Published by Carl Hedinger. Last Updated on April 18, 2024.
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Each summer in Raleigh, the amazing Dorothea Dix Park sunflowers are a scorching topic, and not just because that July heat has announced its entrance. Seeing those beautiful flowers is one of our favorite things to do in Central North Carolina throughout the year.
And if you’re familiar with them, you’ll agree with us that this is a can’t-miss event in Oak City! So to get you better prepared for them, we’re sharing a few of our own photos, tips, and a bit of background on one of Raleigh’s most iconic places.
Here’s how we’ve organized this guide, in case you’re searching for something specific:
- Dorothea Dix Park Sunflowers Quick Info (Addresses and Parking Info)
- Dorothea Dix Park Background
- Raleigh Sunflowers Background
- Tips for Enjoying Raleigh Sunflowers
- When to Visit
Hopefully, you’ll get to enjoy this awesome bucket list-worthy event along with us!
Read More: 13 Beautiful Sunflower Fields in NC (When + Where to Find Them)
Dorothea Dix Park Sunflowers Quick Info (Address and Parking Info)
- Dorothea Dix Park: 2105 Umstead Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Sunflowers Parking: 75 Hunt Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
Dorothea Dix Park Background
Clocking in at 308 acres, Dorothea Dix Park is Oak City’s largest park. Aside from housing these Raleigh sunflowers, there are lots of cool spots to hang out, have a picnic, fly a kite, and just enjoy the scenery.
It’s one of our favorite patches of green space in the area, and there are also cool views of the city’s skyline from some parts, including the spot where Dix Park planted the sunflowers.
Read More: 17 Great Things to Do with Kids in Raleigh
Raleigh Sunflowers Background
Starting in 2010, the sunflowers were planted in different parts of the area around the Neuse River Greenway Trail. In 2018, it moved to Dix Park in a more comfortable spot.
Earth-Friendly Sunflowers
These sunflowers are eventually taken and used for biofuel that power city vehicles, so that’s another reason to go check this out and support the effort.
Honestly, I think this is a great way to mix earth-friendly practices with tourism and really applaud the efforts of Raleigh for making this more accessible to visitors.
I always felt like we were trespassing (we probably were) by going up and seeing the beautiful Raleigh sunflowers. However, they were just too pretty to avoid. Now, we’re able to check them out without the worry of breaking any rules!
We think these sunflowers are earth-friendly and also a kid-friendly event. Along with the NC State Fair, this is one of the best annual events in Raleigh!
Read More: 50+ Fun Things to Do in Wake County (Raleigh and Beyond!)
Tips for Enjoying Raleigh Sunflowers
When to Visit
For 2024, the sunflowers will start blooming from mid-to-late July.
Address and Parking Info
First, Dix Park’s address is 2105 Umstead Dr but we found parking near the Dix Park Soccer Fields at 75 Hunt Dr. I recommend you arrive in Raleigh early so you can enjoy the Dix Park sunflowers. Of course, I always say that if you want to avoid crowds.
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
Arrive Early
We arrived as early as 7:30 a.m., and there were huge crowds. I’m not saying you should camp out overnight, but just make this one of the first things you do if you want some awesome people-less photos!
Things to Bring
A couple of other things, bring sunscreen and some bug spray (earth-friendly, of course!) to cope with the hot sun that’s coming and any critters that are hanging around the sunflowers. Just don’t spray any bees with it!
Read More: 13 of the Best Airbnbs in Raleigh (Downtown, Residential Areas, and Nearby Towns)
Respect the Sunflowers Field
Most importantly, please respect the sunflower field. That means leaving it just like you found it for the next person. Two important things to remember are this:
- Stay on the designated paths
- No picking of flowers or eating seeds
Ready to Experience Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park Sunflowers?
Is it worth it? Maybe this batch of sunflower porn tells you what I think. Just seeing the colors and so many of them justify the drive and walk out there.
Standing tall, which ain’t too bad when you’ve got the sun to contend with during the hot summer. A happy sunflower is a good sunflower to see. Is this worth it?
What do you think of these Dorothea Dix Park sunflowers? Would you get up early or wait until later and brave the heat for them? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.
Also, remember to share your NC sunflower adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!
More Raleigh Attractions (NC Travel Guides)
We’ve included these sunflowers at Dix Park in many of our Raleigh NC travel guides. Here are a few of them.
