Things to See and Do in Raleigh, North Carolina

Origin Raleigh - Hotel

Origin Raleigh is one of the newer hotels in the city, but it's already making its way to the top. It's situated between the Warehouse and Glenwood South districts at the center of Raleigh. You would be right by Raleigh Union Station, North Carolina State Capitol, and many local restaurants and breweries if you stayed here.

Their rooms include a King Classic, Corner King, Queen Classic, and a Double Queen Classic. They also have accessible rooms available. Booking a room comes with a 10% discount on select local shops like DECO and the hotel restaurant and bar, Good Day Good Night.

Website: Origin Raleigh
Location: lon/lat: -78.64836468894705 | 35.77974056816358

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

One fun family activity to do in Raleigh is visiting the many free museums in town. One of which is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. It's pretty impressive as it is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast and the most visited museum in the state.

They have two different sections to the museum, the Nature Exploration Center and the Nature Research Center. In the Exploration Center, you'll find the Arthropod Zoo, Living Conservatory, and exhibits on habitats and wildlife. In the Research Center, where you'll find the T. Rex bones, space exhibits, and watch scientists do their thing. They have permanent and special exhibitions and even themed events. Experts are also available all around the museum to help you understand the displays.

If you'd like to grab a bite, there's a cafe in each section. There's the Daily Planet Cafe and the Acro Cafe. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Website: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Location: lon/lat: -78.6392866736042 | 35.78240867661608

Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh (CAM Raleigh)

Locally known as CAM Raleigh, the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh is one of the more unique art galleries in the city. It's a local favorite and sits at the heart of the Warehouse District. What's special about the art gallery is it doesn't have a permanent exhibit. Instead, it has a rotating collection that is always different and fresh. Artworks by Angel Otero, Jonathan Horowitz, and Marilyn Minter have been showcased in the museum.

There's always something for everyone, and it might be pleasantly surprising. They are open on Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm. On weekends, their hours are from 12 pm to 5 pm. Admissions are free.

Website: CAM Raleigh
Location: lon/lat: -78.64581320613969 | 35.77706507891163

Red Hat Amphitheater

Red Hat Amphitheater is the place to be for concerts, music events, and live entertainment. The venue is right across from Raleigh Convention Center and is in the Warehouse District. It is surrounded by the downtown collection of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The theater has a 6,000 seat capacity and has hosted huge acts like Maroon 5, the North Carolina Symphony, etc. Seat options include elevated lawn seating, outdoor seating, box seats, and a VIP section.

Their box office hours are from 2 to 9 pm. Check upcoming events on their website.

Website: Red Hat Amphitheater
Location: lon/lat: -78.64293125456203 | 35.77402882832299

Drive Shack

Golfing is a different experience here in Raleigh. Instead of the sprawling greenery of typical golf courses, Drive Shack is a three-story golf driving range with innovative technology in the mix. Even if you prefer the traditional golf experience, this is still a fun and popular attraction you could try.

The driving range is 260 yards long, has 96 climate-controlled bays with lounge seating, three stories, and lots of fun games. They also have a restaurant and bar, live entertainment, an arcade, and many more. Their technology lets players mix golf with other classic games, play virtual golf games, and get real-time gameplay statistics.

For less than ten people, their rate starts from $25 per bay. Their rates start increasing depending on your chosen schedule. They are open from Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10 am to 12 am. While on Friday to Saturday, they are available from 10 am to 1 am.

Website: Drive Shack
Location: lon/lat: -78.73925780058948 | 35.801753816723284

Raleigh Little Theater

If you're in the mood for live theater, head on down Raleigh Little Theater. The theater is the venue of many community productions, so it's a favorite among the locals. It's been in existence since 1936, and there's a lot of history here. At times, there are also film screenings, but more often, you'll see performances here. Their box office hours are noon to 5 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You can find it in West Raleigh at 301 Pogue Street. Check their website for upcoming shows and events.

Website: Raleigh Little Theater
Location: lon/lat: -78.66809357175411 | 35.791489639858064

Pullen Park

Pullen Park gives you many options when you're not sure what to do in the city. The park is on the western side of town, near downtown and North Carolina State University. It's open from 10 am to 9 pm and has both outdoor and indoor recreation.

The park covers a 60-acre land and was also the first public park in NC. Kid-friendly activities include:

• A visit to the playgrounds.
• A ride on the 1911 carousel.
• Kiddie boats.
• A miniature train ride.
• Pedal boating.

Other facilities include an arts center, an aquatic center, sports centers and fields, Theater in the Park, and many more. They also have the Pullen Place Cafe for local cuisine.

Website: Pullen Park
Location: lon/lat: -78.66276973127565 | 35.77949217279983

Still Life Nightclub and Ultra Lounge

Raleigh also has exciting nightlife. Get a taste of it here at Still Life Nightclub and Ultra Lounge. They are open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 pm to 2 am. It's on Glenwood South, a couple of minutes from downtown Raleigh. With two levels, the first floor is where the party happens with their nightclub. Upstairs, their Loft rooftop lounge has sleek interiors with an outdoor patio that overlooks downtown. You can book a VIP ticket, complete with a private table, bottle service, and a view of the room.

Website: Still Life Nightclub and Ultra Lounge
Location: lon/lat: -78.64599256011117 | 35.78597385314755