Nash Square - A street scene with buildings and trees.
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Nash Square

4.5
·626 reviews·Raleigh, United States

A shaded, landscaped urban oasis in downtown Raleigh, featuring art installations and a memorial, perfect for a peaceful break.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet and serene start to the day

CrowdLow
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Nash Square - A street scene with buildings and trees.

Nash Square

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet and serene start to the day

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A shaded, landscaped urban oasis in downtown Raleigh, featuring art installations and a memorial, perfect for a peaceful break.

4.5
(626 reviews)

"Such a beautiful Park, It was nice and cool on that hot day, Clean and full of friendly squirrels."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Art

Don't miss the unique squirrel sculpture and the 'Raleigh Roots' mural for great photo ops!

🌳 Seek Shade

The mature trees offer fantastic shade, perfect for escaping the heat on a sunny day.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Squirrel Sculpture

The Squirrel Sculpture

Central area of the park

A unique and charming squirrel sculpture, a local favorite for photos and a symbol of the park's natural elements.

TikTok
Firefighter Memorial

Firefighter Memorial

Near the park entrance

A poignant monument honoring fallen firefighters, offering a moment of reflection and historical significance.

Reddit
Lush Greenery and Shade

Lush Greenery and Shade

Throughout the park

Enjoy the mature oak and magnolia trees providing ample shade, creating a cool oasis in the heart of the city.

Instagram
Raleigh Roots Mural

Raleigh Roots Mural

Nearby building

A vibrant mural celebrating Raleigh's icons, including a depiction of Nash Square itself.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

Nash Square can get busy, especially during lunch hours. For a more peaceful experience, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekends might offer a calmer atmosphere as weekday office crowds disperse. Instagram

Navigating Downtown Raleigh

While Nash Square is centrally located, parking can be a challenge. Consider using city parking lots, which are often free on weekends. Public transport or ride-sharing services are also good options for accessing the park. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quiet and serene start to the day
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Relaxed atmosphere, free parking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Adam Forman with Raleigh Parks and Recreation, eulogizes the squirrel sculpture known as “Berkeley” in Nash Square before its removal on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Raleigh, N.C. The sculpture was carved from part of a 90 foot, 120 year-old willow oak that was removed from Nash Square in 2019. Read Josh Shaffer’s full story at the link in our bio. 🎥: Robert Willett #willowoak #woodsculpture #raleighn...
@newsobserver
63 likes • 996 views

📸 Capture the Art

Don't miss the unique squirrel sculpture and the 'Raleigh Roots' mural for great photo ops! TikTokInstagram

🌳 Seek Shade

The mature trees offer fantastic shade, perfect for escaping the heat on a sunny day. Instagram

Take a walk with us through Nash Square in the Warehouse District. I love all the trees there, a combination of magnolias and oaks, like Moore Square used to be, which offers shade in this heat. Have you been to Nash Square? #ThisIsRaleigh #downtownraleigh #dtraleigh #visitraleigh #downtownraleighalliance #RaleighDurhamNC #raleighparks
thisisraleigh
71 likes • 6K views
Rain or shine, comfort food from @parksideraleigh is always a good call! ☔️🍔 Sitting across the corner from historic Nash Square, Parkside is a landmark restaurant and bar in downtown’s Warehouse District. It’s a go-to spot for everything from weekend brunch to gameday beers, no matter the weather. 📍301 W Martin Street
downtownraleighalliance
168 likes • 8.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Strolls

Ideal for a quiet walk or meditation, especially during off-peak hours. Instagram

🅿️ Parking Strategy

City parking lots are free on weekends; street parking can be tough. Reddit

🌳 If you’re looking for some solitude during your lunch break or just because, Nash Square is where it’s at! Such a quant, beautiful little park in the heart of downtown Raleigh, perfect for a walking meditation or throwing the football around ✨ It’s always nice to have some nature in the middle of the city chaos 🧘‍♀️ It’s nestled right in between Hargett St, Martin St, McDowell St & Dawson ...
raleighcrunchies
15 likes • 419 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Art

Don't miss the unique squirrel sculpture and the 'Raleigh Roots' mural for great photo ops! TikTokInstagram

🌳 Seek Shade

The mature trees offer fantastic shade, perfect for escaping the heat on a sunny day. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Strolls

Ideal for a quiet walk or meditation, especially during off-peak hours. Instagram

🅿️ Parking Strategy

City parking lots are free on weekends; street parking can be tough. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially during warmer months, as you explore this urban green space. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(626 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nash Square is praised as a beautiful, clean, and well-placed park offering a cool, shaded escape in downtown Raleigh. Visitors appreciate the art installations, including a notable squirrel sculpture and a firefighter memorial, and find it a safe and relaxing spot for strolls and picnics. Some reviews mention the presence of homeless individuals, but overall, it's considered a valuable urban green space with potential for future enhancements.

"Such a beautiful Park,
It was nice and cool on that hot day,
Clean and full of friendly squirrels, and a really tall sculpture of a of a squirrel holding an acorn you should really go see that and get a picture beside it, it was really cool. The statue of the fallen soldiers was really formative as well. Such a great family park!"

Felicia Martin

"Well placed park in central Raleigh with plenty of seating and trees to provide shade. Be sure to spend some time reading the memorial to fallen heroes. The park is large enough to stroll even if the city has an event drawing large crowds. Remember that city parking lots are free during the weekend as parking on the street can be difficult to find."

Ed H

"Beautiful park within a city. Very clean and has a safe feel to it. Enjoyed our walk and there are benches to sit and relax."

Jennifer Valerio

What People Like

Beautiful and clean park
Shaded by mature trees
Unique art installations

What People Dislike

Presence of homeless individuals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nash Square is located in downtown Raleigh. You can reach it by car, public transport, or ride-sharing services. If driving, be aware that street parking can be limited, but city parking lots are available and often free on weekends. Reddit

Yes, Nash Square is accessible via various public transportation routes serving downtown Raleigh. Check the GoRaleigh website for specific bus routes and schedules. Instagram

Street parking is available but can be difficult to find. Many visitors recommend using nearby city parking lots, which are often free on weekends. Reddit

While generally considered safe during the day, some visitors note that the park can attract homeless individuals in the evenings. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings if visiting after dark. Reddit

Absolutely! Nash Square is centrally located and within walking distance of many downtown Raleigh attractions, including Moore Square and various restaurants and bars. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Nash Square is a public park and is free to enter and enjoy. Instagram

Nash Square is generally open from dawn until dusk, like most city parks. Specific hours may vary, but it's typically accessible throughout the day. Instagram

No advance booking is required. Nash Square is a public space open to everyone. Instagram

While not a primary event venue, Nash Square can be a pleasant spot to relax during city events. Check local listings for any specific activities. Reddit

Yes, Nash Square is perfect for a short break or a quick stroll. You can easily enjoy its highlights in under an hour. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The unique squirrel sculpture is a must-capture! Also, the firefighter memorial offers a more somber, reflective shot. The 'Raleigh Roots' mural nearby is another great backdrop. TikTokInstagram

The park's mature trees and art installations can provide lovely natural backdrops for portraits, especially during the golden hour. Instagram

Yes, photography of the art installations, like the squirrel sculpture, is generally permitted for personal use. TikTok

Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for photos. Early mornings can also be peaceful and less crowded. Instagram

For personal use, photography is usually fine. Commercial photography might require permits, so it's best to check with Raleigh Parks and Recreation if you plan a professional shoot. Instagram

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

Nash Square offers paved walkways, benches for seating, and ample shade from mature trees. It's a well-maintained urban green space. InstagramReddit

Yes, with its benches and shaded areas, Nash Square is a pleasant spot for a picnic lunch. Instagram

Public restrooms are not typically a prominent feature of smaller urban parks like Nash Square. It's advisable to use facilities elsewhere before or after your visit. Instagram

Visitors often report seeing friendly squirrels in Nash Square, adding to the park's charm. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a convenient downtown spot for a peaceful lunch break or a moment of solitude amidst the city bustle. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Nash Square itself does not have dining facilities. However, it is surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes in the Warehouse District. Instagram

Parkside, a landmark restaurant and bar, is located directly across from Nash Square. Many other eateries are within walking distance in the downtown area. Instagram

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great way to enjoy the park. There are benches and open spaces to relax. Instagram

The downtown Raleigh area, including the vicinity of Nash Square, has many coffee shops. You'll find several options just a short walk away. Instagram

The area around Nash Square offers a diverse range of dining options, from comfort food at Parkside to various other cuisines in the downtown core. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nash Square is a great spot for families looking for a brief outdoor escape in downtown Raleigh. The park's friendly squirrels are a hit with children, and the unique squirrel sculpture provides a fun photo opportunity. TikTokReddit The mature trees offer ample shade, making it comfortable for little ones, and the paved walkways are easy for strollers. While there are no dedicated play structures, it’s a pleasant place for a short walk or a picnic. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers

For solo travelers or those on a day trip, Nash Square offers a convenient and peaceful respite. It's an ideal spot to take a break, enjoy a quiet moment, or have a picnic lunch amidst the city buzz. Instagram The park's central location makes it easy to incorporate into a walking tour of downtown Raleigh, and the firefighter memorial provides a moment for reflection. Reddit Be mindful of your surroundings if visiting in the evening, as is good practice in any urban setting. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Nash Square appealing for its blend of nature and art. The whimsical squirrel sculpture is a unique subject, and the nearby 'Raleigh Roots' mural offers vibrant backdrops. TikTokInstagram The mature trees create beautiful natural light, especially during the golden hour, perfect for portraits or scenic shots. Instagram The firefighter memorial adds a touch of historical gravitas for more contemplative photography. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art and History of Nash Square

Nash Square is more than just a patch of green; it's a space that blends nature with artistic and historical elements. The park is known for its charming squirrel sculpture, a whimsical piece that has become a local talking point and a popular spot for photos. TikTok This sculpture, carved from a historic oak tree that once stood in the square, connects the park's present to its past. TikTok Visitors also find a memorial honoring fallen firefighters, a solemn tribute that adds a layer of historical depth to the park's landscape. Reddit The 'Raleigh Roots' mural, a vibrant piece of public art nearby, even features Nash Square as part of its depiction of the city's essence. Instagram

The park's history is also tied to the urban development of downtown Raleigh. It's situated in the Warehouse District, an area undergoing revitalization. The construction of the new East Civic Tower, which will house city hall, is taking place across from Nash Square, signaling ongoing changes to the surrounding cityscape. Instagram Despite these changes, Nash Square remains a cherished green space, offering a moment of respite and a connection to the city's heritage. Instagram

Experiencing Nash Square: A Local's Perspective

Locals and visitors alike appreciate Nash Square for its convenient downtown location and its ability to offer a natural escape. It's described as a 'quant, beautiful little park' perfect for a 'walking meditation' or simply enjoying some nature amidst the city chaos. Instagram The park's mature trees, a mix of magnolias and oaks, provide significant shade, making it a comfortable spot even on hot days. Instagram Many find it to be a clean and safe-feeling space, ideal for a relaxing stroll or a break on one of the many benches. Reddit

While the park is generally well-regarded, some reviews mention that it can attract homeless individuals, a common occurrence in many urban parks. Reddit However, the park is also noted for its potential for future remodeling to enhance its appeal as a relaxing downtown spot. Reddit The presence of friendly squirrels adds a touch of wildlife charm, making it a pleasant place for families. Reddit Overall, Nash Square is seen as a valuable, well-maintained urban oasis that offers a peaceful retreat for those in the heart of Raleigh. InstagramReddit

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