7 Best Parks in Raleigh, NC
Best Parks in Raleigh, NC
Are you searching for the best parks in Raleigh, NC? Check out these best parks in the Raleigh area to enjoy a day in the sun.
There are more than 200 parks in Raleigh that feature different amenities such as art centers, athletic facilities, community centers, lakes, playgrounds, open spaces, and so much more. Raleigh is known for its stunning open green spaces and lakes, so there is always something to do, especially if you are an outdoor lover.
The Triangle, without a doubt, has so many kid-friendly activites and things to do, whether it is for a day alone, with friends, or with family; there is so much to explore in this area. The parks in the area are well maintained and provide the residents and visitors with ample opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the world around them.
Raleigh's park system is regularly rated as one of the best in the country. With many reasons behind this, Raleigh has various parks that are worth checking out, whether it be for a stroll or enjoying the outdoors, do not miss out on the natural beauty of this city at one of the best parks in the area.
Here are the best parks in Raleigh, NC.
Chapters
1. Pullen Park
Address: 420 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC
Pullen Park is one of Raleigh's finest parks to visit and is an excellent spot for family fun. This park offers many various amenities such as a carousel, train, kiddie boat ride, playgrounds, a nice picnic area, a lake, and so much more, all across 66 acres of land.
Located in Raleigh's historic Oakwood neighborhood, a short drive away from downtown Raleigh, this park is a perfect place for kids and a fun day out in the sun. Pullen Park is the top Raleigh attraction for kids, which dates back to 1887. This is the first public park in North Carolina as well as the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the United States.
Thanks to the rich history and fun things to do in the city, Pullen Park offers many things to do while enjoying the city. The hours are typically 10 AM to 7 PM every day. While it is free admission, tickets are requested for attractions, which are about $2.00 per person. You can purchase tickets online or at the ticket box there.
So, if you are looking for one of the best and most highly ranked parks in Raleigh, checking out Pullen Park may be in the plans for you. this park has something for everyone and is a popular place to go to due to all the various amenities it offers the residents. Below is a list of some of the amenities at Pullen Park.
Amenities:
- Community Center
- Aquatic Center
- Playgrounds
- Athletic Fields
- Arts Center
- Cafe
- Shelters
- Multiuse Field
2. William B. Umstead State Park
Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC
William B. Umstead State Park is a beautiful park that offers a range of recreational activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and biking, as well as enjoying the scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and wildlife around you. Whether you are searching for an escape from the busy city life or just planning a day to enjoy some outdoors, William B. Umstead State Park is the place to go.
Located 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, this park is a popular destination for a retreat from the bustling urban life around. If you love nature trails, camping, boating, or enjoying the wildlife, this state park is one of the best places to visit. With more than 5,000 acres of forest, this park is one of North Carolina's most visited state parks.
Below are some of the amenities and things to do at William B. Umstead State Park.
Camping:
- Tent sites
- Maple Hill Lodge
- Group tent sites
- Showers
- Firewood
Activities:
- Hiking (34.5 miles)
- Biking (13 miles)
- Horseback riding (13 miles)
- Paddling
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Boat rentals
- Picnic shelters
3. Dorothea Dix Park
Address: 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh, NC
Dorothea Dix Park is one of the biggest parks in Raleigh, with over 300+ acres of land just located 5 minutes south of downtown Raleigh. This park is a lively space with vast open fields and things to do. On the other hand, Dix Park hosts 
numerous events and festivals such as Dreamville, the Field of Sunflowers, and Falling for Local.
By far one of the most popular and well-known parks in the Triangle, this park is home to many local events, historic architecture, and lush landscapes, all within a welcoming atmosphere. This place is a staple destination to visit in the area.
Dorothea Dix Park has a deep history that is now in transition into making thriving city park. The rolling hills, mature oak groves, and wide open fields make this park a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors or to visit local events and activities all throughout the large garden.
If you are looking for a staple park to visit to enjoy all the amenities, visiting Dorothea Dix Park should be next on your list. Below is a list of some of the amenities at Dorothea Dix Park. There is also a dog friendly area here too to visit if you are a dog owner.
Amenities:
- Public parking
- Swings
- Benches
- Hammocks
- Dog Park
- Picnic Tables
- Play Area
- Large fields
4. Moore Square Park
Address: 201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC
Moore Square Park has been a public gathering space and one of Raleigh's two surviving original parks that has been a place of gathering, reflection, entertainment, and recreation for citizens of Raleigh since 1792.
The four-acre park is located in downtown Raleigh in an urban green space that offers many different events all throughout the year. This area can be used every day just to enjoy the outdoors, walk on the trails, or visit the attractions to come.
Located in the heart of the town, this park is a popular place for people who enjoy parks situated within a city. The square surrounds the charming old and new in Raleigh and is a perfect destination to enjoy on a sunny day.
At Moore Square, you will be able to enjoy the open lawn area, beautiful old oak trees throughout, a shaded "tree house" area, 30-foot wide sidewalks around the square, and a splash pad for kids during the warmer months. So, if you are looking for a place to go to with your kids while you are out and about downtown, visit Moore Square Park. Below is a list of some of the amenities at Moore Square Park.
Amenities:
- Event lawn
- Water features
- Community Table
- Event Plaza
- Outdoor Classroom
- Natural Play Area
5. Anderson Point Park
Address: 20 Anderson Point, Dr, Raleigh NC
Anderson Point Park is a great open park with lots of unique amenities that is surrounded by a paved trail that is perfect for strolling around and enjoying the outdoors. Anderson Point also offers a variety of habitats for wildlife viewing and is home to the enchanting historic Anderson Family Homestead, trails, canoe sites, and many other things.
Located on 89.6 acres of land, this park can also access the greenway via the Neuse River Trail. With many open fields, large pavilions, large shaded trees, a theater, a flower garden, paved trails, a Retreat Cottage, and many other things, this park has something for everyone.
If you are searching for a scenic overlook, open grass area, access to greenways, picnic regions, and, of course, natural beauty, visiting Anderson Point Park may be perfect for you if you want to enjoy a relaxing day outside. Below is a list of some of the amenities at Anderson Point Park.
Amenities:
- Amphitheater
- The Cottage
- Fields
- Shelters
- Playgrounds
6. Mordecai Historic Park
Address: 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC
Mordecai Historic Park is a park that is located in the heart of downtown and is the oldest house in Raleigh in its original location. This site is home to some of North Carolina's most extraordinary treatures and is a historic site that is visited a lot. This historic park is the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson, as well as many other attractions.
The park is located around this historic house, which is also considered a historical landmark and museum. The Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center offers tour tickets and park information, as well as a gift shop and state-of-the-art classroom. There are also tours offered Tuesday-Sunday, as well as historic trolley tours. Admissions do vary.
This old residence, over the recent years, has come to symbolize a public commitment to local historic preservation and is a beautiful area of 3.2 acres of land and a site to visit. If you are in downtown Raleigh and are searching for something to do, check out the Mordecai Historic House and the park around it for some of the city's history. Below is a list of some of the amenities at Mordecai Historic Park.
Amenities:
- 3.2 acres of land
- Historic Home
- Trolley
- Tours
- Visitor Center
7. JC Raulston Arboretum
Address: 4415 Berryl Rd, Raleigh, NC
JC Raulston Arboretum is a park that is perfect for garden lovers. This nationally acclaimed garden has one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants in the Southeast. This 10-acre arboretum and botanical garden is administered by North Carolina State University.
Strolling through JC Raulston, you can enjoy the over 5,000 plants collected from all over the world on display. This park is also open daily to the public without charge and is located in west Raleigh near the NC State Fairgrounds.
When you visit, you will be able to view many plant collections, such as the Rose Garden, White Garden, Lath House, Asian Valley, and a large pond with a shade garden. In other areas, you will be able to view the Winter Garden, Plantsman's Woods, the Swindell Contemplation Garden, Xeric Garden, Scree Garden, and numerous other plans that are all accessible to all.
While this is not exactly a public park, it is a luscious garden that people can visit to enjoy the park, nature preserves, and all the beautiful plans housed in the facility. This is a popular destination to go to if you are a plant lover or just want to stroll through the beauty of nature around you. Below is a list of some of the amenities at JC Raulston Park.
Amenities:
- 5000+ pants
- 10 acres of garden
- Paved trails
- Free to public
FAQS
What is the oldest park in Raleigh?
Pullen Park is the oldest and the first public park in North Carolina, as well as the 5th oldest amusement park in the US and the 16th oldest in the world.
How many parks are in Raleigh?
There are more than 200 parks in Raleigh that all feature many different amenities, making each and every one of them unique than the others.
How big is Dorothea Dix Park?
Dorothea Dix Park is one of Raleigh's largest parks. With over 308 acres of land, this park offers historic architecture and rich landscapes, all in the heart of Raleigh.
Best Parks in Raleigh, NC - The Bottom Line
There are over 200 parks in Raleigh, each with its own unique amenities, such as art centers, athletic facilities, community centers, lakes, playgrounds, open spaces, and more. Raleigh is renowned for its picturesque green spaces and lakes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Triangle area offers many activities catering to individuals, groups of friends, and families. The local parks are incredibly well-maintained and provide visitors and residents with countless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them.
If you are intersted in a move to the Triangle area, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling process.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
Related Blogs
