Raleighite. It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
A grassroots effort is helping central NC properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.