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Found in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Dorthea Dix Park is the largest park in the city. This park is famous for many different activities, and events, and for its history. Its central location also means that it is central to many popular locales in Raleigh. This area is also popular with visitors to Raleigh. It is one of our favorite places to visit, and our dog loves walking around and playing in the park. There is truly something for everyone at the park.
There are so many wonderful day trips from Raleigh! Check them out here!
Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh
Where is Dorothea Dix Park?
Dix Park is between Western Boulevard, Lake Wheeler Road, Biggs Drive, and Barbour Drive. Umstead Drive goes right through the park. There are several entrances on Hunt Drive at Western Boulevard, Umstead Drive at Lake Wheeler Road, and Goode Street at Lake Wheeler Road. It can be very easy to feel turned around in the park, luckily there are some signs to follow. Plus different buildings and fields have their own addresses which means you can use a map and not get lost.
Additionally the NC Department of Health and Human Services is located on the grounds so parking may be more limited during the week. The park is open from dawn to dusk daily.
Things to Do
Quiet Walks
One of my favorite activities to do at a park is simply to take long, quiet walks. Although you are right by downtown Dorothea Dix Park feels a million miles away from civilization. There is a wooded area near the Rocky Branch Creek which is perfect for walking. Big Field is a large, luscious, rolling green field. You can bring your dog along for your relaxing walk. Remember all dogs must remain on their leash at all times.
Enjoy The Big Field (Run, Walk, or Fly!)
The Big Field is a great place because not only can you go for a walk or run, but you can take your kites, model planes, or drones for a flight. Given all the airspace rules and regulations, it can be hard to find a place that allows you to fly a drone in Raleigh. Dorothea Dix Park is one of the few places that allows flying. The Big Field is designated as an unmanned aerial aircraft safe place.
Other than walking, running, or flying you can go for a relaxing picnic in Big Field. It is super close to the State Farmer’s Market, NC State University, and downtown Raleigh. So you can pick up extra fresh food for your picnic before laying back and watching people fly their kites.
Yoga
Thanks to many donors the park is able to offer several free events and activities. One of the most frequent activities is Yoga at the Park. You can find it at Flowers Park most Monday evenings. You can find the full list of the events and activities here.
PRO TIP: Some of the activities are so wildly popular you will have to preregister for the activity or you might not be able to participate.
Take In the Views
There are so many wonderful places with some glorious views found at Dix Park. Some are obvious and others a little more hidden around the park. “The Grove” is one of the best places and it’s on the eastern side of the park. On a clear day, you get a picture-postcard view of the downtown skyline.
Another well-known area is the “Flower Field” which offers great views. You have downtown to one side and the Catholic Cathedral to the other. You can also see the NC State bell tower in the distance and the smokestack from the Governor Morehead School.
For a completely different view of downtown Raleigh head over to the backside of the old soccer field. There is a mound there that you’ll need to climb to see the incredible view.
Visit the Dog Park
This is a very popular activity for us. We are quite wary of dog parks as everyone seems to have a horror story so we like to go to some that are larger and emptier. Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh hits the mark here! There are three enclosed dog parks all next to each other.
The three enclosed parks are connected by an enclosed water station for the dogs. Before entering the dog park there is a vending machine that includes dog treats, tennis balls, and snacks for the humans too! The enclosed areas are to separate the small dogs from the larger dogs and allow enough space for temperament separation.
Many of the times we have gone there was at least one enclosed area that was completely empty. We enjoy bringing some tennis balls and tiring our pup out. It’s also a great space for her to practice her recall skills.
Dorothea Dix park is only one of the great reasons to visit Raleigh. Check out the rest here!
Special Events in Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh
There are so many special events and activities going on in the park year-round. Some of the most popular include yoga at the park, play dates, and the different flower festivals. The sunflower and daffodil blooming are by far the most impressive and most attended special events.
Blooming Flowers
Sunflowers at Dorothea Dix Park are a summer staple. For about two weeks in July, there is an enormous field by Flowers Field that is in a gorgeous yellow bloom. Truly a sea of sunflowers. There is nothing quite like it. To celebrate and enjoy the flowers, on Friday and Saturday evenings there are food trucks and live music. A local brewing company also has a beer garden available.
Come winter time head back to Dorothea Dix Park to see the Daffodils in full bloom. Generally around for longer, the daffodils bloom at the park between February and March. Since it is a longer time frame there may not be events necessarily geared for the daffodils like there are for the sunflowers.
Summer Activities
There’s a whole calendar of events that includes something for everyone! From Independence Day fireworks celebrations to a Flight Day where food trucks come and we can all enjoy flying kites. For kids this summer they have a Treasure Hunt which has lots of fun puzzles for the kids to solve. Finally Dorothea Dix Park has a Moonlight Movie Series which plays a number of different children-friendly movies throughout the summer.
Classes
These require registration as the class size is limited. You will find things like yoga in the park, art on the hill, and little explorers. All the classes are free. There are even free bird-watching classes and gardening classes. They have art classes to help people of all ages connect with each other. This is a great way to build community. Additionally, there are plenty of workout classes such as cardio hip hop.
Hotels Near Dorothea Dix Park Raleigh
Given that it is such a popular area of Raleigh, there are so many great hotels to check out. Below are some of our favorites with a range of price options. Raleigh is not super walkable, but most of these hotels will allow you to make downtown Raleigh incredibly walkable and convenient for you.
Marriott Raleigh Center – With a refreshing pool for summertime, this hotel is a perfect downtown location. It is about 20 minutes from the airport and 10 from NC State University. There is also an on-site Southern Restaurant.
The Casso – The Casso offers free on-site bicycles for all guests. This opens up a whole world to explore downtown Raleigh. It is a 12-minute walk from the Capitol. It is also a pet-friendly hotel if you are traveling with your pet. The Casso does not have a pool, but it has a fitness center.
The Stateview Autograph Hotel – Another relaxing hotel with a pool. Summer can be very warm in Raleigh so having a pool can be very refreshing. There is even a sun terrace to enjoy the view of Raleigh. There is breakfast at the hotel, but no other restaurant.
Final Thoughts about Dorothea Dix Park
With so much to do and see in Dorothea Dix Park, it is easy to understand why it is so popular in Raleigh. People from all walks of life enjoy spending their time in many different ways at the park. Its close proximity to downtown makes it a luscious and quiet getaway from the bustle of city life. All the many events and activities attract people from all over the RTP area to enjoy the great outdoors. This is a gem in Raleigh that is absolutely worth visiting!
