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The top 7 picnic spots in Raleigh

Do you live in Raleigh? Do you go for a picnic regularly? Do you want to know about the top 7 picnic spots in Raleigh, NC? Read on to learn more.

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Are you new to Raleigh?

North Carolina is one of the best states to live in, with a thriving job market and great weather. Moving can be stressful, but there's no better way to settle in than to explore your new environment.

Did you know that spending time outdoors improves your mental health and decreases your stress levels? Going to a natural environment also helps improve your memory and attention span.

If you're looking to explore Raleigh, consider visiting one of their renowned picnic spots. Whether you're new in town or only passing through, you're sure to enjoy the scenery. Read on to discover some of the best picnic spots in Raleigh.

1. Dorothea Dix Park

Does your partner love sunflowers? Then have a picnic at Dorothea Dix Park. Dorothea Dix Park has a wide variety and options of picnic spots for you to choose from. A crowd favorite is a hilly area near a flower cottage because it has a great view of the Raleigh skyline.

Dorothea Dix Park's seasonal sunflower field starts blooming in July. If you love bringing your fur babies around with you, take them to Dorothea Dix Park. Dorothea Dix Park has a pet park which is an excellent way for your dogs to get their daily walk and meet new friends.

Dorothea Dix Park offers a free guided walking tour if you'd love to get to know the place better. This free tour takes you through 3.5 miles and explains how this park ties to the city's history.

2. Carl Alwin Schenck Forest

Do you want to have a family BBQ but don't have the yard to fit everyone? Take them to Carl Alwin Schenk Forest. With 245 acres of land, this place has more than enough space to fit your loved ones.

The Carl Alwin Schenk Forest boats many Longleaf pine and oak trees. They have many picnic facilities with walking trails, which are perfect for burning off your feast.

3. The Raleigh Rose Garden

The Raleigh Rose Garden is famous for its 60 beautiful rose beds. What's great is that this garden is open to the public every day and has no entrance charge. This place also has Raleigh Little Theatre, which hosts many activities and events.

The garden near downtown Raleigh is in bloom around Mother's Day.

There are all kinds of amenities in The Raleigh Rose Garden. Have a romantic dinner by the small decorative pool. Take the kids out to play at the arbor. This place has many big open spaces with shade provided by trees, perfect for your next picnic.

Want to have a picnic and do other things after? Then The Raleigh Rose Garden has you covered! They often host activities in their garden and have shows to watch in Raleigh Little Theatre.

The Raleigh Rose Garden is also a place for special occasions and is a popular spot to propose to your partner. Its picturesque views are perfect for a professional photography session as well.

If you're not one for cooking, then order food from a nearby spot.

Check out La Farm Bakery or get some delicious sweets in Lucette Grace. The Raleigh Rose Garden has benches throughout the garden and even covered areas. The steps of the amphitheater are also another great spot for your picnic.

4. CAM Raleigh

Do you love museum dates or admiring art alone? Then consider going to the contemporary museum downtown. CAM Raleigh is famous for its innovative and out-of-this-world exhibitions.

The CAM Raleigh Museum has the perfect picnic space outdoors next to its entrance. This outdoor space has plenty of space near flower beds and gravel to put your picnic blankets on. Enjoy views as you eat with different murals on the walls of the museum.

5. Lake Raleigh Recreation Area on Centennial Campus

Long week of being stuck with your work-from-home duties? Take a nice picnic by Lake Raleigh. Lake Raleigh on Centennial Campus is perfect for those who are busy but still want to have a picnic.

Lake Raleigh on Centennial Campus is near many food spots, so you won't have to worry about food prep. Try out the hotdogs and hamburgers from Cloo's Coney Island while you sit down and enjoy the lake view.

This place also has many picnic tables around the lake and fishing piers with benches you can use. After your picnic, you can wander around the lake or see the woods through their walking trails. They also offer various activities like fishing, boating and even disc golf.

6. Lake Crabtree

Love the waters and want a different picnic spot near a lake? Another great picnic spot is Lake Crabtree in Morrisville. What's great about this place is that it is perfect for your family.

Lake Crabtree has many picnic facilities and a playground for your children. Want to have outdoor activities after your picnic? Then avail of their canoe, kayak and sailboat activities. Lake Crabtree has a sand beach and a dock you can throw your picnic blanket in.

7. Historic Oak View County Park

Not only is Oak View County park one of the go-to top picnic Spots in Raleigh, but it is also a historic site. This historic landmark has a signature white barn contrasted by the green grass and blue sky. This 27-acre park is the picture-perfect spot for your morning picnic.

This park has animals like chickens and goats that you can pet and feed. They also have a picnic gazebo built in the 1910s open to visitors. They have a grove of pecan trees open for public picking in the fall and a nice lake for you to fish in.

Experience the best picnic spots in Raleigh

Now you know some of the most beautiful picnic spots in Raleigh. These picnic spots are great for a sunny afternoon on a slow weekend or after a workday. Consider visiting these spots with your friends and family today.

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