by Jessie Brewin Raleigh is a city of romance. If you can’t agree or doubt it, read the article till the end – we’ll prove your city is created for long romantic dates.
Landscapes, climate, people, food – all in Raleigh are top-rated. Did you know that it’s considered one of the best cities for life in the USA? Now you know, you can be proud of where you live.
The City of Oaks has a lot to offer to those who want to have a blast outside warm apartments. Adorable music spots, fashionable eateries, unique theaters, lovely gardens, and parks. The list is almost endless. We suggest you start with the following 10 romantic places in Raleigh.
1. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Some people say this museum is the coolest place in Raleigh and one of the best Raleigh date ideas.
You will be amazed by the giant globe when you first walk to the entrance, but you will be even more excited once you get inside. The dinosaur exhibits will make you feel like you are being transported back in time. The museum’s collection of specimens in their display room is fascinating. Oh, you will be impressed by the T-rex skeleton.
What makes this place even better is that it is all free.
Good for: Couples, nature lovers
Address: 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Working hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Closed Monday
Phone: 919 707 9800
Website: https://naturalsciences.org
2. Pullen Park
The second of all dating ideas in Raleigh is Pullen Park.
It’s one of the oldest parks in America. You will find it beautiful and rather entertaining. There, you can rent a pedal boat, ride a carousel, take a swim, sign up for an art class, see a play, play your favorite sport, and more.
You can spend the whole day there, so bring all your energy.
Good for: Coupes, nature lovers, daredevils
Address: Pullen Park, 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
Working hours: The park is available 24/7. The restrooms: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 919 996 6468
3. North Carolina Museum of Art
Where to fall in love with paintings, arts, and sculptures together if not in NCMA? This spot has everything for a pleasant date, full of emotions.
The park outside the museum is very good for hiking or a small picnic, so make sure you have a break outside.
Good for: Couples, art admirers, strolling
Address: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 27607
Working hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 919 839 6262
Website: https://www.ncartmuseum.org
4. Zipline & Adventure Park
What other things to do in Raleigh on a date? What about a little challenge for you both?
Dates at cafes are behind the times. Enliven your dates with a little bit of extreme and fun – that’s how 21st-century people spend their time.
Visit Blue Jay Point County Park with Go Ape company! There, you will be picnicking, hiking, fishing, and ziplining.
Such dates present a perfect blend of adventure, adrenaline, and romantics. Be bold and ask your companion out on an adventure date. If you are craving fun dates in Raleigh, it’s a must-visit.
Good for: Couples, daredevils, nature lovers
Address: 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614
Working hours: Not specified
Phone: 800 971 8271
Website: https://www.goape.com/location/north-carolina-raleigh-durham
5. Historic Yates Mill County Park
Yates Mill is the last operating, water-powered gristmill in NC’s capital county. It’s a beautiful little place to enjoy nature and learn about this history of the region.
Spend a lovely date walking around the pond, visiting the park house and the mill. Beware: Some parts of the trail at the mill are a little steep, and some are rocky.
- The fee won’t leave your wallet empty.
- It’s better to visit this place within the guided tour, so check what day they offer the service on their website.
Good for: Couples, history lovers, strolling
Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603
Working hours: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Phone: 919 856 6675
Website: https://www.facebook.com/yatesmill
6. JC Raulston Arboretum
It’s a total must-see for couples who love outdoor activities. And even for those who don’t – this place is unique and so beautiful. This garden has one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants in the Southeast.
Spend an hour walking around and then sit and have a picnic, read a book, meditate.
- They host music and dance events, so check their website before coming.
- We recommend visiting the arboretum in late spring.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera.
P.S. The place is temporarily closed due to the pandemic but offers an online experience.
Good for: Couples, nature lovers, peace seekers.
Address: 4415 Beryl Road Raleigh, NC 27606
Working hours: November – March: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., April – October: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 919 515 3132
Website: https://jcra.ncsu.edu//
7. North Carolina Museum of History
It is easily one of the best museums we know. It’s a great, clean building located across from the State Capitol. The exhibits are interactive, huge, and are expertly laid out. You will find tons of interesting artifacts there.
- Drop in the gift shop to grab a souvenir or two.
- After the tour (and it will be long as the museum is huge), head to Sweet Tea & Cornbread Grill and Eatery to treat yourselves to tasty lunch.
Good for: Couples, history lovers
Address: 5 East Edenton Street Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
Working hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. for immune-compromised and senior citizens. Tuesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. for the general public. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. for the general public.
Phone: 919 814 7000
Website: https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org
8. Lafayette Village
Lafayette Village is a quaint place in North Raleigh, which will remind you of old Europe. A date in France is possible, even in Raleigh.
There, you will find a lot of fun things for couples to do in Raleigh. Lafayette Village offers locally owned gourmet restaurants, upscale shopping, patio dining, live music events, and art exhibits.
Walk paved paths, do the window shopping, buy ice-cream. The place is inspiring in itself.
Good for: Couples, shopping, dining
Address: 8450 Honeycutt Road Raleigh, NC 27615
Working hours: Depend on an establishment
Phone: 919 714 7447
Website: https://lafayettevillageraleigh.com
9. William B Umstead State Park
This amazing place is among the best things to do in Raleigh for couples.
William B Umstead State Park is quiet and refreshing on a hot Raleigh day. It is the perfect place to ride a bike, nature walk, fish, picnic or explore. You will love the feeling of complete serenity and being one with nature.
Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated and bug spray.
Good for: Couples, strolling
Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27617
Working hours: 24/7
Phone: 919 571 4170
Website: https://www.ncparks.gov/william-b-umstead-state-park/home
10. Neuse River Green Trail
If you are looking for some romantic things for couples to do in Raleigh, feel free to go to the banks of the Neuse River.
What to do there? Walking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, taking photos, picnicking, playing games, hugging, and kissing.
Good for: Couples, strolling, picnicking
Address: Raleigh, NC 27610, United States
Working hours: 24/7
Phone: 919 977 5164
Website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/neuse-river-greenway-trail
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You have just learned the top 10 dating ideas in Raleigh. The next step is to put these ideas into practice. Ask the person you like out on a date!
A quick reminder: If you haven’t found the right person yet, create your profile on Tune2Love, a top-notch dating platform. With it, you will find the nicest local singles much faster.
