There has never been a better time for UK and Irish travellers to discover Raleigh, North Carolina; a new direct flight recently launched in April from Dublin to Raleigh adding to the existing direct services from London Heathrow.
As the state’s capital city, Raleigh offers an exciting mix of outdoor experiences, vibrant dining and plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal summer escape. From rooftop cocktails to green open spaces, here’s is the ultimate guide to visiting Raleigh this summer.
Summer Highlights
- Focused on providing a space to play for visitors of all ages, Gipson Play Plaza is now open to the public and is one of the main entrances to Dorothea Dix Park, acting as a central gateway connection to the rest of downtown Raleigh. The 18-acre area features fountains, gardens, a waterfall, an amphitheatre, a playground with climbing towers, swings and much more. Gipson Play Plaza is a fraction of the beautiful 308-acre Dix Park on the edge of downtown Raleigh, with rolling hills, historic oak trees, sunflower fields and a storied past. It’s a must-see attraction for families, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
- Stop by the Liberation Station Bookstore, North Carolina’s only Black‑owned children’s bookstore, that was founded by Victoria Scott‑Miller to centre Black stories, imagination and possibility. The bookstore reopened in 2026 in Southeast Raleigh with a renewed commitment to serving families through literacy, culture and community care. The new space continues its mission to provide children with a safe, affirming place where they can see themselves reflected beautifully in the stories they read.
Summer Sips
- Cool off with a drink at Trophy Five Points, Trophy Brewing Co.’s newest restaurant and taproom, set inside a transformed former electric supply warehouse. Enjoy more than 10 taps of Trophy’s finest beer, plus a full bar with wine and cocktails, a full menu which is headlined by their crowd-favourite pizzas.
- Soak in the city’s skyline at High Rail, a rooftop bar that pays homage to Raleigh’s industrial heritage in the heart of the dynamic Seaboard Station neighbourhood. It features a globally inspired menu with shareables and handcrafted cocktails, perfect for a sip and snack.
Culinary Delights
- Diced, a local woman-owned fast-casual restaurant specialising[KD1] in fresh, made-to-order salads, wraps and grain bowls, opened their newest location on downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street. The restaurant was started by Michelle Woodward, a former competitive gymnast and cheerleader, to offer a healthier alternative to fast food with a focus on quality ingredients.
- Botiwalla by Chai Pani that opened early June in Raleigh is chef Meherwan Irani’s tribute to India’s iconic Irani Cafes — lively tea and kabab houses known for their unique blend of Victorian charm and Indian flavour. Inspired by his great-grandfather’s own cafe in Ahmednagar, Botiwalla brings this rich tradition to Raleigh Iron Works.
Charming Stays
- The Gables, a charmingly renovated motor lodge that is also referred to as a “traveller’s retreat”, is scheduled to open in Raleigh soon. The project is by Raleigh native, singer-songwriter and Grammy nominated musician Tift Merrit.
- Blending bold design, thoughtful touches and a name that suits its energy, Hive House is a fresh new addition to Cary’s growing hospitality mix. Designed for longer stays but with a design-forward twist, the hotel blends vintage charm, modern amenities and plenty of personality and is located just 2 miles from downtown Cary.
Nicknamed the “city in a park,” Raleigh, has many offerings for outdoor recreation with more than 10,000 acres of parkland that offer up kayaking gems, biking routes, running trails and wide open spaces to explore.
For more information on planning a summer getaway to Raleigh – https://www.visitraleigh.com
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