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Durham Central Park

4.3 (24 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

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Anissa W.

9/11/21: I've been here a few time for different food truck rodeos that they've had, and I've always enjoyed myself. The parking can be bad, but I usually luck up and find a space not very far away. There's police presence & I've never had a bad experience. Today there was a Sugar Rush rodeo with vendors and sweet food trucks. I was really shocked to see how limited the food trucks were. There wasn't much to choose from. I was kind of irritated that I drove all the way from Wake Forest for about 3 trucks and a few other selections. I ended up getting a funnel cake, caramel apple, lemonade, & a snow cone. Again, it wasn't worth the drive. It would've been great if they had the names of everyone who would be there on Facebook like they usually do for their regular food truck rodeos, but it wasn't available. Now, I see why. Very disappointed in this event.

Natika G.

Such a fun park. It's always something happening here throughout the year. Nice playground, lots of restaurants in the area and a cool skating park. This park has something to offer for everyone! Parking can be tricky but there are a lot of parking options...just slightly crowded(especially in the summer)

Roger K.

We are all entitled to our own opinions, right? Well here's mine: Parking: 2 Location: 5 Decor/ambiance: 3 Customer Service: na This is a cool area of Downtown Durham! Lots of events are held here from time to time. If you are visiting the Durham area and want to do something fun be sure to check their website to see what events (food truck rodeos, etc) might be going down during your visit. Concerts are often held here as well. This area is super up and coming and there is alot of great things to do around the DC Park. I love how clean it is and I always find great things to photograph when I visit here.

Welcome!
Rose L.

This review is for the Garden of Eatin' located next to the Farmers Market/in the Durham Central Park area (Yelp wouldn't give them their own page...) I love Durham's little community garden at Durham Central Park and have stopped by many a summers day to pick up fresh herbs or just stroll through the tiny garden and admire butterflies or enjoy some outdoor air. With everything from rosemary to a persimmon tree, SEEDS' Garden of Eatin' is another wonderful representation of what Durham is and what we do for our community. SEEDS (South Eastern Efforts Developing Sustainable Spaces, Inc) maintains the garden, but it's definitely most plentiful in early spring (late March-May). The garden is a free-pick, public edible garden with a focus is organic edibles; fruit trees and shrubs, herbs, medicinals and veggies. So next time you're on an adventure in downtown Durham or stop by Durham Central Park during the warmer months, stop by and you might be able to harvest some rosemary, basil or thyme. The also have a fig tree (summer seasonal) and the peach tree offers some mighty tasty bites as well! And, if you're looking to get involved in the community garden, that's available as well, you just have to contact Hilary at SEEDS. Hilary also welcomes volunteer drop-ins! Drop by to weed, prune, and mulch the garden on Wednesday evenings between 3:30-6:30pm year-round to volunteer, hang out, taste, share ideas about gardening, and garden the free-pick Garden of Eatin' together. This is a rare interactive public space, so many public spaces today have limited hours, or "don't pick/don't walk here" signs. At the Garden of Eatin', everyone is welcome folks to help themselves and enjoy. So go on and enjoy it!

Durham Central Park March 2017 bridge over creek.
Heidi M.

Very nice ambiance. Grabbed breakfast and ate it by the playground. Beautiful landscaping.

Christina G.

DCP is still growing into itself, but it's become home to some of the coolest things in downtown Durham -- the farmer's market and the food truck rodeos. And when I'm not there for the food (okay, that never really happens), it's fun to hang out at the skate park and watch kids be brazen on skateboards and bikes. (Remember what it was like to fall down -- repeatedly -- and get back up again? And not be afraid to fall again!). I think the area needs more seating; though a couple of benches have been added, and there is the new Leaf stage/seating thing... which I still haven't seen used as a stage yet. Of course, the expanse of lawn is fine for plopping down with food truck fare. Hope to see DCP hosting more movies and concerts come summertime!

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13 years ago

I love Durham Central Park. Home to the Durham Farmers market and the occasional food truck rodeo this place serves a necessary purpose.

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Review Highlights - Durham Central Park

I have been here a few times for different festivals such as a food truck rodeo and a NC soul food festival.

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Sarah P Duke Gardens - Flower

Sarah P Duke Gardens

(385 reviews)

Duke Gardens is definitely one of the most beautiful gardens in Durham, if not the Triangle. Open…read morefrom dawn to dusk, it's welcoming to all. The best time of year to go in my opinion is during the Spring and especially during the Cherry Blossom season, which only lasts less than a week if not that. During that time, it can be super duper crowded, with people everywhere trying to get the perfect profile pic and/or selfie in. Weddings are held here and they have a beautiful area for it, along with a pond with lily pads. I have friends who have gotten engaged here, although if you're a professional photographer, you need to have permission. During the summer, they have a summer concert series on the lawn and it's so much fun. My friends I would bring snacks, wine, coolers and picnic blankets. Partaking in those concerts was one of the most fun parts of my summers, so nostalgic. Parking is a bit much (as it's sometimes hard to snag) but there are a few overflow lots to accommodate. One of my favorite parts of Duke Gardens it that you can also access Duke Campus across the road, and see the lovely Duke Chapel, and its beautiful cathedral. Once done, you can re-enter the Gardens and continue your trail. Such a lovely stroll. Once you cross the red bridge, you can also find your way to the farm, where there are animals, vegetation and lots of vegetables and herbs in a sweet garden. You can't really get too lost at Duke Gardens which I appreciate. Just keep going and eventually you will find your way back to the main fountain. Enjoy!

What a wonderful experience walking through Duke Gardens, and the best part--it's completely free!…read moreThis serene oasis is a perfect stress reliever for visitors, students, and workers alike. The gardens are especially notable for their beautiful Japanese-themed areas, featuring an abundance of Japanese Maples and even Fuyu persimmons, which I would have loved to pick if they weren't so high up (maybe next time!). There are numerous pathways for strolling, and the gardens regularly host events such as weddings, educational programs, and seasonal festivals. Visitors can enjoy both formal, carefully curated landscapes like the Historic Gardens, as well as informal, naturalized areas that resemble a backyard wildlife garden, perfect for relaxing, taking photos, or simply enjoying a peaceful retreat from the busy world. Overall, Duke Gardens is a must-visit for anyone in the area, an accessible, beautiful, and educational space that offers a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with nature.

Mount Merrill - First view of the play mound from street.

Mount Merrill

(3 reviews)

We call this Rock Park because the boulders are irresistible and so fun. Lots of slides - big…read moreenough for adults to go down too. Nice small nature area for kids who like to explore.

Mount Merrill Play-MOUND, part of Durham Central Park, is a true picture of what Durham is and how…read morethe community comes together to create and better our wonderful city. What began as a kickstarter project to make Durham Central Park an even better destination spot and give kids an activity, quickly took off. The community came together and raised $200,000 to fund the park. In addition to the food truck rodeos, skate park, farmers market and summer concert series that Durham Central Park offers, they now offer Mount Merrill, The play-mound offers two slides, a climbing net, great amphitheater seating, a ramp up to a "look-out!" area (you have to stretch your imagination here a bit), a boulder climb (mostly just piles of rocks) and lots of sculptural art (that was previously in the park and now is claimed by Mount Merrill). While Mount Merrill can't compare to many other play structures in the area, the tiny small mound is a lot of fun for kids of all ages (I too enjoy the big slide!) and I hope to see some improvements made to it in the summer months. Durham Central Park, with the addition of Mount Merrill, has quickly become a place for the whole family and a destination that I can see my nieces and nephews taking their children someday, just like I've taken them. Good job Durham, keep up the community building! I love the idea, it's just the size of the park that gives it a three-star, hopefully they'll add on to it in the summer!

Durham Central Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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