While there’s certainly no bad time to visit the stunning Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, it’s a great option to add to your itinerary in the summer! The cherry blossoms offer a showy display in March, the tulips take center stage in April, and by fall, there’s a gradual shift from blooms to foliage that’s simply stunning. Throughout the summer, though, the Duke Gardens are entirely in bloom and offer a peaceful respite from an otherwise bustling city.
This 55-acre public garden, located on the campus of Duke University, features a dazzling mix of terraced flowerbeds, wooded trails, and lily-filled ponds that make it an ideal place to slow down and soak in the beauty of North Carolina’s summer season. Beyond the gardens, Durham is packed with personality and things to do in the warmer months. You can dive into the city’s dynamic arts scene with a visit to the Durham Performing Arts Center, check out rotating exhibits at the Nasher Museum of Art, or enjoy an outdoor show or food truck rodeo at Durham Central Park.
The American Tobacco Campus offers trendy shops, breweries, and dining with a side of local history. Baseball fans can even catch a Durham Bulls game for a classic summer night out. And when you need a moment to cool off in the heat of the summer, don’t miss the popular Eno River State Park. Whether you’re into food, music, or culture, this city delivers a well-rounded, engaging itinerary.
For a stay that’s as welcoming as it is refined, book a few nights at the Arrowhead Inn, located just minutes from Duke University and downtown Durham. This historic Durham bed and breakfast offers thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, beautiful grounds, and gourmet breakfasts that elevate your entire trip. With grounds almost as gorgeous as the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, our upscale Durham Inn is the perfect retreat after a day of exploring. Book your stay today!
Summer at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC
The Sarah P. Duke Gardens are one of the most impressive outdoor attractions in North Carolina, and certainly one of the top things to do in Durham. Spanning 55 acres, these meticulously maintained gardens are located on the campus of Duke University and are open to the public daily. What sets these gardens apart is the thoughtful design that blends formal landscaping with more natural woodland settings, offering visitors a chance to enjoy both structured beauty and spontaneous seasonal color.
The gardens are divided into four distinct areas, each with its own character and highlights. The Doris Duke Center Gardens feature elegant entryways and educational exhibits and often host seasonal displays. The Culberson Asiatic Arboretum brings a curated selection of East Asian plants to life with ponds, bridges, and stone lanterns that add visual interest around every corner. For fans of native plants, the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants showcases species that thrive in the Piedmont region, arranged in both wild and cultivated settings. Meanwhile, the Historic Gardens and Terraces—a centerpiece of the gardens—offers a more formal layout with rows of annuals, perennials, and cascading water features that draw visitors in
Summer is an ideal time to explore the Duke Gardens thanks to the lush greenery and wide variety of blooming flowers. You’ll see everything from vibrant daylilies to towering sunflowers, with shady paths and benches throughout the property that make it easy to linger. The gardens are well-marked and easy to navigate, whether you want to follow a paved loop or take a few detours down gravel or mulch paths for a closer look. In total, you’ll find over five miles of allées, walks, and pathways to meander.
If you’re visiting Durham this summer, don’t rush your time here. The gardens are free to explore and reward a slow, curious approach. If you do plan to visit the stunning Duke Gardens this year, just be mindful of the ongoing construction in the area for the University’s Garden Gateway project. It means there’s no parking in the area during the weekdays, and limited parking on the weekends. Alternate transportation is strongly encouraged – but will be well worth your effort!
Here’s the Best Lodging Near Duke University
If you think you’ll enjoy your time at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, then you’ll want to reserve a spot at the Arrowhead Inn, the leading Bed and Breakfast in Durham, NC. Our grounds are lush, vibrant, and meticulously maintained, with even more gorgeous gardens and grounds to enjoy throughout your stay. Our Inn is less than ten miles from the gardens, too, making us an exceptional choice for lodging near Duke University.
Our Inn features a stunning 18th-century estate that does far more than provide guests with a convenient place to stay in the Research Triangle. Our Inn offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. With nine guest rooms, including suites, a historic log cabin, and a garden cottage, everything here has been thoughtfully designed to provide a touch of elegance to your stay. Enjoy in-room amenities such as gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, luxurious linens, and property amenities like garden seating, a gazebo, and a fire pit.
The Inn’s commitment to excellence is further exemplified by its inclusion in the Select Registry and its AAA Four Diamond rating, distinguishing it as a top-tier accommodation in the region. Join us each morning of your stay for a gourmet three-course breakfast featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor their meals in the charming Keeping Room or on the sunlit verandas, setting a delightful tone for the day ahead. The Inn’s six acres of landscaped gardens provide a picturesque setting for relaxation or special events, such as intimate weddings and elopements.
Whether you’re visiting the Duke Gardens or taking in a summer baseball game, there’s truly no better place to get an authentic feel for this incredible city. Our North Carolina Inn offers an unparalleled lodging experience in the heart of North Carolina’s Triangle Region. Book your stay today!
