Raleigh is known as the ‘City of Oaks’ because it is teeming with those wonderful trees. With such natural wonders, strolling along its neighborhoods means enjoying calm, all the while appreciating the city’s landmarks. As North Carolina’s capital, this urban destination is the perfect introduction to the state’s sights and sounds, taking tourists on a holistic journey.

Even though this thriving city is packed with modern wonders, it can also be an oasis for those who want to experience peace within a metropolis. Aside from the trees, it has parks, gardens, and other spaces of greenery where locals and tourists can enjoy worthwhile moments.

10 Explore The State Capitol

The North Carolina State Capitol is one of Raleigh’s prominent landmarks, making it a must-see, especially for first-time visitors. It has been serving the community since 1840, an architectural wonder exuding elegance – an enticing sight for the Instagram-savvy or photography hobbyist. The place is rich in history, so those who want to step back in time should not miss learning about the building, the capital city, and the state. This destination is one of the best-preserved Greek Revival-style civic buildings, enough to attract sightseers.

9 Visit A Museum

Raleigh is home to some museums that will inspire lovers of history and art. For starters, tourists can head to the North Carolina Museum of History, where over 150,000 artifacts await them. Likewise, the City of Raleigh Museum, as the name suggests, is focused on the city's past (and future). Meanwhile, creative souls can appreciate the exhibits of the North Carolina Museum of Art, CAM Raleigh, and Marbles Kids Museum. Another institution not to be missed is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, where learning is always fun.

8 Be Awestruck At A Library Of The Future

Tourists who want more learning experiences can head to James B. Hunt Library, a proud Old North State landmark. Dubbed a library of the future, this educational institution welcomes visitors – especially bookworms – who want to experience what a level-up reading experience feels like. Located in North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus, the Hunt Library offers tours to those who want to appreciate its architecture and advanced technology, like the robotic delivery system. A library visit has never been this good.

7 Stroll Along Warehouse District

Lined by red-brick buildings, Warehouse District is a downtown destination filled with exciting establishments that cater to tourists from sunup to sundown and beyond. This six-block attraction is home to art galleries, restaurants, bars, and retail stores, making it a sightseer and party-goer’s hangout spot. Tourists should imagine this: after exploring the city’s landmarks, they will make their way downtown, walking fast to that bar that will serve them a tasty drink to cap their day. Anywhere in the Warehouse District, there’s a surprise.

6 Enjoy Pullen Park’s Thrills

The pull of Pullen Park is strong because it’s a place of amazement. It was established in 1887 and continues to be a source of relaxation in busy Raleigh. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States, so visitors are assured of superb services. It is a family-friendly destination where adrenaline means having enjoyable moments with loved ones – not merely having thrilling rides. It has a carousel built in 1911, a miniature train, playgrounds, courts, fields, an aquatic center, and a lake, all working together to deliver worthwhile moments.

5 Join A Food Tour

What’s one of the best ways to get to know a city and its people? Tasting its food – is an enjoyable thing to do in Raleigh. This North Carolina charmer is filled with flavors, making it a foodie’s paradise. They can join culinary tours that will let them taste delectable treats from various cuisines, all the while taking in the city’s sights and sounds. After filling their tummies, they can follow it up with a beer crawl, taking on a flavorful trail promoted by the city.

4 Score Good Deals At The Farmers Market

After enjoying the attractions of Raleigh, it’s just right for tourists to take it slow, something they can do at the NC State Farmers Market. They can really take it slow in this attraction because it’s home to many shops that invite customers to pause and check the products. Tourists will have a field day scouring the 75-acre destination for vegetables, fruits, specialty items, meats, novelty items, and lots of food. Souvenir shopping has never been this exciting.

3 Have A Hiking Adventure

Though a thriving state capital, Raleigh is also an ideal playground for outdoor lovers. After all, the city has slopes and rolling hills where hikers can conquer trails. At Lake Crabtree County Park, there's a six-mile loop trail by the lake and another 10-mile multi-use trail where hikers can meet bikers. Lake Johnson Park, meanwhile, has a 700 feet boardwalk where boredom is a stranger, thanks to the pristine waters. Not to be missed, too, is William B. Umstead State Park, where multi-use paths abound for all types of outdoor buffs.

Related: How To Hike To Lost Cove: North Carolina's Lawless Ghost Town

2 Have A Picnic In A Beautiful Garden

Juniper Level Botanic Garden is one of the country’s “most spectacular gardens,” evident in its 28 acres of relaxing greenery. It is home to over 27,000 varied plants, from native ones to rare species not found anywhere else – hence its nickname of “Eden of rare plants.” Casual tourists, gardeners, and botany lovers will enjoy exploring this sanctuary that delivers not just delight but zen. It has greenhouses, fountains, display gardens, patios, creeks, fields, and rock gardens, all waiting for tourists with green thumbs.

Related: Feeling Like A Stroll Through A Carnivorous Plant Garden? Find It In North Carolina

1 Commune With Nature

In nearby Cary, there’s the lush Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, the perfect destination for those who want to get the most out of the Raleigh area’s natural wonders. This 140-acre park is home to many hemlock trees, with the canopy helping visitors when they want to rest. It has trails, one hilly and the other with a boardwalk, that lets trekkers appreciate the greenery. It also has a nature center for those who want to learn more about the environment and the area’s history. Whatever tourists do, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve delivers.