Gardens to Explore in Charlotte

In Charlotte, “May flowers” isn’t just a colloquial calendar expression; it’s a reality. With the sun out and the occasional breeze keeping toasty temperatures at bay, detach from your phone and take a stroll through one of Charlotte’s many majestic gardens.

Charlotte Serenity Garden

Area: South Charlotte

Tucked away just three miles from SouthPark Mall is a woodland haven. The garden seamlessly blends a natural setting with artistry through a curated collection of plants, trees and thought-provoking sculptures that complement the verdant landscape. Stroll the pathways of this hidden gem to find these sculptures, along with a water feature and scenic sitting areas.

Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Area: Belmont

Located on 380 acres, this garden boasts spectacular blooms, sparkling fountains, and a conservatory dedicated to displays of tropical plants and orchids. Enjoy plentiful nature trails at your own pace, or join in on a guided group tour, horticulture walk or birding walk. The garden also plays host to various public events throughout the year, including holiday events.

The Duke Mansion

Neighborhood: Myers Park

Four-and-a-half acres of immaculately kept grounds beckon at The Mary D.B.T. Semans Gardens, located on the grounds of The Duke Mansion. Soak up the sunshine as you stroll the gardens dotted with year-round blooms or bring a book and find the perfect shady spot beneath a historic tree to relax the day away. The gardens are free to visit during daylight hours.

Historic Rosedale

Neighborhood: NoDa

Built in 1815, and located just minutes from Uptown Charlotte, a visit to Historic Rosedale will help you take a step into the past. Learn about the historic home and grounds, which feature stunning gardens and treasure trees that only serve to enhance the magnitude of the property’s storied past.

MapleWalk Garden

Area: South Charlotte

MapleWalk Garden is a private oasis just around the corner from Charlotte Serenity Garden. Open daily, from dusk until dawn, this 2.25-acre garden offers unique trees, shrubs and perennials. It’s free to stroll these tranquil grounds and find your inner peace just outside of the bustling city.

McGill Rose Garden

Neighborhood: NoDa

This hidden gem is tucked away behind Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden. Featuring hundreds of rose bushes in more than two hundred varieties, McGill Rose Garden is best known for the flower that gives it its name, but keep an eye out for the numerous annuals, perennials and herbs throughout the grounds.

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Neighborhood: University City

Learn about a wide array of plants by exploring the 10 acres of beautiful outdoor gardens, eight on-site greenhouse rooms and six themed collections on UNC Charlotte’s campus. This splendor includes a collection of plants that prey on insects, as well as the Dinosaur Garden where a T. rex skeleton roams and prehistoric vegetation flourishes.

Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary

Neighborhood: Myers Park

This peaceful oasis is home to three public gardens that serve as a respite for birds and other wildlife, as well as a variety of flora and fauna. The staff puts on educational programs and events throughout the year, including garden tours, bird walks and family gardening, so plan your visit accordingly.

Article originally written by Emily Nobles. Updates by Arielle Patterson in March 2026.