A magical springtime experience that draws visitors from near and far.
The cherry blossoms in the Cherry Allée typically bloom in March. Please check back here on March 1 for bloom predictions and updates.
Flowering cherry trees typically bloom at Duke Gardens in March, although the exact date is extremely difficult to predict in advance. Temperature, precipitation and other weather variations all contribute to the timing of the blooms. These same factors determine how long they will linger. If we experience a stretch of warm weather, cherries and other spring-blooming plants may flower earlier in March; if colder weather persists, they may bloom later in March. Each tree remains in flower for just a week or so, and there is no moment when all are blooming at once. Instead, different species and cultivars blossom in succession, allowing many opportunities to savor spring.
Beautiful flowering cherry trees are found throughout Duke Gardens, both in the cherry allée and beyond. Our website features an interactive map of photo-worthy cherry trees throughout Duke Gardens.
Construction is currently underway on the Garden Gateway, a transformational renovation and expansion project of our main entrance designed to greatly enrich the experience for all visitors. Construction-related changes may impact your visit to see the cherry blossoms in Spring 2026. Please check our website in early March for more information ahead of your visit.
Due to construction of the Garden Gateway project, there is no visitor parking available on weekdays (Mon.-Fri.).Public parking is available to visitors on weekends only in the nearby Duke University H lot, located on Anderson Street and Yearby Avenue, directly next to the Lewis St. entrance. Please note that the only payment option for the H lot is the PayByPhone app on personal phone devices. There is no onsite option for credit card and cash payment. Moreover, the H lot cannot accommodate buses, large vans, RVs and other large vehicles.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to visit Duke Gardens on weekends when public parking is available or use alternative means of transportation. Please check our website for more information about parking and alternative transportation options.
Due to construction of the Garden Gateway project, there is no visitor parking available on weekdays (Mon.-Fri.). Visitors are strongly encouraged to visit Duke Gardens on weekends when public parking is available or use alternative means of transportation. Please check our website for more information about parking and alternative transportation options.
Duke Gardens lies in the heart of a growing city and bustling campus — an oasis in an urban landscape. This location makes it a special place for people to connect with nature, but it also means we cannot create the Garden Gateway without temporarily limiting access to the Gardens’ main entrance, visitor center and parking lots. We understand the disruptions caused by construction will be an inconvenience, and we ask for your patience and understanding as we work to complete these much-needed upgrades.
Public parking is available to visitors on weekends only in the nearby Duke University H lot, located on Anderson Street and Yearby Avenue, directly next to the Lewis St. entrance. Please note that the only payment option for the H lot is the PayByPhone app on personal phone devices. There is no onsite option for credit card and cash payment. Moreover, the H lot cannot accommodate buses, large vans, RVs and other large vehicles.
Yes. There are many ways to get to Duke Gardens, whether on foot, bike or via rideshare. The GPS address of the temporary entrance during Garden Gateway construction is 2000 Lewis St., Durham, N.C., 27705. GOOGLE MAPS.
Public parking is available to Gardens visitors on weekends only in the nearby Duke University H lot, a parking lot located on Anderson Street and Yearby Avenue that is used by Duke University and Duke Health employees on weekdays (one block north of the Gardens’ entrance on Anderson St.). The parking lot is adjacent to the new temporary Gardens entrance located at 2000 Lewis St. Visitors are strongly encouraged to visit Duke Gardens on weekends when public parking is available or use alternative means of transportation.
Yes. During construction of the Garden Gateway, Duke Gardens is working with the Duke Access and Accommodation Services Office to provide accessible accommodations. If you are an individual with a disability and require accommodations in order to access the temporary entrance at 2000 Lewis St., please contact the Duke Access and Accommodation Services (DAAS) Office as soon as possible. DAAS can be contacted by phone (919-668-1267), email (DAAS@duke.edu), or this online request form. We encourage visitors try to contact DAAS at least 24 hours in advance and during standard business hours in order to better ensure that accommodations can be put in place for your visit. Learn more on our accessibility page.
In anticipation of large crowds during peak bloom, we strongly recommend leaving dogs at home. Dogs are only permitted in Duke Gardens before 10 a.m. and must be on a leash at all times. Duke Gardens asks dog walkers to be responsible and walk their dogs in a respectful manner, adhering to the dog and pet policies outlined on our website. Thank you for helping us create a safe haven for plants and wildlife, where visitors can appreciate and enjoy the gardens, with or without a dog.
For questions about photography, please email emma.livingston@duke.edu or call 919-668-5679.
The Garden Gateway is a transformational project designed to embrace the dramatic growth that Duke Gardens has experienced in the past decade and prepare for the future. This initiative will create a new welcome center, enhance learning and event facilities and expand green spaces. These improvements will ensure that Duke Gardens remains a vibrant hub for students, the Duke community and the wider public, while retaining its cultural and historical character. The Garden Gateway will enrich every visitor’s experience, foster deeper community connections and support the long-term sustainability of Duke Gardens.
Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting new amenities and upgrades, including:
We anticipate that construction will be completed in Spring 2026. Check our website to learn more about the Garden Gateway as the project takes shape. Additionally, you can sign up to have regular updates and important announcements sent directly to your inbox.
Before coming to Duke Gardens, we recommend checking our website for the latest updates and information that may impact your visit. By staying informed, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Visitors will enter the Gardens on foot through a temporary pedestrian entrance located at 2000 Lewis Street, one block north of the Gardens’ main entrance (follow the signs along Anderson St.). You may also enter through garden gates leading to Duke’s West Campus along Flowers Drive.
There is no visitor parking on weekdays during the construction period. Parking is only available on the weekend in nearby campus lots, including the Duke University H lot. We encourage visitors to use alternative transportation whenever possible, including walking, biking, taking the bus and rideshare.
If you are planning to arrive by car, please visit on the weekend when visitor parking is available in nearby campus lots, including the Duke University H lot, which is adjacent to the temporary Lewis St. entrance. Please note that the only payment option is the PayByPhone app on personal phone devices. Cash and credit card are not accepted.
Ornamental cherries belong to the genus Prunus, an incredibly diverse group represented by many different plants throughout Duke Gardens. Many Prunus species closely resemble cherries and may bloom at or around the same time depending on the weather. Here is a simple field guide to help you distinguish ornamental cherries from any of their close relatives you might observe during your visit.
Join us on a virtual guided tour of cherry blossoms at Duke Gardens to learn more about these incredible trees and expand your bloom knowledge.
Please contact us at gardens@duke.edu.