Parks & Gardens

Wake up and smell the roses, y’all. Durham's parks and gardens are beautiful.

In a testament to our passion for our sense of place, Durham has gone above and beyond to protect and preserve our green space, even at our urban center. Summer concerts fill the lawns at American Tobacco Campus. Community gardens flourish in every neighborhood. Parks become gathering places where families picnic, friends play pickup games, and strangers become neighbors under the same trees. We've built a city where concrete and canopy live side by side, where you're never more than a few blocks from somewhere to breathe deep and stretch out.

We invite you to appreciate Durham's green spaces, from our luscious gardens to our exciting parks.

Alert: Lake Michie and parts of Falls Lake are closed for boating until further notice due to low water level conditions. Hiking and camping facilities are still open at Falls Lake. Check park websites for updates. Under the City of Durham's Stage 2 Water Shortage response, Durham Parks and Recreation spraygrounds are closed until further notice.

Over 68 Durham Parks Provide Recreation and Relaxation

Durham's parks offer countless opportunities for all sorts of fun outdoors to both visitors and residents. Kids enjoy splash pads, playgrounds, ball courts and more. Adults and kids alike spend hours at the amenities offered by DPR's city parks like tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, picnic tables. Eno River State Park also holds adventure in every corner, from hiking trails and camping to swimming and boating.

World Class Gardens Designed for Year-Round Enjoyment

Overflowing with lush plants, fascinating species, and beautiful landscapes, Durham's public gardens are areas to be cherished and admired. Don't miss the colorful beauty on display at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, one of the finest examples of public gardens in the country, offering free admission to its expansive grounds. Durham is also home to rose cultures, educational gardens, and more, well within walking and biking distance from city center.