Where to Work Outdoors in Downtown Raleigh
After months of working indoors and cooling temperatures arriving, now is the perfect time for a change of scenery. Step away from the fluorescent lights and soak in the sun and fresh air at one of Downtown Raleigh’s many outdoor spaces. Increased productivity and improved well-being are just some of the benefits of working outside.
- Moore Square
- Nash Square
- Bicentennial Plaza
- Halifax Mall
- Wells Fargo Plaza
- FNB Tower Plaza
- Union Station Plaza
Photo by @purtelld
1. Moore Square
200 S Blount St
Moore Square is the perfect space for working solo as well as socially distanced co-working. This city-block of open green space has free WIFI for anyone to use. It also has a large grass lawn for the casual worker, tables for a more traditional workspace, and an onsite restaurant for those who get snacky while working. You can also grab a draft latte to-go at the nearby coffee shop, 42nd & Lawrence.
2. Nash Square
200 S McDowell St
If you’re looking for a space to have socially distanced casual meetings, Nash Square is the place for you. Not only does this park have angled benches great for distanced brainstorming meetings or for just catching up, but it’s also surrounded by some of Raleigh’s oldest oak and magnolia trees that offer shady spots for warmer days. You can grab lunch near Nash Square at places like Whiskey Kitchen, lucettegrace, Parkside, and A Place at the Table, all offering takeout or curbside pickup.
3. Bicentennial Plaza
1 E Edenton St
Bicentennial Plaza is the place to go when you need some space (literally). Offering several tables located behind both the History and Natural Sciences Museums, this plaza is great for spreading out your papers and notebooks, and getting down to business. Stop by The Daily Planet for coffee to fuel you for the day or grab some lunch from Centro or Gringo a Go Go nearby.
4. Halifax Mall
300 N Salisbury St
Surrounded by the NC Legislative Building and other government buildings, this civic space is great for walking meetings and socially distanced hangouts. Plus, there is a lot of open space to get your midday workout in or for distanced team building activities. Head over to Papa Shogun, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar or Seaboard Cafe when finished to enjoy more fresh air with outdoor seating options for lunch.
Photo by @silentlanguagephoto
5. Plaza at Wells Fargo Capitol Center
150 Fayetteville St
This plaza, on Fayetteville Street, was recently renovated to include new seating such as swing benches, modern light posts, and refreshed landscaping. This space is great for working outdoors, lunch meetings, and relaxing on a swing during an afternoon break. Grab some lunch to-go from one of the many surrounding restaurants like Subway, Raleigh Times, Benny Capitale’s, or Raleigh Raw. With tables, benches, and swings, there’s no shortage of outdoor working options.
7. FNB Tower Plaza
501 Fayetteville St
Looking for a great tucked away spot perfect for team distanced lunches or meetings? Sitting beside the new FNB Tower, FNB Tower Plaza offers tables and chairs, and wide benches perfect for team lunches and afternoon breaks. Pick up lunch from Happy and Hale beside the plaza, coffee from Crema right next store or bring sushi from nearby Sono and take a breather from the busy workday.
Photo by @raleighwhatsup
8. Union Station Plaza
510 W Martin St
With deep benches, beautiful artwork that doubles as shade and gorgeous skyline views, this plaza that sits right in the heart of downtown’s Warehouse District is the perfect meeting place for outdoor meetings and casual lunches. Union Station Plaza will transform into DRA’s Annual Outdoor Office in mid-October with more details to be announced soon.