Nestled in the heart of Durham lies Duke Gardens, a 55-acre botanical wonderland where the hum of cars and traffic disappear, birds serenade visitors from treetops and streams flow alongside pathways connecting people to more than 2,500 colorful plant species. Over 600,000 people visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens every year to experience an artful expression inspired by nature and to enjoy hours of discovery, exploration and inspiration. Admission to one of the top-ranked public gardens in the U.S. is free, with a small fee for parking.
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!
Ash Barnes
Apr 16, 2025
5
A gorgeous place for a stroll and a photographer's dream, Duke Gardens never disappoints. Right now the main weekday parking is closed due to construction, but don't let that deter you. Park in the hospital deck behind the gardens and go in that way if it's a weekday! It's worth the few bucks an hour, trust me.
I recommend visiting in the early afternoon through the early evening if you want the best photos, and if lighter crowds are your priority, definitely go on a weekday.
Stacie Dye
Apr 15, 2025
5
Duke Gardens is a true gem. It’s peaceful, beautifully landscaped, and perfect for a walk, a picnic, or simply unwinding. The various sections—from the koi ponds to the flower gardens—are all stunning and meticulously maintained. There are plenty of hidden nooks and scenic spots to explore. Best of all, admission is free, and there’s always something in bloom no matter the season. It’s the perfect place to escape and enjoy a bit of nature.
Pro tip: Due to ongoing construction, parking can be a bit tricky during the week. I found a spot at the Bryan Center for a small fee and walked over—super convenient. Try to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the gardens at their most serene.
S L-V
Apr 10, 2025
5
Been here a couple times now. I still don’t know if I have seen it all.
It’s beautiful and well kept. I highly suggest using the bathroom prior to walking and bringing water with you. Park nearby and check Reddit or FB to see where people are parking. They are doing construction and renovations at the park right now. There’s not really street parking but there are parking lots that you can get to an entrance in a 10+ minute walk. Or you can bus it from somewhere. Bring bug spray and if you bring a stroller make sure you have air in the tires. There’s a big field that kids love to run in which is great and some water fountains so your kids will get wet if they like to explore water ! Don’t be surprised. For a gardens there’s a lot you can get to with the stroller but there are some places you just can’t really get to due to steps gravel hills small spaces. The park is so big though you won’t feel like you’re missing anything.
Nelly F Kembaren
Apr 2, 2025
5
I went on Saturday early morning around 7 to avoid the crowds and due to construction, it’s easy to go early because the parking is not so full. Saw 2/3 cars already there before me. It was my second time here, 1st time during fall and it was pretty astounding and this time I came to check the cherry aisle. It’s beautiful and lovely area filled with various type of flowers around. I love spending my time walking to each corner they have and they did pretty good job to make sure the park look nice and clean. They maintain it well. The parking fee is $2/hour and there is no ticket for the park. Love it 😍
Jillian Chen Johnson
Apr 1, 2025
5
the tulip varieties here in the spring will take your breath away! but the garden is great all year round. unbelievable that it is free (just pay for parking). best to go on a week day though—it gets mobbed on weekends. lovely spot for an outdoor afternoon.
Nicole McIntyre
Mar 26, 2025
4
We enjoyed our wedding anniversary walk at Duke Gardens during Cherry Blossom season. Although some construction prevented us from walking through the main walkway, the view from a distance was still stunning. The weather was perfect, and while the gardens were quite crowded—almost like visiting an amusement park—everyone was courteous, and we had plenty of opportunities to capture the beautiful scenery. We’re grateful to have such a wonderful space close to home and look forward to visiting again soon!
Teresa Adams
Mar 24, 2025
5
I went on a weekday. The second day of Spring ‘25. It wasn’t crowded. The staff was friendly. Parking was easy even though they are doing construction right now. Restrooms are clean. Big plus. It was a beautiful and peaceful experience. It doesn’t feel like you are on campus. It feels kinda story book. I hope to return in the fall. Overall great experience. Worth going to experience.
Travis Truong
Mar 22, 2025
5
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.
Margaret Armstrong
Feb 8, 2025
5
Such a lovely and varied place to wander. I have only been 3x so far, in fall and winter, but plan to go back many times. A different experience in each season of course, but also many different types of gardens to explore. I just moved to the Durham area, so have not yet seen it on the spring. I’m sure it will be even more beautiful!
Lynette M
Dec 7, 2024
5
Breathtaking gardens, came in December and it was still beautiful even though many plants were wilted. Would come again with a better camera.
Many bridal and birthday party photo ops present during visit.
t b
Nov 14, 2024
5
Such a calming experience! Parking is prepaid (pay before you tour the gardens). The staff is very friendly. Maps are available. Bathrooms are in the visitor's center and on the grounds. Sorry, my phone died so pictures are only from one section of the gardens. The rest are even more spectacular! There are fountains, a lake with beautiful ducks, the red bridge, the rose garden, the Koi fish, and plenty of places to sit.
Sarah Bogdan
Nov 13, 2024
5
The most incredible botanical gardens ever, especially for being free!! Be aware they WILL ticket you if you don’t pay for parking in the parking lot. The cactus garden was robust and so tropical feeling; we wandered from there down verdant Narnia-esque trails of native plants, endangered species, and flowers, spotted with romantic benches, fountains, and gazebos. The chapel was within walking distance and we were blessed by the 5-5:15pm organ concert and lively tour guide within. The gardens were gorgeous even in November when we visited but the guide informed us they’re even better in spring. Can’t wait to return.
Hilary Andrews
Nov 2, 2024
5
I recently visited the Sarah Duke Botanical Garden in Durham, NC, on a beautiful day in early May, and it was a delightful experience! The gardens are extensive yet manageable, making it doable for a two-hour visit.
The well-maintained paths are easy to navigate in tennis shoes, allowing for a comfortable stroll through the various themed areas. Each section of the garden showcases a diverse array of plants and flowers, creating a vibrant and picturesque atmosphere.
I especially enjoyed the serene ambiance and the time to connect with nature. Whether you're a local or just passing through, I highly recommend taking the time to explore this lovely garden and be in nature.
Bryan W
Oct 29, 2024
5
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.
Joel Rubin
Oct 28, 2024
5
This is an absolutely marvelous public garden. Even if you don't like plants and trees, they have about 5 miles of trails on their 55 acres of land so you can get a great walk in with no traffic to deal with. But the gardens are very beautiful.
Tamar Beridze
Oct 23, 2024
5
Duke Gardens is an incredible destination to visit year-round, but my favorite times are spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and fall, perfect for picnics and peaceful strolls. The gardens offer a tranquil escape with beautifully maintained landscapes and a variety of plants that make every visit special. It can get quite crowded during Parent’s Weekend, and professional photographers sometimes set up with their gear, which can block some pathways. Despite that, Duke Gardens remains a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy nature and serenity in the heart of Durham.
D P
Oct 19, 2024
5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sarah P. Duke Gardens is an absolute treasure! This beautiful oasis in Durham offers a stunning display of nature's beauty, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a peaceful picnic, or just a moment of reflection.
The gardens are meticulously maintained, with a diverse array of plants, flowers, and trees that change with the seasons. Each section, from the historic gardens to the serene wetlands, has its own unique charm, and there’s always something new to discover. The vibrant colors and fragrant blooms are simply breathtaking, especially in the spring!
One of my favorite parts is the Terraces, where you can enjoy panoramic views and find lovely spots to relax. The pathways are well-marked and accessible, making it easy to navigate through the different areas.
Additionally, the staff and volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing insights about the various plants and the history of the gardens. It’s clear that a lot of love and care goes into maintaining this stunning space.
Overall, Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a must-visit for anyone in the area, whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful escape. I can’t recommend it enough, and I can’t wait to return!
Se Fi
Oct 14, 2024
5
Incredible place. Highly recommended! Can easily spend a couple of hours (or more) meandering around. So many beautiful things to look at. Loves the mosses and the black sweet potato leaves amongst many loved things. Parking at 2 bucks an hour is well worth it.
Wanda
Oct 8, 2024
5
We fell in love with it. It's huge. I could spend an entire day here easily. My 8 year old son loved it! We saw turtles, ducks, koi fish, a hawk, squirrels, and a heron. Everything is well marked to identify the plants and the trees. There are tons of benches in the shade. Lots of places to hide away and read a book in peace and quiet on a weekday. If I lived here, I would be a very frequent visitor.
Melissa De Yoe (Meli55a)
Oct 8, 2024
5
Beautiful, peaceful, serene. I really enjoyed my time there. Though there were a fair amount of people there, it never felt crowded or congested. I had a nice meditation under a tree.
Ty lee
Sep 19, 2024
5
Wonderful garden to visit to see the amazing flowers and plants. This vast garden is divided into 4 different themes sectors with good walking pathways. The 4 sectors are Historic Gardens, Doris Duke Center Gardens, Blomquist Garden of Native Plants and Culberson Asiatic Arboretum. They are like many gardens within a big garden. It's a great place to enjoy a fun family outing to learn about the floral and fauna inside the many different gardens.
Lyubov Kolte
Aug 25, 2024
5
We visited the Duke Gardens today and we are very happy with our experience! We got there around 8:30 a.m. so there was plenty of parking. The entrance to the garden is free but the parking is $2 per hour. You can use an app to pay or pay with cash, but you don’t get change back. The walk was very nice and there was shade almost everywhere, which makes it easy to walk on a sunny day. The views of the garden are breathtaking! There are many benches to sit. There were restrooms all around the garden and they were all stocked and clean. It is also really close to Duke Chapel, just a few minutes walk. I definitely recommend this place to everyone: couples, families and dogs! We will back again soon!
Molly Anthony
Aug 13, 2024
5
We did a trolley tour (book online for a relatively small fee) which protected us from most of the rain. You can also walk the grounds for free, 365 days a year. Parking is paid, though. There are so many beautiful details to take in; I wish I'd had more time to explore. Great for all ages, whether you live plants, pretty scenes, or walking.
Sarah Hochman
Aug 12, 2024
5
What a hidden gem! This is a great stop for anyone in the area to get a break and enjoy some beautiful nature. The paths are easy to navigate and make for a relaxing walk through the gardens for anyone from novice to expert outdoors enthusiasts. The blooms and plants are further complemented by the lovely statues and architecture featured throughout the reserve, and also provide opportunities and spaces to sit and admire the excellently maintained and curated landscapes.
David Simkins
Jun 24, 2024
5
I was brought here by family while visiting the US. A very hot day, so the trees provided some welcome shade.
Beautiful gardens, very well laid out, with well maintained pathways. Visiting is free of charge, apart from parking, which was great. The lady volunteer at the entrance was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, pointing out the highlights. In reality you can see pretty much everything in a couple of hours. Highly recommended.
