Thinking about attending NC State University in Raleigh and planning a campus visit? The below guide is for you. I first moved to Raleigh in 2004 and know this city well, and I’m about to undertake college campus visits with my own daughter who will be a senior in high school this year!
This guide is not about how to do an actual campus tour of NC State (get that info here). But when you visit the city of Raleigh and are contemplating calling it home for 4 years, I’m guessing you want to know what there is to do near NC State during your tour, including where to eat, drink, play, stay
You may only have a short period of time to explore the campus, so I’ve done all the other planning for you. With my local knowledge and anticipating what I’d like to know about a college area in a new city for my daughter, I’ve narrowed down the choices of restaurants, attractions, activities, bars, and hotels, all within walking distance or a short drive to NCSU.
North Carolina State University is located just minutes from downtown Raleigh, and about halfway down the East Coast of the USA. It consists of Main Campus (North & Central) which is boarded by Hillsborough Street and Western Boulevard. Main campus is where students spend the majority of their time.
Centennial Campus, is just a few minutes away on the wolfline (NC State’s bus system) and known as research campus and home to the College of Engineering and Wilson College of Textiles. And, Centennial Biomedical Campus is home of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
While Raleigh might be the state capital, this is far from a sleepy city and all about government – it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in America!
The Raleigh area is a thriving hub for tech and culture, a bustling arts and culinary scene, top-class museums, endless greenway trails, and several top colleges. Duke University is 30-minutes away, and the University of North Carolina-UNC at Chapel Hill is 40 minutes.
Raleigh is nationally recognized as a top destination for both students and young professionals, with Research Triangle Park (RTP), a renowned destination for high-technology enterprise. just minutes away.
Top companies in the region include SAS Institute, IBM, Cisco Systems, Biogen and GlaxoSmithKline, and they lead the way in hiring new NC State graduates. And 70+ major companies, agencies and nonprofits are located on Centennial Campus, offering internships and on-the-job experiences!
- Things To Do Near NC State University
- More Things To Do As A Student in Raleigh
- Coffee Shops near NC State University
- Places To Eat Near NC State University
- Breweries & Bars Near NC State University
- Itinerary For After Your NC Campus Tour
- Where To Stay Near NC State University
- Getting To NC State University, Raleigh
Things To Do Near NC State University
You might be thinking, what is there to do in Raleigh near NC State University for students and what is the city like?
If you’re in town for a couple of days to check out the university and don’t have a lot of time to explore the city, then below are the most unmissable and popular attractions near NC State in Raleigh that you should visit after your campus tour.
Main campus is centered around Hillsborough Street, one of the main corridors of Raleigh and a diverse collection of people and places. Home to restaurants, coffee shops and tea houses, as well as theatres, museums and more, you’ll find your favorite places to live life just off campus.
Catch a Game at NC State
Raleigh has a huge college sports scene, and if you’re thinking of visiting NC State University for college football or basketball or athletics, then you’re picking a great university.
While you’re in town for an NC State campus tour, why not take time to catch a game? During Spring you can cheer on the Wolfpack in a few sports. The NC State men’s baseball team plays at Doak Field, and the women’s softball teams play at Dail Softball Stadium.
If tennis is more your thing, catch the NC State Women’s tennis at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center, or cheer on the distance runners and sprinters of the NC State Track & Field team, who have home events throughout the year. The men’s and women’s golf tournaments are also in action throughout Spring, too!
Raleigh is also home to the men’s United Soccer League team, North Carolina FC, and the women’s soccer team, NC Courage, who both play through the Spring! And the Durham Bulls baseball are 30-minutes away!
Walk the 3 Mile Loop of Lake Johnson
Raleigh is known as the City of Oaks, which gives you a hint as to how green it is. You will find an abundance of places where you can get out in nature and find peace and solitude, which will come in handy during stressful exam periods.
One of our favorite nature spots in Raleigh is Lake Johnson, which is just 2-miles from NC State University’s Centennial Campus, meaning a short 5-minute drive after your NC Campus tour.
Because it’s only a 3-mile, easy loop trail that’s entirely paved, it makes for the perfect walk to do near the campus when you need a bit of headspace.
Lake Johnson itself is beautiful and is one of the few lakes in Raleigh where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. It’s one of our favorite spots to go stand-up paddle boarding in Raleigh.
Get Cultured at NC Museum of Art
Raleigh has a huge art scene, which is evident in its art murals, art galleries, and art museums located throughout the city.
You can get a good feel for Raleigh’s artistic culture at the North Carolina Museum of Art, which is definitely one of the most popular museums in Raleigh. It’s a short 6-minute drive from main campus, free to visit, and is full of amazing pieces of art from around the world.
We love the outdoor 164-acre Museum Sculpture Park, which is free for the public to visit from dawn to dusk and is also the start of the below mentioned Art to Heart Trail.
Bike the Art to Heart Trail
Another great thing to do in Raleigh on a short visit is this 6-mile biking trail which starts at the NC Museum of Art and ends outside the Performing Arts Center in downtown Raleigh.
Make a pit-stop at Lucky Tree Cafe or Raleigh Brewing, then bike through the main campus of NC State University. It also passes by Pullen Park, another stunning park in Raleigh, and continues past Meredith College. If you’re a keen cyclist, then you might want to read our full guide to biking the Art to Heart Trail.
Pullen Park
Pullen Park dates back to 1887 and happens to be the first public park in North Carolina and is the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the US. Located on 66-acres of land near NC State University.
It’s a lovely spot to have a picnic or grill out in one of the picnic areas, see a play, or use the sports fields or tennis courts to play your favorite sport.
Lake Raleigh
Located right on NC State Centennial Campus and somewhat of a hidden gem for Raleighites is Lake Raleigh, another lake we love to visit, especially in the summer.
This is a popular lake to take your stand-up paddleboards or kayaks and enjoy some time on the water.
Dorothea Dix Park
Raleigh’s green landscape never gets tiresome, and one of the best places to see it is Dorothea Dix Park, which is the largest of the parks in Raleigh. It’s located just 1.5 miles from main campus on Hillsborough St, and 2.2 miles from Centennial campus.
It’s a huge, 300+ acre park with downtown skyline views looming over the oak trees in the distance.
It’s the perfect place to unpack a picnic, throw a football around with some friends, or simply relax on the open meadows with a good book. There’s even a free walking tour on select Saturdays.
Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden
Just 0.5 miles from main campus on Hillsborough St is the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden, which is the perfect place to visit on a sunny Spring day when the roses are in bloom.
This is just one of 3 accredited rose gardens in the state and is home to 1,200 roses in 60 different kinds. The best time to see them bloom is late Spring from May until the early days of Fall.
If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the events calendar for the Raleigh Little Theater, located behind the garden, as there are regular festivities happening, from outdoor movie screenings to performing arts performances. It also hosts an annual arts festival, Art in the Garden.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh which is only1.7 miles from the University, or about a 40-minute walk, is the Museum of Natural Sciences, the most visited museum in North Carolina.
It has 4 floors of exhibits dedicated to the natural world, from fossils and dinosaur bones to whale skeletons and taxidermy animals.
The museum is very well curated with walk-through dioramas interactive exhibits and 3D movies. If you’re into natural history and museums, this is one to check out.
Umstead State Park
Umstead State Park is a bit further away from the college campus, but not too far. If you have a car only a 15-minute drive (11.2 miles) from the campus and well worth the effort.
The park is a great place for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even camping. There are also several man-made lakes where you can go kayaking or bring your stand-up paddleboard.
The park has 5,000 acres of forest to explore, and you’ll be amazed by how quiet and serene it is, yet within a short distance of the University. Some of our favorite trails in the park are:
Explore Glenwood South District
Glenwood South is ever evolving but is traditionally a college student area that’s filled with entertainment offerings for young people. It’s where you’ll find the liveliest bars, music venues, restaurants, pubs, and boutique stores.
If you’re wondering where all the college kids are hanging out, it’s most likely in this area, especially at night on the weekends.
Go for a stroll along Glenwood Sth and see where the energy is pumping from. Keep in mind, it’s a vastly different energy and atmosphere from daytime to nighttime – with daytime being way more chilled!
You can find some of our favorite bars, restaurants, and cafes in this district in our complete guide to visiting Glenwood South District!
More Things To Do As A Student in Raleigh
You might be wondering whether Raleigh has enough entertainment for students to make it somewhere you’d like to live? After all, you’re going to be spending four years of your life here, and you don’t want to be bored, right?
Fortunately, there is always something going on in Raleigh, especially for students and young adults.
If you have a little more time to explore Raleigh’s top attractions after your NC Campus Tour, then perhaps you’d prefer to check out some of the most popular things to do in Raleigh for students:
- Tour the James B. Hunt J. Library – one of the most advanced libraries in the world on NC State’s Centennial Campus and built to reflect the University’s status as a preeminent technological research university.
- Drink craft beers at Raleigh Beer Garden (350+ on tap)
- Test your golf swing at Drive Shack
- Watch an NHL professional hockey game at PNC Arena.
- Play games at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
- Explore the Warehouse District
- Walk or bike one of the top 25 trails in Raleigh
Most colleges want you to have your submissions in by the Fall, but if you do happen to be looking at colleges in the Spring then check to see what Raleigh festivals are happening during your visit.
Coffee Shops near NC State University
Ok, students, you’re going to need to get a pen and paper for this one, as every college kid knows that a good cup of coffee is what you need to start a day fresh and ready to learn.
These are some of our favorite coffee shops and cafes near NC State University for a decent cup of Joe first thing in the morning, or any time of day!
Jubala Coffee
Jubala Coffee is a great all-around coffee shop on Hillsborough Street, right across the road from NC State University (2100 Hillsborough St). You’ll find a cool vibe, and it’s always full of students working online or meeting up with their peers, which creates this overall productive and pulsing environment.
They have a full coffee bar menu, and small bites menu, such as waffles, toasted sandwiches, baked goods and biscuits – I’m a big fan of their bacon + egg + cheese biscuit, and my kids their love the Nutella waffles!
There’s outside seating on Hillsborough St where you can work under the views of the iconic NC State Belltower. In the fall, their pumpkin spice latte is one of our go-to drinks!
Global Village Organic Coffee
If Jubala is full, then don’t stress, a short walk away on Hillsborough is Global Village Organic Coffee (2428 Hillsborough St), another popular spot for NC State students to enjoy coffee off-campus!
As the name suggests, it serves organic coffee and tea and has a really cozy feel to it. They even have wellness teas and super tea lattes for the health-conscious folk.
They have a small, light menu with baked goods and sandwiches, and have some great breakfast options like a breakfast burrito or avocado toast. Plus seasonal drinks such as peppermint mocha and Christmas cookie latte during Christmas time.
Lucky Tree Cafe
Lucky Tree is also on Hillsborough Street, but a bit further away from the university, about a 5-minute drive (3801 Hillsborough St). It’s a cozy coffee shop with a warming vibe. I love the vintage decor furnishings and artwork on display.
They have a wide range of organic coffee and tea options, as well as vegan and gluten-free baked goods. They also source their produce locally – their coffee is roasted in Durham and the milk they use is by NC State’s Howling Cow.
It also doubles up as an art and gift shop and sells goods that were handmade by more than 50 local artists. Need some decorative items to make your dorm room feel homey? This could be the spot to find it!
In the evenings, they host live music nights and have a “Free the Mic” event every 2nd and 4th Monday from 7.00pm – 10.00pm.
Cup of Joe
Cup of Joe is a popular coffee shop amongst the State students in Raleigh and is also on Hillsborough St (3100) and is a place where you always see people on laptops or meet with their classmates and friends.
They’re a small establishment, but they roast their own beans in-house, so you know they are fresh and aromatic. It’s all about good coffee and interesting vibes!
Places To Eat Near NC State University
NCSU is surrounded by numerous food options along Hillsborough Street and nearby. If you’re feeling hungry after your NC State tour, I’ve narrowed down the list to the best and most popular restaurants near NC State.
From classic Southern cuisine to some international favorites, Raleigh has many fantastic restaurants and places to eat for all budgets and style.
The Player’s Retreat
A true NC State sports bar, especially for students and alumni, the Player’s Retreat or PR to the locals (105 Oberlin Rd), has been operating since 1951 and is the oldest continuously running tavern between Atlanta and Washington D.C.
A short walk from campus (105 Oberlin Rd), choose from intimate booths, tables on the sidewalk, or a bar stool. With a focus on hamburgers and sandwiches, they serve up some of the best burgers in Raleigh including local favorites, Wolfpack Burger and the Bill Walton Burger.
For starters I love Mimi’s Sausage Dip & Chips, but great range of bar food including entrees from the grill and salads. Kids eat FREE here on Sundays!
Gonza Tacos Y Tequila
Gonza Tacos Y Tequila is one of our favorite places to get our Mexican food fix in Raleigh! Located next door to Jubala Coffee and across the road from the NC State campus, this is the best place to find Colombian-Mexican cuisine and hand-crafted Latin cocktails.
The vibe of this restaurant is fun and upbeat, and it has a cool lantern decor of lanterns. When the weather is nice, they open their huge windows to create an indoor/outdoor seating area. We like to dine here before going to an NC State women’s basketball game at nearby Reynolds Coliseum.
Irregardless Cafe
For great Vegetarian, Irregardless Cafe (901 W Morgan St) is a 3-minute drive away from main campus and one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Raleigh (meat options, too). They have a true farm-to-table ethos and were a winner of Open Table’s top vegetarian restaurant in the USA!
They have a seasonal menu based on what’s growing that time of year and also have vegan options. The atmosphere is cozy, and the decor is clad with artwork from local artists. You can also watch live music here on select nights of the week.
David’s Dumplings & Noodle Bar
For Asian cuisine, check out David’s Dumplings and Noodle Bar, also located on Hillsborough Street close to campus.
They have been serving up excellent dumplings and Pan-Asian dishes since 2010 and is a popular meeting spot for NC State University students and Raleigh locals. Consider one of their unique Sake cocktails!
Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant
No trip to NC State University would be complete without stopping by Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant (3905 Western Blvd) which has the largest display of NC State Sports memorabilia anywhere in Raleigh!
The restaurant is a casual, pizzeria style with the typical sports bar feels with games on the TV and NC State Wolfpack fans sharing beers and conversation. It’s a great restaurant to visit to get a feel for student life in Raleigh.
Char-Grill Burgers
Char-Grill is a local fast-food chain that serves up some of the best burgers in Raleigh. They have been serving burgers in this spot since 1959 and have an old-fashioned feel for the place.
Even placing your order is a trip down memory lane, as you fill out a paper order sheet with a pencil and then wait for your food to be fried up. If you need something quick to eat, this is the best place. Simple, honest food.
Sammy’s Tap & Grill
Sammy’s (2235 Avent Ferry Rd) is another classic sports bar with booths and TV screens lining the entire bar area. Located just a short 0.5 mile walk from Centennial Campus or a 5-minute drive from main campus, Sammy’s has been a popular watering hole for students for more than 20 years.
For college sports, this is one of my favorite sports bars and NC State hangouts. You may even spot some Carolina Hurricanes fans here! The burgers and wings are good, plus there’s plenty of other typical bar food including tacos, pizza, sandwiches, and wraps. NOTE: on NFL Sunday’s, this is the HQ of the Pittsburgh Steelers supporter’s club!
Groucho’s Deli
If you’re looking for a quick sandwich, you can find a classic deli style bite to eat at Groucho’s Deli (10 Horne St) just off Hillsborough Street, which has been serving up subs and sandwiches near campus since the early 2000s.
They have a huge salad menu, and I like the casual, old-school vibe here Another great option for something super casual and affordable.
Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar
For quality Indian cuisine, Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar (105 Friendly Dr #101) is a local favorite with over one thousand 4.8-star reviews. It has an intimate dining decor and flavorful dishes.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and they have won several awards for their meals – including Best of the Triangle in 2021 and 2022.
Mitch’s Tavern
Mitch’s Tavern is located right in the heart of Hillsborough Street (above Global Village Coffee) and across from NC State Uni and has an old-time feel, almost like a UK pub feel as you walk up the stairs to the second story bar area.
It’s one of the most historic bars in the city, dating back to 1974, and is well-known as the tavern in the 1988 Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon movie “Bull Durham.”
Kitted out with wood-accent furnishings and quirky NC State memorabilia hanging on the walls. And they have balcony windows overlooking campus so you can sit and imagine what student life would be like here.
Popular for great sandwiches (I enjoyed Mitch’s Reuben), hearty soups, chili, and of course washed down with beers, all at reasonable prices.
Playa Bowls
If you love smoothie bowls and acai bowls, then Playa Bowls (2526 Hillsborough St) is the place to go for freshness and taste! They have an environmentally friendly ethos and value nutrition and healthy food. And I love their colorful and bright interior space and college like atmosphere!
Sushi Nine
For those who enjoy sushi, consider putting Sushi Nine on your itinerary. Located on Western Boulevard (3812 Western Blvd) which runs parallel to Hillsborough on the other side of campus, they have over two-thousand 4.3-star reviews.
They serve beautifully created sushi rolls and tantalizing gyozas. Large menu also offering a range of Thai and Vietnamese dishes for the non-sushi eaters!
Brickhouse Sports Pub
Yet another sports bar for food and drink on Hillsborough Street is Brickhouse Sports Bar & Grille (3801 Hillsborough St) which is where the Wolfpack Weekly radio show with Head Football coach Dave Doeren is held on Wednesday nights during football season.
Yes, it’s an NC State and Carolina Hurricanes bar, but on Saturdays in the Fall during college football season, it’s the HQ of the Ohio State Buckeyes alumni club, and on Sunday’s New England Patriots fan club.
Decent variety of above-average bar food (wings, chips, and sausage dip are popular), great friendly service, and over 40 beers on tap and daily drink specials.
Tazza Kitchen
Tazza Kitchen is a popular kitchen and bar in the heart of the Village District which is just behind Hillsborough Street and walking distance to main campus.
It’s a bit fancier than the other restaurants on this list and makes for a perfect dinner experience, and if you end up attending State and meeting someone, quality date night option!
They have a great cocktail bar with lots of options, including excellent craft cocktails, regional wines, local brews, and more. The menu is seasonal with freshly sourced ingredients from nearby farmers. Reservations recommended.
Trophy Brewing & Pizza
Beer + pizza, what’s not to love? This combination makes Trophy Brewing & Pizza (827 W Morgan St) is less than a mile from main campus and one of the popular breweries in Raleigh.
This true neighborhood brewery features a wide selection of house made beers plus creative pizzas made by hand every day.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
If you’re looking for the best patio view of downtown Raleigh, Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing (201 S Boylan Ave) can’t be beat. This is a small craft brewery that brews not only refreshing beers and signature cocktails, but their elevated food menu is next level.
Great option for brunch on weekends, or lunch and dinner. Or simply come for the brews and stay for the views!
Breweries & Bars Near NC State University
All college students need to brush up on where the best bars and places to drink are, so if you’re ready to sample the nightlife, don’t miss these top bars and breweries in Raleigh!
The Player’s Retreat
Yes, the Player’s Retreat is getting a second mention. Even if you don’t eat here, pop in for a drink, or two. Throughout the year, if Wolfpack fans can’t make it to an actual NC State game, this is the place to watch it, and maybe play a game of pool.
There’s a local tradition here in Raleigh, after a game day, NC State students head to The Player’s Retreat! This has been going on for over 70 years. And the PR is home to the largest collection of single malt whiskeys in the state.
This is the kind of local neighborhood bar I like to experience when we travel, and besides NC State fans you’ll also find an eclectic mix of people.
Red Line Beer & Wine
Red Line Beer & Wine (10 Horne St) is a bottle shop in Raleigh that serves a selection of 24 rotating craft beers on tap and has fine wines by the glass.
It’s more sophisticated than your regualr bottle shop and a real neighborhood bar feel with a nice and welcoming ambiance. They even have board games and instruments you can play if you fancy it.
It’s a popular haunt for students, especially on weekend evenings for letting off steam after a day of studying.
Raleigh Brewing
Raleigh Brewing (3709 Neil St) is located in the same area as Lucky Tree Cafe and is a brewery that celebrates everything in Raleigh. It has murals of the city on the walls and has named their beers after places in Raleigh.
They have more than 20 beers on tap, including the famous Hell Yes Ma’am (warning: 9.2% ABV), and have a spacious outdoor beer garden.
Looking for more drink option? Of course, you can just go for a drink at several of the aforementioned places to eat such as Wye Hill, Mitch’s Tavern, Sammy’s, Brickhouse, Tazza, Trophy Brewing and Gonzas.
Itinerary For After Your NC Campus Tour
If you’re planning on visiting Raleigh more in-depth during your NC State campus tour, then you may want to check out our complete, step-by-step itineraries which cover things to do and places to eat in detail.
We have a 24-hour itinerary for Raleigh and a 48-hour itinerary for Raleigh which takes you to explore the city on a grander scale beyond the University area.
Where To Stay Near NC State University
If you’re still looking for a place to stay before your campus tour, below are some great hotels near NC State University we recommend.
StateView Hotel
The StateView is a 4* hotel located directly on Centennial Campus by Lake Raleigh and is the best place to stay if you want somewhere a bit more luxurious.
They have free parking on site, an outdoor swimming pool and gym, and a restaurant and bar. Each room is spacious and homey. For a place to stay on-site, you really can’t go wrong.
Aloft
Located right on Hillsborough St and directly above Jubala Coffee overlooking the Belltower, Aloft Hotel is a 3* mid-range accommodation option with simple and comfortable rooms with all the amenities you need for an enjoyable stay.
Besides the ability to walk to the main campus of NC State, they offer free use of bicycles, which is another great way to get around and explore the campus.
The Casso
The Casso is a boutique hotel and if it’s your first time in Raleigh with your family, why not treat yourself? This hotel is ideally located just 1.2 miles from the main campus and walking distance to Glenwood Sth and the Warehouse District.
It offers free bikes for guests, private parking, and a well-equipped gym. All rooms are spacious and inviting and come with a desk and a flat-screen TV.
Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh
For those with a modest budget and who want to experience downtown Raleigh, the Residence Inn is a top choice and only a 6-minute drive away. It’s operated by the Marriott, so you know it has high standards, but at a reasonable cost.
Each room is a suite and comes with a kitchen, a work desk and coffee making facilities, which is perfect for those looking to be more self-sufficient and get some work done – maybe getting those applications in!
AC Hotel by Marriott
Another practical place to stay near the university is the AC Hotel By Marriott, located right on Glenwood Ave. It has simple rooms with modern furniture and huge windows filling the space with natural light.
It’s only a 25-minute walk from the NC State University campus or a 3-minute drive, and a highlight is the Willard rooftop lounge with uninterrupted views of downtown Raleigh!
Getting To NC State University, Raleigh
If you’re planning to visit North Carolina State University by flying into Raleigh/Durham Airport (RDU), note that RDU Airport and NC State University are 12 miles apart, approximately a 15–20-minute drive.
I recommend you rent a car from RDU and drive yourself as a way of getting around Raleigh, as this way you can drive to many of the top attractions in Raleigh easily, and you can also cover more of the city in a shorter time frame. For parking at NC State, click here.
Alternatively, you can travel from RDU to NC State University by taking the GoTriangle bus Route 100, which costs just $2.25. And if you’re driving to Raleigh, here is a complete guide on getting to Raleigh to help you out.
Final Thoughts
Since you’ve cast your eyes on NC State University as a candidate for college and wondering what it might be like to live in Raleigh? Well, now you know!
It’s no secret that Raleigh offers many benefits to students. It has a high quality of life, a living, and an abundance of internship and work opportunities post-college.
However, if you’re worried your college days will be boring and spent crammed in dorm rooms studying, we hope this guide puts your mind at ease because as you can see, there are lots of things to do near NC State University in Raleigh for students.
