tours from raleigh nc

THE 10 BEST Raleigh Tours & Excursions

Raleigh tours.

• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Walking Tours
• Ghost & Vampire Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh

2. Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour

3. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Raleigh by Wacky Walks

4. Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh

5. Rockin Raleigh Scavenger Hunt

6. Private transportation

7. Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Tour

8. Create Your Own Lipstick or Lip Gloss Class Experience in Raleigh

9. Tour of Downtown Raleigh on a Rickshaw(Pedicab)

10. Raleigh Puzzling Adventure

11. Durham City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest

12. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Raleigh by 3Quest Challenge

13. Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Raleigh by Operation City Quest

14. Scavenger Hunt in Raleigh by Zombie Scavengers

15. Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer

16. Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Raleigh with Holly Jolly Hunt

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Murder Mystery Detective Experience Chapel Hill, NC

Durham Scavenger Hunt: Bricks, Bulls & Beauty

Durham Dash Scavenger Hunt

Polaris Slingshot Type R Rental in Morrisville

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Cary by Zombie Scavengers

Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Arrival Private Transfer

Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Holly Springs Hustle Scavenger Hunt

Stand Up Paddledboard Rental, Jordan Lake

Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Durham by Wacky Walks

Unique Scavenger Hunt in Durham by Zombie Scavengers

Axe Throwing Training

Chapel Hill Hustle Scavenger Hunt

Wacky Fayetteville Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Fayetteville by Zombie Scavengers

What travelers are saying.

• Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh
• Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour
• Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Raleigh by Wacky Walks
• Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh
• Tour of Downtown Raleigh on a Rickshaw(Pedicab)
• Trolley Pub
• Carolina Touring Company
• Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
• TreeRunner Raleigh Adventure Park
• Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
• Triangle Food Tours
• Tobacco Road Tours
• Raleigh Walking Tours

Simply the Best Walking tours in Raleigh & Durham North Carolina

Explore downtown raleigh or durham on foot.

Our walking tours are available by advanced reservation.

The #1 Night time rated activity in Raleigh & Durham! Click to read the reviews.

Online booking from our calendar is available for all of our tours. we require a group of 6 or more to lead a tour; please contact us with your booking request ., durham tours.

The Bull City, The City of Medicine

Raleigh Tours

The Capital City, The City of Oaks

Groups/Corporate

Team Building, Transportation, Activities

Featured Tours

Durham dark & mysterious ghost walk.

• 1 hour 45 minutes
• Downtown Durham, American Tobacco,  5 Points District

Raleigh City of Oaks: Historic Walking Tour

• 1 hr. 45 min.
• Capital, Moore Square, Fayetteville, Oakwood Districts

See What Our Customers Are Saying

It was excellent! So much better than we ever expected. The Tour Guide, Carolyn, was so much fun and very knowledgeable! I highly recommend it for everyone!

The Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour was a wonderful tour that was lead by our hilarious guide, Carolyn. With 4 stops, just over a mile of walking, and lasting about an hour and a half, it was the perfect distance and duration. We didn’t feel too worn out after our tour and we were captivated by Carolyn’s incredible storytelling the whole time. Very fun and well worth the price, definitely recommend if you love ghosts and history! (Also to be clear, the is NOT a ghost hunting tour. You don’t go into any of the stops, it is simply learning about the history of local hauntings.)

Brad and Caroline were wonderful tour guides on this most informative City of Oaks Tour! Even though I’ve lived in the Triangle for 20 years I never knew the facts that I learned on this tour. I would highly recommend this tour and these great guides!

As a travel writer for STYLE Media this is an Excellent tour filled with history and intrigue. I took this tour in my off time & it’s one of the best I’ve ever attended. Well worth your time it’s a fun tour for an individual, family or group.

We had a wonderful experience with our fearless leader Brad guiding us through Raleigh! He was a wonderful storyteller, every story we felt as though we were living it. We left with just the right mix of ghost stories and history.

We had so much fun on the Haunted Pub Crawl. Brad was an awesome tour guide and we met lots of cool people from all around. Such a great experience!

We did the ghost tour. It was the best one I have ever been on, and I go on these tours everywhere I go!  The stories we’re very engaging and told very well, like a pro storyteller! In my wheelchair I was able to go everywhere the tour went.  Super fun!!

We went on our ghostly tour with our fantastic “Ghost Host”, Forrest. He was absolutely fantastic. His stories were engaging and theatrical without being too over the top. You can tell he has a real passion for his job and is more than willing to answer questions and give you other recommendations of haunted places around Raleigh and beyond. We’ve done 3 other tours with other companies this year and this was by far the best. We loved the mix of paranormal with Raleigh facts and information. Definitely would recommend Tobacco Road and look forward to other tours with them in the future.

TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards

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6 Fantastic Day Trips From Raleigh, North Carolina

• Destinations
• North Carolina
• United States

I love a good day trip. For me, about a one-hour drive from my town is the perfect distance, but I am willing to drive two to three for a good destination. The Raleigh-Durham area makes a great base to explore North Carolina. Heading south of Raleigh for these day trips, once you exit the highways, you will find country roads through farmland and rural areas. It is a nice change of pace from the big city and traffic.

Note: Some of the information in this article was obtained during press trips in the area. All opinions are my own.

1. Pinehurst

Just an 80-minute drive from Raleigh, Pinehurst is known as “The Cradle of American Golf and legendary golfers such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and many more have played here. Before there was golf, founder James Walker Tufts established the Village of Pinehurst with a plan by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1895. His plan created the lovely village streets and green space you can now enjoy today and most of the original buildings still exist. The best way to explore this lovely village is on foot. Print out the Cherokee Route walking tour or drop into the visitor center and purchase the Village of Pinehurst: A Historic Walking Tour for a more in depth tour. There are darling local shops and many yummy places to eat in the village. The Pinehurst Greenway meanders for six miles on pedestrian and bicycle-only trails. There’s easy access to shops, restaurants, and parks. Make sure to stop at the Pinehurst Arboretum with its beautiful walking trails and gardens.

The Village of Pinehurst is a very upscale community with all kinds of amenities. Indulge in a spa day at the Spa at Pinehurst . The luxurious Carolina Hotel is known as the “Queen of the South” and is the epitome of historic grand dame hotels steeped with elegance and Southern charm. Drop into the Carolina Coffee Shop to enjoy a coffee or a light lunch on the hotel’s front veranda.

2. Southern Pines

Southern Pines is a little over an hour’s drive from Raleigh. Start your visit at the Southern Pines train station located in the heart of downtown. Built in 1898, it is still an active train station with Amtrak service to Raleigh. It is also the location for the visitor center where you can get some great information about what to do on your visit. That’s how I found out about the Taxidermy Hall of Fame. What an experience. It is in the Christian Book Store, and you can buy some homemade fudge then look at the mishmash of a museum with over 200 animals preserved by taxidermy. It also houses the world’s oldest rock according to the owner. Plan to spend some time exploring downtown. It is an old railroad town, so the tracks run right through the middle with shops and restaurants on either side.

If you like golf, stop in for a visit to the Carolinas Golf Association Hall of History. It has an interesting collection of clubs, photos, trophies, and memorabilia from the many people who made this area one of the most historic golf locales. The Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities is a beautiful way to spend a day. The center is on a 26-acre estate that was once the home of James and Katharine Boyd. In the Boyd house, you can visit the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame (note the historic home is not ADA compliant) which is in James’ former study. The mansion also has cultural events such as music concerts and poetry readings. Outside, you can stroll the beautiful formal gardens or for a longer hike, access the Boyd Round Timber Tract with an extensive trail system. This is part of the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve.

3. Fayetteville

There is so much to see and do in Fayetteville that this destination could easily be multiple day trips. I recommend going to the Visit Fayetteville website and choosing one of the Cultural Heritage Trails. These are themed drives that will take you around Fayetteville and into Cumberland County. There are so many choices it can be tough to choose. Fayetteville is known as “America’s Hometown,” and it is filled with history. Many of the trails focus on that history with an American Independence Trail, a Civil War Trail, and many more. There are cultural trails and even an International Food Trail.

One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens which is just two miles from downtown and situated on 80 acres. It contains so many gorgeous specialty gardens including Camellia, Daylily, a Shade Garden, a Butterfly Stroll, and a Heritage Garden. Make sure to go in the morning before it gets too hot. Be certain you allow enough time to explore the Cape Fear Museum Complex. In addition to the two-story museum, you can take a tour of the historic 1897 Poe House and explore Arsenal Park .

4. Moores Creek National Battlefield

I love a National Park site for a day trip. The Moores Creek National Battlefield is about a two-hour drive from Raleigh. The site commemorates a Revolutionary War battle that took place in February 1776 and lasted only about 3 minutes. It was the first decisive victory for the patriots in the American Revolution. Plan to tour the small museum and watch the movie about the battle. Head out to walk the two interpretive trails, the History Trail and the Tarheel Trail which combined, are one mile. The park and trail are really beautiful, especially in the morning hours. Also, on site is a picnic area if you wish to extend your visit.

The park is very accessible. The two interpretive trails are wheelchair accessible with benches along the way for resting or just enjoying the natural surroundings. The visitor center has ADA- accessible doors.

Pro Tip: You can combine this trip with a visit to Burgaw for a longer day trip.

The quaint little town of Burgaw is known for its picturesque settings that have caught the eye of Hollywood. Several television shows and movies were filmed here. It is about a 90-minute drive from Raleigh. Begin your day with a stop at the Pender County Visitor Center. It is on the first floor of the old Pender County Jail which was built in 1924. The second floor of the building was the jail and was restored to its original condition. Pick up a walking tour of downtown and enjoy the morning exploring the shops and viewing the 18th and 19th centuries architecture. A must stop is the Burgaw Train Depot which is the oldest in North Carolina and a site on the Civil War Trail.

For lunch, Mema’s Chick’n & Ribs is a must. It’s only been open since 2017 and its reputation has been spread by word of mouth. Make sure to check out the map where people from all over the world have left notes about their visit. Owners Myra and James McDuffie have created a very special place. I felt like I had a nice warm hug after eating here which is a pleasant feeling during these COVID times. The menu is heavy on Soul food and based on James’ mother Mary McDuffie’s recipes. She still comes in every day to cook. Everything is super fresh. Mary actually picks the collard greens from the fields so that they meet her exacting standards. James starts smoking the meat at 4:30 a.m. There are no leftovers, once they are out that’s it. His ribs are the best I have ever had. The barbecue sauce is served on the plate because it is so good people kept taking the bottles. The area is also known for its seafood. You will find only local, fresh, and never frozen Stump Sound oysters, shrimp, and catfish. Before you leave, children get a pick from a toy box and adults choose a card from the Blessing Box.

6. Have A Beach Day

There are so many beautiful beaches in North Carolina that make a great day trip from Raleigh. Get an early start. Pack all your beach gear, a picnic lunch, and a cooler full of ice-cold drinks. Plan to have dinner at one of the many great seafood restaurants along the coast before heading home. Check this article out for some beaches that are a 2-3 hour drive from Raleigh: 7 Best Beaches To Visit Near Wilmington, North Carolina .

Raleigh has everything a big city has to offer but sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city on a day trip. Driving country roads away from the traffic and crowds is a great way to unwind. These are just a few examples of the many day trips you can take from Raleigh.

The Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina gives visitors the chance to experience some of the best attractions the state has to offer:

• Not To Miss Activities In Raleigh, North Carolina
• 11 Reasons To Make Durham, NC Your Next Destination
• 5 Fantastic Restaurants To Try In Fayetteville, North Carolina

She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Her work can be found in Northwest Travel & Life Magazine , 253 Lifestyle Magazine , and other regional publications. She is the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die , Reedy Press, and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?"

• Last Updated On
• July 27, 2023

30 Best Weekend Getaways From Raleigh — Quick Trips!

Eager to escape your bustling life for a revitalizing break? 

Well, let me guide you on some of the most unforgettable weekend escapes from Raleigh, right from the heart of my home state.

With my insider’s perspective, I’ve handpicked the crème de la crème of getaways tailored to every traveler’s taste. 

Whether you’re yearning for solitude, a romantic escapade with your sweetheart, or a joy-filled family expedition, you’ll discover your perfect match right here.

Raleigh’s location is a treasure trove of splendid tourist hotspots, resplendent natural vistas, and bustling entertainment hubs to guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Ready to traverse pulsating cities and tranquil towns?

Trust me, I’ve experienced them all, and each one is worth exploring.

Check out this list of the best weekend getaways from Raleigh, and let your journey of a lifetime commence. 

Best Weekend Getaways From Raleigh Compared

These weekend getaways from Raleigh I’ve selected are pure magic. 

Every destination, filled with joy, wonder, and unique experiences, will inspire you to live fully and love your family time even more.

Editor’s Choice

Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte

Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is a luxury hotel that opened in 2009, featuring a spa, rooftop bar, and eco-friendly amenities.

• Room Variety: 5/5
• Comfort and Cleanliness: 5/5
• Location: 4/5
• Affordability: 1/5
• Family-Friendliness: 4/5

#2nd Best Choice

North Beach Resort & Villas

North Beach Resort & Villas is an oceanfront property on a 7.5-acre island in Myrtle Beach, featuring towers, a 2.5-acre water park, and five-star amenities.

• Room Variety: 4/5
• Comfort and Cleanliness: 4/5
• Location: 3/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Family-Friendliness: 5/5

#3rd Best Choice

Graduate Chapel Hill

Graduate Chapel Hill is a boutique hotel in Chapel Hill celebrating local culture and featuring unique, collegiate-inspired decor.

• Location: 5/5

Here are top 30 weekend getaways from Raleigh.

1. Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte (Editor’s Choice)

201 E Trade St Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 547-2244 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Luxury and elegance: Ritz-Carlton is known for its luxurious accommodations and high-end amenities, providing a lavish experience to guests.
• Convenient location: Located near Raleigh, guests at Ritz-Carlton can easily access the city’s attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Expensive: Ritz-Carlton is a luxury brand, and with that comes a high price tag. The rates for rooms and services may be beyond the budget of many travelers.
• Less personalized experience: The hotel’s large size and popularity could result in a less personalized experience than smaller boutique hotels.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Uptown Charlotte, it stands out from the usual crowd. 

While the city offers a plethora of eateries and attractions, nothing compares to the luxury and ambiance of this gem. 

I’ve dined at the finest spots, but the gourmet treats here? 

Oh, it’s pure culinary artistry.

And that rooftop bar? 

The sunset view will capture your heart. 

Plus, what makes my soul dance about this hotel is its eco-friendly amenities.

It’s like this perfect blend of opulence meets responsibility. 

So, if you’re seeking a slice of heaven with a touch of mindful luxury, the journey from Raleigh to Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, is worth it.

2. North Beach Resort & Villas

719 North Beach Boulevard STE 3 North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (877) 397-3771 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Beachfront location: As the name suggests, this resort is located on the beach, providing guests easy access to the sandy shores and beautiful ocean views.
• Variety of accommodation options: The resort offers a range of accommodation options, including villas, which can cater to different group sizes and preferences.
• Seasonal crowds: The resort can experience high tourist traffic during peak seasons, leading to crowded facilities and potentially reducing the serenity of the stay.
• Additional resort fees: Some amenities or services at the resort might come with additional fees, which guests should be aware of when planning their budget for the trip.

Amidst the plethora of attractions in the area, this resort stands out like a diamond tiara on a Monday. 

It’s perched on its 7.5-acre island, offering an oceanfront like no other.

The 2.5-acre water extravaganza is more than just a pool—it’s an oasis. 

Compared to other spots, it brings a five-star game with its amenities. 

Your soul and family will thank you for this luscious escape.

3. Graduate Chapel Hill

311 W Franklin St Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919) 442-9000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Boutique experience: As a boutique hotel, Graduate Chapel Hill can offer a more personalized and intimate experience compared to larger chain hotels.
• Nearby dining and entertainment: The hotel’s location puts guests within walking distance or a short drive from various dining options, bars, and entertainment venues.
• Room availability: Due to its smaller size, room availability at Graduate Chapel Hill may be limited, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Noise level: Depending on its location and surroundings, the hotel’s proximity to popular areas or nightlife spots may result in higher noise levels.

From Raleigh, an excursion to Graduate Chapel Hill is an absolute must. 

The hotel is an ode to nostalgia and local charm. 

Nestled in the iconic Chapel Hill amidst a medley of eateries and spots, this boutique haven truly shines. 

I’ve meandered through the region, tasted bites, and sipped delights. 

Yet, the collegiate-inspired vibe at Graduate? 

Simply unmatched. 

Dive deep into those cozy corners, and you’ll feel the essence of Chapel Hill’s spirit.

4. Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC (919) 245-4320 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Chapel Hill, nicknamed the Southern Part of Heaven, is a picturesque town located in three counties, Chatham, Orange, and Durham.

This delightful town is the ideal destination on your short trips from Raleigh because it is a mere 40-minute drive from the city.

Start your tour by heading to the University of North Carolina, one of the oldest universities in the country, dating back to the 1700s.

Visit a one-of-a-kind specialty museum by exploring the exhibits at the Carolina Basketball Museum, exhibiting artifacts, photos, and game videos related to UNC Basketball.

Stroll along its downtown district, shop at boutique stores, dine at upscale eateries, explore art galleries, and much more.

Make your way to the North Carolina Botanical Garden and discover more than 2,500 plant species naturalized or native to South and North Carolina.

Recommended Hotel: Graduate Chapel Hill

5. Fayetteville

Fayetteville, NC (910) 483-5311 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Fayetteville, nicknamed the All-American City, is a bustling metropolis resting on the banks of the Cape Fear River in North Carolina.

This city is a fantastic choice when looking for places near Raleigh for vacation because it is just over an hour’s drive away.

Bond with your older kids by touring places like the Airborne and Special Operations Museum with exhibits, aircraft, and so on related to the Special Operations and Airborne community.

Have a thrilling time indoors at The Climbing Place, a premier family-owned rock climbing and bouldering facility for the adventurous at heart.

You can also have a terrific bonding experience with your kids at the Cross Creek Mall, offering at least 150 stores and four anchor tenants.

Spend quality time with your little ones at Fascinate-U Children’s Museum, featuring hands-on exhibits, interactive projects, and fun educational programs.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Fayetteville South, an IHG Hotel

Related: Hotels in Raleigh

6. Greensboro

Greensboro, NC (336) 274-2282 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Greensboro, previously named Greensborough, is the seat of Guilford County and one of the most populous cities in North Carolina.

I recommend making your way to this city when looking for places to visit on your Raleigh area weekend getaways, roughly an hour and thirty minutes drive.

This vibrant metropolis holds an endless array of fun-filled possibilities so that you can create memories to last a lifetime.

Prepare to be amazed as you tour the wonders of the Greensboro Science Center, boasting a zoological park with live animals, an immersive full-dome theater, a science museum, and more.

Beat the heat at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe, a spectacular water park featuring one of the largest wave pools in the US, forty attractions and rides, and so much more.

Watch a mesmerizing live show at the historic Carolina Theater showcasing concerts, theatrical plays, ballet productions, and the like.

Recommended Hotel: Marriott Greensboro Downtown

7. Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, NC (336) 728-4200 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Winston-Salem, nicknamed the Twin City, is the seat of Forsyth County and the third-largest urban area in the state.

Go on a cool overnight trip with your friends, loved ones, or significant other by having a magnificent time touring this city, about a two-hour drive from Raleigh.

It has several local agencies offering a myriad of guided tour experiences, like scavenger hunts, ghost tours, and countless others.

Do you want to enjoy a historically rich experience?

Then, visit the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, exhibiting displays on Indigenous peoples of the Southern Woodland and free and enslaved people of African descent.

View eye-catching American art installations from the colonial era to the present by looking through the many exhibits at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Recommended Hotel: Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, an IHG Hotel

8. Seagrove

Seagrove, NC Open in Google Maps

Seagrove is a land-locked town in Randolph County, roughly a 1-hour and 35-minute drive from Raleigh.

It is the perfect choice for cheap vacations from Raleigh because it offers several budget-friendly attractions for you to discover.

Tour places like the North Carolina Pottery Center boasting an impressive selection of eye-catching pottery and interactive classes on selected days.

Explore its many other pottery shops and galleries, like Ray Pottery, specializing in fine gas-fired stoneware, and Seagrove Creations, featuring hand-crafted items of 70 local potters.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Asheboro

9. Cabarrus County

Cabarrus County, NC (704) 920-2100 Social Media Open in Google Maps

Cabarrus County, founded in 1792, is a county nestled in the south-central region of North Carolina.

Make memories you will never forget by taking your travel buddies to this county, about two hours and twenty-five minutes from Raleigh.

Have a thrilling time at the Charlotte Motor Speedway watching famous races, like the annual Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekends and several NASCAR events.

Do you want to have a fabulous time indoors?

If you do, head to the famous Great Wolf Lodge Water Park.

It has plenty to offer you, such as slides of every length and size, kid-friendly splash areas, thrilling rides, several pools, and so much more.

Enjoy other activities like spending the day outdoors at a park, touring specialty museums, sipping locally crafted beer at a brewery, and so on.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Concord/Kannapolis

Related: Weekend Getaways From Charlotte, NC

10. Yadkin Valley

Yadkin Valley, NC (336) 526-1111 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Yadkin Valley, established in 2002, is an American Viticultural Area in the northwestern region of North Carolina.

Go on one of the best romantic getaways from Raleigh, roughly three hours away, by heading to this gorgeous area.

Have an intimate weekend trip with your significant other by checking into a bed and breakfast and exploring this wine country.

Spend some much-needed quality time with your beloved as you go wine tasting, strolling through scenic vineyards, and taking pictures backed by the gorgeous natural landscape.

Recommended Hotel: Comfort Inn & Suites Lenoir Hwy 321 Northern Foothills

Related: North Carolina: Weekend Getaways

11. Morganton

Morganton, NC (828) 438-5280 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This city is a superb choice for your long weekend trips from Raleigh because it offers several leisure activities and is about a 3-hour drive away.

Have a relaxing afternoon as you sip top-quality wines at the Silver Fork Winery and bike along the over three-mile-long Catawba River Greenway.

Another must-visit is the Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill, offering homemade cider prepared from apples grown at its farm, seasonal fruit picking, and delectable treats.

You can also head to the Catawba Meadows Park to bond with your kids, featuring various ball fields, paved trails, a disc golf course, zip lines, a playground, and numerous other facilities.

Learn about local history by looking through various rotating displays of artifacts at the History Museum of Burke County.

Recommended Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Morganton Historic Downtown

12. Asheville

Asheville, NC (828) 258-6101 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Asheville , incorporated in 1797, is the seat of Buncombe County in the western region of North Carolina, roughly four hours from Raleigh.

Kick-start your tour by visiting one of its most famous attractions, Biltmore, an opulent, historic, Châteauesque-style house museum owned by the wealthy Vanderbilt family.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the 434-acre North Carolina Arboretum, boasting differently-themed garden sections and an impressive bonsai collection.

Get a break from sightseeing by visiting the New Belgium Brewing Company, serving award-winning craft beer and offering guided tours of its facility.

View various animals at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, home to numerous wildlife, like black bears, barn owls, wolves, bobcats, red pandas, rattlesnakes, cougars, and lots more.

You can also play on retro machines at the Asheville Pinball Museum and watch talented glassblowers at Lexington Glassworks.

Recommended Hotel: Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

13. York County

York County, SC (803) 329-5200 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

York County, founded in 1785, is one of the most populous counties in South Carolina, about a 3-hour and a 30-minute drive from Raleigh.

Have an outstanding summer weekend trip at Southtown Wake Park, where you can enjoy wakeboarding in a glimmering lake.

Enjoy a more educational and meaningful experience by visiting the Catawba Cultural Center and learning all about the richness of the history and culture of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Go on a relaxing stroll in nature at the award-winning Glencairn Garden, featuring colorful flower-filled walkways, showcase gardens, ponds, charming fountains, boardwalks, and so on.

You can also try other thrilling activities like ax throwing at Vikings Axe, jumping on trampolines at Adventure Air Sports, and zip lining across the treetops at Camp Canaan.

Recommended Hotel: Cambria Hotel Rock Hill – University Center

14. Asheboro

Asheboro, NC (336) 626-1201 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Asheboro is the seat of Randolph County and was named after the 9th governor of North Carolina, Samuel Ashe.

Are you looking for places to include in your Raleigh weekend getaways?

Then, I recommend exploring the nearby Asheboro, roughly one hour and twenty minutes away.

Visit sites like the state-owned North Carolina Zoo, housing more than 1800 animals, such as snapping turtles, ocelots, zebras, giraffes, grizzly bears, vampire bats, chimpanzees, and more.

Sample delicious craft beer at Four Saints Brewing Company, featuring visiting food trucks offering tasty treats and live music on selected days.

Head to the Collector’s Antique Mall to have a fantastic time antiquing and N.C. Aviation Museum to view authentic aircraft of varying shapes and colors.

Enjoy other activities like golfing at the picture-perfect Tot Hill Farm Golf Club and hiking through the 5,160-acre Birkhead Mountains Wilderness.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Asheboro, an IHG Hotel

15. Scotland Neck

Scotland Neck, NC (252) 826-3152 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Scotland Neck is a quaint land-locked town in the Halifax County of North Carolina.

Are you getting ready for your inexpensive weekend getaways near Raleigh and searching for places to include?

If you are, consider driving about one hour and thirty minutes to Scotland Neck, offering tourist hotspots at reasonable prices.

Visit a one-of-a-kind attraction by heading to Sylvan Heights Bird Park, boasting one of the largest collections of waterfowl worldwide from all over the globe.

The Calvary Episcopal Church is a must-see on your budget-friendly tour because it is a historic church erected in 1855 with a Gothic Revival architectural design.

It also offers several dining choices and lodging facilities catering to every budget.

Recommended Hotel: Scotland Neck Inn

16. Lake Gaston

Lake Gaston, NC (252) 535-1687 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Lake Gaston is a 20,000-acre hydroelectric reservoir located in three counties, Northampton, Warren, and Halifax.

Consider heading to Lake Gaston when searching for places to go for a weekend trip near you to enjoy a plethora of water activities with your group.

It features a breathtaking landscape with glimmering water and enthralling nature backdrops.

Here, you can try all sorts of enjoyable activities, such as wakeboarding, boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and much more.

Recommended Hotel: Goose Island Retreat

17. Wilmington

Wilmington, NC (877) 406-2356 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Wilmington , nicknamed the Port City, is the seat of New Hanover County in the southeastern coastal area of North Carolina.

Take your loved ones on a long-awaited weekend vacation by driving over two hours to this gorgeous city.

Tour interesting places like the Battleship North Carolina, a battleship commissioned in 1941 for World War II, and the Bellamy Mansion, an architecturally stunning building constructed in 1861.

Have a chill time with your family by strolling through Airlie Gardens, a beautifully landscaped public garden encompassing 67 acres.

The Wilmington Railroad Museum is a must-visit if you have train enthusiasts in the family because it has scale models, a full-size steam engine, a Thomas the Tank play area, and more.

Bond with your older kids as you explore its downtown district, featuring terrific dining choices, numerous locally-owned shops, and captivating views of the Cape Fear River.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

18. New Bern

New Bern, NC (352) 637-3111 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

New Bern, resting on the banks of the Neuse River, is a metropolis in Craven County, roughly two hours from Raleigh.

Here, you can go on a spectacular weekend trip with your family or friends as you enjoy a superb sightseeing experience.

Have a fun, educational tour at the North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace, exhibiting rare artifacts, rotating displays, and tons more.

Another must-visit for museum buffs is the New Bern Firemen’s Museum, one of the oldest fire companies in North Carolina, dating back to the mid-1950s.

View various artwork at Carolina Creations, an art gallery and gift shop showcasing paintings, contemporary art, hand-crafted potter, woodworks, jewelry, and countless others.

End your tour by heading to the New Bern Civic Theatre, offering captivating live performances like musicals, theatrical plays, and much more.

Recommended Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern – Riverfront

19. Mount Airy

Mount Airy, NC (336) 786-6116 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Mount Airy, incorporated in 1885, is a delightful city in Surry County, about two hours and twenty minutes from Raleigh.

Make the most of your weekend by exploring this charming metropolis with your travel buddies.

Tour attractions like the Andy Griffith Museum, where you can learn all about the life and career of American actor and comedian Andy Griffith.

Enjoy walking around Downtown Mt. Airy as you enjoy activities like dining at local eateries, antique shopping, visiting local art galleries, and watching a show at a music venue.

Are you having difficulty deciding where to go or what to do?

Then, I recommend visiting Mount Airy Visitors Center, where you can book a guided tour, look through informative brochures, and talk to knowledgeable staff.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon as you sip award-winning wine while taking in stunning views of the scenery or an alluring sunset at Round Peak Vineyards.

Recommended Hotel: Comfort Inn Mount Airy

20. Topsail Island

Topsail Island, NC Social Media Open in Google Maps

Topsail Island, nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is a barrier island spanning 26 miles.

Do you finally have time to go on a much-deserved oceanfront weekend trip?

Then, consider driving roughly two hours and thirty minutes to Topsail Island.

Spend the day basking under the sun at Sea Haven Beach, where you can sunbathe on the powdery white sand, swim in the cool water, or help your little ones make towering sandcastles.

Visit the North Topsail Beach Town Park for a more family-friendly experience because it has amenities like picnic shelters, a playground, sports courts, a kayak launch, and more.

You can also have a fun time dining at a waterfront eatery, checking into a luxurious hotel, and so on.

Recommended Hotel: Loggerhead Inn and Suites by Carolina Retreats

21. Richmond

Richmond, NC (910) 895-9057 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Richmond , incorporated in 1742, is a riverfront city and capital of the state of Virginia, about a two-hour and thirty-minute drive from Raleigh.

It is also known by its nicknames, RVA, Fist City, and River City.

It has something brilliant to offer whether you are interested in history, science, nature, art, shopping, and so on.

Start your tour by exploring one of its most well-known attractions, Maymont, a historic Victorian house museum erected in 1925.

Get the chance to explore at least twelve differently themed gardens by strolling through the magical 50-acre Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Take in awe-inspiring artwork at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest museums of its kind in North America, boasting pieces from Africa, the Himalayas, Britain, and more.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Richmond Downtown

22. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, SC (800) 356-3016 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Myrtle Beach is a magnificent resort city in Horry County on the east coast of South Carolina.

Are you planning your Raleigh vacations and looking for a fantastic destination to go on a superb beach trip?

If you are, consider driving roughly three hours to this coastal city with your family, partner, or friends.

Have a blast at the coastline as you work on your tan, enjoy a quick dip in the cool water, try surfing, and so much more.

It also has many fabulous oceanfront attractions to guarantee the perfect beachfront adventure, like Broadway at the Beach, a lively entertainment complex, and a shopping mall.

Another outstanding tourist hotspot is the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, featuring an observation wheel, countless eateries, and annual festivals.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach

23. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA (757) 385-4700 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Virginia Beach is an independent coastal city on the southeastern coast of Virginia.

Get a little further from Raleigh on your weekend vacation by driving about four hours to Virginia Beach.

It is home to countless local agencies offering kayaking, zip-lining, history walking, ghost, and eco-tours.

It has several coastlines, like the more secluded Sandbridge Beach, the more lively Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and many others.

Have a fun time with your companions at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, offering a thrilling amusement park, specialty museums, various dining choices, and much more.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront

24. The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks, NC (877) 629-4386 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Outer Banks, also known as OBX, is a string of barrier islands spanning roughly 200 miles.

Get a break from the hustle and bustle of city life as you take in the fresh ocean breeze at the OBX.

Here, you can enjoy various water sports activities, like surfing, going on guided scuba diving excursions, signing up for kayaking trips, and many others.

Go on an outdoor adventure at Jockey’s Ridge State Park as you learn how to hang-glide or try sandboarding, and head to the Roanoke Sound to go kiteboarding, windsurfing, and lots more.

Climb up the 220 steps of the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the landscape.

You can also enjoy a more laid-back beach experience by heading to Currituck Beach and watching wild horses roaming its shoreline from a safe distance.

Recommended Hotel: Saltaire Cottages

25. Umstead State Park (Also Known As William B. Umstead State Park)

8801 Glenwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27617 (984) 867-8240 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

The Umstead State Park, encompassing 5,599 acres, is a state park established in 1937 in Wake County, Raleigh.

Get a break from the routine cycle of your daily life by going on a nature adventure at Umstead State Park.

Some of its onsite amenities include seasonal boat rentals, picnic shelters, a visitor center with educational exhibits, a bathhouse, multi-purpose trails, and more.

Enjoy activities like biking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, signing up for educational programs, and numerous others.

Recommended Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Airport Brier Creek

Cary, NC Social Media Open in Google Maps

Cary, founded in 1750, is a charming town in two counties, Chatham and Wake.

It is a mere fifteen-minute drive from Raleigh, making it the perfect destination if you don’t want to drive long hours.

It has a handful of picturesque parks, like the 310-acre Fred G. Bond Metro Park, where you can enjoy watching a lakefront outdoor movie, go pedal boating, fly kites, and so much more.

Are you an avid hiker looking for the ideal place to visit?

Then, I highly recommend the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve because it has at least four trails of varying difficulties.

Enjoy other activities in the area, like watching a sports game at the WakeMed Soccer Park or a live show at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Cary I-40 (PNC Arena)

Apex, NC (919) 249-3400 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Apex, incorporated in 1873, is a town in the Wake County of North Carolina, roughly twenty minutes from Raleigh.

Go on a quick weekend getaway with your friends or loved ones in this neighboring town.

Have a fun, leisurely day outdoors at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, where you can enjoy hiking, boating, camping, or splashing in the cool water of a swimming beach.

The Crowder County Park is a terrific option when vacationing with kids because it has a colorful playground, a pond with a boardwalk, designated picnic shelters, and other amenities.

Catch up with your friends or significant other by enjoying a round of golf at the Knights Play Golf Center, boasting 27 holes and a well-landscaped setting.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Apex – Raleigh, an IHG Hotel

28. Falls Lake State Recreation Area

13300 Creedmoor Rd Wake Forest, NC 27587 (984) 867-8000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Falls Lake State Recreation Area, spanning over 5000 acres, is a state park in Wake Forest in Durham County.

Go on the ultimate getaway for outdoor enthusiasts by heading to this natural attraction.

Prepare to create new memories as you enjoy observing passing wildlife, hiking, mountain biking, and endless more.

You can also enjoy various recreational activities in the water, such as kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, paddle boarding, and the like.

It has several camping areas, ideal for camping in a tent, trailer, or RV, featuring shower areas, firewood, and dump stations.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Raleigh/Town of Wake Forest

29. Wake Forest

Wake Forest, NC Open in Google Maps

Wake Forest, incorporated in 1880, is a scenic town in three counties, Granville, Franklin, and Wake.

It is about a 30-minute drive from Raleigh and offers many enjoyable attractions.

You can spend the day outdoors at the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, view various animals at the Winterpast Farm, and hike along the picturesque Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve.

Bond with your travel buddies at Downtown Wake Forest as you sip coffee at a cafe, shop at its various boutiques, tour art galleries, dine at a highly acclaimed local eatery, and so on.

Make sure to drop by the White Street Brewing Co. to sample award-winning craft beer before leaving.

Recommended Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Raleigh Wake Forest

30. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

280 State Park Rd Apex, NC 27523 (919) 362-0586 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a state park in Chatham County in Apex.

Enjoy the best weekend getaways from Raleigh at this outdoor attraction with your loved ones.

Bond with your family by enjoying a leisurely swim at its beaches, camping under the stars, going on boating excursions, and hiking through picturesque trails.

You can also have a delightful picnic backed by the gorgeous scenery, tour its visitor center featuring fascinating exhibits about the area, teach your kids how to fish, and so much more.

Recommended Hotel: Quality Inn & Suites Apex-Holly Springs

Getaway Guide 

Comparing destinations: which one is right for you.

Let me take you on a sweet little journey near Raleigh, starting with the classic luxury of the Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. 

Ah, the sweet scent of plush carpets, the hushed whispers of the elite, and the endless pampering.

It’s nothing short of a dream. 

It’s a little like eating caviar every day, you know?

Then, imagine the shift as you step into the magnificent oceanfront presence of North Beach Resort & Villas. 

It’s like changing from a tuxedo to a flowy sundress barefoot on the beach. 

You’ve got this sweeping 2.5-acre water park, private cabanas, and a golf course.

It screams luxury but with a side of frolic.

Finally, let’s take a detour to the quirky, spirited Graduate Chapel Hill. 

There, it feels like staying in a Wes Anderson movie—beautifully offbeat yet cozy and familiar.

Three unique experiences, each deliciously different. 

Only you can decide which tickles your fancy the most. 

So, choose your adventure, and make it unforgettable.

How I Picked The Destinations 

Picking these destinations wasn’t just a whim. 

Living in the gorgeous North Carolina state, I’ve personally experienced each spot’s magic. 

I’ve curated this list by blending my insights with extensive research and heart-to-heart chats with fellow locals and passionate travelers. 

Trust that every recommendation is packed with love, joy, and the promise of unforgettable family moments.

Our Property Rating Method 

I rate these properties based on the following criteria:

• Room Variety: I use this to rate the room options offered by every property. What room types are available? Can it accommodate different budgets, group sizes, and preferences? I ask myself these questions when evaluating the property’s room variety. 
• Comfort and Cleanliness: This measures the overall cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations. Does it have comfortable beds? Are the rooms spotless and dust-free? These are important factors I consider when rating comfort and cleanliness. 
• Location: This is used to evaluate how convenient and accessible the property is. How close is it to the attractions? Are there good public transportation options near the location? Is it easily accessible for families? These questions are important when I rate the location of every accommodation. 
• Affordability: I use this to evaluate the property’s affordability. Are the room rates reasonable? Does the property have any additional fees? Does the property offer discounts or packages? I ask myself this in order to rate affordability. 
• Family-Friendliness: This evaluates the family-friendliness of each property. Does it offer babysitting services and children’s activities? Does it have connecting rooms for families? I use these questions to rate the family-friendliness of the property. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What city is 2 hours away from raleigh, nc.

Wilmington, NC, is approximately 2 hours away from Raleigh, NC. Another city within this reach of Raleigh is Charlotte, NC.

Are There Mountains Near Raleigh?

The Appalachian Mountains are located near Raleigh, NC. While mountains do not surround the city itself, the western part of the state, including areas close to Raleigh, is in proximity to the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

How Far Are The Weekend Getaway Destinations From Raleigh?

The distance varies depending on the chosen destination. Asheville is approximately 230 miles from Raleigh, Charleston lies about 220 miles away, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are within a 3 to 4-hour drive, offering a range of options for memorable weekend escapes.

What Are Some Budget-Friendly Weekend Getaways From Raleigh?

For those looking for more affordable options, destinations like Virginia Beach, VA, offer a range of budget-friendly accommodations and a lively boardwalk experience. Wilmington, NC, is another cost-effective choice with its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and reasonable lodging options.

Conclusion 

After my whirlwind of experiences through these divine retreats, it’s evident that each spot offers enchanting allure. 

But if we’re talking crowning jewels, Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, near Raleigh, certainly holds the scepter. 

As a local in this stunning state, I’ve sampled the serenades of numerous spots.

But the elegance and unparalleled luxury of Ritz-Carlton is simply on another level. 

So, if you’re contemplating the best weekend getaways from Raleigh, trust this heart that beats for all things travel and indulgence: set your sights and heart on the Ritz. 

It’s not just a getaway; it’s a getaway experience to remember.

Board These 5 Trains In North Carolina For A Memorable Experience

OnlyInYourState Staff

Researched and written by our staff writer who enjoys contributing about their state for our site.

More by this Author

In North Carolina, taking the ‘scenic route’ is always the best option. Between North Carolina’s picturesque mountains, rolling hills and valleys, and babbling streams and rivers, the best way to enjoy the views is to go the old-fashioned route – and take a train. No matter the season, these five scenic train rides in North Carolina will leave you in awe of the unparalleled beauty of the Tar Heel State.

1. Nantahala Gorge Excursion

2. Tuckasegee River Excursion

3. Moonshine Experience

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4. New Hope Valley, Triangle Train

5. Tweetsie Railroad

Have you experienced any of these scenic train rides in North Carolina? Tell us about your expedition in the comments! Book a trip to North Carolina and ride on some more charming train rides .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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What are the best scenic overlooks in North Carolina?

Some of the best scenic overlooks in North Carolina include:

• Mt. Mitchell is absolutely stunning; it's the highest peak East of the Mississippi, and on a clear day, you can see for miles.
• Hanging Rock State Park is also particularly beautiful, but if you're wary of heights, this overlook's steep drop-off might leave you feeling some major vertigo!

North Carolina has some seriously beautiful overlooks where visitors can take in all those quintessential Carolina views.

What are some beautiful road trips in North Carolina?

Some beautiful road trips in North Carolina include:

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Cherohala Skyway

The Blue Ridge Parkway  is one of the most beautiful road trips in North Carolina. From straddling you over mountainous peaks to weaving you through some of the best natural scenery the state has to offer, Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the best views in the state. We also love the drive along the Cherohala Skyway . This entire drive is a scenic experience in and of itself, but some must-stop by destinations include Little Huckleberry Knob, Hooper’s Bald, Laurel Top, and John’s Knob -- which are also some of the oldest mountains in the Appalachian range. Of course, when you start your journey outside of Robbinsville, take time to stop at the overlook above Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

Does North Carolina have any railroad museums?

A railroad museum in North Carolina is the N.C. Transportation Museum

• Locomotive lovers of all ages will totally geek out at the  N.C Transportation Museum, a hands-on history lesson on everything that gets us from point A to point B. History buffs will love the experience of the antique diesel engine. Throughout the year, there are also specialty train rides (like the popular Thomas the Train) and trains that visit the museum.

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Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, best amtrak trips from raleigh.

Raleigh is a great place to start an Amtrak trip. The Carolinian , Piedmont and Silver Star trains stop in the city, so there are multiple routes that can take you as far north as New York City and south all the way to Florida. To start planning your getaway, here are the best Amtrak trips from Raleigh that don’t require a train transfer or middle-of-the-night travel.

Editor’s Note: Amtrak Guide is reader supported and we may make a small commission if you purchase a product via one of the links below. For schedule and ticket information, visit Amtrak.com.

Durham is only 30 minutes away from Raleigh via Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont routes. It’s an easy day trip with a beautiful  botanical garden ,  performing arts center ,  great food scene  and  Eno River State Park  (pictured above) to explore. The Amtrak station is also a short walk from the Carolina Theatre , making it easy to go to a show.

There are multiple trains to choose from each day, so you can decide on the length of your stay. Multiple hotels are near the Amtrak station if you plan to stay overnight and want to be in walking distance: The Durham Hotel , Marriott City Center , Unscripted Durham and 21c Museum Hotel .

Greensboro is another Amtrak day trip option from Raleigh with multiple trains to choose from each day. Travel time is 1.5 hours and you’ll arrive a short walk away from downtown Greensboro . Explore shops, restaurants, bars and attractions including the  International Civil Rights Center ,  Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden ,  Greensboro Science Center (animal encounters), Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and the  Greensboro Arboretum .

The biggest city in North Carolina, Charlotte is 3 to 3.5 hours away from Raleigh on Amtrak. Two routes travel to the city: Carolinian and Piedmont , with a slightly faster commute on the Piedmont. We recommend getting a ride from a taxi, Lyft or Uber to reach the Center City, the light rail system or attraction of your choice after you arrive.

While in Charlotte, you can check out the many museums, visit Carowinds theme park, shop at SouthPark Mall , go to a game at the ballpark , attend an event at the stadium or watch a NASCAR race. You can return same day to Raleigh if you don’t want to stay overnight. The last return train departs around 7 p.m. each day.

Only 3.5 hours away from Raleigh, Richmond is full of cultural and recreational activities. The Silver Star arrives around noon and the Carolinian in the afternoon just north of downtown. You’ll need to get a taxi, Uber or Lyft to reach the city and the many parks, gardens, museums and historic areas. Highlights include the  Maymont  mansion and gardens,  Carytown neighborhood  and the  White House of the Confederacy . Due to the train schedule, you’ll need to stay at least one night in Richmond.

Fredericksburg

The childhood home of George Washington,  Fredericksburg  has a charming  historic district  near the Amtrak station. The city has many old buildings you can tour, the  James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library ,  National Military Park ,  Battlefield  and  National Cemetery , where many Union soldiers are buried. Be sure to check out some of the local  restaurants  and breweries while you are there. Travel time is five hours on the Carolinian . Plan to stay at least one night.

George Washington considered Alexandria, Virginia his home town, making a visit here a unique way to experience the roots of America’s first president.  Embassy Suites  and  Hilton  hotels are conveniently across the street from the Amtrak station, and the charming  Old Town  district on the Potomac River is a 25-minute walk away.

In addition to rideshare services and taxis, transportation options include blue and yellow line trains at the  King Street-Old Town Metro Station , which will take you to Reagan Washington National Airport and all the sights in Washington D.C. The Old Town  water taxi  is also a fun way to reach the  National Harbor ,  The Wharf  and  Georgetown .

The Carolinian and Silver Star trains travel to and from Alexandria each day with a travel time of 5.5 to 6 hours (the Silver Star is faster).

Washington D.C.

With  free museums , stately  monuments ,  many events  and Potomac River cruises , there is always something to do and eat in  Washington D.C.  The train trip from Raleigh is about six hours via the Carolinian and Silver Star trains. DC’s  Union Station  has a direct connection to the  WMATA red subway line, so you can easily get around without a car. Many  tours  are also available to help you see the many sights.

Washington D.C. also has connections to other Amtrak routes. See best day trips and overnight rail vacations from Washington D.C. to learn more.

Baltimore  is a historic city with interesting neighborhoods and a fun waterfront scene. After a 7.5 hour train ride, you can easily connect with Lyft or Uber to reach the  Inner Harbor  or attraction of your choice, including the  National Aquarium ,  Fort McHenry  and  Fell’s Point  neighborhood. Consider a boat tour for a unique way to see the city, and rail fans should consider visiting the  B&O Railroad Museum . Tip: Washington D.C. is only 40 minutes away via Amtrak, so you can easily visit both cities if desired.

Philadelphia

Head to Philadelphia to eat an authentic Philly cheesesteak and visit the  Liberty Bell ,  Independence Hall  or the many other museums and historic sites. Amtrak travel time is about 8.5 hours, with the option to connect with commuter trains, subway, Lyft, Uber, tourist trolleys and  bikeshare  once you’re in the city. The  Schuylkill River Trail  is an especially beautiful place for a bike ride.

You’ll arrive in the evening, so it is best to stay two nights to have a full day to see the sights. You can book tickets on the Carolinian and Silver Star trains, so you’ll have two departure times to choose from each day.

New York City

New York City  is the last stop on the northbound Carolinian and Silver Star routes, about 10 hours from Raleigh. You’ll arrive in  Penn Station ‘s new train hall with easy access to the subway, commuter trains, taxis and rideshare services. There are many museums , attractions  and  Broadway shows  to check out, plus world-class shopping and dining  experiences. Like with Philadelphia, it is an evening arrival, so two nights in New York City is recommended (especially if you want to go to an evening performance).

For a beach vacation, take Amtrak to Florida . The shortest trip is to  Jacksonville  (10 hours, pictured top of page), but you’ll be sleeping for a large portion of that time as this is an overnight train ride. There’s a great mix of beaches, parks and cultural amenities, including the  Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens ,  Cummer Museum of Art  and  Riverside Arts Market .

Winter Park  and  Orlando  (about 13 hours) are other great places to visit.  Walt Disney World ,  Universal Orlando Resort  and  SeaWorld are a short drive away. Or for beautiful beaches and water sports in and around Clearwater, book your ticket to Tampa (almost 16 hours away from Raleigh).

The  Miami Station  is the last stop in the Sunshine State, with a travel time of 21.5 hours.

More Information

• Amtrak Stations in North Carolina
• 7 essential things to pack for an Amtrak trip
• Amtrak’s 15 long-distance routes and the places they go

6 thoughts on “ Best Amtrak trips from Raleigh ”

I would like to know the schedule dates and prices and daily agenda please.

Would I be able to take a train from Atlanta to Raleigh N.C. or from Atlanta to Fayetteville N. C. round trip ?

The train from Atlanta (Crescent) does not stop in Raleigh or Fayetteville. View stations on the route here: https://amtrakguide.com/routes/crescent/

Bad train arrival/departure times to/from Savannah.

This information is available on Amtrak.com.

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Christian Tours

Pennsylvania - Amish Country, including “Daniel”

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Starting from $1179 per person double occupancy

Amelia Island Getaway

4 Days • 5 Meals

Starting from $865 per person double occupancy

Baseball Across America

13 Days • 17 Meals

Starting from $4039 per person double occupancy

Biltmore Estate & The Chihuly Exhibition

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Starting from $249 per person

Best of Niagara Falls, Canada and the Amish Country

6 Days • 8 Meals

Starting from $1289 per person double occupancy

Wizard of Oz at Barter Theatre

Starting from $179 per person

Creation and The Ark Encounter

3 Days • 3 Meals

Starting from $659 per person double occupancy

The Creation, The Ark and The Amish

Starting from $1089 per person double occupancy

North Carolina’s Coast

Starting from $1215 per person double occupancy

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Christian Tours has been operating escorted motorcoach tours for over 40 years. We are conveniently located in North Carolina near major cities such as Charlotte, Winston Salem, and Greensboro and just a short distance to South Carolina. Our escorted tours are fun-filled, family friendly vacations. It is easy to join us. We travel to sights all across the United States and Canada. We also offer International & Domestic Fly tours including scenic and exciting destinations.

At Christian Tours, the safety and comfort of our passengers is priority! Our modern deluxe fleet of Prevost motorcoaches goes through a rigorous maintenance program at our top-notch facilities. When your group needs to charter a motorcoach or mini-bus we will provide a competitive quote.

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Raleigh Walking Tours, LLC

Next Public Walking Tours in Raleigh :  Fri. May 3rd @ 6:00 pm (Sip n' Stroll Public Art tour, see Special Announcements below); Sat. May 4th @ 2:00 pm (Spring Oakwood tour, also below), 4:30 pm (Sip n' Stroll Public Art tour) & 6:45 pm (Special True Crime & Curious Tales tour) 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS :   Celebrate Mother's Day weekend by joining me for the Raleigh Women's History tour or the Spring Oakwood tour!  Tour dates are limited, so don't miss out!  For the Women's History tour, sign up HERE !  For the Spring Oakwood tour, please click HERE !  

Also, Sip n' Stroll Public Art tours are now available!  Sign up HERE ! 

Want to take a public walking tour?

You name the price for all public tours! You will be immersed in the history and culture of Raleigh as I share my passion for this city with you. Choose from a variety of unique and entertaining walking tour experiences. 

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Haunted History

On this ghost tour, y ou will see some of the most haunted places in Raleigh.  Your guide will regale you with an eerie story at each stop. Brace yourself for a chilling journey into the unknown!  

Book The Haunted History Tour

True Crimes & Curious Tales

Murder, mayhem, and other strange happenings! Journey back in time to Raleigh’s most interesting true crime stories and other quirky tales. 

Book The True Crime & Curious Tales Tour!

Original Raleigh Murals

Some of Raleigh’s best art is found off the beaten path. Join us to view vibrant and creative murals, learn about the artists and their inspiration, and see other cool public art. Bring your camera!

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Raleigh Murals , Part 2

Did you love the Original Raleigh Murals Tour? Join us for part 2 to see even more amazing artwork, and capture some great photo opportunities.

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Public tours are not available every weekend, so make sure you check out our calendar! Most public walking tours last between 1 hour and 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

Private, fixed price tours are also available .

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52 Top Festivals & Events in Raleigh (for 2024)

Are you ready for some awesome Raleigh events and festivals in 2024? One thing we love about living in Raleigh is the constant stream of cool local events and festivals in Raleigh. We have the shady tree lined streets, urban landscapes, and awesome outdoor venues that cater to it. 

Whether it’s the arts, music, food, beer, lifestyle choices, and diverse cultures, there are plenty of amazing Raleigh festivals and Raleigh events to celebrate! 

This is by no means an exhaustive list, simply a curation of what we think are some of the unmissable festivals and events in Raleigh, NC, and the greater Triangle region for the upcoming year!

We hope this list allows you to plan out a fun 2024 that helps you connect to and celebrate the cultural diversity and unique personality of the City of Raleigh .

As we’ve updated this post from last year’s events at the very beginning of January 2024, not all dates and times listed for each event have been finalized, yet!

NOTE: Each month we create a list of top events and things to do including many of the smaller events, concerts, sporting matches, and fun things to do in Raleigh. Plus, we have a weekly Raleigh events post and weekly email with our curated events list. Be sure to join our free email community for those updates, and you’ll get our free PDF downloadable checklist of all events mentioned in this post. Pop your name and email below:

We typically write from personal experience, so if we’re sharing it with you, you can bet we’ve vetted it as a worthy festival or event to attend. 

Although some of these events in Raleigh we have not yet attended, they’re high on our wish list and we know by trusted feedback that they are high quality for those who are passionate about that particular event or topic.

Be sure to share some of your favorite Raleigh events and festivals not to miss in the comments section at the very bottom! Have an event you want to submit? Check our submission guidelines and options here. 

23rd Annual African American Cultural Celebration, Jan 27, 2024

Krispy kreme challenge, february 3, 2024, st. patrick’s day parade (and the wearin’ ‘o the green festival), march 16, 2024, spring daze arts and crafts festival, april 27, 2024, artsplosure (raleigh arts festival), may 18 & 19 2024, out raleigh pride, june 22, 2024, galaxy con, raleigh, july 25 – 28, 2024, packapalooza, august 2024 (tbd), ibma world of bluegrass festival, sept 24 – 28, 2024, nc wine festival, oct 19, 2024, downtown raleigh tree lighting celebration, tbd, helpful planning information.

If you visit Raleigh for any of these festivals and events and need accommodation, the following reviews may help:

• Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh (perfect downtown location)
• The State View Hotel (a slice of serenity in Raleigh) 
• More downtown Raleigh hotel options

You may also find our 48-hour itinerary guide on the best things to do in Raleigh handy for your trip to Raleigh. And our post on getting around Raleigh may also be helpful. We also have a guide on Raleigh Durham airport if you are flying in.

Check the specific event website for more information on ticket prices, times, and parking options as it can vary widely and change each year. There are plenty of parking garages in the city, and parking is free on the streets on weekends!

2024 MLK Dreamfest: It takes a village to realize a dream, Jan 12 -15, 2024

• Where: Cary Arts Center
• Time: 4:30-8:30pm

In celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, the Town of Cary puts on a series of events and programs to honor his legacy, focus on the issue of civil rights, and provide an opportunity for community service.

The main event is the Dreamfest with Rev. Paul Anderson, Sen. Pastor of the Fountain of Raleigh Fellowship as the featured speaker as well as dance and theater performances.

Read our guide to Downtown Cary for helpful planning while in town!

• Where: North Carolina Museum of History
• Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m .

The annual African American Cultural Celebration serves as the statewide kickoff to Black History Month in North Carolina. The 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts” spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. 

There’ll be a procession, performances dances, drama, cultural exhibitions, classes, hands-on activities and a lot more!

Don’t miss these other events in January in Raleigh.

• Where : Hillsborough St (NC State Bell Tower) to Krispy Kreme on N. Person St
• Website : KrispyKremeChallenge.com

The Krispy Kreme Challenge is one of the most unique things to do in Raleigh . It’s a student led- charity race serving to support the mission of the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. All you have to do is run 5-miles in total (or walk) from the NC State University Belltower to the Krispy Kreme on N. Person Street. Take a quick pit stop there to eat a dozen doughnuts (or as many as you can), then run back!

During the old, fun days, the race would see about 8,000 people participate, many in costumes. Suitable for all ages and walking is also encouraged. Of course, devouring doughnuts is optional.

Watch Our Krispy Kreme video from 2020:

See more Fun February Events in Raleigh and Black History and Cultural Experiences in Raleigh

Art in Bloom, March 13–17, 2024

• Where: North Carolina Museum of Art, West Building
• Time: Various
• Cost: $30 for members, $33 for nonmembers
• Website: NCArtMuseum.org

Who loves art and flowers? Get ready for five days of floral arrangements from world-class designers and florists. Features 43 installations, and some more than 10 feet tall.

I wasn’t expecting the Art in Bloom festival to be so great. We went last year and absolutely loved it. The NC Art Museum’s beauty is elevated to the next level with these stunning floral arrangements.

Read more: A guide to the Art in Bloom Festival in Raleigh (and see the video below as well) and   Don’t miss the NC Museum of Art, Raleigh’s Best Foot Forward.

• Where : City Plaza, Downtown Raleigh
• Time: March 16th, 10am
• Website : Raleighstpats.org

Grab your favorite green sweater and your spirit for having a good craic and head to downtown Raleigh to celebrate the St Patrick’s Day parade. The parade route starts at Lane Street and Wilmington Street and finishes at the corner of S Salisbury and Lenoir. The fun continues after in City Plaza with live music and performances!

If you’re looking for an Irish pub, Hibernian in Glenwood Ave (and North Raleigh), and Doherty’s Irish Pub in Cary are great!

See more fun March Events in Raleigh and 20 more ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Raleigh and these lovely gardens in Raleigh for spring color s and things to do in Raleigh in the Spring.

Mid-Town Square Spring Festival in Cary,

• Where : Bond Brothers Brewery, 202 E Cedar St, Cary
• Website: BondBrothersBeer.com

Always drawing a big crowd, the annual Mid-Town Square Spring Festival held by Bond Brothers Beer Company is back this year in downtown Cary. 

Free admission and features local artists, live music, a DJ, food trucks, and the award-winning brews from Bond Brothers (which I love!) Wine and cider is also available and they have pretty decent gluten free beer.  It’s family-friendly with a special Kids Zone too, so bring the whole family!

PODCAST : Breweries in Raleigh we keep returning to

Dreamville Festival April 6 – 7, 2024

• Where:  The Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park
• Website: DreamvilleFest.com
• Limited VIP tickets left and a waitlist!

One of the premier North Carolina festivals and live music events in Raleigh is Dreamville, created by J. Cole , North Carolina’s own Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum hip-hop artist. It’s one of the most popular and largest artist-curated music festivals in the country. 

Expect a day of fun listening to some of the best hip hop artists hand-picked by Cole in the beauty of Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh’s signature city park with over 300 acres of public greenspace. Read our guide to the Dreamville Festival 2023 .

We attended last year and were very impressed. It’s a very well-run festival with a celebratory, inclusive atmosphere. I don’t usually listen to rap, but I loved listening to many of the rap, hip hop and R & B artists, and headliner Usher was incredible. We’re eagerly awaiting 2024’s lineup!

Peak City Pigfest: April 12 & 13, 2024

• Where: Downtown Apex
• Website: PeakCityPigFest.com

We visited this Downtown Apex festival last year and found a tent filled with loud music, crowded streets, beer garden and Pig Pickins and 42 cook teams competing for more than $12,000 in prize money cooking chicken, ribs, beef brisket, and pork.

All the fun starts Friday at 5pm with a beer garden, live music and of course BBQ. It’s a time for family, friends, and neighbors to get out and enjoy each other and the atmosphere. You’ll also be able to stroll around the competition area as cook teams get ready for an all-nighter of cooking their best BBQ.

The Pit’s ‘cuegrass Festival, April 24, 2024

• Where: Fayetteville St and Hargett St
• Time: 12pm-6pm
• Website: CueGrass.com

When you hear the words North Carolina, what do you think of? Barbecue and Bluegrass of course!

The annual ‘Cuegrass festival hosted by The Pit Authentic BBQ ( Warehouse District ) is a celebration of those two things with two stages of bluegrass music and Eastern Carolina style BBQ. And beer! We can’t forget North Carolina’s great brews. You can get that too.

They are also partnering with Marbles Kids Museum to bring a Kids Zone with extra games, inflatables, and activities. Full line up to come.

READ MORE: Where to eat the best BBQ in Raleigh

Brewgaloo April 26-27, 2024

• Where : Fayetteville St
• Time: Fri: 6-10pm, Sat 12-8pm
• Cost: see below
• Website: ShopRaleigh.org/brewgaloo

Brewgaloo is back in its usual April position with a fun two-day event. Time to kick-off the season with a frothy head from one of the many Raleigh breweries plus taste beer from around North Carolina at the 2nd biggest beer fest in the USA and one of the best downtown Raleigh events!

The Friday Night Block Party features all-you-can-sample 3 oz pours. Tickets are $45 online in advance or $55 on the day of the event. You can come to the event for free, but you need tickets to participate in the sampling.

The Saturday Street Festival is FREE to enter, and drinks are available for purchase in 3 oz samples (2 tickets) or by the pint (5 tickets). Drink tickets will be sold in bundles of 15 or 25.

READ MORE: Get a taste of Raleigh at Brewgaloo (what to expect and how to have fun!)

• Where: Bond Park, Cary
• Time: 9am – 5pm
• Website: TownOfCary.org

The annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is back in the beautiful Bond Park . It’s a festival that celebrates an active lifestyle, community connectedness, and the artistry and creativity of our region. 

Grab a local brew and wander around browsing the stalls of more than 170 local artists from across North Carolina. You’ll find art-paintings, jewelry, sculptures and more. 

There are plenty of food vendors, activities for the kids and a stage with local music all day. We love Spring Daze, mostly for its stunnign forest location beside the lake!

READ MORE: Guide to Bond Park and Lake in Cary and our guide to the Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival in Cary.

VIDEO: Spring Daze

Watch the video to see how awesome the Spring Daze festival – and beautiful Bond Park in Cary. Read our full list of April Events in Raleigh here.

43rd Apex Peakfest, May 4, 2024

• Where: Salem St, Downtown Apex
• Website: ApexPeakFest.com

Time to celebrate the Peak of Good Living at the annual Apex Peak-fest festival. It started 43 years ago as a small community day in a school parking lot and has since grown into the largest event in Apex that draws hundreds of vendors and over 22,000 people to Salem St in downtown Apex.

There is live music all day, artisan stores, entertainment for the kids, food and much more. Read our full guide to downtown Apex .

42nd Meet the Street, May 4, 2024

• Where: White Street, Downtown Wake Forest
• Time: Saturday, May 4; 10-4pm

This premier arts & crafts, music and food festival in downtown Wake Forest includes more than 100 artisan booths featuring handmade items for sale, dozens of food trucks, live music throughout the day, a children’s village filled with activities for kids, and more.

This festival has been running for 41 years! If you haven’t been to Wake Forest yet, this is your chance to explore this cute town northeast of Downtown Raleigh.

Animazement, May 24 – 26, 2024

• Where:  Raleigh Convention Center
• Time: various times each day
• Website:   animazement.com

Raleigh truly has a festival and event to suit all interests and hobbies. This convention draws in 15,000 people wanting to celebrate Japanese visual culture with concerts, educational panels, limited merchandise, unique artwork, and more!

• Where: Downtown Raleigh
• Time: Sat: 11am – 7pm; Sun: 10am – 6pm
• Website: RaleighArtsFestival.com

Artsplosure is another of the annual Raleigh events and features over 175 visual artists showcasing their original works in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and more. 

There are also live music performances on the main stage, free arts and crafts for kids in the Kidsplosure section, and art installations throughout Fayetteville St. It’s an easy and fun festival for supporting local art. Wander. Wonder. Buy some art and dance the jig a little!  Read our full guide to Artsplosure Raleigh .

Video: Raleigh Arts Festival

Read more events in May in Raleigh

N.C. Hops Festival, June 2024 (TBD)

• Where:  Jim Graham Building at North Carolina State Fairgrounds
• Website:   shoplocalraleigh.org

We’re beer tasting again! No matter the month in Raleigh, it seems there is a beer festival to match. June takes us to the showgrounds for the annual NC Hops Festival featuring NC craft beverages, live music, local makers, and food trucks!

Tickets are $45 per session to enjoy unlimited samples of NC beer, ciders, seltzers, and more. Last year we enjoyed finding a few more local craft brews including Meade from Asheville and non-alcoholic kombucha and soda from Tribucha! There were games set up outside and fun stein holding competitions.

International Food Festival, June 2024 (TBD)

• Where:  Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh
• Time: 11am – 9pm

Time to celebrate the vibrant cultures that make up Raleigh. Over 30 food trucks/dessert trucks from around the globe, live performances, and an outdoor international dance party!

• Where:  Fayetteville St; 11am – 6pm
• Website: OutRaleighPride.org

Join more than 66,000 people pouring into Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street to celebrate the LGBT community , our friends, and families. The free event features live entertainment, local vendors and artists, great food, a Kids Zone, and a beer garden! 

Out! Raleigh Pride is an important way to raise the necessary funds to support the LGBT Center of Raleigh and all of its 20+ amazing community programs. Let’s get out and celebrate and support all people in our community. 

Discover more Raleigh events in June and our Summer bucket list for Raleigh.

Festival for the Eno, July 1 & July 4, 2024

• Where: West Point on the Eno River City Park
• Website: EnoFest.org

This may be in nearby Durham , but anyone living in Raleigh will definitely want to experience the legendary annual Eno Fest, held on the banks of the beautiful Eno River on Independence Day!

Held annually since 1980, this Festival is considered to be one of the premier folk and arts festivals in North Carolina and the Southeast.

It is enveloped in good juju and an important mission: to conserve and protect the natural environment, culture, and history of the Eno River basin. Proceeds support the association’s work in the upkeep of the river and the purchase of land within its watershed.

You can listen to about 40 artists from gospel to roots rock across four stages as well as browse the stalls of arts and craft vendors and food trucks and beer tents. 

July 4th Celebrations, 2024

If you don’t want to dance beside the Eno, there are plenty of other Independence Day Celebrations across the Triangle. The City of Raleigh’s annual July Fourth fireworks will be held around the PNC Arena and Stadium Complex (PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium area).

In Cary, the pines at Koka Booth Amphitheatre hosts the Town of Cary’s family-friendly July 4th Celebration with rides and games, watermelon-eating contests, a 50-foot Ferris wheel, live music and fireworks.

See more Independence Day events in Raleigh and the Triangle. We also like to go to a Durham Bulls game on July 4th (or close to it).

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• Where: Raleigh Convention Center 
• Time:  Various
• Cost:   Starts $40for adults $20 for children
• Website : GalaxyCon.com

Where are the fandoms from across the galaxies? Do you love pop culture, gaming, fantasy, comic books and more? You will want to devote four days this year at GalaxyCon Raleigh to celebrate your other-Universe adventures. 

At one of the biggest events in Raleigh, you’ll be joined by celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists, and other fans dressed in their best costumes. 

Discover more July Events in Raleigh.

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival, Aug 2-4, 2023

• Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
• Time: Fri 6pm-10pm; Sat 12pm-6pm (VIP), 2pm-6pm (general)
• Cost: $39 – $129
• Website: Cary.BeerAndBourbon.com

Unbuckle those belts for two days of Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! Your admission buys you a souvenir sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.

Apart from the overindulging you can shop for merch, play giant Jenga and cornhole, and dance to rock, blues, and bluegrass music. All held within one of our favorite venues in Wake County, Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Related Post – 35 cool things for your Raleigh summer bucket list

CaribMask, Caribbean Carnival, August 2024 (TBD)

• Where:  Downtown Raleigh
• Time: 12pm – late
• Website:  

No 2024 details announced yet, but last year it was six events held over four days to help celebrate the Afro-Caribbean culture in Raleigh. Expect a parade, masquerade dress, live music, dancing and Caribbean food and drinks.

Kirby Derby, Aug 2024 (TBD)

• Where:  Dorothea Dix Park
• Website:  https://kdd.gamil.com/

The Kirby Derby is one of our favorite quirky local events in Raleigh. To me, this event is what Raleigh community is all about – neighbors coming together to have fun as friends.

We will never forget this experience we had back in 2009 when a friend told us we had to come experience the Kirby Derby party in a small neighborhood near Pullen Park . It was wild.

It’s now grown so big it will be held in Dorothea Dix Park. Come along to see all manner of hand built, gravity-powered cars disguised as everything from sharks to cake slices barrel downhill to the tune of cheering neighbors, all racing for the Kirby Cup.

See our video from 2022 ! The theme was the Roaring Twenties – and they brought it to life!

Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Aug 24 & 25, 2024 (TBD)

• Where : Cary Town Hall Campus, Downtown Cary
• Time: 9am -5pm

I like the Town of Cary’s annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. Now in its 40th year, this Cary festival is held across two days and features more than 300 artists from 16 states . There are also multiple stages of live local music, a beer garden and food trucks. 

READ MORE: A weekend Getaway in Downtown Cary and What else is happening in Raleigh in August?

• Where: Hillsborough St
• Time: 2-7pm
• Website:   packapalooza.ncsu.edu

Packapalooza is all about welcoming NC State Univeristy students back for the new college year with an all-day block party and street festival.

They will have everything it takes to celebrate in NC State style, including great music, activities throughout the day, and fun entertainment for the whole family.

Read more events in August in Raleigh

Hopscotch Music Festival, Sept 5-7, 2024

• Where: Various venues Downtown Raleigh
• Website : HopScotchMusicFest.com

Earning notoriety as one of the country’s top music festivals is the Hopscotch Music festival, known for its eclectic music representation covering almost every genre —rock, hip-hop, metal, folk, electronic, experimental, and more.

It’s three days of music celebration with a spirit and atmosphere that has been likened to Mardi Gras. Details for 2023 have not yet been released – stay tuned!

African American Cultural Festival, Sept 2024 (TBD)

• Cost:  Free

Usually held on Labor Day weekend, this Raleigh festival is held to celebrate African American culture through art, music, food, and dance. An Art Gallery Wall will display works of local and national artists.

The festival has become Raleigh’s premiere destination for teaching, sharing and celebrating the distinctive folk and cultural traditions of African Americans in N.C. and from around the world.

Asia Fest With Dragon Boat Racing, Sept 2024 (TBD)

• Where:  Koka Booth Amphitheater
• Time: 10am-5pm
• Website:  https://www.asianfocusnc.org/asiafest

The Greater Triangle Dragon Boat Festival, or Asia Fest, is a chance to celebrate Asian culture, diversity, and history. What better way to do it than with dragon boat races on Symphony Lake, games, stage performances and unique ethnic street food. 

Details for 2023 not yet released.

La Fiesta Del Pueblo, Sept, 2024 (TBD)

• Where:  Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh
• Time:  12pm-6pm
• Website:  https://elpueblo.org/fiesta/

Another celebration of a vibrant culture living in Raleigh. La Fiesta del Pueblo is the time to honor Latin American culture with live music and dance performances, visual and folk-art exhibits, educational booths, and activities for the whole family.

Live music includes Grupo Mojado, internationally famous and nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Group Album. 2022 was attended by 22,00 people! Details for 2024’s event will be released in May.

Benson Mule Days, Sept (TBD), 2024

• Where:  Main St Benson, Johnston County
• Times:  Various (all day events)
• Cost:  Some free and some ticketed events
• Website:  www. bensonmuledays.com

Benson Mule Days is a legendary  4-day festival , one of the largest in North Carolina drawing in 20,000-30,000 people. If you like quirky, you’ll love celebration of all our beloved, obstinate mules.

The tradition began in 1949 when Nowell Smith, Jr. and the McLamb Brothers had the idea for a festival that would both  celebrate the farmer and foster community spirit  by incorporating the town’s main draft animal – the mule.

Expect Rodeos, mule competitions, arts and crafts, food vendors, dances, carnival rides, camping, parades, Bluegrass shows, and musical concerts. Saturday’s Mule Day parade is a highlight!

Benson  is about 30-minutes from Raleigh in Johnston County . Well worth a visit for Mule Days!

• Where: Red Hat Amphitheater and Downtown Raleigh
• Time:   Various

We’re so sad that 2024 will be the last year IBMA World of Blugrass will be held in Raleigh. So grab your banjos and your free spirit and head to downtown Raleigh for some jamming!

One of the most popular free events in Raleigh, IBMA World of Bluegrass is an urban bluegrass music festival that closes out the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Week in Raleigh. NC.

During the two-day festival , Fayetteville Street is closed down and features five blocks and six stages of music stretching from Martin Street to the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

The festival features the best performers and musicians in the national and international bluegrass scene each year, including some new up and coming artists. 

The event also includes an amazing street festival complete with delicious food, a dance tent, a BBQ cook-off, an arts & crafts market and many other activities for all ages.

Read our full post sharing the World of Bluegrass Festival in Raleigh experience. See our Reel of the experience here.

You can also read more events in Raleigh in September , top festivals in the Fall in Raleigh , a Fall bucket list , where to see the Fall colors in Raleigh and best places for a Fall getaway from Raleigh .

Triangle Oktoberfest, Oct (TBD), 2024

• Where:  Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary
• Website: TriangleOktoberfest.org

The largest Oktoberfest in Central North Carolina is an authentic German festival focused on family fun, traditional Bavarian food and fare; and plenty of local and authentic German beers from Munich.

Of course, rest assured there will be Polka music to ramp up that Oompah vibe. And I can tell you from my Oktoberfest experience in the beer halls of Munich that it is a fun event you’ll never forget. Raise your stein and get prosting!

Read more: 13 Places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Raleigh

Cary Diwali Festival, Oct TBD, 2024

• Where : Koka Booth Amphitheatre

The Cary Diwali festival includes music, dance, theater performances, a handicraft bazaar, Indian food vendors, sponsor booths, an exhibition of Indian art and culture, and activities for children.

It’s a celebration that marks the victory of good over evil, light over dark and the beginning of the New Year. It is one of the most widely celebrated religious and cultural events in Raleigh. 

SAS Golf Championship, Oct 7 – 13, 2024

• Where:  Prestonwood Country Club
• Time:  (no times announced yet)
• Cost:  $25 Daily Grounds Passes. FREE public parking at Bond Park with shuttle to the tournament main entrance
• Website:  www. saschampionship.com

One of the biggest golf events in Wake County is the long-running annual PGA Tour Champions event held in Prestonwood Cary. Some of golf’s best attend the SAS Championship. This golf event includes:

• Pro-Am event
• Food Truck Friday:  some of the area’s best Food Trucks, plus live music, and youth entertainment
• 5K Saturday race:  Enjoy the unique experience of running, jogging or walking along the official tournament course prior to the second round of play.

N.C. State Fair, Oct. 17- 27, 2024

• Where : NC. State Fairgrounds
• Website: NCStateFair.org

Are you ready for a HUGE North Carolina event held right in the heart of Raleigh at the State Fairgrounds? It is the largest annual event in North Carolina and last year, I felt every one of those million visitors that attended the 11-day fair. 

Our tip is to arrive right on opening time. We arrived before even the rides had started which gave us a great opportunity to roam freely and then be first in line for the rides. We had very little waiting time until around 1pm when all of Raleigh walked through the gates, and we walked right out! (and it meant we found parking in the side streets that was FREE!)

Bring plenty of cash as well. The NC State Fair will BLOW a hole out of your wallet. We’ll have a post coming soon with all our tips for making it work. 

As the biggest of the annual Raleigh events, it is a lot of fun with high-flying rides, deep-fried foods, live music, stunt shows and other entertainment (including nightly fireworks). It’s definitely worth experiencing once.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to the North Carolina State Fair

Video: NC State Fair 2021

Falling for local, oct 5, 2024.

• Where: Dorothea Dix Park
• Time: 11am – 6pm
• Website: ShopLocalRaleigh.org

We enjoy this festival filled with local makers and creators stalls, beer tents, live music from local artists, and activities for the kids, such as hayrides and pumpkin patches. It’s a great way to welcome in Fall while still soaking up the last warm rays of summer. 

Buy your drink tickets in advance as the lines can get long. And note, last year the food truck lineup was ridiculous! People were waiting for a long time, and many trucks had run out of certain foods, so it may be a good idea to bring your own picnic lunch!

Raleigh’s International Wine Festival, Oct TBD, 2024

• Where:  City Plaza Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh
• Time:  12pm-9pm
• Cost:  Free to attend, but wine samples cost $$
• Website: 

Is October Wine Month? I’m all for it! This wine festival will feature over 25 international wine suppliers from countries such as Chile, Portugal, Italy, France and Australia. There will also be food trucks and live music performances.

• Where : Koka Booth, Cary
• Cost:  $50-$75
• Website:  ncwinefestival.com/home

Did somebody say wine tasting? You may be surprised at the state of wine in North Carolina. For over 20 years, the NC Wine festival has been sharing NC wineries goodness with us all. Paired with your chardonnay will be music, food and live entertainment.

Discover more events in Raleigh for October.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival-Cary, Nov 17, 2024 through Jan 14, 2025

• Website: BoothAmpitheartre.com

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has exploded in popularity over recent years. So plan well and buy your tickets in advance. The festival has hundreds of larger-than-life lanterns on display creating an incredible, colorful adventure for you to walk through during the holiday season. 

More than 15,000 LED lights make up 20 distinct displays , including a 200-foot-long, 21-foot-tall mythical creature that sits on Symphony Lake. We have a guide to the NC Chinese Lantern Festival in Wake County.

Raleigh Christmas Parade, Nov 23, 2024

• Where: Hillsborough to Fayetteville St Downtown
• Time: 9:30am
• Website : GRMA.org

We love the Raleigh Christmas Parade . It’s incredible to see the extent people go to present their businesses or creative ideas on dozens of floats that include marching bands, twirlers, elaborately costumed Mexican dancers, cowboys and cowgirls riding through, hotted up cars, vintage cars, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. 

It is the largest Christmas Parade between Washington DC and Atlanta and has been a much-loved community event since it began in 1939.

The parade covers 1.4 miles beginning at Hillsborough Street at the intersection of St. Mary’s Street and ending at the bottom of Fayetteville St. 

If you live in one of the smaller Wake County communities, check to see what your municipality is offering by way of Christmas parades. We know Cary and Apex both have a fun filled Christmas parade event. 

If you don’t want to deal with the cold and crowds (60,000+), you can watch from home starting at 9:30 AM by tuning in to channel 11, or online at ABC11.com. Read our guide here.

Video: Raleigh Christmas Parade 2021

27th annual american indian heritage celebration, tbd, 2024.

• Where:  North Carolina Museum of History
• Website:   www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/aihc-2022

Time to honor our Indigenous Peoples. This annual event has been held in honor of American Indian Heritage Month in North Carolina for over 25 years.

The festival includes multiple demonstrations, presentations, and performances highlight the traditional and contemporary artistic, scientific, historic, and cultural contributions of American Indians in North Carolina for over 14,000 years. 

• Where : Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

A great way to kick-off the holiday season is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Raleigh at the Duke Energy Center. The tree will be surrounded by the Triangle Pop-Up holiday market and a stage with live performances. You can do some Christmas shopping, have photos with Santa, and dance to a few Christmas tunes. 

Check your local municipality for their annual tree lighting celebration as well. North Hills and Cary have popular ones. (you can of course visit them all!)

Read more events in Raleigh for November and the top Christmas experiences in North Carolina .

December 2024

Illuminate raleigh (tbd 2024).

• When:  After dark
• Cost:  Free

Born out of the pandemic and now a regular Holiday event in Raleigh is the highly enjoyable  Illuminate Art Walk . Parts of the Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South districts transform with large-scale, interactive and light-based art pieces that are unique and family friendly.

Grab yourself a coffee or hot chocolate, or thanks to  Sip and Stroll  maybe something a little stronger and enjoy the art displays on the streets and in storefront windows.

Holiday Express at Pullen Park, TBD 2024

• Where : Pullen Park
• Tickets on sale TBD

May the Holiday Express Ticket Gods be with you! Tickets go on sale mid-July and you want to be ready, they sell out faster than Taylor Swift (well, almost).

Pullen Park dresses up for the holiday season, festively decorated with thousands of lights and transformed into a holiday wonderland . There’s typically s’mores, hot chocolates, photos with Santa, a miniature train ride through the park and a fun carousel ride. 

The past two years were canceled so keep an eye out for this year’s event and fingers crossed it’s the year for its return. Mostly suited to families with younger kids. 

READ MORE : Guide to Pullen Park

Boylan Heights Art Walk, TBD 2024

• Where: Boylan Heights neighborhood
• Time : Noon -5pm

We really love this small, local event in the neighborhood streets of Boylan Heights – one of the neighborhoods we’d most love to live in Raleigh . Many of the home’s front porches and lawns are given to local artists to showcase and sell their work. It’s where I found my favorite local artist, Amy Friend, and her red thread drawings

It’s a wonderful way to support local artists and feel the community vibe of Raleigh. It’s also the prefect opportunity to grab a local coffee, meal, or drink from this area. We took my sister visiting from Australia, and friends visiting from Wisconsin, and they all loved it.

• Coffee: Rebus Works (also have great art gallery and light snacks)
• Lunch: Wye Hill (also great for a drink)
• Drink: Vault Craft Beer
• Read our Neighborhood guide to Boylan Heights

 Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour®,TBD 2024

• Where: Historic Oakwood District
• Website : HistoricOakwood.org

Get your tickets early for this classic of Raleigh events, the very popular walking tour of the Historic Oakwood Neighborhood for their annual Candlelight Tour.

We absolutely love it. It was created in 1972 in an effort to save the neighborhood from being torn down for new development.

Dozens of Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architectural style properties open their doors to visitors to see their stunning interior designs and elaborate Christmas decorations, as well as learning more about the history behind each house. This is one way to feel more connected to the Raleigh community and why it’s so great! 

You need at least 4-hours to visit every home. Start (or end) with a drink at Pelagic Beer and Wine on North Person St, one of the coolest neighborhood watering holes in Raleigh. Read our guide to North Person Street for more ideas.

READ MORE: Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour and you can see our IG Reel for 2021’s event here.

Theatre In The Park presents A Christmas Carol, TBD 2024

• Where:  Martin Marietta Center for The Performing Arts and DPAC
• Website: TheatreInThePark.com

Another of the hugely popular Christmas events in Raleigh is the comedy adaptation of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.

The show has been performed annually since 1974 and was named one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast.” Cited as “one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theatre history,”

We finally got to see the performance of the Christmas Carol in 2022. It was quite a funny version of the tale, with lots of great Raleigh references and jokes reflective of current societal issues and trends.

Due to its popularity and growth, it has now moved to two larger performance venues, the  Martin Marietta Center for The Performing Artsin Downtown Raleigh and DPAC in Durham.

First Night Raleigh, Dec 31, 2024

• Where: Fayetteville St
• Time: 2pm – midnight
• Website: FirstNightRaleigh.com

First Night Raleigh, in downtown Raleigh, is North Carolina’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration and the main New Year’s Eve in Raleigh event.

Festivities begin with the outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2pm . We usually leave after the 7pm fireworks as it gets too cold for us to wait until midnight.

The night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop , and spectacular fireworks show.

Read More: 13 top events for New Year’s Eve in Raleigh and more December events in Raleigh , top things to do for Christmas in Raleigh, places to go holiday shopping in Raleigh and where to see the Christmas lights .

If you found this post on top festivals and events in Raleigh for 2024 helpful, please consider sharing it. Have a fantastic and fun year.

About The Author

Caroline Makepeace

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One-Day Tour of Raleigh, N.C.

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One-Day Tour of Raleigh, N.C. 

Morning (walking tour) Start with breakfast in downtown Raleigh's Moore Square Art District at Big Ed's City Market Restaurant . After eating a plateful of biscuits, eggs with bacon or sausage or maybe some French toast, you can walk through the cobblestone streets of City Market and do a little shopping. Also in City Market is Artspace (free), where artists work in open-to-the-public studios.

Then stroll over to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (free) and the North Carolina Museum of History (free). The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences features four floors of exhibits, including prehistoric N.C. (featuring the Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur) and a dry tropical rainforest with butterflies and a one-toed sloth. The North Carolina Museum of History has short-term and long-term exhibitions about the history of the state, including Civil War heritage as well as the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame .  

Afternoon (walking tour continues) Take a walk back toward the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' newer wing called the Nature Research Center , which explains how we know all we do about nature. Inside you can grab some lunch at The Daily Planet Cafe , or head back toward Fayetteville St. and dine at one of the many restaurants in the Fayetteville Street district downtown.

After lunch, take a longer hike north and visit Mordecai Historic Park , offering guided tours of the Mordecai mansion, an antebellum plantation home, and tours of other historic structures, which have been moved to Mordecai Park for preservation, including the birthplace of Andrew Johnson .

Finally, drive a few miles to one of Raleigh’s unique outdoor shopping destinations such as the  Village District or North Hills to enjoy shopping in locally-owned stores and some delicious dinner options.  

Half-Day Itinerary (walking tour)

Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (free) and the North Carolina Museum of History (free), located in downtown Raleigh's Capital District. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences features four floors of exhibits, including prehistoric N.C. (featuring the Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur) and a dry tropical rainforest with butterflies, hummingbirds and a one-toed sloth. The North Carolina Museum of History has short-term and long-term exhibitions about the history of the state, including Civil War heritage as well as the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Head to Moore Square District and explore Artspace (free), where artists work in open-to-the-public studios. Walk through the cobblestone streets of City Market and do a little shopping or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in that area.  

Other half-day excursions

You may choose to explore the main streets of one or more municipalities in the Raleigh area, each with its own blend of past and present.

From the historic train station in Apex to Cary's landmark hotel (now the Page-Walker Arts & History Center) to the once-famous healing springs of Fuquay-Varina, history and nostalgia run deep in the smaller towns of the area.

Learn all about those towns here .

Parks and Recreation

Jewish History Trolley Tour

Take a journey to uncover Raleigh's Jewish heritage and history starting with Moses Mordecai, the namesake of Mordecai Historic Park and the first Jewish man recorded to live in Raleigh. We will go on to explore the buildings, sites, and lives of those who built Raleigh’s Jewish community.

Tickets are $12 per person and are available at reclink.raleighnc.gov under the Tours section. For questions or more information, please call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364.

Times: 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Ages: All Cost: $12 per person Register on RecLink

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Apr 25, 2024

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It’s Time to Run With the Pack

From our blossoming campus to our storybook basketball run, there's never been a better time to be here at NC State.

It’s always exciting to be part of the Wolfpack — but there’s a bit of extra shine to being an NC State student this spring.

Our university is rising in national rankings , graduating go-getters by the thousands and still riding high off dual Final Fours for our men’s and women’s basketball teams. Spirits have never been brighter, and we know you want to get in on the fun.

Considering joining us next semester? See why our flourishing campus is calling your name.

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So, what is life like as an NC State student? Glad you asked. Four upperclassmen recently sat down to answer some of your most-searched questions:

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Our campus has a unique blend of classic architecture and futuristic structures that you won’t find at any other university in the area. Beauty lies around every corner — that’s probably why everyone’s obsessed with capturing our good side . Go ahead, we’ll pose for you any time.

Check out some recent film snapshots students here developed in the darkroom. (So analog!)

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We’ve spent this semester howling at the moon — and lighting the Belltower red — to celebrate countless successes from our Wolfpack student-athletes.

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Of course, that was only after our men’s team made history by clinching their first ACC Tournament Championship since 1987, beating five conference rivals in five straight days.

NC State gymnastics won its eighth conference championship, posting its highest road score in program history. Athletics has now won five ACC titles this academic year, with women’s cross-country, wrestling and men’s swimming and diving also earning top honors in the conference.

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When you land on campus this fall, prepare to embark on new adventures, meet your community and start checking off your own list.

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Our faculty teach classes as unique and varied as your interests . The list below is just a sample of what you could explore.

• Taylor Swift: Through the Eras ( Pretty sure we’d pass this one with screaming color s . )
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Just like a towering ice cream sandwich from Howling Cow’s creamery , life in the Wolfpack is pretty sweet. If you want to get an insider’s look at our campus day to day, follow along with @NCState on social media .

We feature student stories and treasured moments all year long. Hopefully, we’ll be sharing yours soon.

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You’ve gotten the lay of the land — now it’s time to discover your place in the Pack. Our experts have developed a rigorous, scientific (and partially ice-cream-based) method for determining the NC State archetype that fits you best.

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More From NC State News

The Class of 2024, by the Numbers 

David MacMillan, Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Will Address Spring 2024 Graduates 

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