Ranked #2 for best cities to live in by Study Finds in 2023, it’s no wonder locals love Raleigh, NC. But visitors should be prepared to fall in love too. In just three days, you can soak up the beautiful weather, dive into the foodie scene, and explore endless recreation. From cultural hotspots to outdoor adventures, this 3-day guide will show you how to plan an unforgettable weekend trip to Raleigh.
Come on, let’s make those three days count!
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Side Note: The following post was written by Christy, a long-time Raleigh local. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate weekend in Raleigh itinerary. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
Table of Contents
Raleigh Weekend Trip Quick Overview
Sports, theaters, museums, history, park systems, a growing hotspot for foodies—Raleigh’s got it all! Here’s a quick overview (and map) of this Raleigh weekend itinerary. Full details below!
- Day 1: NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh City Plaza, and a show at Martin Marietta Center or Red Hat Amphitheater
- Day 2: Raleigh Flea Market, NC Museum of Art, & shopping at Crabtree Valley Mall (or game at PNC Arena)
- Day 3: Hike at William B. Umstead State Park, JC Raulston Arboretum, & outdoor concert or movie at Midtown Park
How do I get to Raleigh?
Raleigh is easily accessible via various exits off Highway 40 and I 440, getting here is a breeze. If you’re flying, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the closest airport.
From there, hop on a rideshare or taxi, but fair warning: Raleigh is spread out, so costs can add up. For flexibility and convenience, consider renting a car.
Need public transit? GoRaleigh offers local and regional buses. For fares and pass info go here.
What is the best time to visit Raleigh?
Raleigh is like that friend who’s always ready for a good time, no matter when you swing by. But if I had to pick, I’d say spring steals the show with its mild weather, blooming festivals, and outdoor adventures galore. Summer’s a close second, boasting concerts and starlit movie nights.
But hey, don’t sleep on fall either—those crisp days, pumpkin patches, and the NC State Fair? Absolute magic.
Honestly, any time of year, Raleigh’s got something up its sleeve, whether you’re into hiking, museums, or just soaking in the local vibe.
Average Raleigh Temperatures by Season:
- Winter: 52/33 (7 days of rain)
- Spring: 70/48 (7 days of rain)
- Summer: 87/68 (7.5 days of rain)
- Fall: 72/50 (5.5 days of rain)
The “best” time is subjective and only you can decide based on what you’d like to do and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Where should I stay in Raleigh?
When planning a 3-day weekend getaway to Raleigh, I highly recommend staying in Downtown Raleigh if you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of the city. Downtown is the prime spot for indulging in top-tier restaurants, lively nightlife, and captivating theater productions.
If you’re up for shopping or visiting local attractions like the NC State Fairgrounds or the NC Museum of Art, consider the North Hills, North Raleigh, Brier Creek, or Crabtree Valley Mall areas. These neighborhoods offer convenient access to a variety of retail and cultural experiences.
Staying near the NC State University area is perfect for those who want to be close to downtown while also enjoying popular parks such as Pullen Park and Dix Park and the bustling atmosphere of NC State games and events.
For a quaint and charming experience, explore the smaller neighboring towns of Cary, Morrisville, Wake Forest, and Apex. Each offers unique accommodations and is just a short drive from Raleigh, providing a peaceful retreat with all the conveniences of city proximity.
My Personal Recommendations:
- Budget Friendly: Fairfield Inn Raleigh/Durham Airport/Brier Creek – Situated away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, Fairfield Inn RDU Airport at Brier Creek puts you close to the airport but allows you to be near shopping and restaurants at the Brier Creek Shopping Center. With a FREE airport shuttle, breakfast included, a pool and hot tub, and plenty of things to do nearby, you’ll find the perfect blend of location that’s easy on your wallet.
- Mid-range: Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Crabtree Valley – Located just down the road from Crabtree Valley Mall, this hotel includes parking, has a pool, and offers a free area shuttle for up to 3 miles.
- Luxury: The Umstead Hotel & Spa – While this hotel is located in the nearby town of Cary, it’s still only a short drive away from the RDU Airport, PNC arena, Crabtree Valley Mall, and Umstead Park hiking trails (some of my personal favorite local trails) are just a few miles down the road. Umstead is one of the few lodging options in Raleigh that has an onsite, full-service spa. You’ll also enjoy their pool, restaurant, golf club, terrace and gardens, and bike rentals. It’s a true oasis in the city.
- Dog-friendly Stay: Hyatt House Raleigh/North Hills – For those who share a room with their four-legged bestie, you can find a dog-friendly stay at the Hyatt House North Hills. Bonus! There’s a dog park in the North Hills area and no extra fees for service animals!
The Ultimate 3-Day Raleigh Weekend Itinerary
It’s time! Let’s dive into this complete 3-day Raleigh weekend guide!
Day 1 in Raleigh NC: Downtown Exploring!
Start your trip in the vibrant heart of downtown Raleigh, NC. This first-day itinerary has everything within a mile of each other, perfect for a day when you want to ditch the car and rely on walking or ride shares! You’ll pass by a variety of restaurants and eateries along your way, so you’ll have no problem finding a place to stop for meals or snacks.
Morning:
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, then explore the wonders of the natural world at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm). General admission to the Museum is free!
There is a fee for 3D movies and some special exhibitions. You can also purchase a membership that will allow you to get free admission to special exhibits and discounts on admission to other programs and worldwide museums as well as other benefits.
You’ll be amazed at their exhibits on natural history, science, and the environment. Don’t miss my personal favorite, the seasonal Living Conservatory because it offers a slice of a Central American tropical dry forest, complete with live butterflies, turtles, and even a two-toed sloth.
Parking Tips:
You’ll find several public pay parking decks and lots are within walking distance.There’s an above-ground lot is one block east of the Museum, with entrances on Jones and Edenton Streets.
The Green Square parking deck is at the corner of Edenton and McDowell Streets, behind the Nature Research Center (NRC). The entrance is on Edenton between Salisbury and McDowell Streets. Exit on the north side to access the NRC’s back entrance.
Limited metered parking is available along Jones and Edenton Streets. Parking is free and abundant on weekends. For detailed parking options, refer to the Downtown Map.
Note: Parking rates at all Downtown State Government Complex parking facilities are $2/hour.
Afternoon:
From the Museum, take a leisurely 12-minute stroll to Raleigh City Plaza, the “public living room” of the city.
This public square is perfect for unwinding with its interactive fountains, four LED light towers, retail pavilions, and seasonal events like ice skating in the winter, a farmers market in the spring, and the annual Raleigh Wide Open festival.
It’s also a great spot to pick a restaurant for lunch.
Evening:
Only a 17-minute walk or a 4-minute drive from the Museum of Natural Sciences, you can head to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts to catch a show.
If you visit in the summer, catch an open-air concert at the Red Hat Amphitheater, just a 3-minute drive from the Museum of Natural Sciences. Walking would take about 20 minutes by way of Salisbury St.
Day 2: Flea Market, Art Museum & Shopping, Oh My!
Morning:
Start your day with a visit to the Raleigh Flea Market, held every Saturday at the State Fairgrounds. It’s one of the largest flea markets in North Carolina, featuring hundreds of vendors selling everything from antiques and collectibles to handmade crafts and fresh produce.
The market opens at 9AM, so get there early to find the best treasures.
Parking at the State Fairgrounds is free, and there are multiple entrances accessible from different roads, making it convenient to get in and out.
Besides the flea market, check the State Fairgrounds calendar for other events like car shows, craft fairs, and more that might be taking place during your visit.
Afternoon:
After a morning of treasure hunting, head over to the North Carolina Museum of Art. Park in the free lot and spend your afternoon immersed in creativity and nature. The museum’s indoor galleries are a must-see but don’t miss the outdoor art trail if the weather is nice.
This dog-friendly trail is perfect for walking or taking advantage of their bike rentals, offering a unique way to experience art in a natural setting.
One of my favorite exhibits is the interactive, musical swings. Each swing produces different instrumental sounds, allowing you to create a melody with friends or even strangers.
Another piece not to miss is the Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky. It can be a bit tricky to locate, so be sure to download the museum trail map, which also provides commentary about the artwork.
Admission to the museum is usually free, with the exception of special exhibits or events. Be sure to check their website for the latest information on their calendar of events. They often host pop-up markets, concerts, outdoor movies, activities and seasonal events that are tons of fun and often free.
Evening:
As evening approaches, you have a few great options to choose from. If you love shopping, head to Crabtree Valley Mall, where you’ll find a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Alternatively, if you’re a sports fan, catch a game or a show at the PNC Arena. Whether it’s Hurricanes hockey, a concert, or another event, the arena offers a thrilling way to end your day. There is a fee for parking, but you can now purchase a parking pass online, which I highly recommend for a smoother experience.
Day 3: North Hills, Raleigh: A Day of Nature and Shopping
Morning:
Start your day with a refreshing nature walk at William B. Umstead State Park, just a short drive from North Hills. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the country despite the fact that you’re actually in the middle of a busy part of the city!
The park offers 22 miles of varying hiking trails suitable for all levels, from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes.
For a scenic and moderate hike, try the Sal’s Branch Trail, a 2.8-mile loop that takes you through beautiful woodlands and by a serene lake. Find the Sal’s Branch Trail access directly behind the welcome center.
Local tip! If looking up directions, make sure you go to the Crabtree entrance off of Glenwood Ave. There is another entrance in the neighboring town of Cary.
Afternoon:
Take a short drive to the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. This beautiful garden showcases a diverse collection of plants adapted for the Southeast. Stroll through themed gardens, such as the Japanese Garden and the Secret Garden, and enjoy the seasonal blooms. The Arboretum is a perfect spot for photography and leisurely exploration.
The parking lot here is small, but they do allow streetside parking. Entry is also free, but donations are always appreciated. Be sure to check ou the schedule as hours change seasonally and they host various special events!
Evening:
Choose from a variety of restaurants in the North Hills area then head out for an outdoor Concert or Movie at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park. During the summer months, the park hosts a variety of events, including outdoor concerts and movies. Check the North Hills event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Make sure to arrive early for a good spot and bring your blanket or lawn chair for some comfortable seating. There’s typically local food trucks on site if you get hungry!
Other things to do in Raleigh:
In case you need to customize the above 3-days in Raleigh, here are some more exciting things to do. Who knows…you might even need to extend your weekend getaway a bit!
- Spa Time: For a bit of relaxation, book a spa appointment at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. Treat yourself to a massage or facial to unwind after a day of adventure. Book your reservations in advance because spa treatments fill up quickly. Sometimes spa treatments are limited to only guests, so check before you go!
- Take a Guided Ghost Tour: Experienced the spooky side of Raleigh along a fun and informative ghost tour!
- Experience Raleigh’s nightlife by checking out a live music venue, grabbing a drink at a local bar, or dancing the night away at Alchemy, a lively nightclub and lounge in downtown Raleigh’s Glenwood South Entertainment District.
- Take a Chocolate Tour: You can see the chocolate-making process at Videri Chocolate Factory. Choose from a free self-guided tour or a paid guided tour!
- Pub-crawl via Trolley: Join a 2-hour pedal-trolley ride where you will stop at some of Raleigh’s most popular bars.
Where to Eat in the City:
- Dive into a hearty breakfast at The Morning Times, where you can savor locally roasted coffee and unique homemade pastries in a cozy, boho café setting. Everything they do is inspired by love for the community, from the heart in your latte to the veggies in your omelet made with local and hormone-free eggs.
- Indulge in traditional North Carolina barbecue at The Pit, a renowned restaurant in Raleigh. The pigs used to produce the barbecue are all raised in North Carolina using free-range farming practices. The freshest of the state’s bountiful produce is featured in the starters, sides and desserts on their menu.
- Treat yourself to a meal at Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, known for its fried chicken and Southern comfort food.
Other Tips to Know Before Visiting Raleigh:
The Museum of Natural History will be closed for renovations starting in the summer of 2024. They are expected to reopen sometime in 2026 or 2027. (*not to be confused with the Museum of Natural Science or art museum listed in the above itinerary)
Is Raleigh, NC Worth Visiting?
Whether you’re diving into the vibrant downtown scene, exploring the flea markets and art museums, or enjoying the natural beauty and activities in North Hills, Raleigh offers an unforgettable experience. It’s a great weekend getaway in the United States!
Each day in this diverse city brings new adventures, delicious food, and endless entertainment. From the buzzing cultural hotspots to serene nature trails, Raleigh has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover why this Southern city is a top destination. With this guide, you’re all set to make the most of your three days in Raleigh, North Carolina!
More North Carolina Guides!
Looking to explore more of the amazing state of North Carolina? Check out these awesome guides!
- Hiking Pickens Nose Trail
- One Weekend in Wilmington, NC
- 3-Days in the Outer Banks
- Charlotte Weekend Trip
- Exciting Things to do in West Jefferson
About the Author!
Christy has been a resident in the Raleigh, NC area since 1998 and is the owner and CEO of NorthCarolinaTraveler.com and proud mother of three girls all born and raised in Raleigh. She’s passionate about sharing this gorgeous State and City where she lives, plays, and works.
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