Two-Day Itinerary for Raleigh, NC

  1. Day 1: Explore the City
    10 minutes (1.2 miles) from Union Station

    Start your day by checking out the North Carolina Museum of History, where you can learn about the state's history and culture. Then, walk over to the North Carolina State Capitol to see the beautiful architecture and learn about the state's legislative history. For lunch, head to the famous Clyde Cooper's BBQ for some delicious North Carolina-style barbecue. After lunch, visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences to see various exhibits and live animals. End your day with a relaxing stroll through the Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina, where you can enjoy the views and ride the antique carousel.

  2. Day 2: Outdoor Adventures
    25 minutes (19 miles) from Pullen Park

    Start your day by driving to the beautiful Umstead State Park where you can hike and bike on various trails. Next, head over to the Neuse River Trail, a paved 27.5 miles multi-use trail, perfect for a relaxing bike ride or walk. For lunch, enjoy a picnic at the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area where you can also swim, fish, and rent a boat. End your day by driving to the PNC Arena for a game or a concert.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • North Carolina Museum of History (2-3 hours, free admission)
  • North Carolina State Capitol (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Clyde Cooper's BBQ (1 hour, $12-15 per person)
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (2-3 hours, free admission)
  • Pullen Park (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Umstead State Park (3-4 hours, free admission)
  • Neuse River Trail (30 minutes-3 hours, free admission)
  • Jordan Lake State Recreation Area (2-3 hours, $7 per car)
  • PNC Arena (3-4 hours, varies depending on event)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $7-$15 (Jordan Lake State Recreation Area)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the North Carolina Museum of Art, where you can see various artworks and sculptures inside and outside the museum. If you have less time, you can skip PNC Arena and spend more time exploring the parks and trails. Additionally, consider adding a visit to the Duke Lemur Center, where you can see and learn about various lemur species, or the African American Cultural Complex, where you can learn about the history and contributions of African Americans in North Carolina.

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