Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital and the largest city in the Research Triangle, but many visitors only see it on the way to Durham or the coast. That’s a mistake — few cities this size have so much to do for free.
1. Explore the NC Museum of Natural Sciences
The state’s most-visited museum is free, with dinosaurs, a living conservatory and the glowing globe of the Nature Research Center.
2. See the sunflowers at Dorothea Dix Park
Each summer a field of sunflowers blooms for a few weeks at the city’s 308-acre destination park. Come early.
3. Ride the Pullen Park carousel
A hand-carved 1911 Dentzel carousel in North Carolina’s first public park.
4. Walk the NC Museum of Art Park
Free galleries plus 164 acres of trails and outdoor art.
5. Tour the State Capitol
The 1840 Greek Revival Capitol is free to visit.
6. Catch a show at Red Hat Amphitheater
Downtown’s outdoor concert venue on summer nights.
7. Bike the Capital Area Greenway
More than 100 miles of connected trails — the Neuse River Trail is the showpiece.
8. Hike Umstead State Park
Forest trails between Raleigh and RTP.
9. Eat barbecue
Eastern NC whole-hog is the local style; try it downtown and in the Warehouse District.
10. Go to the State Fair
Ten days every October at the Fairgrounds.
11. Wander Historic Oakwood
Victorian homes and a peaceful 1869 cemetery.
12. Watch the Hurricanes
NHL hockey at Lenovo Center — Raleigh’s 2006 Stanley Cup champions.
The short version
Start with the free museums downtown, then save an evening for Dix Park and a weekend morning for the greenways.