Visit

Welcome to Sarah P. Duke Gardens!

We’re thrilled to share 55 acres of beautiful gardens in the heart of Duke University with you and more than 650,000 people who visit us annually.

Since its dedication in 1939, Duke Gardens has grown dramatically and beautifully. It now features four distinct areas: the original Terraces and their immediate surroundings, known as the Historic Gardens; the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, a representation of the flora of the Southeastern United States; the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, devoted to plants of eastern Asia; and the Doris Duke Center Gardens, including the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden.

Important Changes for Visitors

This growth continues with the Garden Gateway, a transformational renovation and expansion project that will greatly enhance the visitor experience at Duke Gardens. Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed in spring 2026. The outdoor areas of Duke Gardens will remain open during the construction period, but the main entrance on Anderson Street, Gardens parking lots and Doris Duke Center are closed. These construction-related disruptions will create some important changes for visitors.

What to Expect During Construction

Temporary Entrance

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.

Map of Entrance

No Weekday Parking

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.

Alt Travel Options

Parking on the Weekend

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.

Weekend Parking

Check Our Website

Visitors are strongly encouraged to check the Duke Gardens website ahead of your visit for the latest information about construction-related changes.

Hours

Outdoor Spaces

8 a.m. to dusk, 365 days a year

including the restrooms in the Terrace Gardens, Culberson Asiatic Arboretum and Lewis St. entrance. Parking is available on weekends only.

Visitor Center

CLOSED FOR
CONSTRUCTION

The Gardens main entrance, parking lots and visitor center are closed during construction of the Garden Gateway.

Terrace Café

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.; noon-4 p.m. Sun.

Closed from mid-November to early spring and on university holidays. Learn more.

Dogs Not Permitted

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Learn more about our dog walking policies.

Getting Here & Parking

During construction of the Garden Gateway project, our GPS address is 2000 Lewis St., Durham, N.C., 27705. MAP

Public parking is available to visitors on weekends only in the nearby Duke University H lot, located on Anderson Street and Yearby Avenue. Visitors are strongly encouraged to visit Duke Gardens on weekends when public parking is available or use alternative ways of getting here.

Admission

Admission is free thanks to the generosity of our members and donors. Duke University Parking & Transportation charges $2 per hour for campus parking from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Garden Gateway?

How will my visit be impacted by construction?

When and where can I park?

How can I visit on weekdays?

Can I bring my dog?

A family with a small baby poses for a photo on a stone bridge.

Can I take photos?

Can we bring a group?

Do you offer tours?

Are the Gardens accessible?

What programs are planned this season?

We are happy to provide you with a Gardens map and visitor guide when you arrive. You may also view our map online and download a PDF.

Online Map ›

Make the most of your visit by discovering our gardens, exploring season plant highlights and enjoying self-guided activities.

Learn More ›

Group Gatherings

Duke Gardens is a wonderful place to gather. During construction of the Garden Gateway project, many group visits and events, including public tours, on-site school programs, weddings and private events are paused. We will continue to host limited opportunities for college and university groups and community groups, which have specific registration processes.

All other groups are welcome to visit while following our group visitation policies.

Gardens Etiquette

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you and all visitors, please respect the Gardens’ policies and guidelines.

Duke Gardens strives to make all visitors feel welcome. Visit our accessibility page to learn more about choices visitors can make to enjoy the Gardens experience.

Learn More ›

Membership is the best way to experience all that Duke Gardens has to offer and provides essential support to funding the Gardens.

Join Today ›

Welcome to Sarah P. Duke Gardens!

We’re thrilled to share 55 acres of beautiful gardens in the heart of Duke University with you and more than 650,000 visitors who visit us annually.

Important Changes for Visitors

Duke Gardens is growing with construction of the Garden Gateway, a transformational renovation and expansion project that will greatly enhance the visitor experience. During the construction period (Feb. 2025-spring 2026), the outdoor areas of Duke Gardens will remain open, but the main entrance on Anderson Street, Gardens parking lots and Doris Duke Center are closed. These construction-related disruptions will create some important changes for visitors.

What To Expect During Construction

Temporary Entrance

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.

Map of Entrance

No Weekday Parking

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.

Alt Travel Options

Parking on the Weekend

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.

Weekend Parking