TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Capital ideas |
|  | State Capitol: The State Capitol building, built in 1840, is an excellent example of a civic structure in Greek Revival-style architecture. Though recently renovated, the building does contain some original furniture. Address: 1 E Edenton St, Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919-733-4994 Free |  |
|  | Executive Mansion: This 37,500-square-foot grand mansion, built during the late 1800s in the Queen Anne style of Victorian architecture, is home to the governor of North Carolina and his family. Although the mansion itself is currently closed to the general public, free tours of the grounds are still available. Address: 200 N Blount St, Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919 807 7950 Free |  |
Urban oasis |
|  | J.C. Raulston Arboretum: Part of the North Carolina State University, this eight-acre garden contains a wide variety of cold hardy temperate zone plants. Address: 4301 Beryl Road, Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919-515-3132 Free |  |
|  | Umstead State Park: Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300+ year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, camp sites and lots more for nature lovers. Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919-571-4170 Admission fee |  |
Museum highlights |
|  | Museum of Natural Sciences: Willo, the only dinosaur in the world with a fossilized heart, is just one of the fascinating artifacts found at this museum, the largest of its kind in the Southeast. Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919 733 7450 Free |  |
|  | North Carolina Museum of Art: This museum's collection spans more than 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to the latest in contemporary art. It is especially known for its European galleries, which boast works by the masters: Monet, Rubens and Raphael, to name only a few. Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919 839 6262 Free |  |
|  | North Carolina Museum of History: Immerse yourself in North Carolina's history from pre-Colonial to the present-day at this museum that focuses on sports, folk life and women's issues. Address: 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919 715 0200 Free |  |
Local flavor |
|  | State Farmers Market: Seven days a week, serious food connoisseurs and regular folks carefully pick through mounds of gorgeously presented fresh local produce at this popular open market, owned by the State of North Carolina. Address: 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919-733-7417 Free |  |
|  | City Market: Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, this is a trendy shopping and restaurant district located in Raleigh's historic section. Address: Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919 821 8023 Free |  |
Restaurants |
|  | Mo's Diner: It's not fancy but the staff is cheery, the dining rooms cozy and the food delicious. Address: 306 E Hargett St, Raleigh, North Carolina Phone: 919 856 0980 Go ahead, try the chicken livers. |  |
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