Raleigh, North Carolina’s state capital, is truly a Southern gem. Right down the road from UNC and Duke and home of North Carolina State, Raleigh represents the best of a small, cosmopolitan Southern city. You’ll especially love the pedestrian-friendly downtown area—perfect for dining and sightseeing with friends and family.
Raleigh Weather Report
Dress in layers if you visit Raleigh in the spring. You might encounter temperatures as low as the mid-60s or as high as the mid-80s. Summers in this part of North Carolina are definitely hot, with 100-degree days not uncommon. Nights are no less humid than the days. Average highs in the 70s make autumn one of the best times of year for a stroll. Temperatures typically hover around 50 degrees during the winter season. Expect freezing rains, but not a lot of snow—since the average depth is less than 5 inches a year. Pack umbrellas if you visit in January or March, typically the wettest months.
Roaming Around Raleigh
One of Raleigh’s most prominent institutions is the North Carolina Museum of Art, where you’ll find displays that include European, Jewish and African art. Raleigh is also home to the oldest museum in the state—the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, which houses the only fossilized dinosaur discovered (to date, at least) with the heart preserved in the world. This is a must-see attraction! While you’re here, don’t forget to tour North Carolina’s State Capitol, a gorgeous Greek revival structure that dates all the way back to the mid-19th century. Among all the claim to fame here, there is also over 4,000 acres of parkland to get outside and enjoy.
Raleigh, Research Hub
Along with the cities of Durham and Chapel Hill, Raleigh is part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, which is known for being a prominent hub for more than 170 high-tech companies. Several businesses in the Raleigh area are devoted to developing sustainable technologies aimed to reduce environmental impact, making the city a significant player in the clean-tech revolution. Additionally, North Carolina State is one of three research institutions that belong to the Research Triangle, and over 500 life science companies also operate throughout the region.
All Roads Lead to Raleigh
Flying into the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, located only 15 miles west of Raleigh, is a convenient way to get to the city. Eight carriers offer direct flights between 40 U.S. cities. If you prefer to drive to Raleigh, U.S. Highways 1, 64, 70 and 401 will get you there. If your starting point is along the East Coast, hitting the rails is also an option. Amtrak offers service between Raleigh and New York on the Carolinian/Piedmont route and between New York City, Raleigh and Miami on the Silver Star route—with both trains stopping in various cities along the way.
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