We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions about visiting, hosting an event, and enjoying the Garden—but we can’t cover everything! If you don’t see your question listed, we’re just a call or email away.
Visit our Plan Your Visit page for current hours, ticket prices, and special admission details.
Yes, we encourage purchasing tickets online in advance for faster check-in. Walk-ins are also welcome during regular admission hours.
Yes! The Garden is open in every season, with something new to enjoy throughout the year. CFBG is open 360 days a year. (Closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, July 4th, and Thanksgiving Day)
The Wyatt Visitors Pavilion Complex is fully ADA-compliant. Golf cart tours are available with one week’s notice, pending staff availability. Some Garden paths include crushed stone, mulch, or dirt with natural terrain that may present challenges
Yes, parking is free and includes handicap-accessible spaces. We can accommodate buses and RVs during regular hours. Gates close at Garden closing time.
Yes! You’re welcome to bring non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Picnic areas are available on a first-come basis. No outside alcohol is permitted.
No. Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a smoke & vape free facility indoors and outdoors.
Only service animals are permitted during general admission. Some special events, like Dog Day, may allow pets. In all cases, animals must be on a leash.
Many of our paved and gravel paths are accessible with a stroller. Natural trails may be challenging due to uneven terrain and tree roots.
Yes! The Manning Children’s Garden offers interactive features, kid-friendly plantings, and space to learn and play.
Members receive unlimited free admission, discounts on events and in the Gift Shop, early access to programs, and more. See our Membership page for full details and Join Today
Cape Fear Botanical Garden is not part of the City of Fayetteville/Cumberland County Parks and Recreation system. The Garden is a 501(c)3 non-profit. It is maintained and sustained through grant support, corporate and private donations, endowments, and earned income including admissions, memberships, venue rentals, and gift shop sales.
Donations can be made online, by mail, or in person. Visit our Support page to give a gift that grows.
Yes. Restrooms and water filling stations are available in the Wyatt Visitors Pavilion.
Firearms, weapons, fireworks, illegal substances, helium balloons, drones, pets (except service animals), bicycles, recreational vehicles, and butterfly/bird releases are prohibited.
The Garden features paved, gravel, and unpaved natural trails. Some may have roots or uneven surfaces and are not ideal for strollers or those with limited mobility.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden occasionally captures photos and videos of guests for use in marketing, social media, and other promotional materials. By entering the Garden, you grant permission to be photographed or recorded.
We respect your privacy. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let a staff member know when you arrive so we can do our best to accommodate your request.
No returns on daily admissions or merchandise. Exchanges on merchandise can be done within 30 days of purchase, with receipt.
Yes, many plants are labeled with their common and scientific names. However, due to damage from recent hurricanes, some signage was lost and is currently being replaced. We appreciate your patience as we continue restoration efforts.
We’re happy to help when we can! Apps like Google Lens are a great tool for quick ID, and you’re welcome to show a photo to staff or volunteers. Our educational programs and tours are also a great way to learn more about specific plants.
To protect our collections and the surrounding ecosystem, we kindly ask that visitors not take cuttings, seeds, or plants from the Garden. However, seeds collected from CFBG are available for purchase in our Gift Shop—so you can bring a piece of the Garden home with you!
Yes! Our Gift Shop features a rotating selection of houseplants and garden-friendly seasonal plants, along with locally collected seeds and planting accessories.
While our team is often hard at work in the Garden, you’re welcome to ask a question if you spot them during your visit. We also offer gardening classes and talks—check the event calendar for upcoming dates.
Yes! Join our horticulture team for volunteer gardening in the Hazel McCauley Heritage Garden Wednesdays–Fridays. Contact us to get started.
Definitely! We offer seasonal classes for both adults and children. Check our event calendar or education page for upcoming opportunities.
Yes, we offer public and private guided tours. Group tours require advance booking. Call or visit the website for current tour options.
We offer nature-based learning experiences for all ages—including preschool programs, homeschool and afterschool sessions, field trips, and adult classes. Each program is hands-on, fun, and designed to connect people with the natural world.
Yes! We offer field trips for PreK–High School students. Trips include a Garden tour, hands-on workshop matched to NC science standards, admission for up to 25 students and staff, and a pavilion rental for lunch. Financial aid may be available for Title 1 schools. Check our Educator’s Guide or email bgoldentyer@capefearbg.org to schedule.
Absolutely. We offer several types of field trips tailored to homeschool and scout groups. To explore your options, see the Educator’s Guide or contact bgoldentyer@capefearbg.org for details.
Yes! Our Environmental Educators bring exciting, hands-on science experiences directly to your classroom. We call these our Classroom Programs—and they’re a great way to engage students without ever leaving campus. Check the Educator’s Guide for more.
Yes. We host adult workshops and seminars on topics like native plants, sustainable gardening, wellness, and nature connection. Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming programs.
Some of our kids’ programs are drop-off and others require adult participation. Each listing clearly states what’s expected. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact our Education Team.
Yes! Stop by the Gift Shop to borrow a free Discovery Backpack packed with games, field guides, and tools like binoculars. Kids can also take part in our Garden Explorer program to earn a badge and other fun prizes. These activities are free with admission or membership.
You can register online through our Events Calendar or by calling guest services. We recommend signing up early, especially for popular seasonal programs.
Casual personal photos are welcome and encouraged! Professional or posed portrait sessions require a scheduled reservation and a fee.
Professional portrait sessions require either a One-Day Photo Pass or an Annual Photography Membership. See our full Photo Policy Document for details.
No. Drones are not allowed in the Garden at any time.
Tours are available by appointment Monday–Friday from 9 AM–4 PM. Please contact the Events Department to schedule.
Rentals include exclusive use of the space, event-day photo pass, free guest parking, Garden admission for guests, tables, chairs, and linens for up to 200 guests (additional costs for larger groups), and an onsite event coordinator.
Yes. With the exception of our A/V partners, you may choose your own vendors. A signed vendor agreement and proper insurance are required.
Beer and wine bars are allowed. Liquor service requires an NC ABC permit. An insured bartender is required at all events serving alcohol.
Events during business hours share the Garden with public guests. For exclusive access, consider a Whole Garden Rental or evening rental.
Absolutely! We just ask that you share their contact info with us ahead of time.
Yes. We do not allow confetti, glitter, rice, birdseed, helium balloons, or open flames. Candles must be enclosed in glass.
Cancellations with 90+ days’ notice (120+ for Whole Garden) may reschedule or receive partial refunds. Military clients may receive a full refund with proper documentation.
Navigate the Garden like a pro with click-and-learn descriptions of trails, sculptures, and signature spaces.
From hands-on workshops to seasonal festivals and family fun, our calendar is full of ways to explore, learn, and connect.
Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a grand event, our versatile spaces offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Explore hands-on, standards-aligned experiences for PreK–12 students—on-site or at your school. Also great for scout groups & other organizations.
Make the most of every visit with an annual membership—enjoy unlimited admission, exclusive perks, and reciprocal access to 300+ gardens.
For more than 35 years, Cape Fear Botanical Garden has connected people with plants, place, and purpose. Discover our roots and growth on the History page.
