15 Activities in Raleigh for Adults Who Love Fun!

Raleigh offers a fabulous variety of activities for adults. From unique museums and picturesque parks to a vibrant bar scene, you’ll find it in North Carolina’s capital. My husband, Phil, and I ventured to this pretty city to visit our fun-loving local friends, who showed us some of their favorite spots. We took time to ourselves to enjoy Raleigh’s romantic things to do, too. Join us as we explore the grownup side of Raleigh!

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1. North Carolina State Capitol

In the heart of downtown, Raleigh’s Capital District makes a great place to start your explorations. It is home to interesting shops, trendy restaurants, and some of the city’s most visited museums. The centerpiece of the Capital District is the North Carolina State Capitol.

Completed in 1840, this building is an impressive example of Greek Revival architecture. A lush green lawn and shady oak trees surround it. (That’s fitting since Raleigh’s nickname is The City of Oaks!)

History buffs should head inside to view the House and Senate chambers, the Supreme Court, and the Governor’s office. Join free guided tours on Saturdays to learn more about the state’s political history. Check their website for specific times. If that’s not your jam, take a pic and keep on strolling!

2. North Carolina Freedom Park

Not far from the Capitol Building, the 1-acre North Carolina Freedom Park is a tribute to the African American struggle for freedom and equality in the USA. Read 20 powerful quotes from Black leaders and historical figures of North Carolina. These Voices of Freedom are etched on the low walls encircling a metallic sculpture named the Beacon of Freedom.

Famous author, poet, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is one of the North Carolinians quoted. She lived in the state from 1982 until she died in 2014. Shown below, her quote at the park is from Angelou’s debut memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

Maya angelou

3. North Carolina Museum of Sciences

What’s the most popular attraction in North Carolina? The North Carolina Museum of Sciences! Dating back to 1879, it’s also the oldest and largest museum in the state. Although this attraction in the Capital District is huge, don’t feel pressured to cover it all since entry is free. (Of course, donations are appreciated!)

Explore outer space, the Earth’s atmosphere, human DNA, and more in this museum’s interactive exhibits. Inside the giant globe shown above is a multimedia space where you can watch movies and lectures about science. Don’t miss the Dueling Dinosaurs, which I thought sounded like an animatronic display, but it’s actually two of the most complete skeletons of a Triceratops and a Tyrannosaur ever found. In addition to ancient creatures, you can view live animals like snakes, a two-toed sloth, and tropical butterflies.

4. North Carolina Museum of History

Right next door to the science center, the North Carolina Museum of History features exhibits on The Tar Heel State, including African American Life and Culture, Women Making History, and the largest exhibit, The Story of North Carolina. I particularly enjoyed seeing a meticulous replica of the glider used by the Wright brothers during their early experiments in flight in Kitty Hawk, NC (about 200 miles east of Raleigh).

The North Carolina Museum of History is a great spot to gain insight into this southern state. Or, at least, it will be when it reopens in 2026 or 2027. It closed to the public in October 2024 for renovations.

5. CAM Raleigh

This contemporary art museum in the city’s Warehouse District features unique exhibitions by living artists. You might see paintings, sculptures, collages, photography, or mixed media in the ever-changing art displays at CAM Raleigh. The free museum only takes an hour or so to wander through and is well worth your time.

6. Raleigh Murals

If you like public art as much as I do, you’ll be pleased to learn that Raleigh boasts more than 300 murals! According to the local WRAL News, “Murals have a long and rich history in Raleigh, dating back to the early 20th century.”

Many of these works of art can be found in the Warehouse District. For example, No Damsel (shown above) is a mural of reimagined Disney princesses. Created by artist and feminist Dorian Lynde, you’ll find it right across the street from CAM Raleigh.

You will surely stumble upon incredible wall murals as you explore Raleigh. For some guidance in finding some of these art pieces, take a look at 35 outdoor murals that Visit Raleigh recommends seeking out.

7. Videri Chocolate Factory

Before leaving the Warehouse District, you must pop into the Videri Chocolate Factory, a chocolate lover’s paradise. In addition to artisanal chocolate bars and bonbons, this café and chocolate production facility sells coffee and soft-serve ice cream, making it an excellent place for an afternoon pick-me-up!

Embark on 15-minute, self-guided tours about the chocolate-making process at no charge. If you complete their scavenger hunt form, you get a free chocolate candy. My friend Caroline and I found it to be an educational, delicious, and fun experience. (The guys were too busy eating chocolates to join us.) You can also sign up for one of their weekly reasonably priced, longer guided factory tours.

8. Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park

The Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park combines two of my favorite things into one whimsical experience: nature and creative art. This has got to be the largest sculpture garden I’ve ever visited, too! In fact, it spans 164 acres (over 66 hectares). In addition to more than two dozen art installations, there are miles of outdoor recreation trails, pretty gardens, and a terraced pond for active adults to enjoy.

This awesome park is part of the North Carolina Museum of Art, which is lauded as the best art museum in the state. It’s free to visit every day of the year from dawn until dusk.

9. North Carolina Museum of Art

Don’t make the same mistake as my husband and me by trying to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art on a Monday, when this and many of Raleigh’s museums are closed. Thankfully, you can read all about this attraction on our friends’ hyperlocal website about their adopted hometown, This Is Raleigh. In addition to being super fun friends who showed us around town, Caroline and Craig are world travelers and bloggers from Australia who fell in love with Raleigh and decided to move across the world to make this city their home.

In her guide to the North Carolina Museum of Art, Caroline says, “The amazing art pieces, the careful curation of installations, the innovative architecture, the commitment to inclusion and the sheer diversity of its collection, are just some reasons why the NC Museum of Art is worth visiting.” Plus, it’s free!

10. Downtown Cary

Located just outside Raleigh, Cary is known for its abundant green spaces, high quality of life, and sweet downtown center. Plan to spend a day exploring the center of this North Carolina enclave.

Downtown Cary Park

The beautiful Downtown Cary Park is smack in the center of this charming suburb. I really was delighted by the playful design of this 7-acre (2.8-hectare) park.

Enjoy a walking path with bridges and gardens filled with local plants. For families, there is a splash pad (open in summer months) and a darling cardinal-themed playground to honor the state bird. You can even grab a craft beer or other beverage at The Bark Bar, situated next door to the local dog park. On weekends, watch live music for free on Jazz’d Up Sundays at the Great Lawn Pavillion.

Local Shops

Stroll around Cary, stopping into local shops. As Gen X-ers, we loved the vibe at Hunky Dory, a vinyl record store that sells new and used albums, as well as craft brews.

Also notable is Good Day Cary, a gift shop that specializes in hometown items made by small businesses and North Carolina artists. Look for jewelry, artwork, barware, paper goods, and more. There was a painting by a local artist that I REALLY wanted, but my pocketbook said no. 😥

The Cary Theater

Built in 1946, The Cary Theater was the town’s first indoor movie theater. After a 13-month renovation, the theater reopened in 2014. Today, you can go there to watch movies, shop in retail stores, and attend live music and comedy shows.

11. Spa Day at The Umstead Hotel

For the most romantic and luxurious place to stay during an adult Raleigh vacation, couples will want to bed down at The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary. Phil & I were lucky enough to spend a few days at this glorious hotel (and I do mean GLORIOUS!). More on that to come in my full review, but even if you don’t stay the night, you really should plan a spa day at The Umstead.

Surrounded by verdant pine and oak trees, the Umstead Hotel Spa exudes tranquility. Start your spa experience with a tour of the facilities. Then, tuck your belongings into a locker and slip into a plush robe. Come early and stay late so you can luxuriate in the spa’s cushy relaxation lounges, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, eucalyptus sauna, and steam room.

Choose from a variety of treatments, including facials, massages, and body treatments. The Twin Falls Massage for couples sounds like a dreamy way to connect with your partner. There are also salon services, such as manicures, pedicures, and waxing.

12. Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden

A fantastic and romantic freebie is the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden, located near North Carolina University’s main campus. It was highly recommended to my husband and me by a local Lyft Driver who said we simply MUST visit. So we did!

It’s tucked away behind the Raleigh Little Theatre, a live community theater. The small but lovely garden is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. This hidden gem features an attractive central fountain, 60 rose beds, and a plethora of other plants. The roses bloom from late May until mid-fall.

13. Pullen Park

Founded in 1887, this is the first public park in the state of North Carolina. It might seem that Pullen Park is more of an attraction for children than it is for grownups. After all, there is a train ride, carnival games, and fair food for families to enjoy.

But if you want to feel like a kid again, then take a spin on the vintage wooden carousel and rent a pedal boat to tool around the small, picturesque lake. Pullen Park makes a playful addition to a Raleigh vacation for adults.

14. State Farmers Market

The lively colors, delicious flavors, and friendly folks at the State Farmers Market Restaurant in Raleigh perked me right up. Purchase a bouquet of colorful flowers or grab some fresh produce for healthful travel snacks from the array of local vendors. Then, head to the onsite State Farmers Market Restaurant for a traditional Southern meal made from farm fresh foods.

15. Drinks for Adults in Raleigh

Craft beer is king, with over 40 breweries in Raleigh, impressive in a city of less than 500,000 residents. If wine, cocktails, or mocktails are more your style — worry not! There are plenty of ways for adults to quench their thirst in The City of Oaks. Here are the top spots from our several days of debauchery in Raleigh with our local friends.

Wye Hill Brewing

Take in views of the Raleigh skyline while sipping local brews at Wye Hill Brewing on an outdoor patio atop the Boylan Bridge. A popular choice among beer connoisseurs is Sea Change, a West Coast IPA known for its hoppy yet refreshing flavor. Ciders, wine, cocktails, and a couple of mocktails are also available.

To nosh while you sip, this Raleigh-based brewery is proud of its chef-led bar food like Everything Brussels (fried sprouts served with fromage blanc, maple mustard, and everything bagel seasoning).

The Parlor

The Parlor at Heights House Hotel evokes the Victorian era with a modern twist. Also in the Boylan Height neighborhood, the swanky cocktail lounge is part of a painstakingly restored 1858 historic mansion.

As a nod to the Italianate style of the building, the menu offers Italian-influenced creative cocktails and an all-Italian wine list. Local beers from North Carolina are available, but why not try a Bananas & Butter Bourbon or a Rosemary Me cocktail? In the featured photo at the top of this article, I’m sipping a Capri Spritz mocktail, which is similar to an Italian Spritz. Simple charcuterie boards are the only option for hungry drinkers.

RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar

While in Cary, you absolutely must visit RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar. This woman-owned innovative wine bar is all about embracing authenticity. Do you hate it when men tell you to smile? Then this is the place for you. There is no need to put on a pretend happy face here. Take a look at the walls at RBF filled with photos featuring resting b*tch faces.

Let your RBF fly while sipping sparkling, red, rosé, or orange wine. This is a fabulous spot for mocktail lovers, too, with multiple inventive, zero-proof options to choose from. (Add a few bucks to make them into sparkling wine cocktails instead.) Several enticing charcuterie boards will tempt sippers. And, nope, there is no beer to be found at RBF.

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Save These Activities for Adults in Raleigh

For future travel inspiration, keep this list of fun things for adults to do in Raleigh. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow me on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Which of these adult activities in Raleigh appeals to you most? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: Visit Raleigh partially hosted my visit to the City of Oaks with my husband. Some of our meals and activities were covered, including our stay and my spa treatment at The Umstead Hotel. I did not receive any monetary compensation related to this blog post. All opinions are mine, as always.

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