Your Guide to Things to Do in Apex, NC

Apex may be a small town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to things to do. From the charming historic downtown on Salem Street to the surrounding parks, breweries, and family events, Apex offers a full calendar for residents of all ages. Here is what to explore.

Downtown Apex and Salem Street

Historic downtown Apex is centered on Salem Street, a walkable stretch of locally owned shops, restaurants, and gathering spots. The town has invested heavily in preserving its small-town character while welcoming new businesses:

• Salem Street Pub — a local favorite for burgers, beer, and live music on weekends.
• Anna's Pizzeria — a beloved family restaurant that has been an Apex staple for years.
• The Rustic Spoon — farm-to-table brunch and dinner in a cozy downtown setting.
• Scratch Kitchen & Taproom — craft cocktails and creative Southern fare on Salem Street.
• Peak City Grill & Bar — upscale dining in a historic building with seasonal menus.
• Local boutiques and shops — gift shops, home decor, and specialty stores line Salem Street, making it a popular weekend stroll.

Downtown Apex hosts community events throughout the year, including the Apex PeakFest (the town's signature street festival in May), the Apex Christmas Parade, live music series on Salem Street, and seasonal farmers markets.

Breweries and Craft Beverages

Apex and the immediate surrounding area have a growing craft beverage scene:

• Apex Aleworks — a craft brewery right in downtown Apex with a rotating tap list and food trucks.
• Southern Peak Brewery — a larger brewery and taproom on the edge of Apex with outdoor seating, food trucks, and live events. Family and dog-friendly during daytime hours.
• Bombshell Beer Company — veteran and women-owned brewery in Holly Springs (5 minutes from Apex) with award-winning beers and a welcoming taproom.
• Jordan Lake Brewing Company — craft brewery near Jordan Lake with a rustic taproom and outdoor space.

The Triangle brewery scene is one of the best in the Southeast, and Apex residents also have easy access to Raleigh and Durham breweries within a 20–30 minute drive.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Apex has an excellent parks system for a town its size:

• Apex Nature Park — the town's signature park with a disc golf course, walking trails, playground, picnic shelters, and the Apex Nature Park dog park (separate areas for large and small dogs).
• Apex Community Park — sports fields, basketball courts, a large playground, and walking paths. Home to many youth sports leagues.
• Historic Apex Depot Trail — a paved greenway connecting downtown Apex to surrounding neighborhoods, following the old railroad corridor.
• Jordan Lake State Recreation Area — just 15 minutes south of Apex, Jordan Lake offers 14,000 acres of reservoir with swimming beaches, boat ramps, fishing, camping, and hiking trails. One of the best outdoor amenities in the Triangle.
• Beaver Creek Greenway — a paved trail connecting Apex neighborhoods to downtown and the Beaver Creek Commons shopping area. Popular for walking, running, and cycling.
• Kelly Road Park — tennis courts, soccer fields, and a playground in a quiet residential setting.

Family Activities

Apex is a family town, and the programming reflects it:

• Apex Parks and Recreation runs seasonal programs for all ages including sports leagues, art classes, fitness programs, and special events. Registration opens several weeks before each season.
• Apex Community Library — part of the Wake County Public Library system, with children's story times, summer reading programs, and community meeting space.
• Apex Farmers Market — seasonal market with local produce, baked goods, and crafts. Held on Saturdays near the intersection of Salem and Center Streets.
• Movies in the Park — the town hosts free outdoor movie screenings during summer months at local parks.
• PeakFest — Apex's biggest annual event, held the first Saturday in May along Salem Street. Features live music, food vendors, a children's area, artisan vendors, and a parade. Draws thousands of visitors.

Shopping

• Beaver Creek Commons and Beaver Creek Crossings — the main shopping areas in Apex with Harris Teeter, Target, Kohl's, restaurants, and specialty shops.
• Downtown Salem Street shops — local boutiques, gift shops, antiques, and specialty food stores.
• Nearby options — Apex residents are a short drive from Cary's shopping centers (Crossroads Plaza, Waverly Place) and Raleigh's North Hills and Crabtree Valley Mall.

Day Trips from Apex

Apex's central location in the Triangle makes it an excellent base for day trips:

• Downtown Raleigh — 25 minutes for museums, dining, and events.
• Durham — 30 minutes for Duke campus, DPAC shows, American Tobacco Campus dining.
• Chapel Hill — 30 minutes for UNC campus and Franklin Street.
• Jordan Lake — 15 minutes for boating, swimming, and fishing.
• NC beaches (Wrightsville, Carolina) — about 2.5 hours east.
• NC mountains (Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway) — about 4 hours west.

Looking for a home near downtown Apex or your favorite parks and trails? Contact the Edwards Real Estate Group — we match families with the Apex neighborhoods that fit their lifestyle.