Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
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Sparkles
Raleigh, NC819 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
As part of a day of celebration for my daughter’s birthday, my family and I decided to visit the Sarah P. Duke Gardens.
There is no cost to visit these gardens; however, there is a parking fee of $2.00/hr. There is parking available at the main garden entrance area as well as a designated overflow area. Parking could be a bit limited so carpooling is a great idea, and the bus also runs there
These gardens provide a serene atmosphere, beautiful sceneries, a peaceful and relaxing environment, and the opportunity to see some wildlife. There are also great areas for a picnic. I would recommend that you give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to explore all of the grounds as it is huge and requires a lot of walking.
We had a marvelous time and will visit again. What a great way to start a birthday celebration!
There is no cost to visit these gardens; however, there is a parking fee of $2.00/hr. There is parking available at the main garden entrance area as well as a designated overflow area. Parking could be a bit limited so carpooling is a great idea, and the bus also runs there
These gardens provide a serene atmosphere, beautiful sceneries, a peaceful and relaxing environment, and the opportunity to see some wildlife. There are also great areas for a picnic. I would recommend that you give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to explore all of the grounds as it is huge and requires a lot of walking.
We had a marvelous time and will visit again. What a great way to start a birthday celebration!
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jpete02
Lansing, MI801 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Hard to describe how beautiful it is here in the Spring. Timed our visit perfectly and had a tunnel of flowering white trees through the gates as we entered. This led down to rows of tulips and other flowers in just stunning tiered gardens.
Would combine a visit to the gardens with visiting the campus of Duke University, which is also beautiful. Short five minute walk up a hill from the gardens leads to the main quad area.
Gardens are free but there is a $2/hour parking charge in the public lots. Went here on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in late March and the gardens were jammed. Be prepared to circle the parking lots for a parking spot if coming on a Spring weekend. If looking for a more peaceful experience, may want to come here on a weekday.
There is a visitors center and small gift shop with restrooms by the parking lots.
Would combine a visit to the gardens with visiting the campus of Duke University, which is also beautiful. Short five minute walk up a hill from the gardens leads to the main quad area.
Gardens are free but there is a $2/hour parking charge in the public lots. Went here on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in late March and the gardens were jammed. Be prepared to circle the parking lots for a parking spot if coming on a Spring weekend. If looking for a more peaceful experience, may want to come here on a weekday.
There is a visitors center and small gift shop with restrooms by the parking lots.
Written March 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josue C
New Haven, CT468 contributions
Jun 2022
The Sarah P. Duke Gardens is one the most beautiful grounds found anywhere. It is a large collection plants, trees, grasses, fountains, flowers, and nature that cover an immense area of Duke University. There are many trails that lead you from gardens surrounding fountains or sculptures to forests of bamboo. I recommend wearing comfortable clothes, especially in the summer, when North Carolina gets hot and humid, also wear good shoes cause there is a lot of walking. The amount of plant life and how it's used is just amazing. Whether you like horticulture, gardens, hiking, nature walks, or just a place to burn time, you cannot g wrong visiting Sarah P. Dukes Gardens.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl H
Virginia Beach, VA15 contributions
Apr 2023
My daughter and I went the Duke Gardens last Sunday. The views are breathtaking when looking at the lakes, trees, and plants. I was so pleased that the plants and trees are labeled. I love to know the names of all flora. Be prepared for a lot of walking if you want to see all of it. The pathways are made so you can circle back if you need to shorten your walk. There were terraces of the most beautiful tulips in full bloom. It is free to go to the gardens. The parking was $2 per hour. Well worth the cost to see the beauty.
Written April 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blue J
Havre de Grace, MD790 contributions
Mar 2020
The perfect marriage between landscape architecture and horticulture. Typically when you see a garden designed by a landscape architect, more often than not, it consists of beautiful hardscaping and extremely unimaginative plant choices. It does not take long in this garden to realize there had to be a cooperative effort between the architect and the horticulturist because the sum total of the garden composition is stellar.
We parked at the lot opposite the visitor center of the garden. You pay for parking at the ticket stations by entering your license number and the amount of time you intend to stay in the garden. I believe it was $4 for a 3 hour visit, which in my opinion is not enough time to absorb this magnificent garden. Except for parking, the garden does not charge an entry fee, although there is a box for donations.
We visited this garden in early March, and even at this early time in the calendar, there were numerous sights to behold such as the redbuds, deciduous magnolias, pears, early Spring bulbs, etc. as well as an incredible collection of broad leaved evergreens and conifers. For plant geeks, search out the incredible specimen of dawn redwood which is one of the original seedlings brought back from the China expedition that discovered this "living fossil" tree previously thought to be extinct.
We particularly enjoyed the Japanese garden. It is skillfully done with so many specimens, bridges, waterfalls, secret pathways, etc. Easily one of the best Japanese gardens we have ever visited. Equally impressive is the use of plant signs to help figure out new plant material. The "Ryusen" form of Japanese maple at the one entry of the red bridge is amazing.
We enjoyed this garden so much that we actually made 2 separate trips to it. The garden is extremely well maintained and user friendly. If you are into gardens, you really need at least 4 hours to comfortably see everything. My only negatives would be that I would have liked a bigger, more comprehensive gift shop and a cafe. I truly wanted to stay the entire day and eat here. Highly recommended place!
We parked at the lot opposite the visitor center of the garden. You pay for parking at the ticket stations by entering your license number and the amount of time you intend to stay in the garden. I believe it was $4 for a 3 hour visit, which in my opinion is not enough time to absorb this magnificent garden. Except for parking, the garden does not charge an entry fee, although there is a box for donations.
We visited this garden in early March, and even at this early time in the calendar, there were numerous sights to behold such as the redbuds, deciduous magnolias, pears, early Spring bulbs, etc. as well as an incredible collection of broad leaved evergreens and conifers. For plant geeks, search out the incredible specimen of dawn redwood which is one of the original seedlings brought back from the China expedition that discovered this "living fossil" tree previously thought to be extinct.
We particularly enjoyed the Japanese garden. It is skillfully done with so many specimens, bridges, waterfalls, secret pathways, etc. Easily one of the best Japanese gardens we have ever visited. Equally impressive is the use of plant signs to help figure out new plant material. The "Ryusen" form of Japanese maple at the one entry of the red bridge is amazing.
We enjoyed this garden so much that we actually made 2 separate trips to it. The garden is extremely well maintained and user friendly. If you are into gardens, you really need at least 4 hours to comfortably see everything. My only negatives would be that I would have liked a bigger, more comprehensive gift shop and a cafe. I truly wanted to stay the entire day and eat here. Highly recommended place!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don N
Raleigh, NC2,082 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
This is a must see in Durham especially in the spring but also all months other than winter.
And it's free other than a $2 hour charge for parking. This is a very large garden so out your comfortable walking shoes on. The terrace area is the most popular. Right now there are several thousand tulips blooming. But the Asiatic Arboretum is good with a lot of Japanese inspired sculptures and small buildings. There is a large pond and several other ponds throughout with some small waterfalls
There is a visitor center with a small gift shop and restrooms. A must see!
And it's free other than a $2 hour charge for parking. This is a very large garden so out your comfortable walking shoes on. The terrace area is the most popular. Right now there are several thousand tulips blooming. But the Asiatic Arboretum is good with a lot of Japanese inspired sculptures and small buildings. There is a large pond and several other ponds throughout with some small waterfalls
There is a visitor center with a small gift shop and restrooms. A must see!
Written April 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin P
Raleigh, NC4,486 contributions
Apr 2023
We took our dog for a walk at Duke Gardens in early April. Dogs are allowed before 10, so we got there when they opened at 8. There are several miles of paved paths throughout the gardens as well as beautiful bridges, terraces and arbors. The tulips in the terrace garden were in peak bloom and absolutely gorgeous. I also really loved the Japanese red arch bridge. The gardens are free to enjoy, but parking is $2 per hour. Definitely a must-visit in Durham, especially in spring.
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happymommywith3
South Plainfield, NJ143 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Absolutely gorgeous and well maintained. What’s even better, it’s FREE! We went on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. It was crowded and parked in the overflow lot. Parking only cost $2 per hour. We also took a detour and visited Duke chapel. Amazing!
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pawlover
North Carolina1,608 contributions
Oct 2019
We visited these in Spring 2019 the day before we attended the Duke basketball game. I loved walking around the gardens. Everything is so beautiful. It was relaxing. People were walking, painting, laying around, playing in the open area, reading, talking, etc. The flowers are very pretty. There are several themed areas. There was a little farm area. There is over 5 miles of walkways/paths to walk. If I lived in this area I would visit often. I felt safe and felt super relaxed walking around. Visit the gift shop too! The staff we talked to were all friendly and helpful.
Written April 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate320
San Francisco, CA337 contributions
Apr 2022
Most gardens are pretty -- this was just over the top bursting with tulips and creative plantings. Someone planned the garden beautifully, and it has clearly been tended with love and great knowledge. I'd be very glad to visit it in every season, and highly recommend making it a stop in Durham.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler700542
Durham, NC1 contribution
When will you open the garden. I have a visitor in May and I would like you to visit that beautiful garden.
Do we have to pay to get in and If I do plan on having a picnic here am I allowed to bring in food?
franwhaley
Durham, NC3 contributions
You do not have to pay to get in. You go have to pay to park. And you can bring food. But the Garden is closed right now due to Covid-19. Check their website for updates.
Cuánto cuesta la entrada
DukeGardens
Durham, NC
Hola - la entrada cuesta nada, pero el estacionamento cuesta $2/hora. Que le tenga una buena experiencia!
Michael A
163 contributions
Is there a fee to get in ?
G0urmand101
Riverside, CT32 contributions
Yes, if you park in their lots there is an hourly fee. If not, I believe you can walk in or ride a bike without charge.
ReviewsBySL
NC11 contributions
Are there picnic tables or do we just need to bring a blanket to sit on if we want to have a picnic?
Pashmore2
Augusta, GA98 contributions
The Gardens were gorgeous when we went! The volunteers that worked at the little gift shop was so nice! Thanks
Vanessa A
5 contributions
Will plan to visit in March , spring break, will there be flowers in bloom already? Thanks...
Kathleen S
105 contributions
yes
Sarah P. Duke Gardens (Durham) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- Hotels near Sarah P. Duke Gardens:
- (0.16 mi) Ronald McDonald House of Durham
- (0.54 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Durham/University Medical Center
- (1.20 mi) Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast
- (0.68 mi) The Lodge at Duke Medical Center
- (1.13 mi) Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
- Restaurants near Sarah P. Duke Gardens:
- (0.25 mi) Nasher Museum Cafe
- (0.53 mi) Parizade
- (0.75 mi) JuJu Durham
- (0.72 mi) Burger Bach
- (0.79 mi) Vin Rouge
- Attractions near Sarah P. Duke Gardens:
- (0.17 mi) Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
- (0.50 mi) Duke University
- (0.51 mi) Duke University Chapel
- (0.71 mi) Bull City Escape
- (1.61 mi) Urban Axes Durham
Sarah P. Duke Gardens Information
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Very Good Reviews | 317 |
Sarah P. Duke Gardens Photos | 1,365 |