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 600,000 people who visit us annually.

Since its dedication in 1939, Duke Gardens has developed 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 Gateway Gardens, including the new Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden.

There are five miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the gardens. We hope you enjoy your visit!

Hours

Gardens Grounds

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

including the restrooms in the Terrace Gardens and Culberson Asiatic Arboretum.

Main Entrance, Gardens Parking Lot & Barnes Welcome Center

Daily
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(March 1 – October 31)

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(November 1-February 28)

including restrooms in the Barnes Welcome Center. Closed on university holidays.

Gravatt Family Visitor Lobby in the Barnes Welcome Center

Daily
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed on university holidays.

Gardens Café

Daily
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed on university holidays.

More information about the Gardens Café

Dogs Permitted

Before 10 a.m. only
7 days a week

Learn more about our dog walking policies.

Getting Here

There are many ways to get to Duke Gardens, whether on foot or via car, bike or rideshare. Our GPS address is 420 Anderson St., Durham, N.C., 27705.

Parking is limited, so we urge you to consider alternatives. Here are some suggestions.

Admission & Parking

Admission is free thanks to the generosity of our members and donors.

Duke University Parking & Transportation charges $2 per hour for parking in all campus parking lots, including the Duke Gardens parking lot. Parking is limited and often fills to capacity before 10 a.m. on beautiful days. Please see our Parking at Duke Gardens page for information about parking locations, including overflow lots and payment options using the Blue Spot parking website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I park?

Can I bring my dog?

Do you offer tours?

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

Can I take photos?

Are the Gardens accessible?

Should groups register in advance?

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. We have specific registration processes for many groups, including school groups, college and university groups, community groups, and groups gathering for private events, weddings and photography sessions. Click on the links to learn more.

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 600,000 people who visit us annually.

Since its dedication in 1939, Duke Gardens has developed 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 Gateway Gardens, including the new Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden.

There are five miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the gardens. We hope you enjoy your visit!