10 Fun Things To Do Near Fayetteville, North Carolina (Cumberland County)
Planning a trip to
Fayetteville, NC? Or maybe you’re stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) and want to explore more on your days off? Either way, this friendly city in
Cumberland County has a lot more going on than most people realize.
From riverside walks to powerful military history, Fayetteville offers a nice mix of outdoor fun, culture, and family-friendly activities. Let’s dive into 10 things to do in and around Fayetteville that locals actually enjoy and visitors love to discover.
1. Stroll, Bike, or Paddle at Cape Fear River Trail
If you only have time for one outdoor activity in Fayetteville, make it the
Cape Fear River Trail.
This beautiful greenway runs for about 5+ miles along the
Cape Fear River. It’s mostly paved, fairly flat, and perfect for:
- Walking or jogging
- Riding bikes with the kids
- Taking peaceful nature photos
- Spotting local wildlife like birds and turtles
Benches and scenic overlooks are spaced out along the way, so you can stop and catch your breath. On a quiet weekday morning, it feels like your own private escape right in the city.
If you like getting out on the water, look for local outfitters that offer
kayaking or
paddleboarding on the Cape Fear River. Drifting down the river with the trees closing in on both sides is a surprisingly relaxing way to see Fayetteville from a new angle.
2. Step Into History at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum
Fayetteville is known for its strong military roots, and the
U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum is one of the city’s biggest highlights.
Located downtown, this
free museum tells the story of:
- Airborne troops from World War II to today
- Special operations units and their missions
- The training, courage, and sacrifice behind the uniforms
Inside, you’ll see:
- Life-size dioramas that make you feel like you’ve stepped into history
- Aircraft and vehicles on display
- Interactive exhibits and short films
Even if you’re not a “museum person,” this place is powerful. Many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. If you’re traveling with kids or teens, it’s a great way to help them understand what military families go through.
Tip: Walk around outside too. The grounds have monuments, a reflection garden, and often seasonal displays and flags.
3. Explore Downtown Fayetteville: Hay Street, Shops, and Eats
Downtown Fayetteville has had a big glow-up over the years, and now it’s one of the best areas to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening.
Along and around
Hay Street you’ll find:
- Local restaurants and cafes
- Craft breweries and bars
- Small boutiques and antique shops
- Public art and murals
It’s the kind of place where you can:
- Grab a coffee and people-watch
- Do a little shopping for souvenirs
- End the night with live music or a local beer
If you enjoy walkable downtowns with character, Fayetteville’s core will surprise you. Check the city’s event calendar too—there are often
street festivals, markets, and outdoor concerts happening here, especially in spring and fall.
4. Visit the Fascinate-U Children’s Museum
Traveling with younger kids? Put the
Fascinate-U Children’s Museum on your list. This hands-on museum lets children play pretend in:
- A mini grocery store
- A bank
- A fire station
- Other kid-sized “grown-up” settings
Instead of just reading signs, kids can:
- Dress up
- Push buttons
- Role-play and explore
If you’ve ever needed an activity that keeps kids busy while still feeling somewhat educational, this is it. It’s perfect for a rainy day in Fayetteville and an easy walk from other downtown attractions.
5. Learn Local Stories at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex
If you like to understand the “why” behind a place, the
Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is worth a stop.
Here you can:
- Learn about early settlers in the Cape Fear region
- See Civil War–era exhibits and artifacts
- Explore local stories that shaped Cumberland County
One of the coolest parts is the nearby
1897 Poe House, a historic home that shows what life was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Guided tours walk you through rooms filled with period furniture and decor.
It’s not a huge complex, but it offers a nice mix of indoor exhibits and outdoor historic charm. If you enjoy North Carolina history, it fills in a lot of gaps you might not have known were there.
6. Get Outside at Lake Rim Park
When you’re ready to let the kids run or just want a peaceful walk, head to
Lake Rim Park on the western side of Fayetteville.
This park offers:
- Walking trails
- Open fields for tossing a ball or frisbee
- Playgrounds
- Picnic areas with tables and grills
The lake itself is calm and scenic, with opportunities for nature programs and environmental education. Rangers sometimes host guided walks and programs where you can learn about local animals and plants.
If you pack a cooler, you can easily spend a half day here relaxing, especially in spring or fall when the weather is mild.
7. Catch a Fayetteville Woodpeckers Baseball Game
Looking for a classic American night out? Head to
Segra Stadium to see the
Fayetteville Woodpeckers, a Minor League Baseball team.
The stadium is right downtown, so you can:
- Grab dinner on Hay Street
- Walk over to the game
- Enjoy fireworks or theme nights after
Minor league games are usually:
- Affordable
- Family-friendly
- Full of fun extras like on-field games and giveaways
Even if you’re not a big baseball fan, the atmosphere is laid-back and entertaining. It’s a great way to feel the local energy and connect with the community.
8. Honor Heroes at the North Carolina Veterans Park
Right next to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, you’ll find
North Carolina Veterans Park.
This park is designed as a quiet, beautiful space to:
- Honor veterans from across the state
- Reflect on service and sacrifice
- Enjoy creative, meaningful memorials and sculptures
You’ll see:
- Metal and glass art pieces
- Impressions of veterans’ hands
- Thoughtful design elements that tell a story
It’s not a long visit, but it’s a powerful one. Many people stop here after visiting the museum to round out the experience. If you have veterans in your family, this spot can be especially moving.
9. Sneak in a Beach or Sandhills Day Trip
One of the nice things about Fayetteville is its location. You’re close enough for some fun
day trips without having to change hotels.
A few popular options:
- Southern Pines & Pinehurst (about 1 hour away): Famous for pine forests, golf courses, and charming small-town downtowns. Great for a quiet day of walking, window shopping, and grabbing lunch.
- Carolina Beach or Wrightsville Beach (about 2 hours away): If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can be on the Atlantic coast with your toes in the sand by midday, then back in Fayetteville by night.
Think of Fayetteville as a comfortable base that lets you sample both the
Sandhills region and the
North Carolina coast without constant hotel hopping.
10. Taste Fayetteville: Breweries, BBQ, and Local Flavor
Finally, let’s talk food and drink—because no trip is complete without it.
Around Fayetteville and Cumberland County, you’ll find:
- Local BBQ joints serving pulled pork, ribs, and hushpuppies
- International spots influenced by the city’s diverse military community
- Craft breweries pouring local beers, often with food trucks parked outside
Here’s a simple way to enjoy an evening:
- Start with North Carolina–style BBQ (vinegar-based sauces are common here).
- Walk or drive to a local brewery for a flight or a cold pint.
- End the night with dessert or coffee downtown.
If you like trying regional specialties when you travel, ask locals where they go for BBQ, fried chicken, or sweet tea. They’ll usually have strong opinions—and that’s how you find the good stuff.
Planning Your Trip to Fayetteville, NC
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer comfortable temps for walking trails and exploring downtown.
- Getting around: A car is helpful, but many top attractions like the museum, veterans park, and stadium are close together downtown.
- Who will love Fayetteville: Military history buffs, families, outdoor lovers, and anyone who enjoys discovering under-the-radar cities.
Fayetteville might not be the first place you think of for a North Carolina getaway, but that’s part of its charm. It feels real, welcoming, and surprisingly full of things to do once you start exploring.
Have You Been to Fayetteville?
Have you visited any of these spots in
Fayetteville or Cumberland County?
Do you have your own favorite trail, restaurant, or hidden gem near the city?
Share your experiences in the comments—your tips can help other travelers plan their trip.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s heading to Fayetteville, NC or passing through on a road trip. It might just convince them to stick around a little longer and see what this city has to offer.
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