Great Outdoors in the Triangle: Botanical Gardens and Arboretums Edition

Are you searching for things to do in the great outdoors of the Triangle? Well, look no further and check out these beautiful botanical gardens and arboretums in the Triangle area. 

The Triangle area is filled with so many things to do; whether it be a fun day outdoors or a staycation, there is something for everyone here. Home to several different botanical gardens and arboretums, each has its own unique qualities and is an excellent place to visit. 

Whether you are interested in a peaceful environment or want to connect with nature, these gardens are the perfect destination for an outing with friends or family. Some of these gardens are part of significant universities, while others are must-visit hidden gems.

Suppose you are looking to relocate to this area. In that case, there are many affordable homes throughout, as well as excellent weather and an outstanding high quality of life here in the Triangle. With so much to offer, this location is an ideal place to call home or visit. 

Ready for a day out in the Triangle? Here are some of the best gardens and arboretums to visit if you are looking for a fun outdoor activity in Raleigh. 

Here are the best botanical gardens and arboretums in the Triangle. 

1. JC Raulston Arboretum - Raleigh, NC

Address: 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC

JC Raulston Arboretum sits on about 10 acres of land close in proximity to North Carolina State University. Named after the late director, Dr. J.C. Raulston, this arboretum was founded in 1976, and the mission was to introduce, display, and promote plants that diversify the American landscape and provide educational experiences to the public and students. 

With over 5,000 different kinds of plants collected from all over the world, this area is considered a research facility and a garden to stroll around in to view the beauty and learn about the diversity of plants they grow. 

The Triangle is very fortunate to have this arboretum in its area because it is a nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants for home garden use in the Southeast. 

A great place to have a picnic, JC Raulston Arboretum is open every day to the public of the year except the first Sunday in May due to the Garden fundraiser. There is no charge for admission or parking, so if you are searching for one of the best arboretums in the area, this is the place to go. 

2. North Carolina Botanical Garden - Chapel Hill, NC

Address: 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC

North Carolina Botanical Garden is a part of the Univesity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is over 1,000 acres, including 10 acres of display gardens and many other natural areas.

The garden focuses on inspiring understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants and advancing a sustainable relationship between nature and people. Also, the gardens include an education center that has received Platinum-level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. 

This garden is more than a display garden; it is a robust ecosystem where people can discover and enjoy the natural world and experience its healing and restorative power and how it is essential. The year-round native plant gardening makes this a unique and beautiful landscape to visit, no matter what season. 

This botanical garden is located in Chapel Hill and is open every year.  Round. However, it is closed for Thanksgiving and on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Admission is free, as well as any parking. If you have a free day, check out the state's best garden to enjoy the nature around you. 

3. Sarah P. Duke Gardens - Durham, NC

Address: 420 Anderson St, Durham, NC

Sarah P. Duke Gardens was founded in 1934 on the Duke University campus. The Duke Gardens has been named one of the top 10 public gardens in the United States. Visiting these gardens, you will see how this ranking is well deserved. 

This garden is meant to promote knowledge of the connections between plants and humans as well as an appreciation of the natural world, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices. 

Strolling through these gardens, you will enjoy four different gardens with each their own focus, from the Historic Garden to the H.L. Blomquist Garden, the W.L. Culbertson Asiatic Arboretum, and the Doris Duke Center Gardens. 

There are over five miles of walks and pathways throughout each garden, with many shaded areas as well as benches. There are many rolling hills and open regions to settle down and enjoy the nature around them. 

Sarah Gardens is open 365 days a year with free admission, but Duke University charges $1 per half-hour for parking. Do not miss out on this highly-ranked garden; if you are searching for a trip outdoors today, go visit the Duke Gardens. 

4. Cape Fear Botanical Garden - Fayetteville, NC

Address: 536 N. Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC

Cape Fear Botanical Garden was founded to enrich, inspire, and enjoy nature with over 2,000 varieties of ornamental plants and several other specialty gardens, including camellia, daylily, and hosta gardens. 

There is a new visitors center which was designed to show an open wide view into the gardens from the veranda. With the beautiful arbor leading into the gardens, there is a magical fountain and many shaded areas throughout the garden. 

Located on about 78 acres of land between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek, it will take about two hours to tour the thing, give or take. The garden is open daily except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Hours may vary depending on weather as well as admission fees are charged. 

Suppose you are looking for a more extensive garden to enjoy a variety of plants and the large overlooking available. In that case, visiting Cape Fear Botanical Garden may be a great outdoor spot for you to see. 

5. The Raleigh Rose Garden - Raleigh, NC

Address: 301 Pouge Street, Raleigh, NC

The Raleigh Rose Garden was listed as a Unique Venue by the City of Raleigh Parks and Cultural Resources Department. The garden is open to the public from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, and is a must-visit garden in the summer. 

The Raleigh Rose Garden has offered a year-round display of roses, trees, and perennials. One of three accredited rose gardens in North Carolina; the grounds include over 60 rose beds of wide varieties, which are surrounded by an arboretum of evergreen and deciduous trees. 

Visiting the garden is free and does not require reservations; however, there are no public restrooms, and certain areas may be restricted. There are also limited parking places next to the garden, so make sure you park in the correct areas. Part of the Raleigh Little Theatre Center, this garden was dedicated in 1951. 

If you are searching for a unique yet beautiful area to take a stroll in Raleigh, visiting this rose garden may be perfect for you. Take a walk while you view the breathtaking nature around you at the Raleigh Rose Garden. 

6. WRAL Azalea Gardens - Raleigh, NC

Address: 2619 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC

The WRAL Azalea Gardens is one of the unexpected spots for beautiful gardens in the land right behind the WRAL-TV's studio. The Capitol Broadcasting Company founder, A.J. Fletcher, loved azaleas and created the gardens in a way to pay tribute to their beauty. 

The CBC Corporate Property Management maintains the gardens. Besides azaleas, of course, this garden includes many other plants such as camellias, hydrangeas, perennials, shrubs, succulents, trees, vines, and so much more natural beauty. 

If you are looking for a day out in the warm rays, visit the WRAL Gardens to enjoy the beautiful azaleas of all shapes and colors. The wonderful fragrances fill the air and provide another dimension of delight. 

The gardens have expanded in size and plant varieties over the years. With a full range of flowering and non-flowering plants, the WRAL Gardens is a stunning place for outdoor weddings and many other events in the beautiful outdoors. 

The WRAL Azalea Garden serves as a sanctuary from the clogged streets of Raleigh and is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature. Open seven days a week from dusk to dawn, come visit this gorgeous gem in Raleigh. 

7. Coker Arboretum - Chapel Hill, NC

Address: 399 E Cameron Avenue, Chapel Hill, NC

Coker Arboretum is about 5 acres in total, and you can walk around on the flat and easy walking paths while enjoying the beautiful wildflowers, trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, and many others. You may also find many benches and open lawns and creeks throughout the enjoy. 

Enjoying the walking paths through the beautiful greenery, the arboretum changes with the seasons, and there is always something to see. Leashed pets are also allowed to enjoy this experience with you, as well as the arboretum paths, are wheelchair accessible. 

On the campus of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, this arboretum is open daily to the public and is free without charge. Open from dawn to dusk 365 days of the year, this place is a must-visit destination in the Triangle. 

If you are searching for a smaller place to visit, Coker Arboretum may be the location to go to. It may be smaller than others, but it still offers the beauty of the nature around you, so do not miss out on this unique experience. 

FAQS

Are the NC botanical gardens free?

The North Carolina Botanical Garden welcomes members free of charge. There is a recommended $5 donation per person per visit for visitors who are not members, which will support the operation of the Garden. 

What are some pros and cons of botanical gardens?

From the beautiful displays, the gardens also provide educational programs for everyone to learn about their qualities and importance of them. However, a disadvantage to botanic gardens is how expensive it is to maintain them due to the equipment and maintenance, especially in a natural setting. 

What should I wear to visit a botanical garden?

Visiting the garden requires appropriate attire, including shirts/tops, pants, and shoes. Depending on the season, you may want to layer up, but overall, dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes to make it comfortable. 

Great Outdoors in the Triangle: Botanical Gardens and Arboretums Edition - The Bottom Line

From all over the Triangle, you can see there are many unique and different botanical gardens and arboretums available for the public. While most of these are free, be aware that donations are accepted at most to upkeep the area and preserve it. 

If you're looking for a serene and tranquil environment to spend some quality time with your loved ones, then these gardens are just the place for you. From being a part of well-known universities to being unexplored treasures, these gardens offer a variety of options to choose from.

There are plenty of things to do in the Triangle area, whether you're looking for outdoor activities or a relaxing staycation. The area is home to several botanical gardens and arboretums, each offering unique qualities and an excellent opportunity for a visit, espcially since the weather here is perfect for outdoor acitivites. 

No matter your age or preferences, there are numerous things to do in this area. Knowing the local hotspots is essential to experiencing everything this beautiful area offers if you plan to visit or relocate here.

If you want to move to the Triangle, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.