With the temperature rising, Charlotteans emerge from their winter slumbers in search of a little one-on-one time with mother nature and Charlotte parks are one of the best ways to embrace the season.
Whether you indulged in one too many french desserts at Amelies or took it upon yourself to spend those long winter months tasting all that Charlotte’s local craft beer scene has to offer, a little outdoor time can be a sight for sore city eyes. Soak up those sun rays at some of our favorite parks and gardens in the area.
Romare Bearden Park
Named after local artist Romare Bearden, who became internationally known for his works of rich color and designs, this urban park is bringing the city together. Located in the heart of Charlotte, visitors to the park can enjoy the gardens and interactive water feature alongside the city’s soaring skyline. This park, although fairly new, features events and free weekly concerts throughout every season, offering both residents and visitors the chance to connect in a beautiful setting.
300 S. Church Street
Freedom Park
Charlotte’s own Central Park, this popular destination offers visitors endless outdoor amenities across 98 acres of land. From batting cages to volleyball courts and everything in between, this park is the perfect place to try your hand at a something new. Walking trails border the beautiful 7-acre lake, before extending out towards the Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens, which house native shrubs and perennials. With such diverse offerings, this park is a dynamic way to spend your whole Saturday.
1900 East Boulevard
McGill Rose Garden
Take a step out of the city and back in time at this old-fashioned Queen City rose garden. What started in the 1950s as one woman’s attempt to spruce up the site of a coal and ice company has grown from its humble roots to showcase 1,000 roses and 230 varieties. Now designated an All-American Rose Selections Public Garden, this hidden gem is NoDa’s own secret garden.
940 North Davidson Street
William R. Davie District Park
Don’t leave your furry friend at home. The largest dog park in Charlotte, Davie Dog Park offers three specific play spaces to give your pup the chance to mingle with other Queen City canines. Located in Southpark, this park also features a pond, walking trails, playgrounds and a number of athletic facilities to keep the humans happy, too.
4635 Pineville-Matthews Road
McDowell Nature Center and Preserve
The McDowell Nature Center marks the entrance to 1,116 acres of the oldest preserve in Mecklenburg County. A sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, this preserve and park offers a number of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Charlotte along the banks of Lake Wylie. With 56 reservable campsites, paddling tours of the lake, over seven miles of trails, and diverse native flora and fauna, McDowell Preserve offers a uniquely genuine step into nature.
15222 York Road
