Parking re-opening at Duke Gardens on Apr. 8 — learn about 10 botanical gardens in the Triangle, including a map
Date: Sat, Apr 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Venue: Duke Gardens, Raleigh
Price:
Category: Outdoors
The Triangle is home to several very different botanical gardens, each with its own feel and focus. Some are sprawling research gardens that are part of major universities, while some are compact gems. What they all have in common is that they provide a peaceful, relaxing experience and a way to connect with nature. All are free to visit. Whether you're interested in getting ideas for your own garden, or you have children who need to get out of the house, or you just want to get some fresh air, these gardens are the perfect outing. We've included a map! Read on for all the details of each garden. Map of Botanical Gardens in the Triangle JC Raulston Arboretum Address: 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606Hours: April to September: Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. October to March: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Parking: Free parking in the Arboretum's paved lot and along Beryl Road.Accessibility: The JCRA's gardens are mostly accessible via wide paths of various materials that are suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. The A. E. Finley Rooftop Garden is ADA-accessible. Wheelchairs or strollers can access the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center, Rose Garden and The Necessary at McNeel Corner. Paths throughout much of the JCRA are not paved but are partially accessible, ground conditions permitting. Wheelchairs are available for visitors to borrow at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the staff in the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center or Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center when you arrive. If you have questions about accessibility while planning your visit, please contact the JCRA at jcra-events@ncsu.edu or 919-515-3132. No pets, emotional support or therapy animals allowed. Service animals are welcome.More info Photo by Mace Publishing, LLC N.C. State's JC Raulston Arboretum is both a living laboratory and a public garden. Its mission is to "introduce, display, and promote plants that diversify the American landscape." The Arboretum includes many gardens, including the A.E. Finley Foundation Rooftop Terrace, Asian Valley, Color Trials, Elm Circle, Finley-Nottingham Rose Garden, Geophyte Border, Japanese Garden, Klein-Pringle White Garden, and more. There's a Model Gardens area, where you can learn about landscaping smaller spaces, a Winter Garden, which shows how every season has its beauty, and a Xeric Garden, filled with plants that thrive with no additional watering. Explore over 6,000 types of plants from 50 countries within the 10 acres. Photo by Mace Publishing LLC North Carolina Botanical Garden Address: 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and University holidays.Parking: Parking is free in the parking lot.Accessibility: Many of the Garden displays are wheelchair accessible. If you need special accommodations, pl