Summer in North Carolina hits different! There’s so many opportunities to get outside, cool off, and try something new. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, here's your ultimate summer bucket list — complete with local gems, prices, and tips to make it happen!
#1 Go Swimming at the Eno River Rock Quarry
Images from Thriving in Raleigh
Cool off with a dip in this scenic swimming hole surrounded by forest and rocky cliffs. It’s about a 1.5-mile hike to reach it, but totally worth it. NOTE: Use caution when swimming here. The swimming hole is 25-60 feet and drops off immediately. Bring life jackets and/or floats.
DISCLAIMER: We do NOT recommend for children or those who are not strong swimmers.
📍 Location: Eno River State Park – 4950 Howe St, Durham, NC 27705
💸 Price: Free
#2 Catch a Summer Concert
Images from Thriving in Raleigh
From major headliners to free community shows, outdoor concerts are a summer must. Here are some big concerts on the lineup this summer:
Jimmy Eat Word - July 16 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Big Time Rush - July 18 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Wiz Khalifa - July 26 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Mumford & Sons - July 29 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Thomas Rhett - July 31- Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Kesha - August 3 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Lord Huron - August 5 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Zach Top - August 8 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Jason Aldean - August 21 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Blink -182 - September 3 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
The Lumineers - September 16 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
#3 Get Ice Cream Because Duh 🍦
Images from Thriving in Raleigh
It’s hot. Ice cream is cold. You do the math. Here are some local scoop spots that hit every craving! Our Recommendations:
Two Roosters Ice Cream
Creative, seasonal small-batch flavors.Greystone Village: 7713 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
Person Street: 215 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Lake Boone Trail: 4025 Lake Boone Trail STE 130, Raleigh, NC 27607
Golden Belt: 800 Taylor St Suite 9-100, Durham, NC 27701
The Factory: 1839 S Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Waverly Place: 575 New Waverly Pl Suite 107, Cary, NC 27518
Howling Cow Dairy Education Center & Creamery
Farm-to-cone ice cream made from NC State’s own cows — super creamy and super fresh.Address: 100 Dairy Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603
Andia’s Ice Cream
Over-the-top shakes, award-winning flavors, and a family-run shop that goes big on creativity.West Cary: 10120 Green Level Church Rd #208, Cary, NC 27519
Southeast Cary: 1008 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC 27511
Raleigh (Iron Works): 2201 Iron Works Dr Suite 129, Raleigh, NC 27604
Durham (Can Opener Food Truck Park): 205 S Gregson St, Durham, NC 27701
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Wild flavors, cute branding, and super smooth texture.Village District: 2014 Cameron St, Raleigh, NC 27605
Durham: 908 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
#4 Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking at Falls Lake
Images from Thriving in Raleigh
One of our favorite lakes to pack up the inflatable paddleboard and hit the water is Falls Lake. Just a short drive (25 min) from Raleigh. It covers 5,035 acres along the shores of 12,410-acre Falls Lake.
📍13304 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587
💸 $10 per vehicle
#5 Attend an Outdoor Movie Night
left image from Raleigh NC Gov | right image from CBS
Family-friendly movie nights pop up all summer long with food trucks, music, and community vibes.
📍 Location: Moore Square (Raleigh), Downtown Cary Park. Click each location to view their event schedule.
💸 Price: Free
#6 Visit Fantasy Lake Adventure Park
Images from Fantasy Lake Adventure Park
A massive water park with inflatables, slides, and floating obstacle courses. They also offer scuba diving, pickleball, and more!
📍 Location: 3601 Quarry Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587(30 min from Raleigh)
💸 Price: $40+
#7 Try Ziplining or Rope Courses at TreeRunner Adventure Park
Images from TreeRunner Adventure Park
A treetop ropes and zipline course with challenges for all ages and forested mini-golf!
📍 Location: 12804 Norwood Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
💸 Price: $35–$48 per person
#8 Sunset Rooftop/Patio Cocktails
right image from Wye Hill | left image from Level 7
Nothing says summer like golden hour views and a refreshing drink in hand. These Raleigh rooftops and patios are perfect for catching the breeze, people-watching, and sipping your favorite cocktail.
Our Recommendations:
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
One of the best views in Raleigh, hands down — with craft cocktails, seasonal bites, and a patio that overlooks the city skyline.Address: 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Level7 Rooftop Bar
Sleek, modern rooftop located atop the AC Hotel in North Hills. Great for upscale drinks, tapas, and sunset vibes.Address: 101 Park at North Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609
The Willard Rooftop Lounge
Classy, scenic rooftop bar near Glenwood South with elevated cocktails, small plates, and a mix of skyline and treetop views.Address: 9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
#9 Support Your Local Farmers at the Market
left image from Visit Raleigh | right image from Canva Gallery
Shop local produce, flowers, meats, baked goods, and artisan products while enjoying the community atmosphere.
📍 Locations:
State Farmers Market - 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Durham Farmers Market - 501 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701
#10 Visit a Local Winery
Images from Thriving in Raleigh
Sip and savor your way through summer at these Triangle-area wineries:
ZincHouse Winery & Brewery
A 21+ winery on 87 scenic acres with craft beer, in-house wines, live music, food trucks, and sweeping vineyard views.
📍 Address: 6225 Wake Forest Hwy, Durham, NC 27703Hinnant Family Vineyards
One of NC’s largest muscadine vineyards (100+ acres), offering sweet and dry wines, vineyard tours, and tastings in a laid-back, family-run setting.
📍 Address: 826 Pine Level‑Micro Rd, Pine Level, NC 27568Cloer Family Vineyards
A charming micro‑winery with a cozy tasting room and picnic-friendly grounds—great for small group visits and local-style wine experiences.
📍 Address: 8584 Perry Rd, Apex, NC 27523
#11 Book a Pool Day with ResortPass
left image from Hyatt | right image from StateView Hotel
No pool? No problem. ResortPass lets you enjoy hotel pools and amenities like you're on vacation — without the overnight stay.
The StateView Hotel
A lakeside pool on NC State’s Centennial Campus, perfect for a peaceful, upscale summer day. Includes towel service, food & drink options, and a beautiful setting.Address: 2451 Alumni Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606
Starting at: $40 for a day pass
Unscripted Durham
A retro-style rooftop pool right in the heart of downtown Durham with music, drinks, and weekend vibes. Great for a more lively, social scene.Address: 202 N Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701
Starting at: $15 for a day pass
#12 Go Tubing Down the River with Tar River Life
Images from Tar River Life
A 2–3 hour lazy river float perfect for groups and summer fun. They provide tubes or kayaks, shuttles, and life jackets.
📍 Location: 3240 Sledge Rd, Bunn, NC 27508 (about 40 min from Raleigh)
💸 Price: $20+ per person
#13 Rent a Pontoon for a Day on the Lake
Images from Canva Gallery
Cruise, swim, and relax with friends on a rented pontoon at one of the area’s scenic lakes.
Jordan Lake – Apex - Jordan Lake Boat Rentals
Kerr Lake – Henderson - Kerr Lake Rentals
Lake Gaston – Littleton - Lake Gaston Watersports
💸 Price: $300–$500 per day (varies by lake and season)
Whether you're floating down a river, sipping wine in the sun, catching live music, or just grabbing a scoop of ice cream — there's something so magical about summer in the Triangle.
So grab your calendar, rally your friends, and start checking off these sunny adventures.
Tag us in your adventures @thrivinginraleigh. 🌸 Happy Summer!