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Cary traces its roots to 1854 when Allison Francis Page established a sawmill and farm along the North Carolina Railroad. The town was named after Samuel Fenton Cary, a prominent Ohio prohibitionist who delivered a temperance lecture in the area. For decades, Cary remained a small agricultural community centered on tobacco farming and cotton production.
The post-World War II era brought steady suburban growth, but the real transformation came with the establishment of the Research Triangle Park in 1959. This world-class research hub attracted thousands of scientists and engineers to the region, turning Cary into one of the fastest-growing municipalities in North Carolina. Today, Cary is recognized as one of the safest communities in the United States.
Spend an afternoon exploring Downtown Cary Park, a seven-acre urban greenspace featuring a play fountain, dog park, and performance pavilion. Catch a live concert at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, a stunning outdoor venue set among towering pine trees and a serene lake. Visit the Cary Arts Center to experience rotating gallery exhibitions and community art classes.
Cheer on the North Carolina Courage professional women’s soccer team at WakeMed Soccer Park, one of the premier soccer facilities in the country. Browse the unique shops and restaurants at Park West Village or Waverly Place, where you will find a mix of local boutiques and national retailers.
The Page-Walker Arts and History Center preserves Cary’s railroad heritage inside a restored 1868 hotel that served as a stagecoach stop between Raleigh and Greensboro. At the USA Baseball National Training Complex, tour the four regulation fields that host national team training and amateur tournaments. The Cary Heritage Museum offers exhibits on the town’s transformation from a rural depot to a modern community.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve offers three miles of trails through a unique ecosystem of eastern hemlock trees rarely found this far south. The preserve’s Stevens Nature Center provides educational exhibits on local wildlife and geology. Fred G. Bond Metro Park features a sprawling lake for fishing and boating along with miles of multi-use trails through pine forests and meadows.
The SAS Institute campus features a collection of original sculptures and artwork across lushly landscaped grounds reflecting a commitment to creativity. The annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival transforms downtown Cary into a vibrant marketplace with hundreds of artists and live music stages. For motorsports fans, Wake County Speedway delivers Saturday night racing excitement just minutes from Cary.
Spring from March through May is ideal, with comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s and blooming azaleas throughout the town’s parks. Fall from September to November brings crisp autumn weather and brilliant fall foliage for exploring outdoor attractions. The Lazy Daze Festival in late August offers one of the best reasons to visit during late summer.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Cary. Pick your favorite!
The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area centers around a 46,768-acre reservoir created by the construction of the B. Everett Jordan Dam on the Haw River. The dam was authorized by Congress in 1963 as part of a comprehensive flood control project for t…