Things to Do in the Triangle, North Carolina: Build Your Own Itinerary
“The Triangle” is a name for the large metropolitan area that includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, as well as several suburbs and small towns in North Carolina. The area is well known for its several universities and the incredible amount of research conducted in the region, which has earned it the name, “the Research Triangle.”
There’s so many things to do in the Triangle, and this post is here to help you sort through them to build your own itinerary. Below you can read about my top recommendations for things to do during your visit to the Triangle region in North Carolina.
Go for a Hike or a Walk
The Triangle boasts some incredible outdoor spaces and places to take walks and hikes. Whether you want to get your heart rate up or just want to stroll through nature trails or a botanical garden, there’s something for everyone. There are tons of options, so I’ve listed a few of my favorite places to go for nature walks here.
William B. Umstead State Park
William B. Umstead State Park is a 5,599-acre state park in the Raleigh, Durham, and Cary area. There are plenty of trails to explore with varying levels of difficulty. Check out the park website to explore the trails and plan your visit!
Lake Johnson Park
For lakeside views while you walk, you’ll want to visit Lake Johnson Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. The park includes 5.4 miles of trails, part of which contain significant hills, and part of which are flat. And if you prefer, you can also rent a boat to paddle around the lake. For the park map, hours, parking information, and regulations, see the website.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Explore the botanical gardens and nature trails at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, located in Durham, North Carolina on the campus of Duke University. These gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll outside in the Triangle. They’re beautiful all year, and they are particularly spectacular during the spring, when many of their flowers are in bloom. For more information and to plan your visit, see their website.
Visit a Museum
There are many fantastic museums in the Research Triangle, many of which offer free entry to the public. There are lots of types of museums you can visit in the region. I’ve listed my favorite art museums in the Triangle here.
North Carolina Museum of Art
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the North Carolina Museum of Art displays works of art than span 5,000 years and originate from places across the world. The museum is also well known for its Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, which includes 4.7 miles of trails that wind through gardens and around breath-taking sculptures. See the website to read more about the museum and to plan your visit.
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina. The museum features regularly rotating exhibits that represent wide ranges of artistic mediums and styles. To read about the current exhibits at the Nasher, see the museum’s website.
Ackland Art Museum
The Ackland Art Museum is the art museum of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The museum features rotating exhibits, at times including works and exhibits by students at the university. To learn more about the collections and current exhibitions, visit the website.
See a Comedy Show
The Triangle is home to two well-known comedy clubs. Both host a wide range of comedians, from local open-mic nights to headlining celebrities with specials.
Goodnights Comedy Club
Goodnights Comedy Club is located in the Village District in Raleigh, North Carolina. The club has multiple rooms for its many different shows each week. Check out the upcoming lineup on the Goodnights website.
Raleigh Improv
Located in Cary, North Carolina, the Raleigh Improv hosts comedians who are well-known locally, nationally, and internationally. For their upcoming events, visit their website.
These are just a few of the many things to do in the Triangle in North Carolina. I hope these ideas help you plan your trip!
Safe travels!
