Things to do

Within Walking Distance of the Hotel

MUSEUMS

NC Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601
https://naturalsciences.org/

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum, complete with its Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center, with four floors of exhibits, live animals, gift shops and cafés. Explore on a variety of different self-guided tours through all the different exhibits.

In the Nature Exploration Center, you can view more than a dozen exhibits from coastal to prehistoric North Carolina, see a live sloth in the Living Conservatory, engage in hands-on activities in the Discovery Room and experience life as a bug in the Arthropod Zoo. Here, you can also visit the world’s most complete Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur, the “Terror of the South.”

Head to the Nature Research Center where you can get a glimpse of a different side of natural science with labs, weather centers and ocean, fossils and space exhibits plus a 10,000-gallon aquarium. Living collections include fish, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. This museum wing’s centerpiece is the SECU Daily Planet, a 70-foot-diameter globe with a three-story theater for live programming and movies on its giant screen. Snap some great photos of the exterior--one of Raleigh’s most popular spots for Instagrams!

The museum also includes vast amounts of resources for hands-on learning and research. Educators and workshops are available for schools and other groups. Outreach and e-learning programs are sponsored for all ages. The Brimley Memorial Library is open in the Nature Exploration Center, with the archives of the museum in circulation. Online collections are accessible in the museum’s database.

Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh)
409 W. Martin St., Raleigh, NC 27603
https://camraleigh.org/

CAM Raleigh is the only non-collecting contemporary art museum in the state. CAM Raleigh sparks new thinking by creating ever-changing experiences that explore what's now and nearing in art and design. Enjoy weekly guided tours every Sun. at 2 p.m.. Release your imagination at the Creation Station.

Pope House Museum
511 S. Wilmington St., East Raleigh/South Park, Raleigh, NC 27601
https://raleighnc.gov/pope-house

The 1901 Pope House represents life for a prominent Black family. The house was built by Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope (1858-1934), one of the first graduates of the Leonard School of Medicine at Shaw University, an officer in an all-Black volunteer unit during the Spanish-American War and a candidate for City Council in 1919. Occupied by family members until 2000, the house contains a remarkable collection of original furnishings, artifacts and documents that date back to 1851. Free admission. Guided tours are offered throughout open hours.

City of Raleigh Museum
220 Fayetteville St., Ste. 100, Raleigh, NC 27601
https://raleighnc.gov/parks/places/city-raleigh-museum

Featuring exhibits that change periodically and focus on the history of the city, the museum is housed in the 1874 Briggs Building, which retains many of its original features, including the tin ceiling in the museum gallery. Free admission; a recommended donation of $5 for adults can be placed in the donation box in the gift shop. Group tours available with advance notice. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m..

Joel Lane Museum House and Gardens
160 S. St. Mary's St., Raleigh, NC 27603
https://www.joellane.org/

Beautiful Neo-Colonial garden featuring espaliered fruit trees, pomegranate trees, a grape arbor and brick walkways. Herb garden features medicinal and culinary herbs. Free admission to garden only. Garden Hours: Daily, sunrise -sunset. Docent-guided tours, which include the historic home, discuss colonial uses of herbs and some modern-day applications. Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for students, free for children under 6. Tour Hours: Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat., 1-4 p.m.. Last tour begins one hour before closing.

OTHER

Artspace
201 E. Davie St., Raleigh, NC 27601
https://artspacenc.org/

A visual art center inspiring innovation through opportunities to experience the creative process and engage with artists. Artspace offers a dynamic studio environment of professional artists, innovative exhibitions and art education programs. Meet inspiring artists, purchase original artwork or take a class. Free admission; donations appreciated. Hours: Tues-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; First Friday of each month, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; studio hours vary.

KID FRIENDLY

Marbles Kids Museum
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601
https://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/

Delivering purposeful play in a big way, Marbles allows children to imagine, discover and learn in dozens of interactive exhibits, birthday parties, special events and giant-screen IMAX films. Kids connect, communicate, create and learn through extraordinary adventures in play. For children ages one to 11, and adults. $9 admission, children under one and members play free.

Marbles IMAX
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601
https://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/IMAX

Specifically designed to deliver the world's most immersive movie experience, the IMAX Theatre at Marbles boasts N.C.’s only 3D-capable giant screen. From inspiring educational documentary films to Hollywood’s biggest feature films, the theatre makes you feel as if you are in the movie. IMAX rates and show times vary; call or visit website.

NC Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601
https://naturalsciences.org/

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum, complete with its Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center, with four floors of exhibits, live animals, gift shops and cafés. Explore on a variety of different self-guided tours through all the different exhibits.

In the Nature Exploration Center, you can view more than a dozen exhibits from coastal to prehistoric North Carolina, see a live sloth in the Living Conservatory, engage in hands-on activities in the Discovery Room and experience life as a bug in the Arthropod Zoo. Here, you can also visit the world’s most complete Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur, the “Terror of the South.”

Head to the Nature Research Center where you can get a glimpse of a different side of natural science with labs, weather centers and ocean, fossils and space exhibits plus a 10,000-gallon aquarium. Living collections include fish, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. This museum wing’s centerpiece is the SECU Daily Planet, a 70-foot-diameter globe with a three-story theater for live programming and movies on its giant screen. Snap some great photos of the exterior--one of Raleigh’s most popular spots for Instagrams!

The museum also includes vast amounts of resources for hands-on learning and research. Educators and workshops are available for schools and other groups. Outreach and e-learning programs are sponsored for all ages. The Brimley Memorial Library is open in the Nature Exploration Center, with the archives of the museum in circulation. Online collections are accessible in the museum’s database.

Pullen Park (about a 30 minute walk)
520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
https://raleighnc.gov/parks/places/pullen-park

Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina, the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S., and the 16th oldest in the world. It offers a large playground area, picnic areas, tennis courts, and in warmer months a train circles the amusement area as well as an aquatic center and paddle boats for the lake area.

Require 30+ Mins of Walking or Other Form of Transportation

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL CENTERS

NC Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
https://ncartmuseum.org/

The North Carolina Museum of Art has more than a dozen galleries holding works from around the world and a variety of art types. Originally starting with 139 works from Europe and America, it was the first art museum in the country to be established using state funds. Since its opening in 1956, the museum has grown to include African, Egyptian and Jewish works of art while also expanding European and ancient American holdings. With 30 added Rodin sculptures, the NCMA leads the holdings of this artist’s work in the southeastern United States. Other galleries hold everything from Renaissance paintings to contemporary photography. Exhibitions also run at the museum for several months at a time for guests to visit.

Outside the museum is the 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, recently expanded and featuring monumental public art installations inspired by the natural world and preservation of landscapes, including the Gyre rings, Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky and Askew, as well as several recreational activities, picnic spots and wooded trails.

When it’s time for lunch, you can stop by the Iris restaurant located inside the museum, specializing in contemporary American cuisine in a modern setting.

Gregg Museum of Art and Design
1903 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607
https://gregg.arts.ncsu.edu/

The Gregg Museum is often called a hidden gem—according to Indy Week, “the best museum you haven’t been going to.” Our new venue make our great exhibitions and collection much more accessible to the campus and community. The Gregg Museum’s permanent collection of more than 50,000 objects includes major holdings in textiles and apparel, ceramics, photography, Native American art, design and decorative arts, folk art, and works by self-taught artists. The museum also maintains an education collection of materials similar to those in the permanent collection, which can be used to enhance understanding through up-close, experiential learning.

Nasher Museum of Art
https://nasher.duke.edu/

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a major center for the arts in Durham, North Carolina, and the surrounding region. The 65,000-square-foot building was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly. Since opening in 2005, the museum has organized and presented leading-edge exhibitions that travel worldwide. From the beginning, the Nasher Museum has been dedicated to building a groundbreaking collection of contemporary art. In this effort, the museum’s collection strategy emphasizes works by diverse artists who have been historically underrepresented, or even excluded, by mainstream arts institutions, and maintains a particular focus on artists of African descent. Other strengths in the collection include European medieval art, European and American paintings, Outsider art, classical antiquities, African art and ancient American art.

Dynamic programs include performing arts events, lectures, gallery talks and social gatherings. The Nasher Museum Café features local, seasonal ingredients for lunch on weekdays, dinner on Thursdays and brunch on weekends. The Nasher Museum Store offers gifts inspired by art. More than 1 million people have visited the museum since 2005.

African American Cultural Center
2810 Cates Ave., Witherspoon Student Center, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7318
https://diversity.ncsu.edu/aacc/

The African American Cultural Center promotes awareness of and appreciation for the Black experience through activities and events that enhance academic excellence and strengthen cultural competence for NCSU and its surrounding communities. The AACC maintains an African American Library, whose materials visitors may review on site, and a Cultural Art Gallery, which presents exhibitions featuring the works of prominent African and African American artists.

Outside of Raleigh

Museum of Life and Science (Durham)
433 W. Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704
https://www.lifeandscience.org/

The Museum of Life and Science has grown exponentially in the past few decades. With over 35 indoor and outdoor exhibits for all ages including an aerospace museum, a science lab, a nature preserve, a conservatory, an old-time railway and more, the museum has upheld its commitment to spreading a sense of wonder, awe and critical thinking through play and exploration. Honored as the “National Model” by the National Science Foundation, we are proud to have the Museum of Life and Science as a steadfast part of Durham’s vibrant and ever-evolving community.

Museum of Durham History (Durham)
500 W. Main Street, Durham, NC
https://www.museumofdurhamhistory.org/

The Museum of Durham History is a 21st century museum that uses stories about people, places, and things to foster curiosity, encourage further inquiry, and promote an understanding of diverse perspectives about the Durham community and its history. The museum puts its mission into action as a free, public venue that features rotating exhibits on a variety of Durham topics.

Ackland Art Museum (Chapel Hill)
101 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
http://www.ackland.org/

KID FRIENDLY

Pullen Park (about a 30 minute walk)
520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
https://raleighnc.gov/parks/places/pullen-park

Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina, the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S., and the 16th oldest in the world. It offers a large playground area, picnic areas, tennis courts, and in warmer months a train circles the amusement area as well as an aquatic center and paddle boats for the lake area.

Museum of Life and Science (Durham)
433 W. Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704
https://www.lifeandscience.org/

The Museum of Life and Science has grown exponentially in the past few decades. With over 35 indoor and outdoor exhibits for all ages including an aerospace museum, a science lab, a nature preserve, a conservatory, an old-time railway and more, the museum has upheld its commitment to spreading a sense of wonder, awe and critical thinking through play and exploration. Honored as the “National Model” by the National Science Foundation, we are proud to have the Museum of Life and Science as a steadfast part of Durham’s vibrant and ever-evolving community.

Dorothea Dix Park
1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603

Enjoy the Raleigh skyline from the rolling hills and lush meadows of Dorothea Dix Park. The park features open meadows, a dog park, a chapel, shady groves and more! There are always community events happening in the park. You can check out the events calendar to learn more. There are plenty of walking trails and greenways. You can plan your visit using the park map.

HIKING

Dorothea Dix Park
1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603

Enjoy the Raleigh skyline from the rolling hills and lush meadows of Dorothea Dix Park. The park features open meadows, a dog park, a chapel, shady groves and more! There are always community events happening in the park. You can check out the events calendar to learn more. There are plenty of walking trails and greenways. You can plan your visit using the park map.

Lake Johnson
4601 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, NC 27606
https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/places/lake-johnson-park

Lake Johnson has a paved greenway and natural surface trails, fishing, public programs (including paddling, sailing, & environmental education), indoor facility & shelter rentals, and a swimming pool.

Schenck Forest
Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest, Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
https://schenckforest.ncsu.edu/

Established in 1939 when the land was officially deeded to the College of Natural Resources at NC State University, Schenck Forest was name in honor of Dr. Carl Alwin Schenck, a forester known for his work at the Biltmore Estate and the founder of the Biltmore Forest School, the country’s first practical forestry school. The NC State community and Raleigh residents have a history of research and leisure activities at Schenck Forest. Hikers, picnickers and outdoor enthusiasts visit for recreational use. Meanwhile, NC State faculty, staff and students use the forest for field laboratories, demonstrations of forest practices and research projects to supplement classroom lectures. The forest provides a valuable space for education in the natural sciences and everyday enjoyment.

William B. Umstead Park
Crabtree Entrance: 801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27617
Reedy Creek Entrance: 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary, NC 27513
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/william-b-umstead-state-park

Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas. Group camps and the historic Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience without typical modern camping amenities.

Eno River State Park (Durham)
Visitor Center: 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC 27705
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/eno-river-state-park

Located in Durham and Orange counties 10 miles northwest of downtown Durham, Eno River State Parks spans across five access areas along its namesake river. The swift, but often shallow stream of the river can make for difficult paddling but provides beautiful landmarks like the Cascades. This riparian environment is popular with anglers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike. The park offers plenty of recreational opportunities just minutes from city amenities, and it is one of the state parks along the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.

Places to Eat in Downtown Raleigh By District Within Walking Distance

There are six unique districts that make up downtown Raleigh. We recommend you visit a few if you have a chance…and what better way to explore them than by eating throughout them? We’ve highlighted a few eateries by district. More information on the characteristics, things to do, places to eat in each district can be found here.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

Morgan Street Food Hall (Outdoor dining available)
411 West Morgan St., Raleigh, NC
9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday- Thursday
9 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday, Saturday
Vendor hours may vary

An indoor-outdoor food hall that has vendors from local eateries and retailers. Meals from any vendor can be enjoyed at the same-seating. This is great for big groups! There is something for everyone here!

FAYETTEVILLE STREET

The Raleigh Times (Outdoor dining available)
14 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday- Thursday
11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday, Saturday

A Raleigh staple named after a historic Raleigh newspaper in a beautiful 100 year old building serving beer, cocktails, burgers, and delicious twists on classic bar food. Enjoy viewing downtown Raleigh from the rooftop patio!

MOORE SQUARE (CITY MARKET)

Bida Manda
222 S. Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Monday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Friday, Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Serving authentic Laotian food, the beautiful and unique interior of Bida Manda is designed using wood that was rescued from local barns and churches in Durham, creating a modern and charming atmosphere. Bida Manda also has a bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails.

Brewery Bhavana
218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday - Saturday
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday

A combined dim sum restaurant, taproom, flower shop, and bookstore, Brewery Bhavana has a little bit of everything!

Places to Eat in Downtown Raleigh by Meal Within Walking Distance

BREAKFAST/LUNCH

A Place at the Table Cafe (Outdoor dining available)
300 West Hargett Street
https://tableraleigh.org

Big Ed's Diner
220 Wolfe Street
https://www.bigedsnc.com

Bistro 401
401 Fayetteville Street
https://mkbistro401.wixsite.com/bistro-401

Carrol's Kitchen (Outdoor dining available)
19 East Martin Street
https://www.carrollskitchen.org

Lucette Grace (Patisserie)
235 Salisbury Street
919.307.4950
https://lucettegrace.com

Morning Times (Outdoor dining available)
10 East Hargett Street
919.836.1204
http://www.morningtimes-raleigh.com

Raleigh Raw (Outdoor dining available)
7 West Hargett Street
https://www.raleighraw.com/menu

Sosta (Outdoor dining available)
103 East Davie Street
https://www.sostacafe.com

LUNCH/DINNER

Anise Pho (Outdoor dining available)
222 Glenwood Avenue
https://anisepho.com

Beasley's Chicken and Honey
237 South Wilmington Street
http://ac-restaurants.com/beasleys/

Berkeley Cafe
428 South Dawson Street
https://www.facebook.com/berkeleyraleigh/

Centro
106 South Wilmington Street
https://www.centroraleigh.com

Death & Taxes
105 West Hargett Street
https://ac-restaurants.com/death-taxes/

Element (Vegan) (Outdoor dining available)
421 Fayetteville St Suite 103
https://elementgastropub.com

Flavor Hills
319 Fayetteville Street
https://www.theflavorhills.com

Flying Saucer (Outdoor dining available)
328 West Morgan Street
http://www.beerknurd.com/locations/raleigh-flying-saucer

Figulina (Outdoor dining available)
317 South Harrington Street
https://figulinaraleigh.com

Manhattan Cafe
320 South Wilmington Street
https://manhattancafe.com

The Mecca (Outdoor dining available)
13 East Martin Street
https://www.mecca-restaurant.com

Morgan Street Food Hall (Outdoor dining available)
411 West Morgan Street
https://www.morganfoodhall.com

Mustang House
411 Fayetteville Street
https://www.mustanghouseraleigh.com

MOFU Shoppe (dinner) (Outdoor dining available)
321 S. Blount Street
https://www.mofushoppe.com

Oak Steakhouse
417 West Hargett Street
https://www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/location/oak-steakhouse-raleigh/

O-ku
411 Hargett Street
https://www.o-kusushi.com/raleigh-menu/

Parkside Restaurant
301 West Martin Street
https://raleigh.parksiderestaurant.com

Poole's Diner
426 South McDowell Street
http://ac-restaurants.com/pooles/

Sitti
137 S. Wilmington Street
https://www.sitti-raleigh.com

Sono Sushi
318 Fayetteville Street
https://sonoraleigh.com

St. Roche
223 South Wilmington Street
https://www.strochraleigh.com

Taverna Agora
326 Hillsborough Street
https://www.tavernaagora.com

Tonbo Latin-Japanese Fusion
211 South Wilmington Street
https://www.tonbofusion.com

Transfer Food Hall (Outdoor dining available)
500 East Davie Street
https://www.transfercofoodhall.com

Vic's Italian
331 Blake Street
https://citymarket.vicsitalianrestaurantnc.com

Whiskey Kitchen
201 West Martin Street
https://www.whiskey.kitchen

Wye Hill Brewing (Outdoor dining available)
201 South Boylan Avenue
https://wyehill.com

Places to Eat in Raleigh by Meal that May Require Rideshare

Cantina 18 (Outdoor dining available)
433 Daniels Street
https://www.18restaurantgroup.com/cantina-18-raleigh/

Crawford & Son
618 North Person Street
http://crawfordandsonrestaurant.com

Irregardless (vegan) (Outdoor dining available)
901 West Morgan Street
https://www.irregardless.com

Five Star Raleigh
301 North West Street
https://www.fivestarraleigh.com

Hibernian
311 Glenwood Avenue
https://downtown.hibernianpub.com

Jolie
620 North Person Street
https://restaurantjolie.com

La Santa
222 Glenwood Avenue
https://lasantanc.com/home/

Longleaf Swine
300 East Edenton Street
https://longleafswine.com

Madres
518 North West Street
https://www.madreraleigh.com

Makus Empanadas
411 West Morgan Street
https://www.makusempanadas.com/location/makus-empanadas-raleigh/

Taza Kitchen
432 Woodburn Road
https://www.tazzakitchen.com/location/cameronvillage

Vidrio
500 Glenwood Avenue
https://www.vidrioraleigh.com/menu

BARS

Watts and Ward Speakeasy (Outdoor dining available)
200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
https://www.wattsandward.com/

Circa 1888
412 W Davie Street

Dram & Draft
1 Glenwood Avenue
https://www.dramanddraught.com

Landmark Tavern
117 E Hargett Street
https://www.landmarktavernraleigh.com

The London Bridge Pub
110 E Hargett Street
https://thebridgedtr.com

The Raleigh Beer Garden (Outdoor dining available)
614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
https://theraleighbeergarden.com/

The Raleigh Times (Outdoor dining available)
14 East Hargett Street
https://www.raleightimesbar.com

The Tap Room
421 Fayetteville Street
https://taproomraleigh.com

Trolley Pub
323 West Davie Street
https://trolleypub.com/raleigh/