Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Things to Do in Raleigh, NC
25
items I've lived in Raleigh for nearly two decades and watched the city grow like crazy. Here's where I would take visitors.
Map
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
I took my nephews here and they had a blast playing in the water. There is also a shaded bar and a dog park (that requires you to sign up – you can't just walk in). There's also a café and gift shop.
Downtown Cary Park
Over the last few years this park has exploded as a must-go destination.
Dix Park
Even if you don't go into the museum, walking the trails to look at the sculptures or just hanging out on the lawn can make for a great day. There are even otters in the pond!
Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park
I'm scared to recommend this one because I don't want it to be overrun. My dogs love this place. The fences are high enough that my pittie can't jump over (she has a six-foot vertical). There's a small dog park my little terror can run around in. Thi...
Baileywick Dog Park
This will be on every single Raleigh list. There aren't a ton of notable Raleigh views, but this one will always be on top.
Boylan Bridge (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (w/ Reviews & ...
This is my favorite paddle boarding spot. In the winter, the gate is closed so you have to park at the road and walk to get to the water, but it is a serene and beautiful trail. My dogs love it.
Falls Lake Dam
Restaurants
I eat. A lot.
IMHO, this is the closest to NY you will get in Raleigh. My favorite is a salt bagel with cream cheese and tomato slices. Don't expect the typical friend southern hospitality – they are way too busy for that. The line will often be out the door on we...
New York Bagels & Deli North Raleigh
This is an experience. It's very small but they have expanded to put tables in the hall. Get there right at opening to secure a seat. I recommend sitting at the sushi bar if you can.
Sushi Mon
It's a bit of a dive, but that makes it even better. There are no frills. The Super Sprout sandwich is my favorite.
Berkeley Cafe
This quick-service local chain stems from Mama Nori's. Rumor has it Mama Nori and her sons disagreed with the direction of the restaurant so the sons created Alpaca. The chicken is divine. The sides are heavenly. The daily specials are worth every pe...
Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken
If you ask anyone in Raleigh where the best pizza is, chances are they will tell you Oakwood Pizza Box. I can't really describe why it's just so dang good, it just is.
Oakwood Pizza Box
This started as a taco truck and quickly gained a huge following. Now they have expanded throughout the Triangle and we are all lucky they have. It is delicious.
Gym Tacos
This is a quick service restaurant that supports women experiencing homelessness. The kolaches are to die for – get the pepperoni pizza one.
Carroll's Kitchen
Other Food & Drinks
There's coffee! There's pastries! There's wine and beer and a bookstore! But most importantly, there is zero attitude. This is a local coffee shop with ample seating inside and outside (although inside does fill up quickly on the weekends). They chan...
NoRa Cafe
They have non-dairy options, waffle cones, and doggie ice cream. My favorite spot by far.
FRESH. Local Ice Cream
Pricey, but delicious. It's open until late afternoon each day and has a variety of sweet and savory pastries as well as coffee, and a few sandwiches.
lucettegrace
Arts & Entertainment
First, most sections are free. The exhibits change frequently and are lovely. It's very peaceful. There's also a café and coffee shop that has incredible food.
North Carolina Museum of Art
This is a local craft store with reasonable prices and a surprisingly wide selection of supplies. However, they really shine with their classes – they are so well-organized and fun.
Craft Habit
A museum for kids with tons of hands-on activities that sometimes has adult nights (which you should absolutely do). There's also an IMAX theater attached.
Marbles Kids Museum
Local Favorites
Ample parking, easy access, and plenty of indoor and outdoor vendors, as well as restaurants (which is really why people go).
State Farmers Market - Raleigh | NC Agriculture
You can easily spend the whole day here. Kids and adults will enjoy the many floors of dinosaurs, live animals, snakes and spiders, weather exhibits, and tons more. There's a quick-service restaurant with great food so you don't have to leave to hunt...
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
In fairness, I have a stall here. I love wandering through Painted Tree (both Raleigh and Cary) and could spend hours looking at everything. The handmade products are my favorite.
Painted Tree Boutiques - Raleigh
I love wandering through Deco. This is a local gift shop where you can find something for just about anyone. Many of the items are handmade or locally sourced. The sale rack is always my favorite.
Deco Raleigh
The owner is the sweetest person ever. The candles are truly amazing – I have never before found a candle with such a strong scent that lasts so long. Dame un Beso is my favorite.
Ky's Kandles
This is always interesting. Go in the spring when it's less hot. There's a wide variety of handmade items, vintage, household goods (that honestly are probably stolen), and garage sale everything. There is no fee to enter. Parking is also free. Bring...
The Raleigh Market