From beer trails to battling dinosaurs—discover why Raleigh should be your next US destination

One of the fastest-growing cities in the US, Raleigh showcases North Carolina at its finest. Here, you'll find an attractive blend of culture and cuisine, history and horticulture, innovation and intellect — all with a sprinkle of warm southern hospitality. And over the years, the city has developed specific draws for a number of different types of traveller. History-lovers know it as the ‘Smithsonian of the South’, while naturalists adore the autumnal foliage of the so-called ‘City of Oaks’. Those with a technological persuasion are drawn to the buzz of the ‘Research Triangle’ — an area home to three major research universities and a number of high-tech companies — and gastronomes go wild for whole-hog barbecue that's an iconic southern staple here. However, as a vivid mural in downtown Raleigh declares: all are welcome. Here are the best ways to experience the city, based on your travel personality.

For diners

Barbecue devotees clamour for Longleaf Swine's whole hog BBQ, oyster crackers and esquites, as well as famed pitmaster Sam Jones’s celebrated pork, slow-smoked over Carolina oak.

But beyond barbecue, Raleigh’s food scene still shines thanks to chefs like Ashley Christensen, whose restaurants — including Poole’s Diner and Death & Taxes — serve elevated comfort food cooked with Southern ingredients. Groups with varying palates should check out the vibrant Morgan Street Food Hall or Transfer Co Food Hall, which both offer a range of international cuisines. Finally, explore the Raleigh Beer Trail, which features over 40 breweries and taprooms showcasing local craft brews from porters to doppelbocks.

Where to stay: The elegant 150-room Umstead Hotel and Spa offers a luxurious five-star experience that's elevated by the acclaimed Herons restaurant, whose menu focuses on ingredients from the hotel farm.

For historians

As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is the best place to learn about the Tar Heel State. The North Carolina State Capitol, a striking National Historic Landmark built in 1840, is a great place to start. Tour the Greek revival-style building to learn more about state government and citizenship, while ensuring not to miss the George Washington sculpture in the rotunda.

Nearby, the Pope House Museum tells the story of Dr Manassa Thomas Pope, who ran for mayor during the Jim Crow era. Alternatively, journey into the Late Cretaceous period at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, which recently unveiled the Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit, at which you can learn about the 67-million-year-old fossil that contains the skeletons of a tyrannosaurus and triceratops.

Where to stay: Located in the historic Boylan Heights neighbourhood, the nine-room Italianate-style Heights House Hotel is a traditional mansion completed in 1860 and meticulously restored to blend modern and vintage touches.

For artists

Raleigh is a city filled with art at every turn, with 167 pieces of public art displayed in the downtown area alone. For street art, download a map and take to the Outdoor Mural Trail, where you can spot up to 30 works.

For indoor exhibits, visit the North Carolina Museum of Art where you'll find artistic expression from throughout the centuries, spanning from ancient Egypt to 21st-century America. Adjacent to the museum, the 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park features two dozen dramatic art installations along walking and biking trails. A 15-minute drive south to the Warehouse District, the dazzling Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh showcases innovative multimedia exhibitions from both renowned and emerging artists. Housed in a former produce warehouse, it also hosts live art demos, dance performances and concerts.

Where to stay: The Casso, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is a quirky, eclectic art-filled 126-room hotel in the heart of the trendy Warehouse District.

For nature enthusiasts

The four seasons come out in force in Raleigh, most notably in the ever-changing landscapes of its parks, trails and gardens. Hike the three trails at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, including the rugged 1.2-mile Chestnut Oak Loop, where the luckiest hikers might spot a grey fox. Or, make for the 0.8-mile Swift Creek Loop, which features boardwalks, spring and summer wildflowers and a wooden staircase that leads to an overlook with views of the Eastern Hemlock trees. The JC Raulston Arboretum, a 10-acre garden managed by North Carolina State University, showcases over 6,000 plant varieties from more than 50 countries. And for rose-lovers, the Raleigh Rose Garden, next to Raleigh Little Theatre, is home to 60 rose beds, trees and perennials, best viewed from May to November.

Where to stay: Relax amid nature at the 164-room StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection, with a picturesque view of Lake Raleigh and the Lonnie Poole Golf Course — the only collegiate course ever designed by famous golfer Arnold Palmer.

For adventurers

An oasis in the metropolis, the William B. Umstead State Park offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails surrounded by hardwood trees, as well as mountain biking routes, horse-riding treks and lakes for canoeing and fishing. The most passionate hikers and cyclists can attempt the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a 1,175-mile footpath that stretches across the state. Alternatively, the Neuse River Greenway segment of the trail spans 27.5 miles, with highlights including the Neuse River, wetlands, suspension bridges and boardwalks.

Additional adrenaline-inducing opportunities include soaring through autumnal foliage on a zip-line at Blue Jay Point County Park, or exploring tree-to-tree crossings and rope courses with Go Ape, an outdoor adventure company. And sports enthusiasts can prolong the excitement at the 20,000-seat Lenovo Center, which is home to Carolina Hurricanes hockey games from September to April.

Where to stay: Once a vintage motor lodge, The Longleaf Hotel was transformed into a hip 55-room boutique spot oozing with mid-century modern charm.

For families

For the young and young at heart, Pullen Park provides whimsical fun with antique carnival games, a vintage carousel with hand-carved animals and a miniature cherry-red CP Huntington train that circles the park. Similarly quaint, the historic John Chavis Memorial Park is a recreational spot with a 1920s carousel, an interactive water feature, shaded trails and an elaborate playground.

Energised children may prefer the Sassafras All Children’s Playground at Laurel Hills Park, found just six miles from downtown. It's designed for kids of all abilities, featuring tunnels, zip-lines, accessible swings and wheelchair-friendly play structure. Or, for hands-on learning, visit the Marbles Kids Museum, where children can explore different skills through play — pretending to be veterinarians, boarding a pirate ship or making music.

Where to stay: At the chic eight-room Guest House Raleigh, families can partake in the shared kitchen or relax in the spacious historic suite, which features a separate living room.