15 Best Things to Do in Apex NC

Apex, North Carolina has a long history as a railroad town.

In fact, that’s where it got its name.

The Apex train depot was built in 1867, and at that time it was Chatham Railroad’s highest point, and “Apex” means “the top or highest part of something, especially one forming a point”.

Before it was settled, the Tuscarora tribe made their home there.

And because it’s close to Raleigh, it became a trading hub, shipping lumber, tobacco and tar on the railroad.

In 2015 it won the “Best Place to Live” accolade from TIME magazine.

Here are things to do in Apex, NC.

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Halle Cultural Arts Center

Halle Cultural Arts CenterSource: Wikipedia.org/Ke4roh | Public Domain Mark 1.0Pin

The Halle Cultural Arts Center is Apex’s center for performing and visual arts.

You can catch everything from plays to movies here, or take a vocal class.

And since its upgrade in 2008, it’s become a beautiful place to host meetings, receptions and weddings, in addition to performances.

They host free movies on the first Wednesday of every month in the evening, and free kids movies on the morning of the third Wednesday every month.

Check out their upcoming event page to find out what’s going on at the Halle Cultural Arts Center.

Address: 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502, United States

Historical Yates Mill

Historical Yates MillSource: Flickr.com/Larry Lamb | CC BY-SA 2.0 GenericPin

The historical Yates Mill is the last operating gristmill in Wake County, which is impressive because there used to be 70.

Gristmills were more than a machine that ground wheat and corn into flour and cornmeal.

They were social centers, too. The millpond, which is 24 actress, is still a popular place to hang out.

There are several hiking mills on the park’s property, and you can take tours of the mill to learn more about it.

You’re even allowed to fish there, albeit from the Pond Boardwalk only, with a fishing license.

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Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

The Koka Booth Amphitheatre is a large outdoor structure hidden amongst a gorgeous pine grove, and it’s hosted some of the biggest performers in the country, like Harry Connick Jr., Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Ziggy Marley, Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton and more.

It also hosts the NC Symphony Summerfest Series every year, as well as a variety of community events and food festivals, and the Fourth of July Celebration for the area.

One of the things it’s most known for is the Chinese Lantern Festival, which is a huge display of Chinese artistry and visitors come from hundreds of countries all over the world, and all 50 states to experience the unique festival.

Address: 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518, United States

Southern Peak Brewery

If you’re looking for a good brew, then head over to Southern Peak Brewery, just a mile from Historic Downtown Apex.

It’s a seven-barrel brewhouse and taproom.

They’re always coming up with new recipes and experimenting with different flavors, and locals love their creations.

You can either be seated indoors or outdoors in the patio area.

If you want to try some crowd favorites, try their Boxcar Belle German Lager, Midnight Conductor Baltic Porter, or Tropikol India Pale Ale, all of which are award-winning brews.

To find out what’s going on at the Brewery this weekend, check out their Events Calendar.

Address: 950 Windy Rd STE 100, Apex, NC 27502, United States

Historic Apex Union Depot

Historic Apex Union DepotSource: Wikipedia.org/Seth Ilys | Public Domain Mark 1.0Pin

We don’t know the exact date that the Historic Apex Union Depot was built, but we know it was somewhere between 1867-1873.

It was such a major part of Apex and even state history that it was designated as a landmark by Wake County.

Apex’s history is heavily influenced by the railroad industry.

The decrease in railroad traffic started during the Great Depression, and only decreased from there.

Eventually the Depot was closed. It’s now the town’s Welcome Center. You can find a number of guides, brochures, maps and merchandise there.

There’s also a 37-foot Louisville and Nashville Railroad caboose situated by the brick building.

It’s open most weeks Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm, but is also closed when other facilities and administrative offices are.

Address: 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502, United States

Treasure Quest Mining

Treasure Quest Mining is a unique way to buy gems.

They have a 35 foot long indoor sluice, which allows you to pour a bucket of material into it, the water washes away the dirt and debris, and you can find gems and other treasures.

You’re also able to purchase gems, jewelry, metaphysical supplies, fossils, dinosaur toys, home decor and more.

It’s a fun activity, or a learning experience for kids.

They host birthday parties, which would be a unique experience! Head on over and let the knowledgeable staff “rock” your world!

Address: 414 Upchurch St, Apex, NC 27502, United States

Historical Downtown Apex

Historical Downtown ApexSource: Wikimedia.org/Seth Ilys | Public Domain Mark 1.0Pin

The Historical Downtown Apex area is considered to be one of the best-preserved and intact railroad towns from the turn of the century in the area.

There are both residential and commercial buildings there from the 1800’s, and they’re all made using a diverse range of architectural styles.

This is also where you can visit the Apex Union Depot.

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If you’d like to take a walking tour of the Historic Downtown District, you can contact the Apex Historical Society.

Apex Farmers Market

The Apex Farmers Market and Local Food Alliance was created to promote healthier lifestyle and eating habits in Apex and surrounding communities.

It’s not just a bunch of farmers selling vegetables, so if that’s not your thing, don’t worry.

Although if it is, there’s lots of local produce to be had!

Vendors range from farmers selling locally-grown produce, microgreens, fresh flowers, organic coffee, salad dressings, marinades and sauces, juices, desserts, locally raised beef, pork and poultry, dairy products, seafood, handmade soaps and candles, and more.

Check out their schedule to plan your next trip.

Address: 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502, United States

Festival of Legends

Festival of LegendsSource: Wikimedia.org/Sergey Galyonkin | CC BY-SA 2.0 GenericPin

Friends of the Fae flock to North Carolina each year for the Festival of Legends, which is a fairy festival.

It focuses on things like fairy tales, mythology and folklore, as well as popular fiction.

There’s a ton of dragon and fairy cosplay, as well as Steampunk and other costumes.

In addition to costumes galore, there’s a ton of unique entertainment, like cabaret shows, sideshows, musical performances, exotic animals and birds, medieval combat, dragons to pose on and take pictures with, belly dancers, performances with bubbles, storytellers, acrobats and more.

On top of all that, there are loads of vendors, artists and lots of unique food options.

If you’re looking for something fun to do in April, check out the Festival of Legends!

Check their Facebook page here.

Address: Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park, Holly Springs, NC 27540, United States

Apex Community Park

Apex Community ParkSource: Wikimedia.org/APRCR | CC BY-SA 4.0 InternationalPin

The Apex Community Park is 160 acres and it’s got a ton of options for sports and recreational activities.

It features 3 ball fields, 2 batting cages, 1 soccer field, 3 sand volleyball courts, 6 tennis courts, 4 basketball courts (one of which is fenced in for roller hockey) picnic areas, a fishing dock, and shelters.

The lake is stocked with channel catfish. There’s also the Elevate Fitness Course, which is an obstacle course for fitness.

The TRACK walking trail around the lake is an easy walk around a 2 mile paved loop, with opportunities to view nature and wildlife along the way, or you could take the more challenging 1 mile natural trail.

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Address: 1808 Lake Pine Dr, Apex, NC 27511, United States

Polar Point Campground

The Polar Point Campground is located in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.

The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a 14,000 acre lake reservoir.

The Polar Point Campground has 580 campsites, and 361 of them have electric hookups.

They have site options for bothe tents and RVs. At every campsite you’ll find a grill, table and trash receptacle.

There’s a boat ramp, swimming beach, showers with hot water, restrooms, dumpstation, and water, and a 2 mile hiking loop.

You’re required to make reservations 48 hours before your stay, and you’re only allowed to stay for 14 days at a time (after which you can’t reserve a spot for 16 nights), so keep all of that in mind when making a reservation.

Address: 558 Beaver Creek Rd, Apex, NC 27502, United States

Kelly Road Park

Kelly Road ParkSource: Wikimedia.org/Ke4roh | CC BY-SA 4.0 InternationalPin

If you play pickleball in Apex or have small children, you probably already know about the Kelly Road Park.

It’s 25 acres, and it features two separate playground areas called KidsTowne, one for ages 2-5 and one for children ages 5-12, both with well-maintained equipment and grounds.

They’re fenced in, except for the entrances.

There’s a lighted softball field, a full-sized tennis court, and 4 junior tennis or pickleball courts, plus a basketball court.

There are pros and cons to the urban park.

The unique wooden playground structure is fun for the littles, you won’t have problems finding a place to sit down, there’s several opportunity for sports activities, and the kids will find all the climbing structures and swings fun.

But there’s not much shade, so maybe go during the later parts of the afternoon when the sun isn’t as much of a problem.

Address: 1609 Kelly Rd, Apex, NC 27502, United States

Cloer Family Vineyards

If you’re looking for a fun weekend outing with friends or an upscale date idea, the Cloer Family Vineyards is a great idea.

They don’t actually host formal wine tastings right now, but instead they have “wine flights”, where you can sample the 5 different wines they make at the vineyard.

They serve a variety of seasonal beverages, like spring wine spritzers, summer wine slushies, fall sangrias and winter mulled wines.

You’re not allowed to bring your own alcohol in from outside sources, but you can bring food with you.

They even have a “Make Your Own Charcuterie Baskets” where they supply a variety of cheese, salami, cookies, peanuts and other products, all from North Carolina for you to make custom charcuterie.

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Address: 8624 Castleberry Rd, Apex, NC 27523, United States

Apex Nature Park

Apex Nature ParkSource: Flickr.com/NC Wetlands | CC0 1.0 UniversalPin

The Apex Nature Park is the place to go if you’re into disc golf!

It’s 160 acres, with a playground, lighted tennis courts and multipurpose fields, sand volleyball courts, both a “small” and “large” picnic shelter area, disc golf course, a dog park, multi-use trails, and an amphitheater.

The outdoor concrete courts are also great for pickleball.

During the summer, there are frequently free movies and concerts at the amphitheater.

There are two greenways for walking in the Apex Nature Park, as well.

There’s the 1.50 mile asphalt trail, and the 2 mile natural trail.

Address: 2600 Evans Rd, Apex, NC 27502, United States

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

For family fun or a unique and active date, check out the Sky Zone Trampoline Park.

There’s far more to do here than just bounce around on trampolines!

There’s a ninja warrior course, zipline, sky jousting, parkour blocks, ultimate dodgeball, a trapeze and swing area, climbing wall, freestyle jump area, and the drop zone where you can get photos posing while you catch some air.

They even host birthday parties, which would definitely be a great way to make a kid’s day!

There are memberships, as well, which are probably a good thing to look into because if you take the family there once, they’re likely to want to return!

Address: 1275 Haddon Hall Dr, Apex, NC 27502, United States

Conclusion

Apex, North Carolina is a historical town with deeply-rooted ties to the railroad industry.

But that definitely isn’t the only thing to do in Apex.

With all sorts of festivals and events, like the Festival of Legends, you can have a lot of fun and learn about different hobbies, interests and lifestyles.

Learn about the history of the city and take a stroll back in time at the Apex Union Depot and the Historical Downtown Apex.

Have some high-flying family fun at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park. In fact, there are a number of parks, as well as the Polar Point Campground, are a great opportunity to take part in outdoor fitness activities.

And foodies and craft beer enthusiasts will love the Farmers Market and the brews at South Peak Brewery.

With the plethora of attractions and natural features, it’s really no wonder that Apex has been named one of the best places to live in the country!

Let me know which of these things you’ve done, and which ones you add to your own list of things to do!

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  • Sarah ThackerPin

    Senior Travel Writer, Travelsc

    Sarah is a writer from Ohio, currently living in West Virginia. As an avid baking enthusiast, she always scopes out the best food in an area and can make gre...

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