Area Attractions

RD Area Attractions
Raleigh/Durham Attractions

Click here for the Area Newcomer's Guide

Located in the heart of the Tar Heel State, Raleigh's proximity to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic Coast offer visitors an abundance of recreation options. In less than three-and-a-half hours, skiers and snowboarders based in Raleigh can enjoy a day on the slopes of one of North Carolina's or Virginia's ski resorts, or bask in the warm sun along the coast kissed by gentle breezes from the Gulf Stream. Raleigh's temperate climate also offers golfers year-round opportunities to improve their swing. Located just down the road from where many believe golf in the U.S. was born – Pinehurst – there is something for every golfer from the beginner to the pro.

Hiking, biking, and fishing are popular activities in the metro area as well. Raleigh has been called the "park with a city in it" thanks to its award-winning parks, greenways system, and open space spread throughout the city and Wake County.

Raleigh and the Triangle also actively support the arts and are home to a full-range of cultural attractions including some of the most renowned museums in the Southeast. The BTI Center for the Performing Arts is one of the best in the country and has a venue for national touring companies, in addition to locally produced plays and attractions. Meymandi Concert Hall is home to the North Carolina Symphony and features world-class performers in both classical and popular productions. Raleigh and its surrounding communities host many smaller community centers, which offer endless cultural opportunities as well. During the summer, the Triangle takes advantage of North Carolina's wonderful balmy evenings and beautiful sunsets by hosting performances in its beautiful outdoor theaters, parks, and gardens.

Raleigh and the Triangle is well represented in the sports world, and local fans are especially renowned for their enthusiastic support of Atlantic Coast Conference basketball and football thanks to our three "home" teams: the NC State Wolfpack in Raleigh, Duke Blue Devils in Durham, and University of North Carolina Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. Visitors will relish cheering for the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes, Women's United Soccer Association's Carolina Courage, and the Carolina Mudcats Professional Baseball team in the nearby town of Zebulon, along with the local fans in one of our state-of-the-art sporting facilities like the RBC Center.

These are just a few of the activities Raleigh and the Triangle have to offer. With such a wide variety of popular attractions, travelers will find there is something fun and exciting for everyone who visits the "Smithsonian of the South." Chamber members represent a wide variety of visiting services in the metro area. Please visit the following link for a list of members.