The state's art collection spans more than 5,000 years with over 4,353 objects from ancient Egypt to the present, making the NCMA one of the premier art museums in the South.

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the Museum Park open daily from dawn to dusk. Free general admission.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum, complete with its Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center, with four floors of exhibits, live animals, gift shops and cafés. Explore on a variety of different self-guided tours through all the different exhibits.

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm. Free general admission.

Dorothea Dix Park is one of Raleigh's largest parks. The 308-acre site blends historic architecture and rich landscapes into a unique destination in the heart of Raleigh. Experience huge green space with city views, walking paths, and the fun, hidden Trolls sculptures by Thomas Dambo.

Open daily sunrise to sunset.

Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina, the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S., and the 16th oldest in the world. It contains a carousel, mini-train, pedal boats, and playgrounds.

Open daily 10am-6pm.

Downtown Cary Park offers diverse amenities including the dog-friendly Barkyard, Market 317 for drinks/snacks, the Bark Bar (beer/wine), the Nest playground, the Great Lawn with a pavilion for events, the Gathering House for indoor/outdoor events, walking paths, fire pits, table tennis, and a putting green, anchoring a vibrant, walkable downtown.

Open daily 7am - 11pm.

The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas.

Open daily 8am - 9pm.

Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh is a vibrant, walkable hub for dining, entertainment, culture, and history, connecting the State Capitol to the Convention Center, featuring wide sidewalks, seating, and host to major festivals. Explore acclaimed restaurants, historic architecture, the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, the City of Raleigh Museum, lively bars, and unique shops, all part of Raleigh's central business district.

Historic Oakwood in Raleigh offers beautiful late 19th century Victorian architecture, with highlights including Mordecai Historic Park, the peaceful Historic Oakwood Cemetery, and charming spots like North Person Street for walks, plus nearby museums and restaurants such as those on North Person Street, perfect for exploring history, architecture, and local flavor. (Ish) delicatessen and Crawford & Son's are a few favorite local restaurants.

Raleigh's Warehouse District is a revitalized downtown area known for its historic red-brick industrial buildings transformed into a trendy hub for dining, arts, nightlife, and innovative businesses, featuring spots like the Morgan Street Food Hall & Videri Chocolate Factory, unique galleries, breweries, and restaurants, plus major developments like Raleigh Union Station and The Dillon.

The largest mall in North Carolina’s high-growth Research Triangle area, Crabtree features over 200 stores with brands like Apple, Banana Republic, Brahmin, Brooks Brothers, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Chubbies, Coach, H&M, Lego, Macy’s, Michael Kors, TAG Heuer, and Tommy Bahama, among many others. The destination offers top dining options like Kanki Japanese House of Steaks & Sushi, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, The Cheesecake Factory, Seasons 52, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and more.

Just minutes from most of our wedding hotel options, a bustling outdoor shopping center containing many major retail chains and restaurants. Convenient for grabbing any last- minute attire or essentials during your stay.

Farm-to-table Southern fare, plentiful wines & craft beers in a chill setting with outdoor tables. Open lunch-dinner.

Located near Crossroads Plaza, First Watch is a casual cafe serving chef-driven breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. Known for fresh, made-to-order, and seasonal dishes, it features favorites like Million Dollar Bacon, Avocado Toast, and fresh-squeezed juices in a family-friendly, bright, and clean environment.

Located in Crossroads Plaza, a casual, artsy, quick-stop coffee shop that serves serves made to order breakfast and brunch, savory and sweet crepes, waffles, and a variety of coffee and fruit smoothies.