Garden Map

The heart of the Garden, the Wyatt Visitors Pavilion Complex welcomes guests with ticketing, a gift shop, café, restrooms, and the Nature Nook. It also features event spaces like the Grand Hall and Orangery, plus access to administrative offices and the Garden grounds.

Take a piece of the Garden home with a visit to the Gift Shop, where you’ll find nature-inspired gifts, local artisan goods, botanical decor, and live plants. Then, recharge at Lucia’s Coffee & Treats with a warm cup of coffee and a delicious snack, perfect for enjoying indoors or on the patio.

A welcoming indoor space where visitors of all ages can engage with nature up close. Meet our resident reptiles, explore hands-on discovery activities, and enjoy a quiet moment with nature-themed books and resources. Included with your Garden Admission.

A spacious and versatile event venue, the Grand Hall features a wall of windows overlooking the Garden, exposed brick walls, and flexible room configurations to accommodate a variety of events. Ideal for conferences, banquets, receptions, and celebrations, this venue provides both indoor comfort and a seamless connection to nature with access to the Grand Hall Lawn.

A striking architectural feature of the Garden, the Ralph & Linda Huff Orangery blends elegance with nature. With a soaring 52-foot exposed-beam ceiling, an indoor fountain, and arched glass doors leading to a scenic terrace, this versatile space is perfect for weddings, galas, and private gatherings.

Covered in climbing vines and framed by a central brick circle, the Wellons Arbor is a stunning passageway into the Garden. A favorite for photo backdrops and special occasions, its beauty transforms with the seasons—adorned with cascading blooms, twinkling lights, or festive holiday decor, making it a dynamic and ever-changing highlight of the Garden.

Maintained path with a firm surface. Generally accessible for most visitors, but may be uneven in some areas.

Crafted from natural stone, this bubbling fountain marks a peaceful gathering spot within the Garden. Located at the end of the Wellons Arbor and brick path from the Wyatt Visitors Pavilion, it serves as both a reflection point and a crossroads. Head right toward the Great Lawn and Picnic Pavilion or left toward the River Trail, Reflection Garden, and the far end of the Cypress Pond.

Designed to attract pollinators, the Butterfly Stroll is alive with nectar-rich blooms from spring through late fall. Coneflowers, joe pye weed, and milkweed provide essential habitat for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. A vine crawl-through adds an interactive element for children, creating a whimsical space for discovery and play.

Maintained path with a firm surface. Generally accessible for most visitors, but may be uneven in some areas.

A cherished part of Cape Fear Botanical Garden since 1997, this garden features over 100 camellia varieties, including rare species, as part of the American Camellia Trail. Blooming in vibrant shades of red, pink, and white—even in winter—the Camellia Garden is a serene space for reflection and appreciation of these timeless flowers.


Unpaved Natural Trail – Well-marked dirt path with natural terrain, including tree roots and uneven surfaces. Suitable for walking but not recommended for strollers or visitors with mobility concerns.


Nestled among tall loblolly pines and serene ponds, this interactive space invites kids of all ages to explore, climb, and play. Featuring a 14-foot treetop walkway, an interactive water station, climbing web, pollinator hotel, and more, it’s perfect for immersing yourself in nature through both observation and play.

Maintained path with a firm surface. Generally accessible for most visitors, but may be uneven in some areas.

A peaceful waterscape at the heart of the Garden, Cypress Pond is home to majestic bald cypress trees, their distinctive roots (“knees”) rising from the water’s edge. Visitors can often spot turtles basking on logs, fish swimming beneath the surface, and—depending on the season—herons, geese, or ducks resting along the shoreline. Grass carp live in the pond (ask for Fish Food in the Gift Shop).

Path around the pond is maintained with a firm surface. Generally accessible for most visitors, but may be uneven in some areas.

Step back in time at the Heritage Garden, where historic farm structures and heirloom plants tell the story of North Carolina’s agricultural past. Featuring an 1800s farmhouse, general store, tobacco barn, and traditional crops, this living history space offers a glimpse into the region’s rural heritage.

Maintained path with a firm surface. Generally accessible for most visitors, but may be uneven in some areas.

A welcoming space for rest and refreshment, the Pergola & Picnic Pavilion is the perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch or a snack from Lucia’s. Shaded and centrally located, it offers a peaceful place to pause during your Garden visit. (Note: Often in use during lunchtime for field trips.)

A favorite setting for weddings, birthdays, and celebrations, the Butler Gazebo provides a charming focal point within the Garden. Nestled within the Great Lawn, it offers a peaceful retreat for special moments, whether hosting an event or simply pausing to take in the serene surroundings.

A stunning open space framed by star magnolia trees, Japanese maples, and seasonal plantings, the Great Lawn is a premier location for outdoor gatherings. As the home of the Butler Gazebo, it serves as a picturesque backdrop for weddings, special events, and quiet relaxation. Crepe myrtles add a vibrant seasonal accent.

Beneath a canopy of towering loblolly pines, this cool and tranquil space is home to a diverse collection of shade-loving plants. Ferns, flowering shrubs, and lush greenery thrive in the dappled light, creating a peaceful retreat even on the hottest days.

Stand at the bluff and take in the view of the oxbow where Cross Creek meets the Cape Fear River. This serene overlook offers a glimpse into the Garden’s dynamic landscape, shaped by seasonal flooding that can completely transform the area—something hard to imagine on a calm, dry day.

Tucked into the landscape, the Amphitheater offers a quiet, open-air space surrounded by nature. With its gently sloping lawn, it’s an inviting spot for a picnic, playful photos, or a moment in the spotlight. While not currently used for performances, it remains a charming place to stage your own moment or simply soak in the scenery.

Tucked along the Cross Creek side of the Garden, Laurel Loop Trail winds through a serene woodland setting beneath towering trees. This peaceful path showcases native plants, seasonal wildflowers, and birdsong, offering a quiet retreat for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.

Well-marked dirt path with natural terrain, including tree roots and uneven surfaces. Suitable for walking but not recommended for strollers or visitors with mobility concerns.


A hidden gem, this tranquil trail meanders beneath tall loblolly pines, showcasing delicate native ground covers like trout lily and wild ginger in spring. This peaceful, shaded path is perfect for those looking to experience the quiet beauty of the forest floor.

Well-marked dirt path with natural terrain, including tree roots and uneven surfaces. Suitable for walking but not recommended for strollers or visitors with mobility concerns.


This scenic one-mile path winds through a lush floodplain along the Cape Fear River, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Towering hardwoods, ferns, and native grasses line the dirt path, which crosses an arched bridge with stunning river views. Home to diverse birds, small wildlife, and reptiles, the trail invites quiet exploration. Please note: This trail is within the river’s typical flood path and may be closed due to high water conditions.

Well-marked dirt path with natural terrain, including tree roots and uneven surfaces. Suitable for walking but not recommended for strollers or visitors with mobility concerns.


Take in the view of North Carolina’s largest river basin, stretching from the Piedmont to the Atlantic. The Cape Fear River, named for the treacherous shoals near its mouth, has long been a vital waterway for transportation, commerce, and wildlife. From this overlook, the river continues southeast, winding past Elizabethtown and Wilmington before reaching the Atlantic Ocean at Southport.


A peaceful retreat designed for quiet contemplation, the Reflection Garden features shaded seating, flowing water, and natural beauty in every season. Surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal blooms, this serene space invites visitors to pause, breathe, and connect with nature in a tranquil setting.

Well-marked dirt path with natural terrain, including tree roots and uneven surfaces. Suitable for walking but not recommended for strollers or visitors with mobility concerns.

A vibrant display of color, the Jernigan Daylily Garden showcases an ever-changing array of daylilies in shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink. Blooming from late spring through summer, this stunning collection highlights the beauty and diversity of one of the most beloved perennial flowers.