Sarah P Duke Gardens
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It's been a few years since I visited the Duke Gardens and it's still a beautiful place to visit. They've added a new coffee shop and visitor center and classrooms for summer programs. The gardens are well cared for by many garden enthusiasts. This is a lovely way to spend your day.
This is an incredible botanical garden right in the heart of Durham. The grounds are so well maintained, and there's a wide variety of flowers and plants scattered around. I also appreciate the various nooks available to sit and lounge around. Admission is free, and there's a large parking lot available at $2 per hour. Great way to spend time when the weather is nice out.
Went in the off season on a slightly rainy day. Found it to still be lovely. It was quiet, plenty of nice trails, restrooms clean. Great selection of plants and everything well labeled.
Duke Gardens is definitely one of the most beautiful gardens in Durham, if not the Triangle. Open from 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!
There is construction going on around the entrance. I'm not sure what it normally looks like, but there was a parking lot where you pay for parking via a mobile app. The garden itself is free and located on the Duke University campus. There are lots of trails throughout the garden area and places to walk. There are also restrooms in several locations inside. Don't sell yourself short and use the port-a-potties at the entrance. I saw a lot of benches and places to sit as well as spots to have a picnic. I really loved the Burpee garden growing with a list of what's planted. They also had a compost area where you could see the different stages of the process. Mind the smell!! I really liked it here. It was a nice place to walk around and relax!
A lovely place that everyone should make time to visit when in the areas. The parking is a bit of a mess at the moment as they expand and improve. The main entrance is only accessibly by foot. However, on the weekend there is a large parking lot that had signs that stated you could park there and go to the garden. It was unclear to me if you needed to pay for the parking lot. It is large garden, and you could spend many hours there. It was a lovely way to spend half a day. Garden is free to enter and had volunteers at the entrance on a Saturday to tell you about the garden.
This is such a beautiful garden to visit! We went during the cherry blossom season (or more so towards the end of it) and it is such a pleasant place to be. It is free to go since there is no fee for admission, but depending on where you park, you may have to pay for parking so be prepared to pay online for parking. The park is well maintained and full of natural life that it feels like a small bit of nature in the midst of a growing big city. There are beautiful areas of life from small ponds to flowers and trees, a tea garden, and an open field where you will find people having small picnics at. It is a great place to go to if you are looking for a small slice of nature, meeting up with friends, or just a place to slow down.
They live stream the blooms of the cherry trees so it's super helpful for planning when to go. They even put up a photo contest during the season, making it fun for a lot of fans. My first time to come here and I'm glad I convinced friends to visit. I've been wanting to see the cherry blossoms since moving to NC in '22 and finding out they have it closer to where I'm at than D.C. We arrived late in the afternoon and there's still a lot of foot traffic coming and leaving. It must be real crazy crowded had we gone earlier in the day. Luckily, our timing was perfect since my friends brought their dog and pets aren't allowed before 5 pm. Paid about $2+ per hour for parking and probably didn't need to. Seems like it should be free after 7, but still worth it. The blooms were white. I'm not sure if that's because of the variety, or if they turned pink when they matured. We didn't get to the allee since they cut the line and didn't allow us to get closer anymore when it was about to get dark. It was already dark by the time I got back. We still enjoyed the rest of the garden - the tulips, koi fish, ducks in the pond, wooden bench, red bridge, big trees, wide open grassy field, etc. Would love to come back and spend more time in this garden!
Absolutely beautiful garden to explore and relax! This is a large garden with many beautiful plant displays. It's free to enter due to the donations received from donors. I would highly recommend spending an afternoon here to unwind!
Located in Durham, North Carolina near the Duke University. First of all it is FREE and there is no Fee to enter the premises. There is sufficient parking at the entrance but you will need to pay for Parking. Do wear comfy shoes, there's lots of area to cover and could easily take up to 2-3 hours. Beautiful and calming experience. The garden itself is breathtaking. Amazing for Photo Opportunities.
Expansive free series of gardens that are a must see if you're ever on the Duke campus or in the Durham area. There are several different areas including an interesting Japanese garden area and a large area featuring native Carolina plants and trees. You could spend all day here and not be able to see everything. It's worth checking out and I'd come back here if I'm ever back on the Duke campus.
Beautiful gardens at Duke University. While we came in the dead of winter, it was still nice to walk through the gardens and I was surprised the vegetable garden was still going strong. There are a few main sections, including the Asian botanical garden, Sarah Duke Garden that has the vegetable garden (which they use to feed the local Durham community), and woodlands area. Note that some areas were temporarily closed due to construction. We really liked the Asian botanical garden and appreciated the benches by the lake. Admission is free and parking is $2 an hour. Great spot to take family when you're in Durham.
Beautiful free gardens located on the campus of Duke University. You do have to pay for parking, though. There are several different sections. They include the historic gardens, the Blomquist garden of native plants, the gateway gardens, and the Culbertson Asiatic arboretum. There is also a gardens Cafe. read more
What a wonderful experience walking through Duke Gardens, and the best part--it's completely free! This 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. read more
It's been a few years since I visited the Duke Gardens and it's still a beautiful place to visit. They've added a new coffee shop and visitor center and classrooms for summer programs. The gardens are well cared for by many garden enthusiasts. This is a lovely way to spend your day. read more
5 months ago
This is an incredible botanical garden right in the heart of Durham. The grounds are so well maintained, and there's a wide variety of flowers and plants scattered around. I also appreciate the various nooks available to sit and lounge around. Admission is free, and there's a large parking lot available at $2 per hour. Great way to spend time when the weather is nice out. read more
Loved every second of this place. It was a nice relaxing stroll through the gardens. This place is massive and the upkeep is incredible. There is a small fee to park and a cafe on site. There are plenty of bathrooms throughout. Plenty places to sit and picture spots. Highly recommend. read more
7 months ago
Went in the off season on a slightly rainy day. Found it to still be lovely. It was quiet, plenty of nice trails, restrooms clean. Great selection of plants and everything well labeled. read more
Duke Gardens is definitely one of the most beautiful gardens in Durham, if not the Triangle. Open from 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! read more
There is construction going on around the entrance. I'm not sure what it normally looks like, but there was a parking lot where you pay for parking via a mobile app. The garden itself is free and located on the Duke University campus. There are lots of trails throughout the garden area and places to walk. There are also restrooms in several locations inside. Don't sell yourself short and use the port-a-potties at the entrance. I saw a lot of benches and places to sit as well as spots to have a picnic. I really loved the Burpee garden growing with a list of what's planted. They also had a compost area where you could see the different stages of the process. Mind the smell!! I really liked it here. It was a nice place to walk around and relax! read more
1 year ago
A lovely place that everyone should make time to visit when in the areas. The parking is a bit of a mess at the moment as they expand and improve. The main entrance is only accessibly by foot. However, on the weekend there is a large parking lot that had signs that stated you could park there and go to the garden. It was unclear to me if you needed to pay for the parking lot. It is large garden, and you could spend many hours there. It was a lovely way to spend half a day. Garden is free to enter and had volunteers at the entrance on a Saturday to tell you about the garden. read more
2 years ago
This is such a beautiful garden to visit! We went during the cherry blossom season (or more so towards the end of it) and it is such a pleasant place to be. It is free to go since there is no fee for admission, but depending on where you park, you may have to pay for parking so be prepared to pay online for parking. The park is well maintained and full of natural life that it feels like a small bit of nature in the midst of a growing big city. There are beautiful areas of life from small ponds to flowers and trees, a tea garden, and an open field where you will find people having small picnics at. It is a great place to go to if you are looking for a small slice of nature, meeting up with friends, or just a place to slow down. read more
They live stream the blooms of the cherry trees so it's super helpful for planning when to go. They even put up a photo contest during the season, making it fun for a lot of fans. My first time to come here and I'm glad I convinced friends to visit. I've been wanting to see the cherry blossoms since moving to NC in '22 and finding out they have it closer to where I'm at than D.C. We arrived late in the afternoon and there's still a lot of foot traffic coming and leaving. It must be real crazy crowded had we gone earlier in the day. Luckily, our timing was perfect since my friends brought their dog and pets aren't allowed before 5 pm. Paid about $2+ per hour for parking and probably didn't need to. Seems like it should be free after 7, but still worth it. The blooms were white. I'm not sure if that's because of the variety, or if they turned pink when they matured. We didn't get to the allee since they cut the line and didn't allow us to get closer anymore when it was about to get dark. It was already dark by the time I got back. We still enjoyed the rest of the garden - the tulips, koi fish, ducks in the pond, wooden bench, red bridge, big trees, wide open grassy field, etc. Would love to come back and spend more time in this garden! read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
Absolutely beautiful garden to explore and relax! This is a large garden with many beautiful plant displays. It's free to enter due to the donations received from donors. I would highly recommend spending an afternoon here to unwind! read more
Located in Durham, North Carolina near the Duke University. First of all it is FREE and there is no Fee to enter the premises. There is sufficient parking at the entrance but you will need to pay for Parking. Do wear comfy shoes, there's lots of area to cover and could easily take up to 2-3 hours. Beautiful and calming experience. The garden itself is breathtaking. Amazing for Photo Opportunities. read more
9 months ago
Expansive free series of gardens that are a must see if you're ever on the Duke campus or in the Durham area. There are several different areas including an interesting Japanese garden area and a large area featuring native Carolina plants and trees. You could spend all day here and not be able to see everything. It's worth checking out and I'd come back here if I'm ever back on the Duke campus. read more
2 years ago
Beautiful gardens at Duke University. While we came in the dead of winter, it was still nice to walk through the gardens and I was surprised the vegetable garden was still going strong. There are a few main sections, including the Asian botanical garden, Sarah Duke Garden that has the vegetable garden (which they use to feed the local Durham community), and woodlands area. Note that some areas were temporarily closed due to construction. We really liked the Asian botanical garden and appreciated the benches by the lake. Admission is free and parking is $2 an hour. Great spot to take family when you're in Durham. read more
2 years ago
What a beautiful garden. The garden is located in Duke University. The garden is free admission. The parking is only $2 per hour so it is worth to take a stroll around the garden. We stayed about an hour and 15 mins. We almost walked everywhere except the Duke Chapel. We found out we can't drive through it. It is part of garden experience. You have to walk through the gate and come back. Overall, it is lovely and peaceful place to sit and relax on a sunny day. read more
Beautiful! These gardens are absolutely beautiful this fall. When you enter the visitor center there is someone sitting at the desk with maps that can answer all of your questions. When you go out into the gardens, they have markers for those of us that are directionally challenged. Everywhere you turn you'll see something you weren't expecting. Take your time and explore nature in this beautiful spot. They offer paid parking. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful place to take a date for an afternoon stroll. Wonderful landscaping with plenty to look at. This is a great place to take a family picture or romantic one with your loved one. What are you waiting for, get out and enjoy these beautiful gardens! Do you like the pictures? read more
It's a very pleasant place to visit, but not required. It's free to get in, but 2 dollars an hour to park prepaid. Lot's of walking on mainly dirt paths with lots of small rocks and gravel. Don't do what I did and wear open sandal shoes. I had to stop a few times to get the rocks out and shake the sand out of my sandals. Best is hiking shoes or closed athletic shoes at the least. Don't think about coming here with nice dress shoes--you will cry like a baby! Allow about 2 hours to cover the park--3 hours if you walk slow--wear sunscreen, and a hat. Bring water or buy very cold from the machine at the visitors center and use the bathroom there too. The paths are not well marked so expect to constantly get lost but not too lost because it's a relatively closed small space. There are not a lot of directional signs that make sense. There are 3 sections: One section is really beautiful and layered, and another looks like a bunch a weeds, and the lake section has a cool red bridge. Visit if in the area--don't make a special long trip to come here. More interesting is walking around Duke University next door. read more
10 months ago
Such a beautiful place... could spend all day here! I love that it's free but can be hard to find nearby parking. Lots of people bring food for a picnic which is a great idea. There's such a wide variety of plant species read more
2 years ago
Gardens are a gift for the body, soul, and spirit. Even more so when they are free. Duke Gardens began in 1934 with The Historic Gardens. From there, the Gardens (for short) have blossomed into a total of four gardens all joined together. In my two times visiting, I've marveled at the Cherry Blossom trees arching over the main path in with white and pink beauty (in March). I've enjoyed exploring the many paths and side trails that highlight the flora and trees. I noticed the Gardens are a destination for groups of people - families, friends and couples on what appears to be a date. I've observed picnics, celebrations, and even frisbee throwing. Entry to the Gardens is free. However,unless you are a student who lives close by or stops in between classes, you'll pay a modest fee for parking on the premises. Maps, bathrooms, and employees are all available and helpful. If you're in the area, take time to explore the Gardens and you'll find your time well spent and your soul refreshed. read more
One of the nicest botanical gardens ever seen especially on a university campus. Duke University is one of the most beautiful college campuses in North Carolina and even the entire country. Even though it was March when I went, flowers such as tulips were blooming. read more
Absolutely recommend this free garden to anyone in the area or passing through. I spent the afternoon with a friend exploring this beautiful and expansive garden. There is a parking fee, which can be paid by meter or by phone. The welcome center & gift shop are small but staffed with friendly volunteers. The restrooms were clean & stocked. These gardens had so much to offer & I could spend another day here seeing all the areas I missed. There are plenty of benches throughout the gardens and some perfectly shady spots to lay a picnic blanket. read more
I initially tried to visit this during the peak COVID era, when it was closed. Closing an outdoor garden for an extended time was clearly a ridiculous decision, which I feel bears mentioning. But the park as it is now is quite splendid. At least from my point of view, I never thought of Durham as having any distinctive spots like this. It is free to enter and has dedicated parking (which is paid). On the various rolling hills are a section of local Carolinian flora, a Japanese garden, and a moss garden. The last was new for me, but I'm a fan of mosses and lichens so that was nice. Abundant learning opportunities arise. There were a few carnivorous plants (a North Carolina special), and I found a spider inside a pitcher plant; I could not tell whether it was cleverly poaching ants or whether its own demise was pending, but I left it alone. There were ample facilities, and the park has multiple entrances that link different parts of the campus. I was there during the off-season, so I can't imagine it not being full of people when classes are in session. read more
Totally blown away....Incredible gardens and green spaces everywhere! This botanical garden took me by surprise! It looks small from the road but it is quite large with plenty of walking paths. Even though it was moderately busy when I went, it didn't feel like it, since there's so much space to walk around and sights to see! Besides, the gardens are expansive, with over 55 acres of well manicured grounds to explore. All the flowers, bushes, and other plants are meticulously maintained and it truly is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens I've ever been to. And, the best thing about it is.....it's FREE! A small parking fee ($2/hr) is all you have to pay to immerse yourself in this scenic beauty and put the world on pause for a moment. Sarah P Duke Gardens is a fantastic spot for a scenic stroll, outdoor activities and landscape photography buffs as well. There's a lot to see, so you'll probably need to come back a couple of times depending on the season (e.g. fall vs. spring, summer, etc) or just simply, your mood for a long or short stay. I came during the fall season around late October which offered a variety of color and great landscapes, but I can only image what this place looks like in the spring when everything is in full bloom! From the prairie gardens, Japanese gardens and rose gardens to the koi pond, bamboo forest and heck....a chicken coop, there is something to hold your interest. In particular, the bamboo forest is my favorite. There is a copse of bamboo, with a bench beside a brook and walking paths....very relaxing and meditative. The bench is tucked away and barely visible from the main walking paths. In all, I have nothing but great things to share about my visit Sarah P Duke Gardens. I totally enjoyed it and can't wait to make it back! * ELITE TIP #1: Check online at: https://gardens.duke.edu before going to plan your visit. There is great information here on "what's in bloom", events planner, and new information on required use of PayByPhone for parking payment. * ELITE TIP #2: Go early! Parking often fills to capacity by 10 a.m. Be prepared for delays or consider public transport. read more
These Botanical Gardens are very well laid out, maintained and really are beautiful. My favorite section was the Japanese garden, but there are many other breathtaking areas to explore in these very extensive and diverse gardens. I visited in October and it was obvious that many of the Summer flowers were gone but many other plants were still in bloom. With such diversity, I bet these gardens are gorgeous any time of year. I highly recommend exploring these gardens if in the area. read more
Beautifully curated gardens divided by theme. We strolled the historical garden, asiatic, native and rose gardens today. There is so much to see and we will have to go back. There were many people enjoying the day, picnicking and celebrating special occasions. So many different flowers, colors and textures tantalized your senses. Truly breathtaking and good for your soul. We went later on a Sunday afternoon and was able to find parking. The garden has free admission. GO! You'll love it. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
We arrived here around noon and the crowd was not too bad, but parking was tight - and you have to pay! This garden is a beauty! Well-kept grounds, amazing walking paths that lead to remarkable secluded areas. There were little intimate sitting benches/nooks - would be perfect for a date! Plenty of space for kids to run and play. Beautiful plants and flowers. There was a Japanese garden that had bamboo plants and native Japanese flowers, and a Stunningly beautiful red Bridge! There were plenty of ponds, one of which had Koi fish! This place was enchanting. If in Durham NC, don't miss the opportunity to stop by! read more
I couldn't believe that such a great place to visit would be free. I know we covered a lot of ground but didn't cover all 55 acres of the gardens. It was amazing to see all the flowers, plants, and wildlife here. We moved here a year ago from California and even the best arboretums paled to this and they cost money to visit. I would definitely recommend coming here. read more
One of the most beautiful arboretums I've been to. This place is special. If I lived nearby I would cozy up with a book by a beautiful tree or pond and spend hours here. They even had a spacious park area where families brought blankets and sprawled out. It's manicured and also whimsical. Free too which blows my mind. We didn't even finish seeing everything. This is a must see. read more
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Is there any transportation in the garden for people with disabilities?
I don't 100% know the answer, but I believe there were some golf carts that they could help people around, at least to some areas.
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