I’m going to start off by telling you why this is page is Fun. I created this page for two reasons. First I want to let people know seven of the most awesome and fun things to do when they are visiting Raleigh but also to compete with Raleigh’s official tourism website VisitRaleigh.com on Google search. I’m trying to see where I can get this page to rank, but I’m pretty confident I can get front page on Google if you’ll help me out a little. So, after you read our 7 suggestions, if you liked our suggestions on this page please click one of the like or share buttons at the bottom of this page. It will actually help out a lot. Thanks!!! 🙂
Seven things to do when you visit Raleigh!
1. Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art:
The NCMA is one of North Carolina’s best museums. It consists of two separate buildings with an outdoor museum park. The main exhibits are FREE but if they have a temporary exhibit open it may cost $10-$20 depending on the exhibit. But if you have an hour or two to kill and you enjoy different types of art you will surely love this place!
2. Eat at The Mecca Restaurant in Downtown Raleigh:
Mecca is a staple of Downtown Raleigh. This place has an awesome story! The food is good ole fashioned home cooking and the people are that work here are so nice. You have to try this place if you’re in the Downtown Raleigh area. Don’t fall for all the bright lights and snazzy names at so many of the other downtown restaurants. Try Mecca!!
3. Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences:
This is the largest museum of science in the south eastern part of the country. It takes a couple hours to walk around and really explore everything it offers but you’ll be glad you did. Kids really love this place and adults can usually find something cool too. They have a eat in diner/cafe that has really good cookies. haha One of my favorite parts of this museum is the “Butterfly Exhibit” aka the Living Conservatory. Full for people of all ages.
4. Visit Pullen Park:
Pullen park is the first public park in North Carolina, the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the US and 16th oldest in the world. Pullen park offers quite a few fun things to do. There is a miniature train that tours the park, a carousel and paddle boats when it’s in season. But it’s a beautiful place to walk around and explore with children.
5. Visit Historic Yates Mill Pond:
Yates Mill Park is a 174 acre wildlife refuge. A key point to make is that dogs aren’t allowed. This park is mostly known for being the home to the only water powered mill in Wake County. At one time there were over 70 mills but this is the only one still standing. There is a one mile trail that circles the pond and it’s an easy and enjoyable stroll. This place is small but the amount of beauty you can find here is humongous. Sorry just wanted to use that word. But yeah, this place is a gem.
6. Visit the Boylan Street Bridge:
The Boylan Street Bridge doesn’t have a website (I think) but it’s the spot that most of Raleigh’s skyline photos are taken, however small it may be. During the day you can see all of downtown and when the sun is setting you can see it reflecting off the buildings and it’s a nice little sight. At night, when the weather is nice it can be pretty romantic. There’s a bar right next to the bridge. I’ve never eaten or drank anything there but most my friends say the only thing they really offer is the view. So maybe try some sweet tea and some onion rings?
7. Visit JC Raulston Arboretum:
The arboretum is maintained by NC State University. GO PACK!! But it’s a nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants. When the weather is nice they do tours at 2pm on Sunday. Check their calendar and see if you can take a tour. If you can’t make a tour just walk around. It’s a beautiful place to relax. If you want to bring a book and lay out on the grass or under a tree and let time pass you bye, this is the the place to be!
Summary
I hope you enjoyed my recommendations for what to do when you’re visiting Raleigh. And please like and share this page so I can improve my Google search ranking!!! haha Thanks!!! 🙂