The 3 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in North Carolina

Arboretums are some of my favorite places to earmark on my travels. I don’t know when it happened, but sometime in my 30s, I began appreciating flowers and Mother Nature’s artwork more than ever. Regretfully, I still have a bit of a brown thumb and struggle to keep any plant alive for more than a month, but I’m always inspired when I wander through a botanical garden or an arboretum. Even a nature trail at the right time with blooming wildflowers peppering the path will put a little pep in my step. With spring on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start planning your springtime adventures, so be sure to add these colorful places in North Carolina to your to-do list this spring.

The Most Colorful Places to Visit in North Carolina

North Carolina Arboretum

Sitting pretty in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the North Carolina Arboretum is a fan favorite for folks around Asheville. There’s always an upcoming event to look forward to, but even a random visit will be worth your while. Visitors to the arboretum can wander through more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails that weave throughout the 434-acre public garden, including 65 acres of cultivated gardens that highlight the region. Pair this day trip with the Biltmore’s gardens for an extra special splash of color. 

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Nestled in the heart of Duke University, Duke Gardens offers 55 acres of landscaped gardens and wooded areas that come alive every spring with five miles of pathways. Duke Gardens has been undergoing some construction to expand the gardens and welcome center, which is slated to be completed in spring 2026. Be sure to visit the Duke Gardens website before you head over, as parking lots and entrances have changed during this transformation.

Daniel Stowe Conservancy

The Gardens at Stowe are an explosion of color that everyone should experience at least once. There are 90 acres to explore here, including several perfectly manicured gardens. Some gardens, like the Four Seasons Garden, offer year-round beauty, while others, like the Cottage Garden, come alive in the spring. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Lost Hollow Kimbrell Children’s Garden, where there’s a half-mile adventure trail, a castle playground, and more. The gardens themselves are still open; there’s just a temporary entrance and some parking regulations in the meantime.

When to Visit for the Best Color and Light

Naturally, everyone wants to visit a botanical garden when it’s in full bloom. Mother Nature loves to zig when you think she’ll zag, so being flexible with your schedule is key to visiting these gardens in their peak blooming window. 

Most arboretums and botanical gardens have year-round favorites, but for those Instagram-worthy color explosions, visiting in the spring is a must. Depending on the weather, most gardens will begin blooming in April and May. Much like predicting the fall foliage, it’s anyone’s guess as to exactly when everything will be in bloom. Most arboretums and botanical gardens will post updates on their Facebook pages or their websites, so be sure to follow your favorites to stay up to date. 

Where are your favorite colorful places to visit in North Carolina? We’d love to hear from you over on our nomination page. As you start to plan your North Carolina springtime adventures, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to help you plan your trip.