From scenic parks and greenways to fascinating museums and vibrant cultural landmarks, it's easy to explore Raleigh without spending a dime. The area has long been known as a budget-friendly getaway destination, often dubbed the "Smithsonian of the South," thanks to an abundance of free museums, historic attractions and educational institutions. Whether you're visiting one of our world-class museums or embracing nature, Raleigh, N.C., offers natural beauty and rich culture without breaking the bank.

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

Take part in skyline picnics and sunrise yoga classes at Dorothea Dix Park

With an expansive 308 acres at the edge of downtown Raleigh, Dorothea Dix Park offers beautiful rolling hills, massive shade trees and top-notch views of the city skyline. Open to the public from dawn to dusk; the park hosts a range of outdoor activities — sunset watching, hammocking, bike riding, soccer matches, picnics, yoga and more (including a regular schedule of events and festivals). Housed within a restored 100-year-old cottage, the visitor center opened in 2024. This spring, Gipson Play Plaza, an 18-acre adventure playground and picnic area, is opening to the public as one of the state's best new family-friendly attractions.

Date-night add-ons: Vita Vite; Wine and Design; The Haymaker

Visit one of the world's oldest amusement parks at Pullen Park

Established in 1887 and designated as the first public park in N.C., Pullen Park sits nestled between downtown Raleigh and the North Carolina State University (NC State) campus. Among the world's oldest amusement parks, Pullen is known for terrific recreational opportunities for kids and families alike. The grounds include an operating carousel built in 1911, a train you can ride through the park, pedal boats to move around Lake Howell and an innovative performing arts venue, Theatre In The Park.

More family-friendly attractions: John Chavis Memorial Park and Community Center; Historic Oak View County Park

Make time for playtime at Downtown Cary Park

This seven-acre, state-of-the-art play space for all ages opened in the heart of downtown Cary in late 2023. From places for views (the elevated Skywalk) to places for brews (beer at The Bark Bar, coffee at Market 317), the park acts as the anchor of a fast-growing, easily walkable downtown area that has become a popular destination for visitors. Check the park's calendar for fitness classes, movie nights, free concerts, public art walks and so much more (in addition to the year-round Cary Downtown Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings). 

Make a weekend of it: Mayton Inn; La Farm Bakery; The Cary Theater; Hank's Downtown Dive

Tackle hikes or ride bikes at William B. Umstead State Park

One of N.C.'s most-visited state parks, William B. Umstead State Park, remains a peaceful getaway thanks to its sheer size with over 5,000 acres of forest, trails and lakes. With 13 miles of multi-use trails that follow a series of rolling hills (perfect for horseback riding, jogging and cycling) and 22 miles of dedicated hiking trails, this is a must-hit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Also recommended: Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve; Lake Crabtree County Park; Neuse River Greenway Trail

Stop and smell the flowers at JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State

Stroll through 10 acres of floral beauty at this nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants. With more than 5,000 plants collected from all over the world on display, you can catch blooms any time of the year. Nearly 20 different gardens can be explored, each with a unique theme and space, including a Japanese garden, a butterfly garden, a rooftop terrace filled with heat-tolerant plants and more.

Also recommended: Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden; WRAL Azalea Gardens

INDOOR HAPPENINGS

Explore 300,000 square feet of science and nature at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS)

NCMNS delights, entertains and educates nearly a million visitors annually with fascinating exhibits about the natural world. The museum's four floors are divided into the Nature Exploration Center (where you'll find the Terror of the South) and the Nature Research Center, an unmistakable architectural icon. The museum regularly hosts lectures, discussions and live scientific programs, among other events. Enjoy family-friendly, educational movies inside the SECU Daily Planet, a 70-foot diameter globe that doubles as a three-story theater and immerse yourself in film at the WRAL 3D Theater in the Nature Exploration Center. In the spring of 2024, the museum opened “Dueling Dinosaurs,” a groundbreaking permanent exhibit that puts one of the most significant dinosaur fossils ever discovered on full display.

Good eats nearby: Centro; Element Gastropub; Taverna Agora; Longleaf Swine

Spend a morning, a day or a night at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)

One of the most cherished indoor and outdoor spaces in all of Raleigh, the NCMA is one of the premier visual arts museums of the South. Aside from two buildings filled with galleries, educational studios and special exhibitions, the 164-acre outdoor Museum Park is the biggest of its kind in America, featuring surfaced and unpaved trails, flexible seating and event spaces, a bikeshare station and an amphitheater that hosts live music and movies in the warmer months. Permanent collections at the museum include ancient Egyptian and African works, renowned European Old Master paintings, South and Central American art, Judaic works and innovative contemporary art. In the West Building, you'll find the Southeast's largest collection of sculptures by Auguste Rodin, the museum gift store and NCMA Café.

Also recommended: CAM Raleigh; Artspace

Discover new history at the North Carolina State Capitol

Located in what was originally the exact middle of Raleigh, this National Historic Landmark was first built in 1796. A catastrophic fire destroyed the building in 1831, and the current structure was completed in 1840. Today, the governor, lieutenant governor and their staff occupy offices on-site, and the building continues to be used for official state business, including bill signings, press conferences and historic commemorations. Each year, more than 100,000 visitors participate in free tours, educational programs and events at the Capitol in downtown Raleigh.

Also recommended: City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum); Pope House Museum; Joel Lane Museum House; Historic Oakwood Cemetery

Tour the library of the future at Hunt Library

Said by some to be one of the most advanced libraries in the world, the James B. Hunt Library was built to reflect NC State's status as a preeminent technological research university. Bold and iconic, the library's architectural design strikes a unique presence with its intriguing design of glass and zigzagging, solar fins. Inside, be dazzled by technological wonders like curved digital display screens, touchscreen kiosks and bookBot — a subterranean robot programmed to fetch books from the 1.5 million housed in an underground storage facility.

Outdoor add-ons (just across the street): Lonnie Poole Golf Course; Lake Raleigh

Media and Trade Contact:
Visit Raleigh
Jessica Holt
Director of Public Relations & International Tourism
1.919.645.2654
jholt@visitRaleigh.com