Exploring Raleigh, NC on a budget

Free (or nearly free) experiences and attractions can anchor any trip to Raleigh, N.C.

Explore what the Raleigh area has to offer without breaking the bank. Raleigh’s historic neighborhoods, museums, outdoor green spaces, and more are available and very affordable.

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Be entertained and educated with fascinating exhibits about the natural world. The museum’s four floors are divided into two parts—the Nature Exploration Center (where you’ll find the Terror of the South) and the Nature Research Center. Exhibits range from detailed dioramas to actual ecosystems with living animals which can be explored through various self-guided tours.

Murals and public art
The expansive public art scene in Raleigh is quickly proving that beautiful and awe-inspiring art can easily be found both inside and outside museums and galleries. Hit the streets to find more than 140 pieces of public art (just downtown) that make for perfect photo ops.

North Carolina Museum of History
Founded in 1902, this museum allows visitors to access more than 14,000 years and 150,000 artifacts of N.C. history in a dynamic and immersive setting. Artifacts range from a full-size replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer to the lunch counter from a 1960 sit-in in Salisbury, N.C. There is much more including the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum)
The COR Museum examines and interprets the city’s history with the goal of “preserving Raleigh’s past for its future.” Past and present exhibits include an exploration of Raleigh’s journey toward Civil Rights, an examination of local democracy as well as a survey of Raleigh’s music scene from 1976 to 1985.

Historic Oakwood
Tour Historic Oakwood for a wonderful array of late 19th- and early 20th-century Victorian-inspired homes featuring a diversity of architectural styles. The homes, some with beautiful gardens, have been lovingly restored to exude old-world charm. You can explore this 30-block neighborhood by car or on foot.

First Friday
First Friday draws thousands downtown for a free, self-guided tour of cutting-edge cultural hot spots—local art galleries, art studios, alternative art venues and museums. Tour stops can feature music, a variety of creative works, wine samples, hors d’oeuvres and more.

Artspace
Artspace gives 100,000 visitors per year the chance to witness creativity in action. Visitors can peruse 30,000 square feet of galleries, get an up close look at artists as they work and purchase original artworks

Videri Chocolate Factory
Visit the cozy, fully-operational, bean-to-bar chocolate factory and retail space located in the Warehouse District.  Don’t forget to take the free, self-guided tour of the chocolate-making process and get a sample of some of Videri’s classic bars.

CAM Raleigh
The Contemporary Art Museum is a favorite among locals, and for good reason. This striking, non-collecting contemporary art museum displays new and emerging work by local and national living artists. Every exhibition is unique, bold, highly memorable and designed to be thought-provoking. Free admission.

OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

North Carolina Museum of Art
One of the most visited attractions in the entire state is the North Carolina Museum of Art with public free of charge. Also stroll through the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, with its monumental public art installations.

William B. Umstead State Park
N.C.’s most visited state park maintains its status as a peaceful and affordable getaway thanks to its sheer size. With more than 5,000 acres of forest, trails and lakes, this natural oasis is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts—hikers, cyclists, horseback riders and canoeists included.

State Farmers Market, Raleigh
One of the best and most modern markets in the U.S., boasting 75 acres of indoor and outdoor vendor space. Shop and sample some of the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats and gift products from across the state year-round. Also check out the specialty gifts shops, plus the ever-popular State Farmers Market Restaurant.

Pullen Park
Entertaining families since 1887, Pullen Park is main campus of North Carolina State University. Admission and access to the playgrounds, tree-shaded areas, picnic shelters, grills and tables are all free. Families can also enjoy amusement rides, including a historic carousel first built in 1911.

JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University
Stroll through the 10 acres of this nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants. Nearly 20 different gardens can be explored, each with a unique theme and space including a Japanese garden and a butterfly garden.

Dorothea Dix Park
Dorothea Dix Park offers beautiful rolling hills, huge shade trees and stunning views of the downtown skyline. Open to the public from dawn to dusk, the park plays host to a range of outdoor activities—sunset watching, bike riding, soccer, picnics, yoga and more.

James B. Hunt Jr. Library
The James B. Hunt Library (opened in 2013) was built to reflect North Carolina State University‘s status as a preeminent technological research university.  It houses technological wonders like curved digital display screens, touchscreen kiosks and bookBot—a subterranean robot programmed to fetch books from the 1.5 million housed in an underground storage facility.

Historic Yates Mill County Park
At 174 acres, this wildlife refuge and environmental research center has it all—hiking trails, a 24-acre pond and Historic Yates Mill, Wake County’s last remaining gristmill. Tour the mill to learn about the “farm-to-fork” process, witness the corn grinding process and purchase bags of ground yellow and white cornmeal. Admission is free, with the mill tour (available to the public March through Nov.) costing $3-$5.

Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden
A landmark at the center of the Raleigh Little Theatre campus. The garden has thousands of flowers which boom each spring, including more than 60 varieties of roses. It’s a serene, relaxing atmosphere accessed freely from sunrise to sunset. In the summer months, free outdoor movie screenings are a local-favorite activity.

Neuse River Greenway Trail
A 27.5-mile paved, uninterrupted greenway that stretches from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the Wake County line in southeast Raleigh is a year-round haven. With views of historic sites as well as winding boardwalk areas and suspension bridges, the trail is open to joggers, walkers, runners, cyclists, roller-bladers and others. Many consider this trail to be the gem of the 100-plus-mile Capital Area Greenway System.

Explore even more of Raleigh with the complete guide of Things to Do in Downtown Raleigh