Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Apex, NC

  • Published 2022/10/05

The bustling and lively town of Apex in Wake County, North Carolina, is a great vacation spot due to its abundance of recreation spots.

Its name came from the fact that in the late 1800s, it was the highest point on the Chatham Railroad.

The town suffered through devastating fires and economic decline, but they made it through tough times and improved Apex to its current state.

The town’s motto, “The Peak of Good Living,” represents its intense focus on providing residents and tourists with a beautiful time.

The place is home to several parks and recreation centers like the Apex Community Park and the Halle Cultural Arts Center.

They also host many events and festivals like the NC Japan Fall Festival, Special Needs Fishing Derby, and other inclusive events.

Do you need help in knowing what to do in this great town?

Check out this list of the best things to do in Apex, North Carolina!

Spend a Relaxing Afternoon at Apex Community Park

View of Apex Community Park

Wileydoc / Shutterstock.com

Picnics are a great way to spend the afternoon with friends and loved ones.

In Apex, the best place to enjoy a relaxing picnic session is at Apex Community Park.

Apex Community Park has 160 acres of open space with incredible park amenities, including fields and courts for sports, picnic areas, and a children’s playground.

The scenic view of the beautiful Apex lake provides a serene atmosphere to elevate your picnic experience.

View of Apex Community Park

Wileydoc / Shutterstock.com

If you’re into physical activities, the park offers a three-mile natural trail, perfect for an afternoon walk or jog.

The park also has something else to bring on the rush: the Elevate Fitness Course.

This obstacle course is designed with teens in mind, but people of all ages will enjoy its simple yet challenging layout.

View of Apex Community Park

Wileydoc / Shutterstock.com

Take a Walk at Beaver Creek Lake

Beaver Creek Lake is perfect for a more-relaxed walking session with a waterfront view.

Beaver Creek Lake is a body of water located between Haywards Heath Lane and the Apex Peakway.

The lake is surrounded by pristine, scenic views and a calming atmosphere.

It is also home to many animals, including turtles, ducks, and frogs.

The ambiance and wildlife in the area make it an excellent place for a relaxing walk.

The walking trail is just over half a mile, so don’t worry about running out of breath.

You just need to enjoy the refreshing breeze and the gorgeous lake as you explore the area.

Play a Game of Golf at Knights Play Golf Center

What’s better than playing a game of golf on a sunny day?

It’s playing a game of golf on a sunny day with a fantastic atmosphere, great food, superb facilities, and excellent service!

If that’s what you’re looking for, Knights Play Golf Center is the perfect golf course!

The Golf Range Association has recognized the Knights Play Golf Center as one of the top 100 practice facilities in the country.

They feature 27 holes, an 18-hole and a nine-hole course, suitable for players of all skill levels.

They also have a state-of-the-art driving range equipped with grass tees, mats, and practice green.

Their gift shop has a great selection of golf equipment and apparel to help you look good while playing.

Stop by Knights Play Golf Center on Ten-Ten Road.

Enjoy Artistic Performances at the Halle Cultural Arts Center

At the heart of the downtown Historic District lies the Halle Cultural Arts Center.

In 1912, the Halle Cultural Arts Center started as Apex’s town hall, the Mayor’s office, and the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources.

The arts center is the premier place for impressive performances like concerts, musicals, plays, and more.

They host several in-person classes and programs designed for people of all ages.

They also hold fun and exciting events such as Wednesday Night Movies, held every first Wednesday.

The Halle Cultural Arts Center is on North Salem Street beside Apex Outfitter & Board Co.

Grab a Cold Pint at Southern Peak Brewery

There’s no doubt that beer is one of man’s greatest inventions.

One of the best beers you’ll ever taste in Apex is at Southern Peak Brewery.

Established in 2016, Southern Peak Brewery features seven barrels of award-winning beers and a taproom with a great ambiance.

They offer a diverse collection of beverages, including lagers, ales, porters, and stouts.

They also cater to our four-legged friends, so feel free to bring your dogs with you.

Southern Peak Brewery is on Windy Road, a mile from downtown Apex.

Stop by the taproom and get to know the locals with a cold, refreshing pint of beer.

Enjoy a Cup of Coffee at Wake Oasis Coffee

There’s no better way to start your day than by drinking a cup of coffee.

If you’re looking for a delicious caffeine boost, you should come to Wake Oasis Coffee.

Wake Oasis Coffee is the perfect place to chill and relax with its tropical-themed interior, free Wi-Fi, and delicious baked goods.

The coffeehouse serves coffee, and the wide selection of coffee beverages means there’s something for everyone here.

Currently, they serve the seasonal pumpkin spice latte.

For the best cup of joe in Apex, visit Wake Oasis Coffee on Old Jenks Road near Salem Pond Park.

Savor the Best Local Ice Cream at FRESH. Local Ice Cream

The foodie adventure continues at Apex’s favorite ice cream place: FRESH. Local Ice Cream.

FRESH. Local Ice Cream has operated since 2011.

Likewise, its founder, Brett, has made ice cream for over 30 years!

They source their ingredients from local dairy farms and produce the ice cream at their store.

Their menu consists of everyday flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies, and cream.

They also have a selection of unique and delicious specialty monthly flavors.

FRESH. Local Ice Cream is in downtown Apex on North Salem Street.

Preserve Your Flowers at Victorian Seasons Flower Co

Flowers are beautiful yet delicate treasures that wither away as time passes.

When that happens, your once-beautiful bouquet turns into a handful of dead memories.

To prevent this, have your flowers preserved at Victorian Seasons Flower Co.

Established in 1993, Victorian Seasons Flower Co is not your typical flower shop.

They specialize in flower preservation, an ancient art practiced by the Egyptians 2000 years ago.

Their goal is to help preserve the memories and value of your precious flowers.

Plus, the finished product makes for great home decor.

Typically, the process includes shipping your bouquet to them but stop by Victorian Seasons Flower Co on North Salem Street.

Pick Strawberries and Fresh Produce at DJ’s Berry Patch

DJ’s Berry Patch offers the freshest produce in Apex.

This place is a family-owned farm located on Salem Patch Road specializing in strawberries and other seasonal produce.

Because they’re a seasonal market, the availability of their products depends on the current season.

For example, you can only pick fresh strawberries from April to June.

Currently, they offer delicious apples, pumpkins, tomatoes, and more!

DJ’s Berry Patch opens from January to October; stop by for some fresh and high-quality produce during these months.

Buy Goat Milk Soap at Fiddle Tree Farm

Have you ever heard of soap made from goat’s milk?

If you haven’t, you can buy some at Fiddle Tree Farm.

Fiddle Tree Farm is a small farm on Oak Shire Lane specializing in skin care products made from natural ingredients.

They do not use chemicals like artificial fragrances, formaldehyde, and detergents that harm your skin and the environment.

Their signature product is goat milk soap using their family herd’s milk.

Other products include lotions, body oils, and butter.

If you want to nourish your skin without the harmful effects of chemicals, stop by Fiddle Tree Farm.

Use Your Brain at Whole Brain Escape

Who says thinking can’t be fun?

At Whole Brain Escape, you’ll use your brain and have fun simultaneously!

Located on Upchurch Street, Whole Brain Escape is an award-winning escape room founded by expert game designers Heather and Rafael Chandler.

Whole Brain Escape features four exhilarating and challenging games.

Get stuck in the 80s and navigate to the present in Bustin’ Out of the Eighties.

Escape from the nefarious supervillain Quizzler in Escape the Supervillain’s Lair.

Search for the mysterious artifact known as the Mystic Orb in Seekers of the Mystic Orb.

Get out of the psychedelic world of Lunaverse in Mystery of the Mad Scientist.

Aside from these fantastic games, they also sell various board games designed by the founders.

Get Your Adrenaline Rushing at DEFY Apex

Bored out of your mind?

Come and defy expectations in the exciting world of DEFY Apex!

DEFY Apex is an extreme air sports park located on Haddon Hall Drive in Beaver Creek Commons.

The park provides a safe space for people to push themselves freely by defying gravity and other constraints.

Their selection of trampolines and zip lines lets you experience being airborne.

The several obstacle courses push you to your physical limits as you maneuver and make your way to the finish line.

Are you up for some friendly competition?

Their basketball, dodgeball, and battle beams facilities take those sports to the extreme.

Afterward, visit their snack bars to re-energize your body for another round of extreme airborne fun.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Feel the Fun at the North Carolina State Fair

Scenic view of North Carolina State Fair

Jason Schronce / Shutterstock.com

About 12 miles from Apex lies the vibrant and thrilling North Carolina State Fair.

The North Carolina State Fair is the state’s pemier amusement park featuring many unique and exhilarating attractions.

The variety of things to do ranges from the usual amusement park rides to educational and interactive tours for people of all ages.

Night at North Carolina State Fair

Jason Schronce / Shutterstock.com

The fair also hosts several competitions like livestock shows, horse shows, and general competitions like wine and cooking challenges.

If you’reoking for a great time doing all sorts of things, come down to North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, North Carolina, 15 minutes from Apex.

Look for Beautiful Gemstones at Blue Diamond Gemstone Panning

Gemstone Panning is a fun and family-friendly activity that all people should experience.

Blue Diamond Gemstone Panning in Cary, North Carolina, is the go-to place to try hunting for rocks and gemstones.

It’s only a six-minute drive from Apex, and with its beautiful landscape and fantastic scenery, you’ll be fully immersed in the activity.

If you’re not sure what to do, their friendly staff will guide you on how to pan for gemstones properly.

Try out this great activity with your family at Blue Diamond Gemstone Panning!

See a Show at Koka Booth Amphitheatre

A man in a dragon boat at Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Harry Powell / Shutterstock.com

Do you want to see the entertaining performances of Gabriel Iglesias, Billy Strings, and more?

Then come down to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Regency Parkway, Cary, eight minutes from Apex.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre is an outdoor shed built in 2001 featuring national acts and touring shows performing under the starry night sky of Cary.

The amphitheater is surrounded by a grove of pines providing crowds with a relaxed and lush atmosphere.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre is also home to over 60 local events like food festivals, Oktoberfest, and July 4th celebrations.

Final Thoughts

The town of Apex certainly lives up to its name, providing tourists with top-notch enjoyment and fun.

It has everything you need to have a fantastic vacation: refreshing outdoor experiences, educational tours and museums, intense indoor fun, and great food!

Are you looking for a great vacation spot in North Carolina?

Check out the best things to do in Apex, North Carolina!

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