1 day
24 Hours in Raleigh
One day, the version locals would show you: biscuits, free world-class museums, a Capitol stroll, barbecue, and sunset over the skyline from Dix Park.
Day 1
Downtown museums to a Dix Park sunset
- 8:00 AM$
Biscuits for breakfast
Downtown
Start with a Southern breakfast downtown — Big Ed’s at City Market is a long-running classic.
Next: 5-minute walk
- 9:30 AMFree
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Downtown
Free admission. Don’t miss the Nature Research Center globe and the dinosaur halls.
Next: Across the plaza
- 11:30 AMFree
NC State Capitol
Union Square
Walk the 1840 Capitol and its oak-shaded square; tours are free.
Next: 10-minute walk
- 12:30 PM$$
Lunch in the Warehouse District
Warehouse District
Whole-hog barbecue or a food-hall lunch at Morgan Street Food Hall.
Next: 5-minute drive
- 2:30 PM
CAM Raleigh or Union Station
Warehouse District
Contemporary art in a 1910 warehouse, then peek at Raleigh Union Station.
Next: 5-minute drive
- 5:30 PMFree
Sunset at Dorothea Dix Park
Dix Park
Blanket on the Big Field with the skyline in front of you.
Next: 10-minute drive
- 8:00 PM$$–$$$
Dinner and drinks on Glenwood South
Glenwood South
Patios, cocktail bars and late-night bites.
Local tips
- •Downtown museums are free — leave room for donations.
- •Park once in a downtown deck and walk.
- •Check Red Hat Amphitheater’s calendar for a show.