Our Favorite Gardens in and around Raleigh, NC

One of our favorite things to do on any given day is go out and explore the outdoors.  If I’m being honest, Poppy is the one who loves nature…me, I’d rather be inside most days.  I’ve found that gardens are generally a good way to compromise (she’s outside, but I’m not in the woods).  There are a surprising amount of really beautiful gardens in the Raleigh area, so we thought we’d share our favorite gardens in and around Raleigh, NC!

Dorothea Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park has a rich history.  For 150 years the land was part of Spring Hill Plantation and was worked on by enslaved African Americans.  It then transitioned to become the site of Dorothea Dix Hospital, North Carolina’s first mental health facility, for the next 160 years.  This rich history led the City of Raleigh to have Dix Park become a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.  This global network helps us draw on our past to ensure a better future.  One of Raleigh’s largest parks, this 308-acre park offers two flower fields that bloom at different times of the year.

The flowers at Dorothea Dix Park are a bit overwhelming to see, as they bloom in such large numbers.  The daffodils are planted in Flowers Field off Umstead Dr. and typically bloom between February and March.  The sunflower field is located off Hunt Dr. and typically blooms in mid-July.  While we haven’t had a chance to visit the daffodils while they’re in full bloom, we have had several opportunities to see the sunflower field in full bloom, and it’s breathtaking.  Poppy loved running up and down the rows of sunflowers.

$: Parking and admission are free!

Hours: Dawn until dusk daily

Address: 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603  

JC Raulston Arboretum

J.C. Raulston began teaching at N.C. State University in 1975, when he also started an arboretum.  The NCSU Arboretum would eventually be renamed in his honor and grow to encompass ten-and-a-half acres.  It’s even achieved international recognition for its “imaginative use of resources and the excellence of its plant collections.” Raulston directed the Arboretum until his death in 1996 and the current directors have continued to expand upon his vision. 

With beautiful architecture, water features, and unique gardens, the JC Raulston Arboretum is a must visit.  Each of its gardens transports you to a different country or time in history.  The variety of plants means that it’s amazing any time of year.  While we had a blast running around, Poppy’s favorite part were the steppingstones over a pond.

$: Parking and admission are free!

Hours: Monday – Thursday from 9:00am to 4:30pm, Friday from 9:00am to 8:00pm, and Saturday-Sunday from 8:00am to 8:00pm

Address: 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh, NC 27606

Raleigh Rose Garden

Dedicated in 1951, the Raleigh Rose Garden is one of three accredited rose gardens in North Carolina.  It became the finishing touch to the Raleigh Little Theatre campus and is located directly behind the theatre.  Boasting sixty rose beds, with a variety of rose types, the garden is full of beautiful colors. 

If you are a handicapped vehicle, you can park behind the Little Theatre, directly beside the rose garden.  Otherwise, you will need to park on the street and walk down.  Poppy loved seeing the different color roses (and I’m pretty sure she smelled them all as well). 

$: Parking and admission are free!

Hours: While the garden is open from dawn until dusk daily, you’ll want to make sure you plan your visit while the roses are blooming.  This generally happens between Mother’s Day and the first hard freeze of the season, normally mid-November.

Address: 301 Pogue St., Raleigh, NC 27607

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Just outside of Raleigh, in Durham, North Carolina, you can find Sarah P. Duke Gardens.  These gardens were converted from a debris-filled ravine in the 1930s, thanks to the vision of Dr. Frederic M. Hanes, a member of the Duke Medical School faculty.  He persuaded Sarah P. Duke, widow of one of the Duke University’s founders, to give $20,000 to finance the gardens.  Since that time, the gardens have grown dramatically to include five miles of walkways throughout the approximately 55 acres of gardens and green spaces. 

When visiting, we suggest using the paid parking lot, which is super easy to get in and out of.  You’ll then be able to wander down one of the several paths, bringing you to beautiful flowers, sprawling green areas, and the most perfect fountains.  If your little one is as attracted to water as Poppy is, I would recommend bringing a spare change of clothes (and shoes).  These came in very handy when she jumped into the fountain. 

$: Admission is free; however, you will pay a few dollars to park.

Hours: Open from 8:00am-7:00pm daily

Address: 420 Anderson St., Durham, NC 27705

WRAL Azalea Gardens

The WRAL Azalea Gardens were created by A.J. Fletcher, founder of Capitol Broadcasting Company, and opened to the public in 1959.  While his original vision was solely sharing his love for various types of azaleas, the gardens have since grown to include other plant varieties on the five-acre property.  They’re never wavered from Fletcher’s intention of “paying a tribute to beauty for beauty’s sake.” 

We love visiting the WRAL Azalea Gardens year-round (and have taken family photographs there several times thanks to @jays_creationsgp).  What surprised me the first visit was how far back the trails go, as well as the variety of flowers.  There are also several fountains and sculptures that make for adorable photo back drops.  Poppy loved running up and down the trails, chasing bugs, and smelling the flowers.

$: Parking and admission are completely free!

Hours: Dawn until dusk daily

Address: 2619 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606

Have suggestions of gardens we can visit in your area? Let us know in the comments!

Interested in finding some amazing skyline views in Raleigh, NC? Check this post out.