Explore Raleigh, NC

Things To Do In Raleigh, NC

Modern technology meets a rich cultural history. This is the essence of Raleigh, NC a blossoming Southern city on the forefront of innovation with deep roots in art, food, architecture and so much more.

When you visit Raleigh, NC you feel an energy that reminds you of a big city, but with the warmth and charm of your hometown. We want to be the first stop on your journey, welcoming you with luxurious rooms and suites and on-site amenities. Unpack and explore Raleigh’s rich bounty of cultural attractions and things to do.

North Carolina State University

NC State University

Are you visiting with a prospective student? Are you an alumni coming back for homecoming weekend? Exploring the largest four-year institution in North Carolina might take some time, but it’s well worth it. From NCAA games to the Centennial Campus to the historical Holladay Hall, the StateView Hotel is conveniently located to provide easy access to all NC State University has to offer. Book a guided visit or explore on your own – our staff can point you to the most historic, iconic, and unique places on the NCSU campus.

PNC Arena North Carolina

PNC Arena

If you’ve never been to a National Hockey League game, your Raleigh visit is the perfect time. Carolina Hurricane fans are as passionate as they are polite, and soon you’ll be on your feet cheering the next goal along with the rest of the crowd! A wide range of performances takes place at Raleigh’s PNC Arena as well. From headliners like Taylor Swift to family events like Disney on Ice, the PNC Arena bring world-class entertainment to the City of Oaks.

Coastal Credit Union Music Park

Coastal Credit Union Music Park

When was the last time you stared up at a starry night sky, surrounded by good friends and music from your favorite band? It’s time to recreate that moment with a visit to Coastal Credit Union Music Park. From Weezer to Zac Brown Band to Journey, you’ll find your favorites old and new delivering electric performances throughout the year. Check the iconic amphitheater’s outdoor concert calendar and you won’t be disappointed!

North Carolina Museum of Art

North Carolina Museum of Art

As the first major museum formed by state legislation and funding, NC Museum of Art is no stranger to breaking new ground. With over 40 galleries and a dozen major artworks, admission to the permanent collection is free and is a must-see for all Raleigh visitors.

Carter Finley Stadium, NCSU

Carter Finley Stadium

Get tickets to the next NC State Wolfpack game and see for yourself how they earned the name! With seating for more than 57,000 die-hard fans, Carter Finley Stadium is the home of NCSU’s legendary football program. Whether you’re a loyal Wolfpack fan or traveling to cheer on the visiting team, you’ll quickly get caught up in the buzz of energy that reverberates throughout the stadium on game day.

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

The exciting North Carolina State Fair runs for 10 days in October, but don’t fret if you missed it – there are plenty more events taking place on the state fairgrounds throughout the year. Flea markets, horse shows, Christmas celebrations, car auctions – you name it, the fairgrounds has it!

Raleigh, North Carolina, Downtown Skyline

Downtown Dining

With more than 165 restaurants and bars, Raleigh consistently ranks in top 10 places to live. It’s also one of the top 10 cities for beer lovers and is ranked sixth out of the 100 most adventurous cities in America. Sound like a fun time? We think so.

Buildings in Raleigh, North Carolina

Downtown Shopping

With more than a dozen art galleries and endless furniture, clothing, and antique boutiques, you’ll never run out of places to shop in downtown Raleigh. Ask the front desk staff for their insider, local recommendation, and you’ll be living like a local in downtown Raleigh!

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Visit the incredible North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences located in the heart of Raleigh. Not only is this building an architectural beauty, but what’s housed inside is fun and educational for all walks of life. Their permanent exhibits include Prehistoric North Carolina, Snake of North Carolina, Tropical Connections, and an Arthropod Zoo. Make NC Museum of Natural Sciences and full day adventure, grabbing lunch at one of their two cafes and finishing the day with a trip to the Museum Store. Fun fact: NC Museum of Natural Sciences is also a research center!

JC Raulston Arboretum in NC

JC Raulston Arboretum

JC Raulston Arboretum is one of the Southeast largest gardens and is part of North Carolina State University. The arboretum includes 18 breathtaking gardens including a Japanese Garden, Butterfly Garden, and Color Trials Garden. Each are unique to the arboretum and are free for the public to enjoy. JC Raulston Arboretum offers free guided tours of the grounds every Sunday from March through October. The Arboretum is located next to the North Carolina State Fairgrounds and is open daily (hours vary based on season).

Woman at Raleigh Farmers Market

Raleigh Farmers Market

Enjoy the fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and unique crafts at the Raleigh Farmers Market. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 5 am to 6 pm. and on Sundays from 8 am to 6 pm In the Farmers Building you will find fresh produce and plants. The Market Shoppes are a 15,000 square foot space with vendors selling fresh cheese, meats, baked goods, crafts, and more! Raleigh Farmers Market also features 3 restaurants: Market Grill, Seafood Restaurant, and State Farmers Market Restaurant.

Red Hat Amphitheater Downtown Raleigh

Red Hat Amphitheater

If you’re in the mood for live entertainment head over to the Red Hat Amphitheater. Located in the heart of downtown you’ll find an open stage, seats, and the gorgeous Raleigh skyline. This amphitheater offers a number of ways to experience the show including lawn seating, traditional seating, and premium box seating. Food and beverage service is available for premium boxes as well as a VIP area. Upcoming and past concerts have included Death Cab For Cutie, Vampire Weekend, and Greta Van Fleet.

Bridge Over Lake in Pullen Park

Pullen Park

Pullen Park is a local favorite in the downtown Raleigh area. This beautiful 66-acre property features rides, a cafe, a theatre, covered picnic areas, fields, playgrounds and more. Bring the family to enjoy a day in Pullen park filled with carousel rides, kiddie boat rides, and live performances at the children’s amphitheater. You can even enjoy lunch from he Pullen Place Cafe. The cafe serves up seasonal soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with festival fare like hot dogs and nachos!

Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh NC

Marbles Kids Museum

Marbles is just for kids and adopted a play-losophy of educating through playing. This museum features exhibits for all ages including toddlers (Toddlers Hollow is woodland themed with interactive play)! Splash around at the Splash exhibit and learn all about the ocean or catch a few rays at the Sun Sprouts exhibit. Here kids will really get their hands dirty while learning all about gardening. Marbles also features an IMAX theater, cafe and a corner store.

Lake Raleigh, North Carolina

Lake Raleigh

Step outside, breathe in the fresh North Carolina air, and Raleigh’s best outdoor activities. Located in the backyard of the StateView Hotel, the picture-perfect Lake Raleigh offers a serene setting for a scenic stroll, calm waters for canoeing and kayaking, and great public fishing areas. Take a quiet morning walk alongside Lake Raleigh the Centennial Greenway, where you’ll find picturesque views, paved walkways, and exercise station.

William B. Umstead State Park Hiking

William B. Umstead State Park

For an immersive outdoor experience, don’t miss the 6,000-acre William B. Umstead State Park, located just 20 minutes from the StateView Hotel. With gorgeous hiking trails, shady picnic areas, and rowboat rentals, Umstead State Park offers some of Raleigh’s best outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

Foliage at Durant Nature Preserve

Durant Nature Preserve

The Durant Nature preserve is 237 acres of natural Raleigh Beauty. This preserve offers 5 miles of trails to hike or mountain bike, 3 covered picnic areas, a volleyball court, and playground. Durant is open daily from 7:00 am to dusk, the property also features a serene lake and stream to hike along. If you’d like to hike with your furry friend, be sure to keep him/her on a leash at all times.

Neuse River Greenway Trail Raleigh, NC

Neuse River Greenway Trail

The Neuse River Greenway Trail is part of the Mountains-to-Sea trail and CApital Area Greenway System. This trail offers 27.5 miles of paved path (some bodwark and suspension bridges) through the gorgeous greenery of Raleigh, NC. Along this route you will encounter many families enjoying a walk on the north end of this trail, and the further south you head the more secluded it becomes. The Neuse River Greenway Trails’ difficulty is rated as easy.

Hikers at Swift Creek Bluff Nature Preserve

Swift Creek Bluff Nature Preserve

Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve is a small 23 acre preserve with some quick but scenic trails for hikers. This property features 5 trails including Stairway to Heaven Trail, Speight Branch Greenway, Swift Creek Loop Train, Creek Trail, and Swift Creek Greenway. Speight Branch Greenway and Swift Creek Greenway are the two longest trails at 1.3 miles, the other trails are 0.6 miles or less. Don’t let the short trails fool you, you can expect to see a ton of wildlife and native plants at this preserve.

Shelley Lake Park, Raleigh NC

Shelley Lake Park

Shelley Lake Park is a beautiful park with 2 miles of paved trails. The lush greenway takes you around the lake making for a refreshing walk or run. If you’d like to take your furry friend with you to Shelley Lake be sure they are leashed at all times. On this scenic trail you will be able to enjoy the views of the lake and native birds like eagles, geese, mallards and more.

Dog walking on Lake Lynn Trail

Lake Lynn Trail

Lake Lynn Park offers an easy to moderate 2.6 mile loop to walk or hike. This trail is paved (some areas are boardwalks) with beautiful Raleigh greenway to enjoy along the way. Dogs are allowed in this park as long as they are leashed. During your trip to Lake Lynn Park you can expect to see wildlife like herons, turtles, geese, ducks and more.

Lonnie Poole Golf Course Raleigh, NC

Lonnie Poole Golf Course

Does the name Arnold Palmer sound familiar? How would you like to break out the clubs for a casual round on a golf course designed by the legend himself? For most golf enthusiasts, this is a dream come true! With sweeping views of the Raleigh skyline, you’ll drive and putt the best you ever have in your life. It’s just a matter of time until you go pro, especially if you have the chance to practice on a course of this caliber. The best part? It’s right outside our hotel doors. Pack your clubs!

River Ridge Golf Club Raleigh, NC

River Ridge Golf Club

River Ridge offers a unique landscape designed by Chuck Smith, for seasoned golfers to enjoy. Take in the rolling hills of Raleigh, as you make your way through 18 holes. The lush Bermuda greens are accompanied by marsh, lakes, and large rocks making this course a challenge to enjoy. Rates vary based on day and time, but special rates are offered to seniors, students, juniors, public safety personnel.

Raleigh Golf Association, NC

Raleigh Golf Association

The Raleigh Golf Association offers a public golf course for residents and visitors to the area. 18 of their 27 holes are open to the public, while 9 of the holes are private for members. Throughout the year RGA offers contest and tournaments, as well as lessons and clinics. Their rates vary based on time and day, be sure to check out their website for the most up-to-date rules and rates.

Wildwood Green Golf Club, Raleigh NC

Wildwood Green Golf Club

If you’re looking for a course for all skill levels with a serene landscape you’ll want to schedule a tee time at Wildwood Green Golf Club. Wildwood Green features a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, wetland, and wooded area as you make your way through this 18 hole course. Rates do vary based on weekday and weekend availability, and discounts are offered to juniors and seniors (with the exception of weekend play).