Sarah P. Duke Gardens - Durham, North Carolina

Hilary A.

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.

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.

Margaret A.

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!

D P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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!

Joel R.

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.

Lynette M.

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.

Sarah B.

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.

t B.

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.