The expansion of Raleigh as a hub for innovation and technology continues to soar. In March 2025, Raleigh ranked second in the list of fastest-growing cities in the USA with a growth rate of 19.84%. What’s massively contributing to this expansion is Raleigh’s Research Triangle Park, a premier innovation center where companies and institutions, in all manner of industries, make their base.
It began in 1959 as a hub for businesses and universities in the Triangle to come together in a thriving environment based on community, cooperation, and innovation.
Today, the business park spans 7,000 acres and is home to 385 businesses in technology, academic, startup, and nonprofit industries, as well as government agencies. If you’re planning on visiting Research Triangle Park, either for work, an internship, or just to see what it’s about, here’s everything you need to know.
About Research Triangle Park
The Research Triangle Park is the largest research park in the U.S. and is owned and managed by the Research Triangle Foundation, a private non-profit.
The park sits in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region, named after the facility, which was built within almost equal distance of three major research universities in the region – North Carolina State University, Duke University, and University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Since its beginning at the end of the 1950s, it has risen to become one of the biggest high-tech research and development parks in the country and has more than 385 companies operating here. It’s been instrumental since then in elevating North Carolina’s economy and status as one of the best places to operate business and research in the USA.
The largest employer is IBM, who moved their HQ here in 1965 and began the park’s growing expansion. They occupy a four-building complex making up 774,000 square feet.
Other technology companies that have their HQ here include RTI International, Lenovo, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.) Cisco’s second largest facility is at Raleigh Triangle Park, after their HQ in Silicon Valley, which coincidentally is the second largest office in the park.
They don’t just have boring office buildings either, many of the campuses will have basketball courts, volleyball courts, art works, lakes, and pretty walking trails.
In 1976, the park expanded further when the three major universities formed a consortium, and the Triangle Universities Center for Advanced Studies (TUCASI) opened up in the park.
They founded the National Humanities Center, the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, and the National Institute for Statistical Sciences.
2021 marked a big year for the Research Park. In that year, Apple promised to invest $1 billion in a new campus at the Research Triangle, which will create 3,000 new jobs in machine learning, AI, and software engineering. However, it’s important to note that as of 2025, Apple has postponed its Research Triangle Park campus, and has given no clear directive as to its plans! They do have corporate staff not too far away at leased office space on MetLife’s Global Technology Campus in Cary.
It’s not just the park that’s evolving either. The Research Triangle Foundation also plans to open offices in downtown Raleigh, called Hub RTP, which is now under construction and estimated to cost $1.5 billion.
The Hub RTP
RTP finally gets a downtown – that’s the mission of the multi-use development project known as the HUB. It is a work in progress, with only a few things opened as of Spring 2025.
This 100 acre destination will include up to 1M square feet of office and lab space, 250 hotel rooms, 1,200 residential units, and 50K square feet of restaurants and retail – making it a hub of activity!
The Horseshoe will be the main attraction of the Hub. Three buildings comprised of office space, restaurants and retail will wrap around a central, outdoor courtyard. James Beard nominated chefs Preeti Waas and Christopher Prieto will open the first restaurants on-site in 2025 alongside NC-based coffee shop Drift. The Pitmaster behind The Triangles, favorite Prime BBQ will open steakhouse at Horseshoe.
It will be a vibrant space to live, work, play once it’s all finished, only elevating the largest research park in the United States!
If you’re looking to live in the Hub, the NAA Mixie Apartments are currently leasing. (Click that link to see our video of the apartments!)
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Getting to Research Triangle Park
The Research Triangle Park is located between downtown Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, making it an easy access point for those living in these cities in the Triangle area.
The nearest airport is Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which is 6.9 miles away (a 10-minute drive) via the I-40 E.
Drive times to Research Triangle Park;
- From downtown Raleigh, it takes 25 minutes to drive to Raleigh Triangle Park via I-40 E (17.2 mi)
- From Chapel Hill, it takes 22 minutes to drive to Raleigh Triangle Park via I-40 W (13.7 miles)
- From Durham, it takes 14 minutes to drive to Raleigh Triangle Park via TW Alexander Dr, I-885, and NC-147 N (13.9 miles)
If you are taking public transport, RTP Connect is the best way to get to the RTP. It’s a special service in partnership between GoTriangle and RTP, which offers a $10 subsidy on Lyft trips for those traveling within the RTP Connect service area. Rides may be requested on weekdays from 6:30am to 10:00pm.
Alternatively, you can get the bus on the GoTriangle Route 805 and GoDurham Route 12B.
Read more: Getting Around Raleigh: Your Guide To Public Transportation
Where to park at RTP
The best place to park at RTP is at Boxyard RTP on the Frontier RTP campus, as there are ample spaces and parking is free.
If you are visiting a particular company, check whether there is parking outside their premises.
Note some companies at RTP are gated and need security clearance to enter, so it’s best not to wander around the offices unless you have an appointment.
The Frontier RTP Co-Working Space
Frontier RTP has a free co-working space on the first floor of Building 800 from 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
This creative space welcomes entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals in all industries to enjoy its open, relaxed working environment and take advantage of the collaborative community here.
It has free WiFi and meeting rooms available for small groups, plus it’s pet-friendly so you can bring your dog to work.
I also love that it has free RTPFit programs to encourage an active lifestyle and promote a healthy work/life balance. They include pop ups and weekly yoga.
Every quarter on the third Thursday of the month they also host RTP180, a lively speaker series. They find the brightest minds and storytellers form the Triangle to share their insights on a chosen topic.
Every Thursday they also have Out of Office “OOO” a gathering with free drinks to celebrate the weekend and avoid rush hour traffic!
Things to do at Research Triangle Park
South Durham Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday, rain or shine, is the South Durham Farmers Market, which is held outside Hub RTP offices.
The open-air market opens at 9:00am and closes at 12:00pm, and is where you can buy fresh produce and gourmet items from farmers and artisans within a 50-mile radius of the market.
Boxyard RTP
In March 2019, the Research Triangle Foundation opened up an area in the park called “Boxyard” where they turned a series of converted 15,000-square-foot shipping containers into a retail and dining complex.
Occupying a space on the Frontier RTP campus, Boxyard RTP has a multitude of things to do from sipping craft beers to vintage shopping for beauty products. There’s even a barbershop!
If you want something a bit more exciting, grab your friends and try to break out of an escape room at Game On Escapes.
If you have a dog, you can take your pooch to the Barkyard RTP dog park.
There are also weekly events happening here that you can get involved in, from watching live music to pop-up yoga classes every Tuesday at midday.
Experiment at the Makery (with the kids)
The Makery at Boxyard RTP is an exciting new addition to the Triangle’s creative scene, offering a dynamic, hands-on maker space for upper elementary-aged kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
Developed by the team behind Kidzu Children’s Museum, this innovative space blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, including 3D printing and robotics, to foster creativity and engagement in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) disciplines. Explore, tinker, and bring your ideas to life, whether through guided maker kits or self-directed projects.
Walk around Discovery Lake (or other trails)
There are a handful of nature walks and greenway trails within the Research Triangle Park. A lovely nature walk is around Discovery Lake, which belongs to the National Institute of Environmental Health.
It has a 1.6-mile trail around the lake, where you will find several benches to stop and admire the views. The lake is a habitat for local amphibians and birdlife, and it’s common to see waterfowl nesting on the lake’s edge.
Mountain biking trails at RTP
Love pedal power? There are around 4 miles of natural surface mountain biking trails located on the southern edge of the Park. They are accessible through the sand court volleyball parking lot off Louis Stephens Drive.
See more about the trails in RTP including locations and maps.
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Dining at Research Triangle Park
Boxyard RTP Food Court
The Boxyard RTP is the place to go for multiple food options and to mingle with other people. It’s a food court with 14 food vendors to choose from – from Korean cuisine to NC BBQ and even a brewery!
There’s also a large dining space in the courtyard where you can catch up with friends on your lunch break.
This is also a bustling area with weekly music, maker markets, fitness classes, and more! We love the bowls from Bulkogi, Brisket from Lawrence Barbecue, and Full steam Brewery pizza and beer!
Frontier RTP Friday Food Trucks
There are food trucks that appear outside Frontier RTP every Friday at lunchtime. There is plenty of variety to choose from.
Glasshouse Kitchen
For a more elevated experience, such as for a business lunch or a more formal setting, head to Glasshouse Kitchen, where the food is as innovative as some of the tech ideas made in the park.
All dishes are made using locally sourced ingredients.
The venue is beautiful, with tons of natural light pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room.
Accommodation nearby
Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle Park
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 4 minutes | 1.6 miles
The closest accommodation to the Research Triangle Park is the Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport, which is just off the I-40 E. It has a free hotel shuttle between RDU and the hotel, making it a top choice for business travelers to the Research Triangle Park. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay, from an on-site restaurant to an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center.
It also has a 24-hour business center and a lovely lobby with private seating areas with LCD TVs and an outdoor patio, where you can admire its woodland setting while sitting around a fire pit. See prices and availability here.
Entire home in Morrisville
Distance from Research Triangle Park: 7 minutes | 3.2 miles (approx)
Vacation rentals near RTP are hard to come by, but thankfully, there is this beautifully decorated vacation home that’s ideal for business travelers, families looking to relocate, or anyone visiting the RTP and needing a home away from home experience. This three-bedroom home can sleep ten guests, and features a porch area, games room, and large living space, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. It has a fully equipped kitchen and working space, and is just 3 miles from the RTP. See prices and availability here.
Cozy retreat for one
Distance from Research Triangle Park: 7 minutes | 3.2 miles (approx)
If you’re visiting the RTP on your own and don’t need quite such a big house, this one-bedroom bungalow is the perfect choice for one person or a couple. It features one double bedroom, a cozy living space, and a cute reading nook. It has a dedicated workspace where you can catch up on your emails, and a full kitchen where you can prepare meals. See prices and availability here.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites RDU
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 5 minutes | 2.1 miles
For a more budget-friendly place to stay, consider The Holiday Inn. Like the Hilton, they also offer a complimentary local area shuttle service, allowing you access to the airport and to the Research Triangle Park without needing to drive yourself. It boasts an in-house restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, and a full bar. See prices and availability here.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Durham AP/Research Triangle
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 6 minutes | 2.2 miles
Another great budget-friendly choice is the 3* Homewood Suites by Hilton, which is conveniently located near the Research Triangle Park. It has a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and free airport shuttle. It also has free parking and a delicious breakfast is served each morning. See prices and availability here.
Umstead Hotel & Spa
If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay near RTP, The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary offers an exceptional five-star experience just minutes away. Nestled beside a serene lake and surrounded by wooded trails, this award-winning property blends nature, art, and elegance.
You can unwind in beautifully appointed rooms, dine at the acclaimed Herons restaurant, or indulge in world-class treatments at the full-service spa. Whether you’re visiting for business or a weekend escape, The Umstead offers the perfect balance of tranquility and sophistication near the heart of RTP. I mean, why not enjoy a bit of pampering in between business meetings and heavy research projects? See prices and availability here.
Read more: Top Hotels Near Raleigh Airport (RDU) and RTP!
Nearby Attractions
Whether you need to let off steam on your lunch break or you’re looking to kill time between meetings, these nearby attractions are only a short drive away and well worth a visit.
William B Umstead State Park
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 10 minutes | 8.9 miles
The best way to blow off steam is to get out into nature. You’ll be surprised by how much greenery there is close to the Research Triangle Park, especially Raleigh’s largest state park only a 10-minute drive away.
William B Umstead State Park is made up of 5,599 acres of woodland, and despite being next to RDU Airport, is a peaceful and serene place.
It has some of the best hiking trails in Raleigh. Some of our favorite trails in Umstead State Park are:
- Company Mill Trail
- Pott’s Branch Trail
- Sycamore Trail
- Sal’s Branch Trail
- Loblolly Trail (+ Reedy Creek Trail loop)
Read more: Guide to Visiting Umstead State Park: Activities + How to Get There
Lake Crabtree
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 11 minutes | 6.7 miles
If you need to get out into nature and find your zen on a lake, then Lake Crabtree is just a short drive from the Research Triangle Park.
Lake Crabtree is a 520-acre lake surrounded by forest and only the odd high rise in view. Despite being close to I-40, it’s quiet and peaceful.
What we love about Lake Crabtree is you can rent a paddle board for free for up to 2 hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
It also allows non-powered boating and has designated areas for paddleboarding and other water sports. And they have some of the best sunsets in Wake County.
Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 14 minutes | 11.4 miles
Raleigh has a huge sporting scene, so why not spend your evening cheering on the Wolfpacks at Carter-Finley Stadium or Lenovo Center?
These two giant sporting arenas are right next to each other. Lenovo Center is where Raleigh’s hockey team plays, and when hockey season is over, it turns into a concert venue. Carter-Finley Stadium is home to the NC State University’s football team and is the largest college football stadium in the state by capacity (58,000).
Drive Shack
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 15 minutes | 11.8 miles
Another great place to let off steam is DriveShack, a three-story interactive golf driving range.
It has state-of-the-art technology with radar-based TrackMan technology, allowing you to pinpoint the flight of your golf ball.
You can play virtually or in the real world on the 260-yard-long driving range.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 18 minutes | 10.9 miles
Over in Durham is the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, an award-winning botanic garden located on the West Campus of Duke University.
Within its 55 acres, there are four themed gardens, including a large central terraced garden, and woodlands to explore. It has more than 2,500 plant species, both local and exotic.
If you happen to be here in spring, it’s a wonderful sight to see all the spring flowers in bloom.
North Carolina Botanical Garden
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 17 minutes | 11.9 miles
North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill is the largest botanical garden in North Carolina, spanning over 1,100 acres.
It’s affiliated with the university in Chapel Hill and is designed to educate visitors on plant biodiversity in the southeastern United States, and aims to research how plants from around the world fare up to the climate here in the Triangle.
It opened in 1961 and is largely cared for by volunteers.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
- Distance from Research Triangle Park: 20 minutes | 12.7 miles
Those interested in science and space exploration can catch a star show at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill.
It has a GSK Fulldome Theater which offers a full-dome digital video projection of the solar system. You can explore the night sky in North Carolina in the Carolina Skies show, or learn about the electromagnetic spectrum in the Cosmic Colors show.
Click here to see the planetarium show schedule.
Tips for visitors
To make the most out of your visit to the Research Triangle Park, here are a few tips.
- Be mindful of rush hour traffic – It’s estimated that more than 55,000 people work at Research Triangle Park, so expect there to be traffic in the morning and evening. If at all possible, avoid the I-40 and NC-147 between 7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM to dodge heavy traffic.
- Check RTP’s event calendar for conferences and talks.
- Keep an eye on platforms like Meetup.com for networking events.
- RTP is not a “walkable” park. You will need a vehicle to get around such as using Lyft or other rideshare apps.
- Where business casual clothing. If you are not visiting to see a particular company and have a specific dress code, then the general attire is business casual.
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