Coker Arboretum

Activity Overview

Take a break from the daily routine and enjoy some relaxing timeout in the nature, stroll through Coker Arboretum located in the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill Campus's Botanical garden. The five-acre of beautiful garden/arboretum was created in 1903, and displays more than 500 species of plants, trees and shrubs. The beautiful arboretum was envisioned and developed by Dr. William Chambers Coker in 1903, who was the first professor of Botany at UNC. Free guided tours of the arboretum are offered once a month, the admission to the arboretum is free, and is open everyday Dawn to Dusk.

Things to Do

• Families can take free guided tours that run March through November, the 1-hour tour is led by a knowledgeable guide, learn about the trees and hear interesting stories.
• Beautiful plants and seedlings sprout and bloom in every season of the year, the arboretum features flowering trees, shrubs, and perennial displays.
• You can find brochures and maps for self-guided tours. Spring season is the most beautiful time to visit, when daffodils, tulips, azaleas, dogwoods, jasmine, camellias, and lilacs are in bloom.
• Lots of benches to sit and relax, or enjoy a picnic.
• Are you looking for some beautiful plants for your garden? Visit the Garden Shop and you will find gardening books, botany and children's books, plants and seedlings for your garden, as well as t shirts, jewelry, stationery, animal puppets and more.

Coker Arboretum Insider Tips

• Parking is limited on free guided tour days.