Airlie Gardens is a 67-acre public garden located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The gardens were originally created in 1886 as a private garden for the Pembroke Jones family. In 1999, the gardens were purchased by New Hanover County and are now open to the public for free on the first Sunday of each month.
Airlie Gardens is home to a variety of plants and flowers, including azaleas, camellias, magnolias, palms, and wisteria. The gardens also feature a number of walking trails, a lake, a greenhouse, and a historic mansion.
One of the most popular times to visit Airlie Gardens is during the springtime, when the azaleas and camellias are in bloom. The gardens are also beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change color.
In addition to its natural beauty, Airlie Gardens is also home to a number of cultural events throughout the year. The gardens host concerts, festivals, and educational programs. They are also a popular spot for weddings and photo shoots. You can view Airlie’s calendar of events here.
If you are looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in Wilmington, NC, then Airlie Gardens is the perfect destination. The gardens are open year-round and offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Garden Hours | Open Daily 9am – 5pm, last admittance at 4:30PM; Closed on Mondays in January & February
Advance tickets are recommended and may be purchased online. Tickets are valid one year from purchase date and cannot be used for entry into special events
General Admission |Â $9
New Hanover Resident (ID Required) |Â $5
Military (ID Required) |Â $5
Children (4-12) |Â $3
Airlie Members |Â Free*
*Airlie Members | At arrival present membership card or ID for entry, advanced tickets are not required members during normal hours. Â
Special Hours & Closures
Closed to Public | Friday, April 14th (Private Event), Thanksgiving Day, December 23-26th, New Year’s Day, Jan. & Feb. Mondays (winter hours)
Early Closure Alerts | The Gardens will close early at 4PM (last entry 3:30PM) for the following dates: June 2nd & 16th, July 7th & 21st, Aug. 11th & 18th, Sept. 1st, Nov. 24th & 25th, Dec. 1st – 21st.
Airlie is locate dat 300 Airlie Road in Wilmington, NC.Â
From Wrightsville Beach:
Only 6 minutes from the island. Take US-76 W/S Banks Channel Bridge/Causeway Dr toward Auditorium Cir. Continue to follow US-76 W and then turn left onto Airlie Rd. The gardens will be on your left.
From Carolina/Kure Beach:Â
It’s about a 25 minute drive from these beaches. Take US-421 N/N Lake Park Blvd. toward Florence Ave. Continue to follow US-421 N. Turn right onto Myrtle Grove Rd. and then right on Grissom Rd. Continue onto Masonboro Loop Rd. and onto Pine Grove Dr. Turn right onto Greenville Loop Rd. then right onto Oleander Dr. Turn right onto Airlie Rd. and the gardens will be on your right.
From Topsail Island:Â
This is a bit more of a hike but definitly worth it! Take US-17 S/Hwy 17/Market St toward Wilmington. Turn left onto Military Cutoff Rd. then left onto Airlie Rd. The gardens will be on your right. Estimated driving time is 51 minutes.
From Ocean Isle Beach:
Pretty much a straight shot but an estimaed 1 hour and 10 in drive. Take NC-17 S/US-17/Market St toward Wilmington. Turn right onto Oleander Dr. then turn right onto Airlie Rd. The gardens will be on your right.
While staying with Sea Scape Properties be sure to enjoy the beauty of Airlie Gardens!
Airlie Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in Wilmington, NC. With its variety of plants and flowers, walking trails, and cultural events it’s definiatly a good choice if you plan to spend a bit of time off the beach.