Things To Do
in Cary
Cary, North Carolina is a fast-growing suburban town in the Research Triangle with a reputation for safe neighborhoods, good schools, and abundant green space. It blends modern suburban amenities — shopping, restaurants, and craft breweries — with easy access to parks, lakes and regional attractions in Raleigh and Durham. Cary maintains a friendly, family-oriented feel while attracting tech and life-science professionals who work in the nearby Research Triangle Park.
Its compact downtown, festival calendar and network of trails make it an appealing base for exploring the Triangle region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in downtown Cary, where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and pastries. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets of the historic district, admiring the well-preserved architecture and quaint shops. Don't forget to stop by the Cary Arts Center to check out any ongoing exhibits that celebrate local artists.
For lunch, head to a nearby restaurant that specializes in Southern cuisine, offering delicious comfort food. After your meal, visit the Page-Walker Arts & History Center to learn about Cary's rich history and cultural heritage. Spend the afternoon walking through the beautiful gardens surrounding the center, taking in the seasonal blooms and peaceful atmosphere.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local brewery to sample some craft beers brewed right in Cary. Enjoy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, where you can savor seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Wrap up your day by catching a live performance at the Cary Theater, where you can experience the vibrant local arts scene.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike at the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, where you can explore the scenic trails and enjoy the beauty of nature. Keep an eye out for native wildlife and lush greenery as you immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings. After your hike, relax with a picnic breakfast at one of the park's designated areas, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
After your picnic, head over to Lake Johnson Park to rent a kayak or paddleboat for some fun on the water. Spend the afternoon paddling around the lake, taking in the scenic views and perhaps even spotting some local bird species. When you're ready for a break, find a shaded spot to enjoy a light lunch from a nearby deli while enjoying the lakeside views.
As night approaches, venture to the nearby Koka Booth Amphitheatre for an outdoor concert or movie screening, if available. Bring a blanket and some snacks to enjoy while you take in the entertainment under the stars. After the show, head back into town for a relaxing dessert at a local ice cream shop, savoring every sweet bite.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $5-8 |
| 🚕Short taxi / ride-share | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Safe, family-friendly community with good schools
- Access to parks, greenways and outdoor recreation
- Close to Raleigh, Durham and Research Triangle Park for cultural and professional opportunities
- Growing food and craft-beer scene with varied dining options
- Suburban spread — limited late-night scene compared to larger cities
- Rush-hour traffic toward the Triangle can be congested
- Public transit is less extensive than in a major city — a car is convenient
- Summer humidity can be intense for visitors unaccustomed to it
Places to Visit in Cary
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque waterfront venue and lake area that offers reflections, event-night lighting and scenic frames, especially during concerts or sunset.
Wooded trails, boardwalks and unique hemlock groves create intimate nature shots year-round — great for macro and landscape photography.
Charming town center with public art, historic buildings and seasonal decorations; good for street and architectural photography.
Large park with lake, bridges and open fields — ideal for family scenes, wildlife, and sunrise/sunset images.
Food in Cary
Cary Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
North Carolina is famous for pulled pork with a vinegar-based sauce (eastern style) — try it at local barbecue joints and family-run spots around town.
Must-Try!
Classic Southern breakfast plates with biscuits, gravy, grits, and eggs are widely available at local diners and brunch cafes.
A regional staple — creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp — often featured at mid-range and upscale restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers markets and pop-up markets offer local produce, baked goods, preserves and ready-to-eat items — great for picnic supplies and sampling local flavors.
Look for food trucks at festivals, concerts and brewery parking lots; they’re a good way to try tacos, BBQ, fusion bowls and regional comfort food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Cary residents tend to be polite and courteous — small talk and a friendly greeting go a long way. Use please and thank you, hold doors for others, and respect personal space.
Many neighborhoods are residential and family-oriented; keep noise moderate, follow posted rules in parks and trails, and observe any leash rules for dogs.
Be on time for reservations and appointments; professionals and businesses generally expect punctuality.
Safety
Tipping in Cary
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S. (including Cary) it’s customary to tip servers 15–20% before tax at full-service restaurants; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for larger tabs, $2–5 for taxi or ride-share drivers for short rides, and $1–5 per night for hotel housekeeping depending on service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless/mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Small businesses may accept cash; always carry a card and some cash for farmers markets, small vendors or tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms possible; dress in lightweight, breathable clothing, carry water, and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings to avoid peak heat.
Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, making it the best season for hiking, outdoor festivals and foliage color; pack layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Mild winters with occasional cold snaps and rare snow or ice; bring a warm jacket for evenings and check forecasts for sporadic winter weather that can impact roads.
Blooming trees and wildflowers with comfortable temperatures; pollen can be high in peak spring — allergy sufferers should prepare accordingly.
Cary at Night
Hiking in Cary
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, easy trails and boardwalks through shaded hemlock groves — ideal for families and nature photography.
Extensive trail network for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, with several trailheads between Raleigh and Cary.
A long, converted rail-trail used for walking, running and cycling; segments connect to nearby communities and provide long-distance route options.
Multiple trails and lakeside paths around Jordan Lake, offering scenic views, birding and longer outdoor excursions.
Streams and wooded greenways popular for quieter walks and observing local flora and fauna — good for short hikes close to town.
Airports
How to reach Cary by plane.
Primary airport for the region, ~15–25 minutes from Cary depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights, car rentals, shuttle and taxi/ride-share options.
Located near Greensboro, about 50–70 minutes drive west of Cary; useful for some domestic flights and often a backup option if flying from the region.
Major international airport in Charlotte, roughly 2.5–3 hours by car; an option for different flight choices or international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Cary attracts many families drawn by strong schools, parks and family-oriented services.
Proximity to Research Triangle Park means a significant population of professionals in tech, biotech and research fields.
Young professionals working in the Triangle often live in Cary for a suburban lifestyle with commuter access to nearby cities.
The area is increasingly diverse with South Asian, East Asian, Latino and international communities contributing to a varied cultural and culinary landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
College basketball is extremely popular in the region (UNC, Duke, NC State etc. nearby) and draws passionate local interest, especially during ACC season and March.
Minor-league baseball (Durham Bulls) and local youth baseball leagues are common pastimes for families.
Youth and adult soccer and lacrosse leagues are popular; recreational sports fields are commonly used across town.
With many greenways and trails, running clubs and cycling groups are active in the Cary area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cary.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available at cafes, many restaurants offer salads, vegetable mains and vegetarian-friendly sides; ask servers for off-menu substitutions.
Vegan choices are increasing — look for vegan bowls, plant-based burgers and salads at progressive restaurants and some breweries; calling ahead helps for guaranteed options.
Most sit-down restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests (gluten-free bread and pasta are often available); always inform staff of celiac disease to avoid cross-contamination.