We recently spent a few hours on a beautiful spring day walking through the gorgeous Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham which are located in the heart of the West Campus of Duke University and if you love gardens, they are one of the premier public gardens in the USA, and entry is FREE!
Over the years we’ve been fortunate to visit several top rated gardens around the world like Sydney’s Royal Botanical Gardens, London’s Kensington Gardens, and Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Gardens and if you’re looking for day trips from Raleigh, Duke Gardens are very impressive, one of the best we have seen in the USA and well worth the 30-minute drive!
At Duke Gardens you can explore 55-acres of beautiful landscaped gardens over four themed sections including a large central terraced garden, wooded areas, fountains, artistic sculptures, gazebos, pathways, bridges, grassy areas, and more than 2,500 colorful plant species (local and exotic) with helpful signage for identification.
There is ample space and places to sit and relax and take in the serenity, smells and sounds.
The gardens continue to undergo exciting changes, and when you visit Durham I highly recommend you make time to explore one of the most popular gardens in North Carolina, if not the country.
About Duke Gardens
Over 600,000 visitors per year from around the world visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens which is open 365 days of the year from 8 a.m. to dusk with free admission.
Included in the 55 acres of landscaped and wooded areas are 5 miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the gardens.
At Duke Gardens, they create and nurture an environment for learning, inspiration and enjoyment through excellence in horticulture and community engagement, plus horticultural artistry, leadership in conservation, and innovative programs and plays a vital role in the life and values of Duke University.
These gardens have been serving the Duke and Durham communities for more than 80 years. Sarah P. Duke, widow of one of the university’s founders (Benjamin N. Duke) gave $20,000 to finance a garden that would bear her name, but the idea of a public garden arose in the early 1930s due to the vision and enthusiasm of Dr. Frederic M. Hanes, an early member of the original faculty of Duke Medical School.
Duke Gardens features four distinct areas:
Exploring Duke Gardens
Start your visit at the Doris Duke Center (Terrace Gift Shop) via the Anderson St entrance and pick up a map and visitor guide to assist in your exploration through the various gardens.
From here, walk through the Gothic Gate and down the pathway known for its vibrant Akebono cherry trees and head towards the Roney Fountain and Historic Gardens, or venture to any of the other themed areas of your choosing – the Duke Gardens map is easy to follow!
The Historic Gardens
The Historic Gardens are where Sarah P. Duke Gardens began in 1934, with an iris garden in what is now the South Lawn.
Highlights
Rose Garden and Roney Fountain
The Mary Duke Biddle Rose Garden features heirloom roses set among annuals and perennials. In the center of the Rose Garden is the more than a century old Roney Fountain that was donated to Duke University in 1897 by Anne Roney, sister-in-law of Washington Duke.
Terrace Gardens
One of the most popular destinations in Duke Gardens and topped by a 75-year old wisteria-covered pergola. The Terrace Gardens’ beds are filled each season with beautiful combinations of bulbs, annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, trees and shrubs, and each April people visit to enjoy the dazzling display of bulbs, cherry trees and the Pergola’s iconic wisteria.
Victoria water lilies and koi
In the pool, koi and goldfish are popular with visitors, especially the kids. And in the summer, the fish pool is filled with hardy and tropical water lilies – the Victoria water lily has leaves up to 7 feet wide.
W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum
Named for Duke Professor and former Duke Gardens Director William Louis Culberson, the Asiatic Arboretum is an 18-acre collection of plants representing the wealth of floral diversity in Southeast Asia such as Japanese maples, irises, peonies, ginger lilies, and cherries.
You’ll also discover stepping stone pathways, stone lanterns and water basins, arched bridges, large boulders, and water features.
Highlights:
Durham-Toyama Sister Cities Pavilion and Garden
A small, refined garden pavilion that functions as a venue for chanoyu, the preparation and service of Japanese tea in a traditional manner which is very popular with visitors. See their programs page. You can also visit the pavilion from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, except during special events.
There are no refreshments served at the tea house except during the Tea Gatherings. Watch UNC-TV’s “One Moment, One Meeting” to learn more about our Japanese Tea Gatherings.
Pine Clouds Mountain Stream
Dramatic Japanese Garden featuring a recirculating stream and waterfalls.
Garden Pond
Large pond offering opportunities to enjoy vibrant waterfowl and other pond life.
Pond-viewing Shelter
Small Japanese-style shelter tucked into a quiet streamside setting. This designated “Gardens for Peace” site symbolizes the power of peace in the garden to promote peace in the world.
Kathleen Smith Moss Garden
This unique shaded garden highlights mosses, lichens and liverworts.
Meyer Bridge
A popular Japanese-style arched bridge surrounded by bamboo.
H.L. Blomquist Gardens of Native Plants
Rolling woodland terrain of 6.5-acres filled with more than 900 species and varieties of regional native plants. Dedicated in 1968, the garden honors Professor Hugo L. Blomquist, the first chair of Duke University’s Department of Botany and an authority on Southeastern flora.
Highlights:
Steve Church Endangered Species Garden
Collection of rare and endangered plants from the southeastern United States. Explore this garden further with their interactive map.
Blomquist Wildlife Garden
Lush garden providing a home for not only plants but a diverse collection of Southeastern wildlife. Learn strategies for attracting and sustaining insects, birds and other creatures on your own property.
Carnivorous plant collection
Includes unique plant species native to North Carolina. Learn about how hungry plants have evolved to feed themselves.
Bird Viewing Shelter
Relax quietly here and see the host of bird species attracted to the nearby feeding station.
Doris Duke Center & Gardens
Behind the Doris Duke Center are several distinct gardens that adjoin the Angle Amphitheater, the setting for many performances, weddings and other special events.
Highlights:
Page-Rollins White Garden
Inspired by the many white-flowered cottage gardens of England, highlighting the simplicity of white flowers and foliage, and the perfect setting for weddings, portraits, and nighttime events.
Virtue Peace Pond
Features an extensive collection of hardy and tropical water lilies, lotuses and marginal water plants. Plays host to butterflies, dragonflies and plants.
Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden
This organic, sustainable garden displays and teaches about plants that provide people, animals, birds and insects with food and shelter. Learn about organic vegetable and fruit gardening as well as water management
Opening Hours & Website
Duke Gardens is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk, 365 days of the year. Website: Gardens.Duke.edu
Getting to Duke Gardens
Getting to Sarah P Duke Gardens from Raleigh, or from anywhere, is easy. Street address: 420 Anderson St., Durham, NC 27705.
From Raleigh:
Duke Campus buses (free), and GoDurham and GoTriangle buses all have stops at or near Duke Gardens entrances, and there are multiple walk-in entrances on Anderson Street.
Parking at Duke Gardens
Duke University Parking & Transportation charges $2 per hour for parking at Duke Gardens. Learn more about parking here.
Duke University Parking & Transportation charges $2 per hour for parking at Duke Gardens from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. all seven days a week. The pay-to-park lots routinely fill up by 10 a.m., especially on weekends.
To pay for parking, you can use the mobile phone app Pay By Phone and enter location 3109. You will have an option to print a receipt, but you do not need to place the receipt on your dashboard. Also, the machines will accept cash and credit cards, but they do not provide
NOTE: Duke Gardens now offers free parking in a nearby overflow lot (Duke University H Lot) at the corner of Yearby Avenue & Anderson Street. The lot is a 5-minute walk from Duke Gardens’ main entrance. It will be open 8 am to 8 pm on Saturdays, Sundays & holidays.
Learn more about parking here.
Places to Eat near Duke Gardens
A three minute drive away is GRUB. In downtown Durham consider:
Watch our Duke Gardens Video
Other things to do near Duke Gardens
Why not combine a visit to the gardens with visiting the campus of Duke University, which is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country and a short five minute walk up a hill from the gardens leads to the main quad area, and Duke Chapel, which is stunning!
For the perfect day out in Durham, how about visiting Duke Gardens, grabbing lunch in Durham (see suggestions down below), wandering around Duke University or the American Tobacco District, then attending a Durham Bulls Baseball Game or taking the kids to the Museum of Life & Science or the Duke Lemur Center.
Downtown Durham is just a 7 minute drive from Duke botanical gardens. Check out this list of things to do in Durham.
FAQs
Bathrooms
There are bathrooms in the Doris Duke Center open from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. daily. There are also bathrooms in the Terrace Gardens and the Asiatic Arboretum, which remain open later in the day.
What should I bring with me?
Consider bringing sunscreen, a hat and insect repellant. There is a drink vending machine outside the Doris Duke Center, and a water fountain with a bottle-filling faucet in the lobby.
If you bring food or drinks, please carry your trash out with you. If you are unvaccinated for Covid-19, please bring a facemask for use indoors.
Can you have a picnic in Duke Gardens?
Yes. There are picnic areas around the Gardens, or use a blanket in the field areas, by the pond, and by the shop. There are also benches throughout the gardens that you may opt for.
The South Lawn in the Historic Gardens is the best location to settle in for a picnic. Another beautiful and spacious gathering space is the Fisher Amphitheater, also in the Historic Gardens.
Groups of 15 or larger should register in advance to ensure that your visit doesn’t conflict with any Duke Gardens events or tours.
Please be sure to place your trash in our garbage bins or take it with you. Note: they do not permit sports equipment such as balls, Frisbees, etc.
Is it stroller friendly?
I think a stroller would be fine, lots of descent pathways, but maybe pack the baby carrier in the car just in case.
I hope this guide to Sarah P Duke Gardens helps you have a memorable visit to Durham. They are beautiful gardens that come alive in different ways in every season, and a lovely place to walk, escape, and unwind.
You might not have time to explore in full on your first visit, but that’s ok as seasonal plantings and events will ensure each visit is a new experience.
Check out their events calendar.
