Garden Lover? Don’t Miss JC Raulston Arboretum (5,000+ Plants)

If you love gardens, plants and trees, don’t miss the nationally acclaimed garden, JC Raulston Arboretum and botanical garden.

Nestled just west of downtown Raleigh, this 10-acre horticultural haven at administered by North Carolina State University is where rare plants find a home and curious minds find their muse.

With every winding path, you’ll stumble upon unique garden spaces, made famous by the premier collections of trees and different plants, making it a serene escape from the city whether you’re plant enthusiasts or just looking for something to do.

It has one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants in the Southeastern United States and is one of the best photography locations in Raleigh.

About JC Raulston Arboretum

Founded in 1976 by Dr. J. C. Raulston, a well renowned horticulturist and professor at NC State University, this arboretum is home to 10 acres of gardens with 5,000+ plants collected from all over the world.

Of these world-famous plant collections are superior plants, as well as some rare and exotic species from around the world.

The arboretum is also known for its top research and educational programs.

The main mission of JC Raulston Arboretum is to introduce you to the diversity of the American landscape through its displays, to promote plants, and to provide educational experiences to the general public, students of all ages, and the green industry.

In 1975, J. C. Raulston arrived in the Department of Horticultural Science to teach and start an arboretum which would serve as a living laboratory for students and faculty, and a resource for professionals in the green industry and for the public.

It has since grown to ten and a half contiguous acres, been renamed in his memory as the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, and has achieved international recognition for its imaginative use of resources and the excellence of its plant collections.

What to see at the Arboretum

When you visit you can explore several themed gardens such as the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, White Garden, Lath House and Asian Valley.

There’s also a large pond, a shade garden, and a perennial border. 

Other areas include the Winter Garden, Plantsmen’s Woods, the Swindell Contemplation Garden, Xeric Garden, Scree Garden, and numerous other gardens and pathways made accessible for the disabled and all visitors.

Open daily to the public without charge, who doesn’t love free, it is located in west Raleigh near the NC State Fairgrounds, two miles west of the NC State University’s main campus and directly across the street from Capitol City Lumber Company.

If you love picnics, the arboretum is a top picnic spot with several picnic tables as well as a large lawn to spread a blanket on. 

Overall, it has a peaceful atmosphere and a stunning view of trees and colorful flowers.

You can explore by yourself at leisure like we did with our kids, or consider one of the guided tours.

Photography Guidelines

And if you’re a photographer, this is one of the best outdoor garden venues in Raleigh to take pictures, including wedding photos, engagement photos, graduation photos, and of course, bird and plant photos.

If you want to set up a photoshoot, the arboretum asks that you rent a garden space for a more private experience if you need the following criteria:

• Additional decorations, props, or furniture
• Need to photoshoot for longer than 30 minutes
• Photoshooting more than six people
• Use photos for commercial purpose
• Need to use the garden outside operating hours (see below times)

To make a reservation, click here.

When photographing, be sure to be respectful and not stage photoshoots in the plants or trees, or block pathways and stay on the paths.

Do not move benches or labels, monopolize space, use frames, sparklers, confetti or other messy items like flower petals. Do not use bird seed or grains, tape, glitter, or glue.

Do not pick the flowers.

The JCRA Plant Stand

The JCRA has an upgraded Plant Stand, located outside the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center, where you can purchase unusual plants for your own garden.

Throughout the week, new plants are added to the stand, and they accept payment with cash or credit card.

Events at JC Raulston Arboretum

Throughout the year, there are a series of free events and self-guided walking tours through the gardens, which are family-friendly and educational.

For children, we love their Garden Story Walks, which are self-guided walks but with book pages placed throughout the garden so you can read a story as you walk around.

You find the title page and the first page at the Visitor Center, and then follow the story as you walk around at your own pace.

They also have grow and harvest walks, where you can learn about where fruit and vegetables come from as you walk through the park, and they also have guest workshops on a weekend.

Check the NC State University calendar of events here to see what’s on.

Raulston Blooms

Whether you’re a horticulture expert or you’re new gardeners, everyone is welcome at Raulston Blooms, an annual special event that takes place the last Saturday of April.

During the event, JC Raulston Arboretum offer a day packed with garden and nature activities, plant sales, and outdoor fun.

They also host a birdhouse competition, have gardening talks, a used gardening book sale, educational displays set up, and invite artists and crafters.

There’s also food trucks, and hands-on activities for families.

Moonlight in the Garden

Every year in November, JC Raulston hosts the Midnight in the Garden event to help raise needed funs to keep the gardens running with free entrance.

What better way to see one of Raleigh’s best gardens than illuminated at night with magical art and light installations – it’s the only time you can see it at night. With this event you can stroll through illuminated gardens, listen to a live band, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, roast a marshmallow or two at the fire pits, and sip a cup of hot apple cider. We have been to this event a couple of times – we do find it a little on the pricey side for what it offers, however, it is for a really great cause so worth the investment and experience.

Discover more cultural and performing arts experiences on Hillsborough St.

FAQs about JC Raulston Arboretum

What is the difference between an arboretum and a botanical garden?

While both an arboretum and botanical garden are gardens that focus on plants, there are some differences between the two:

1. The primary focus of an arboretum is trees, while botanical gardens have a broader focus that includes plants of all kinds, such as herbs, shrubs, and flowers.
2. Arboretums are often associated with scientific research and education, while botanical gardens may have a broader focus that includes cultural and historical aspects.
3. Arboretums tend to have a more naturalistic or park-like setting, with trees planted in a way that mimics their natural habitat. Botanical gardens, on the other hand, may have a more formal design with features such as fountains, hardscape, and statuary.
4. Arboretums are typically smaller than botanical gardens and may be focused on a specific geographic region or plant family, while botanical gardens can be larger and have more diverse plant collections.

Best time to visit JC Raulston Arboretum

The best time of year to visit JC Raulston Arboretum is from late spring until late summer.

From about April, the flowers will be starting to bloom, and the colors will be most vibrant in the summer between July and August.

September is also a good time to visit as the summer holiday crowds will have thinned.

Of course, being an arboretum and primarily about trees, Fall is the perfect time to visit to see the leaves change color.

However, the gardens are not just about the trees and I think in the summer it looks just as beautiful.

Opening hours and entrance fees

JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh is open every day of the year, and once again, it is FREE admission. 

The opening hours are 9:00am–4:30pm Monday – Thursday, 9:00am–7:00pm Friday, and 8:00am–7:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Go see for yourself the ever changing year-round beauty of the Arboretum.

• Address: 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh
• Website: jcra.ncsu.edu

Where to park for JC Raulston Arboretum

There is free parking at the JC Raulston Arboretum; you can leave your car in the paved lot on-site or along Beryl Road, just outside the gates (though be careful to obey posted no‑parking signs).

If you’re venturing here via Raleigh’s bus service, the GoRaleigh buses provide easy access. Take route 9 along Hillsborough Street, which stops right at the arboretum’s pedestrian gate.

Additionally, NC State’s Wolfline service has stops within walking distance. Take route 60 (stopping near Meredith College, roughly half a mile away) or route 30 (at Ligon Street & Method Road).

Read our guide to riding the bus in Raleigh.

More Gardens in Raleigh

If you love gardens and nature spots, here are some other cool gardens to check out:

• Complete list of gardens in Raleigh
• Juniper Level Botanic Garden in South Raleigh (a sister institution to the JC Raulston Arboretum)
• Where to find Spring blooms in Raleigh: The best flowers and foliage 
• Secret Gardens of Historic Oakwood: A Springtime Tour You Can’t Miss
• Guide To Visiting WRAL Azalea Gardens (Hidden Gem in Raleigh)
• A Guide to Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham (30 minutes from Raleigh)
• Don’t Miss the Beautiful Raleigh Rose Garden (Free & Open 365 Days)

What are you most excited to see in JC Raulston Arboretum? Let us know in the comments.