Apex is a fast-growing town in western Wake County, a few miles southwest of Raleigh and Cary. It took its name from its location at the highest point on the old Chatham Railroad, and it still calls itself the Peak of Good Living.
AT A GLANCE
Best time
April to June and September to November, for mild weather and PeakFest in May.
How long
One day covers downtown, the parks and a lake or trail outing.
Getting there
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is about 25 minutes north.
Why visit Apex
Apex grew up around the railroad in the late 1800s as a small farming and timber town. A fire in 1911 destroyed much of downtown, and the brick buildings that replaced it now form one of the best-preserved small-town main streets in the Triangle, listed as a historic district.
Today Apex is mostly a residential town, but it makes a relaxed base for the Research Triangle. Its downtown has local shops and restaurants, and Jordan Lake, the American Tobacco Trail and a network of greenways are all close by.
Historic downtown Apex
Downtown Apex is compact, walkable and full of character.
Salem Street
The main street is lined with early 20th century brick storefronts holding boutiques, antique shops, cafés, restaurants and a few breweries. It is busiest on weekend evenings and during the town's street festivals.
Apex Union Depot
The restored train depot at the center of downtown is a reminder of the railroad that founded the town. It now houses the chamber of commerce and a visitor center with maps and local information.
Halle Cultural Arts Center
Housed in the historic former town hall, the Halle Cultural Arts Center hosts plays, concerts, art exhibits and classes throughout the year.
Downtown events
Apex holds regular downtown events, from summer concerts to holiday celebrations, and PeakFest each May fills Salem Street with artists, musicians and food vendors.
Parks, lakes and trails
Green space is one of Apex's biggest draws.
Apex Community Park
This large park has a lake with a walking loop of about 1.5 miles, fishing, playgrounds, ball fields and picnic shelters. It is a favorite spot for an easy morning walk.
Apex Nature Park
Apex Nature Park offers wooded trails, a dog park, sports fields and an amphitheater used for outdoor concerts.
American Tobacco Trail
This rail trail follows the bed of an old tobacco railroad for about 22 miles between Durham and Wake County, passing just east of Apex. It is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers, and much of it is shaded.
Jordan Lake
About 15 minutes west, B. Everett Jordan Lake is a large reservoir with sandy swimming beaches, boat ramps, campgrounds and hiking trails. It is also one of the best places in the state to see bald eagles, especially in summer.
Greenways
Apex has a growing network of paved greenways linking neighborhoods, parks and downtown, including the Beaver Creek Greenway.
Nearby in the Triangle
Apex is close to the attractions of the Research Triangle.
Cary
Next door, Cary has a revitalized downtown with a large park, the Koka Booth Amphitheatre and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.
Raleigh
About 25 minutes away, the state capital has free state museums of history, art and natural sciences, plus a lively downtown.
Holly Springs and Bass Lake
To the south, Holly Springs has Bass Lake Park, with a boardwalk, fishing and a walking trail around the lake.
Local life and events
Apex is a town where much of the fun happens on the street. The historic district is small enough to explore on foot, and the town's calendar keeps downtown busy for much of the year.
PeakFest
Held each May, PeakFest is the town's signature street festival, with hundreds of artists, craft vendors, live music stages, food stalls and children's activities along Salem Street.
Summer concerts
In summer, outdoor concerts at Apex Nature Park's amphitheater and downtown bring out families with blankets and picnics.
Holidays downtown
In December, Salem Street is decorated with lights, and the town's holiday parade and tree lighting draw large crowds.
A walk through history
A walk along Salem Street and the side streets shows the brick commercial buildings built after the 1911 fire, the restored depot and a number of well-kept early 20th century homes. Small plaques and the visitor center help explain the town's railroad origins.
Shopping
Beyond downtown, Beaver Creek Commons and the surrounding shopping centers have national stores, restaurants and a cinema.
Food and local flavors
Apex sits in the middle of North Carolina barbecue country, and both eastern-style chopped pork with a vinegar sauce and Lexington-style barbecue with a tomato-tinged dip are easy to find. Southern breakfast spots serve biscuits, and fried chicken and sweet tea are everywhere.
Salem Street has the town's most interesting restaurants, along with coffee shops, bakeries and craft breweries. The shopping centers along US 64 and Beaver Creek have many more options.
Popular dishes to try in Apex
On WiserMap
Local businesses in Apex
Aruza Pest Control
Aruza Pest Control is a pest control business serving Raleigh, NC. Aruza Pest Control provides pest control, termite control, mosquito treatments, and rodent co...
Slabworks
Slabworks is a stone countertop fabrication and installation business serving Apex, Cary, and Raleigh, NC. Slabworks specializes in granite, quartz, marble, qua...
Economy Exterminators
Economy Exterminators is a pest control business serving Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. Economy Exterminators provides termite, bed bug, ant, rodent, mosq...
Where to stay
Beaver Creek and US 64 has most of the town's chain hotels, close to shopping and restaurants.
Cary, next door, has many more hotels near Interstate 40 and Crossroads.
Downtown Apex has a few small inns and rentals within walking distance of Salem Street.
Best time to visit
Spring is warm and green, with dogwoods and azaleas in bloom and PeakFest in May.
Summer is hot and humid, best for the lake and evening concerts.
Fall is dry and pleasant, ideal for trails and the greenways.
Winter is mild, with holiday events downtown.
Getting there and getting around
By air: Raleigh-Durham International Airport is about 25 minutes north.
By train: Amtrak's Carolinian and Piedmont trains stop in nearby Cary, about 15 minutes away.
By car: US 1 and US 64 meet in Apex, and North Carolina Highway 540 passes the town.
Getting around: A car is the easiest way to get around, and the greenways are good for cycling.
A suggested itinerary
First day
Start with breakfast on Salem Street, visit the depot and browse the shops, then walk the lake loop at Apex Community Park. In the afternoon, cycle a stretch of the American Tobacco Trail, and come back downtown for dinner.
Second day
Spend the morning at Jordan Lake for a swim, paddle or eagle watching, then explore Cary or Raleigh in the afternoon.
Practical tips
- Check the town calendar for PeakFest and other downtown festivals.
- Bring water and sunscreen for the American Tobacco Trail in summer.
- Jordan Lake beaches charge a small entry fee per vehicle in season.
- Downtown parking is free in public lots near Salem Street.
Find local businesses in Apex on WiserMap
Looking for a restaurant on Salem Street, a coffee shop or a local service in Apex?
