Last Updated on September 7, 2023
From museums to historic landmarks, and plenty of good food, if you’re in town to watch App State vs. UNC, you’ll love this list of things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Home to the Southeast’s largest history museum, The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences boasts three floors of exhibits, a gift shop, and even a spot to grab a bite.
Across three immersive floors of laboratories and exhibitions, the Nature Research Center provides an unparalleled opportunity to see science in action by watching museum researchers study the natural world in real time. In the Nature Exploration Center, exhibits and live animal displays reveal North Carolina’s rich natural habitats, wildlife, and geology, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
Marbles Kids Museum
Kids will lose their marbles over this museum. Dedicated to foster creativity, imagination, discovery and play, The Marbles Museum is located in the heart of Raleigh. Featuring a wide variety of special events, an IMAX theater, and tons of hands-on exhibits, this spot is perfect for younger kids.
State Farmers’ Market
Open 7 days a week, year-round, the State Farmers’ Market is home to more than 30,000 square feet. If home-grown is what you’re after, you’ll find it here, with a wide selection of produce, plants, and farm-fresh items. Looking for something unique for your home or a gift for a friend? At the Market Shoppes, you’ll find North Carolina-themed gifts, soaps, lotions, crafts, specialty meats, cheeses, and bakery items.
Pullen Park
Established in 1887, Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina and the fifth operating amusement park in the US! With tons of things to do, at Pullen Park you can rent pedal boats, take a spin on the carousel, go for a swim, see a play and more!
Morgan Street Food Hall
Looking to grab a bite to eat? Satisfy your cravings at the Morgan Street Food Hall. Not to be confused with a fast-food court, Morgan Street Food Hall features local eats from more than 20 home-grown restaurants, including Cow Bar, Raleigh Rolls, and The Bowls.
North Carolina State Capitol
While the capitol building is currently closed for repairs, guests are allowed to visit the grounds anytime they wish. Completed in 1840, the North Carolina State Capitol is National Historic Landmark and considered one of the best-preserved examples of a major civic building showcasing the Greek Revival style of architecture.
North Carolina Museum of Art
With an expansive art collection spanning more than 5,000 years, museum attendees will be consumed in culture when they visit the North Carolina Museum of Art. Adjacent to the museum is a 164-acre park where visitors can view art inspired by the natural world as they stroll through the impressive grounds. Both the museum and park are free.
