It makes no difference if you and your partner are first-timers to the capital of North Carolina or its seasoned residents because there are dozen of fun things to do in Raleigh (NC) for couples who want to appreciate this charming city. From outdoor activities and tours of the city to delicious restaurants and rich cultural scene, Raleigh is a great city for couples to enjoy some memorable moments together.

A romantic evening in Raleigh

The city and the whole Raleigh area has witnessed tremendous expansion over the past decade. It has risen to such fame that it was named the best place to live in South Carolina and as such, Raleigh offers an array of sights and activities for couples regardless of their preferences and inclinations.

Take a stroll in JC Raulston Arboretum

Nature lovers and those who prefer spending time among the soothing greenery will surely find JC Raulston Gardens a place to be. This 10-acre plant paradise comprises some of the most diverse plant collection is the Southeast while also paying special attention to landscape design. There are 18 sections in the complex, each hiding a rich experience for the visitors. In addition to this, every Sunday at 2:00 pm from March–October the arboretum organizes guided tours, including free visitors guides and special educational events almost any other day.

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Visit the Museum of Natural Sciences

Dinosaur skeleton at Natural Museum of Sciences in Raleigh

Who says science can’t be fun? Once you take your partner by the hand and get a tour of Raleigh’s Museum of Natural Sciences, you’ll see just how fun and amazing science can be. This museum is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast and its permanent exhibitions include ancient fossils, Ice Age mammoth, meteorites, a three-story theater of a scaled-down replica of our planet, and many other incredible high-tech exhibits that bring you closer to the world we live in, from a scientific perspective. To top it all off, the museum also possesses numerous living collections displayed a 10,000-gallon aquarium or other allocated spaces where you can encounter reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies.

Tour a Chocolate Factory

Delicious chocolate at Videri's factory in Raleigh

You know how they claim chocolate is the ultimate aphrodisiac? Luckily, among the other fun things to do in Raleigh for couples, not only can love birds try the delicious serotonin-inducing chocolate at Videri’s factory but they can also tour this chocolate heaven and discover how this legal drug is made, from bean to bar. At Videri’s, they pay special attention to each bar they produce, using only top-quality ingredients. On top of that, you can pair a yummy bar with a cup of coffee from their cafe.

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Laugh it off at a Comedy Club

Just like in any other field, Raleigh is virtually brimming with entertainment venues, especially comedy clubs. Whether it’s the improv shows, stand-up performances, or musical comedy, these venues will have you covered. Among the numerous comedy clubs, exceptionally hilarious are Goodnights Comedy Club – one of the top comedy clubs in the US, Kings Barcade, and ComedyWorx, all of which put on great shows and you will surely be laughing your head off.

Go Bowling

Bowling center in Raleigh

If you feel like testing your partner’s mettle, you two can go on a bowling session in one of Raleigh’s bowling centers. Buffaloe Lanes Bowling Center has venues throughout North Carolina and the one in Raleigh is really top-notch. You may discover that Buffaloe is rather family oriented and hence, they don’t serve alcoholic beverages so if you prefer something more laid-back, you can try AMF South Hills Lanes – they serve great food and drinks while the staff is remarkably hospitable and helpful.

Visit the Museum of History

As a Smithsonian affiliate, the Museum of History of North Carolina has some of the most extensive collections covering the span of 6 centuries of North Carolina’s history. Engaging and interactive exhibits are sure to keep you occupied during the visit and in order to fully appreciate everything the museum has to offer, study the visitor info before you start exploring.

Watch a Performance at Duke Energy Center

Since 1932, Duke Energy Center in Raleigh has been one of the cultural highlights of the city. In addition to hosting Broadway classics, its four performance venues have staged a dazzling array of artists and performances, including the North Carolina Symphony. The acoustics are remarkable while the regular shows stage the finest ballet troupes and operas in the states. If your picture-perfect evening in Raleigh incorporates a touch cultural experience, the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is by far the best place to be.

Eat on a Food Tour

Try some of the food tours in Raleigh

There is no better way to experience Raleigh than by embarking on a food tasting tour with your loved one. Unique locally-owned restaurants can help you discover and explore downtown Raleigh as you’ve never seen it before. Not only are the tours delicious but they are also informative, putting everything into historical and culinary perspective as if you’re walking along a food tour trail. The eclectic eateries offer a superb mixture of global and southern cuisine, with a special emphasis on local products. These foodie adventures are brought to visitors by Triangle and Taste Carolina whose devotion and expertise guarantee that everyone involved has an unforgettable experience.

Sip Some Wine in Raleigh’s Bars

The bar scene in Raleigh is amazingly diverse, from low-key bars with a rich history to the eclectic ones. Tobacco Road Tours is a company that can take you on a guided tour to visit some influential bars as well as those off-the-beaten-path watering holes. This is one of the great tours of Raleigh as you will be able to hear some fast facts about Raleigh’s history while simultaneously sipping a craft beer, wine, or your favorite cocktail. Of course, you can always decide to go on a self-guided tour and explore the bars at your own pace. Some of the best bars in Raleigh are located downtown and they are guaranteed to have excellent beverages and premium service.

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Take Your Raleigh Experience Outside

As you can imagine, Raleigh is a godsend for outdoor activities. Energizing exploration of the city and its surrounding area will provide you with unforgettable memories and relaxation opportunities. There are over 180 miles of hiking trails and over 10,000 acres of parkland ideal for relaxation. Lake Crabtree County Park and Neuse River Canoe Trail are just perfect if water is your thing. In case the two of you prefer some adrenaline to you Raleigh adventure, Blue Jay Point County Park has canopy tours, Tarzan swings, obstacle courses, suspended bridges, and zip lines to get your blood pumping. In order to get the most scenic vistas of the city, head for Green Hills County Park and enjoy a romantic sunset.

A Bundle of Fun at Frankie’s

Arcade games at fun park in Raleigh, NC

Frankie’s Fun Park (11190 Fun Park Drive Raleigh, NC 27617) brings entertainment to another level. This complex is a megamix of fun and the attractions it offers include road courses, mini golf, laser tags, arcade games, sidewinder, bumper boats, and many more. The newest addition to their array of attractions is the Hologate – their newest virtual reality game. The park operates every day of the week and it’s open until midnight which makes it a perfect night-out alternative if you’re one of those people looking for fun things to do in Raleigh for couples in the mood for tons of excitement.

Dance the Night Away

In case you’ve missed it by now, Raleigh is anything but an ordinary Carolina’s capital. After the sun goes down, the city erupts with energy and there isn’t a better way to feel the vibe than checking some of the best places to go dancing. You can get into the groove at Solas and Legends Nightclub, sway to the sounds of jazz at C.Grace, or catch a live gig at the Pour House Music Hall and Neptunes Parlour.

This charming city is highly likely to grow on you once you get to experience it first-hand. No matter how you envision a romantic day in Raleigh, it has the perfect combination to suit every style and preference so you will surely come back for more the next time you visit it.