Named for writer and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, this city is an impressive state capital with many interesting institutions. Raleigh is great place to spend a day or two wandering the streets and visiting some of the museums and galleries. The city is also a top destination for visual and performing arts. In the nearby Historic Oakwood neighborhood, visitors can admire beautifully restored Victorian-style homes built between 1870 and 1912.
1 North Carolina Museum of Art
Galleries at the North Carolina Museum of Art showcase art from the Renaissance, ancient Greece and Rome, and America in the 18th to 20th centuries. Also on display are international pieces, ranging from Egyptian to pre-Columbian art. Be sure to check the museum's calendar to find out dates of upcoming temporary exhibits and events.
Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.ncartmuseum.org/
Accomodation: Where to Stay in Raleigh - TripAdvisor.com
2 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Conveniently located downtown, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is one of the largest natural science museums in the southeastern United States. Exhibits, labs, and interactive areas are spread over three floors and nine different halls. A visit to the museum can be combined with tours of the neighboring capital buildings. One of the museum's most notable features is Willo, the world's only dinosaur with a fossilized heart.
Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.naturalsciences.org/
3 North Carolina Museum of History
Detailing the history of the state, the North Carolina Museum of History covers a variety of topics including the Civil War, Native America, and women's rights. See exhibits about the region's first inhabitants and events in the 20th century. In addition, the museum is home to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
Address: 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh
Official site: http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/
4 Pullen Park
Among the many things to do in the beautiful 66 acres of Pullen Park, visitors can take fun rides on the Gustave A Dentzel Carousel and pose for pictures with the "Andy and Opie" statue, inspired by The Andy Griffith Show. Families appreciate the miniature train, pedal boats, aquatic center, and playground. Other facilities include a café, tennis courts, and sports fields. First opened in 1887, Pullen Park was the first public park in North Carolina.
Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh
5 Mordecai Historic Park
Mordecai Historic Park preserves the birthplace of Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States. The setting also protects extraordinary treasures such as Mordecai House, the oldest residence in Raleigh. The property is representative of the many plantations that used to dominate the local area, and visitors enjoy a glimpse of life in early Raleigh as they explore.
Address: 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh
6 Marbles Kids Museum
Marbles Kids Museum is a hands-on, interactive attraction for children under age 10. There are five fun galleries and two outdoor escapes for young ones and their parents. The museum also includes an IMAX theater that shows features and documentary films.
Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/
7 North Carolina State Capitol
The North Carolina State Capitol Building is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Greek revival architecture in the United States. Completed in 1840, the building is one of Raleigh's best-loved landmarks. Up until 1888, the National Historic Landmark housed all of North Carolina's State Government. Today, the Governor and the Governor's staff conduct business on the first floor. This sightseeing stop is also located on the Raleigh's historic Trolley Tour.
Address: 1 E Edenton St, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.ncstatecapitol.org/
8 J S Dorton Arena
An architectural marvel, the J S Dorton Arena is one of North Carolina's foremost contributions to modern architecture. The internationally recognized structure fuses architecture and engineering, having been completed in 1952 as a livestock-judging pavilion for the North Carolina State Fair. The arena serves as a year-round location for exhibitions and performances.
Address: 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.ncstatefair.org/facilities/dorton.htm
9 William B Umstead State Park
Easily accessible from Interstate 40 or US 70, William B Umstead State Park is a quick trip for anyone wanting to trade the cityscape for a natural setting. Park visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride along miles of trails in this 5,579-acre escape. With a number of lakes, anglers can just toss a line, sit back, and wait for the fish to bite.
Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/wium/main.php
10 North Carolina Symphony
The North Carolina Symphony travels throughout the state, but usually gives monthly performances in and around the Raleigh area. Founded in 1932, the symphony has also performed at such prominent locales as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Kennedy Center inWashington DC, and Orchestra Hall in Chicago.
Address: 3700 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.ncsymphony.org/
11 Carolina Ballet
Created in 1997, the Carolina Ballet is one of America's premier arts organizations. The company has not only staged world premiere ballets, but has also traveled internationally to China andHungary. Founding Artistic Director and CEO Robert Weiss still leads the company, which performs throughout the year.
Address: 3401 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.carolinaballet.com/
12 Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts regularly hosts performances by the Carolina Ballet and the North Carolina Symphony. As well, the North Carolina Theatre presents Broadway and Off Broadway musicals and plays, while the North Carolina Opera stages moving classics.
Address: 2 E South St, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.dukeenergycenterraleigh.com/
13 JC Raulston Arboretum
This nationally acclaimed 10-acre garden showcases the most diverse collection of cold, hardy temperate zone plants in the southeastern United States. The arboretum's primary goal is to research, evaluate, and display plants gathered from over 50 countries, thereby pinpointing species that thrive in the Piedmont North Carolina region and the south. Collections include more than 5,000 unique groups of perennials, vines, bulbs, trees, shrubs, and ground cover.
Address: 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/index.php
14 Dead Broke Farm
If visitors are looking to horse around while they're in Raleigh, Dead Broke Farm offers plenty of equine opportunities. Things to do at the farm include guided trail rides, private rides, western riding lessons, pony rides, and overnight camping trips.
Address: 6921 Wildlife Trail, Raleigh
Official site: http://www.deadbrokehorsefarm.com/
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