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Nothing says summer like seeing fields of beautiful sunflowers! They make me smile. My Instagram and Facebook feeds light up every July with glorious photos of these golden beauties. I see people stage their baby photos, engagement, wedding shoots (how do they time it?) and so much more. I even took a special photo class on sunflower selfies at the North Carolina Museum of Art last summer. There is something about the intricate center, the way the bees buzz in and out, how they all face in the same direction, that captivates us. So here is the list of the best sunflower fields in NC that you can visit while exploring some of the best things to do in North Carolina.
This post will be updated regularly as more details are announced. Sunflowers generally bloom in July. Updated 5/04/23.
Sunflowers are more than just pretty to look at too. They can generate cooking oil and bio-diesel to power equipment. Their seeds are delicious, as humans and squirrels will attest. Bringing sunflowers into your home is like bringing the sunshine in.
Some of the sunflower fields allow visitors to stroll amongst the flowers while others restrict you to specific aisles. Some sunflower fields allow visitors to pick their own flowers to take home — a special memento of their visit. Other sunflower fields do not allow anyone to touch or remove the flowers. It is important to check the rules for each specific field to ensure that you have the best visit and that you leave happy with your experience. Please enjoy these great sunflower fields in North Carolina!
When is the Best Time to Visit Sunflower Fields in NC?
Harvest season is from late June to August. The sunflowers peak in July in North Carolina. Most sunflower fields will post on their Facebook pages their peak flower period, which depending on the rain and sun exposure is a two-week period in early to mid-July. Some farms stagger their planting period to provide flowers that last through August.
Sunflower Fields in NC Open to Visitors
Please note that all these hours are subject to change (weather, holidays, special events, etc). Before you drive out, double-check each sunflower field’s website and Facebook page to avoid disappointment!
Sunflower Fields at Dorothea Dix Park
75 Hunt Drive, Raleigh
919-996-3255
Flowers blooming now. Full bloom mid-July
Hours: Sunup to Sundown (check website for weekly updates)
Fees: FREE!
Parking: Off Hunt Drive near the soccer fields on weekdays
Professional Photographers: Annual City of Raleigh Park permit required
Picking: No
Pets: On a leash only
Facilities: Port-a-johns, water fountain. Indoor restrooms at the Chapel during visitor hours.
Photos of these sunflowers fill my Instagram every year! The city of Raleigh plants these fields every year in Dorothea Dix Park so they can be enjoyed by everyone. The best part is that once they have wilted, the city repurposes the flowers into biofuel to power some of the city’s equipment.
To stretch your glorious sunflower day, visit both Dorothea Dix and NCMA on the same day. Park at one location, then either bring your own bicycle or rent one at the Citrix Cycle station. Travel along the Rocky Branch and Reedy Creek greenway trails that connect both locations.
North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh
919-839-6262
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Fees: FREE!
Parking: Free. DAWN TO DUSK
Photographers: Need prior authorization
Picking: No
Pets: On a leash only
Facilities: Yes
While the NCMA is closed at this time, the beautiful Museum Park is still open! The sunflowers were planted a little later and are blooming in August. Come out and enjoy these sunny faces!
Wise Acres
4701 Hartis Road, Indian Trail, NC
704-628-6232
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm early June to early July
Fees: Free
Parking: Free
Photographers: contact directly
Picking: Yes! Stems available for $1 each.
Pets: No
Facilities: No.
This farm serves as a wedding venue but opens its flower fields during the weekend. They are currently open on the weekends in July.
McLawland Farms
8632 Reedy Creek Road, Charlotte
704-804-0937
Hours: TBD – June 3-July 30, 2023
Fees: Free but must be booked in advance.
Check their Facebook page for updates! You must book 60-minute appointments online before visiting!
Galloway Farm
370 Artesia Road, Hallsboro
910-520-8940
Hours: Fridays:10am-9pm /Saturdays & Sundays: 10am-8pm, Late September through 1 week of November
Fees: $8.50 per person [Must buy tickets online in advance]
Parking: Free
Photographers: must schedule in advance, $25 sitting fee
Picking: Yes! Stems available for $1 each. Buy 5 get 2 free. Buy 10 get 5 free. A bucket for $20.
Pets: On a leash only.
Facilities: Portajohns. Concessions and playground area available.
Just west of Wilmington, you’ll find Galloway Farm, where 12 acres of sunflowers patiently await September and October to bloom! Yay for fall bouquets! Visit Galloway for their Selfies in the Sunflowers. If the flowers bloom at the same time as their amazing maze is open, the price of admission may be higher to include both features plus other activities. For 2023, they’ve added many new varieties and colors. And the new zinnias, cosmos, and Mexican sunflowers mean blooms through October!
Hill Ridge Farms
703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville
919-556-1771
Hours: Wed-Sat: 10am-5:30pm, Sun 1pm-5:30pm,Closed Mon&Tues- July 22-August 7
Fees: 4 or More $75 per person1-3 $85 per personIncludes UnlimitedVisits April-OctoberWagon Ride, Train Ride,Carousel Ride, Allgeneral play areas each visit.
Parking: Included in the fee
Photographers: no restrictions indicated
Picking: Yes! 1/2 dozen stems for $5, 1 dozen for $10; increments of 6 stems only for $5
Pets: No
Facilities: Portable potties
Located near Wake Forest, a short drive from Raleigh and Durham, expect to find about 50,000 blooms from 10 varieties of sunflowers! While the fields are open, the rest of the facilities will be closed, so bring your own shears and bags to carry your flowers. Find all the details on the farm’s Facebook page.
Odom Farming Company
1426 Claridge Nursery Rd, Goldsboro
919-738-2905
Hours: Hours will vary by week, but our plan is to be open consistently from 6-9 pm on weekdays and 3-8 on weekends. Check the website for the latest updates.
Fees: $5 per person (2 and under free) Includes walking through the fields, visiting the animals, and playing on the playground.
Parking: Free
Photographers: $30 per day
Picking: Yes! $1 per stem
Pets: Yes (on leashes)
Facilities: Yes
Get ready as flowers will bloom again at the end of June/first of July!
This small family-owned farm features a sunflower maze! Whether visitors choose to visit to see the flowers and the animals, schedule a picnic or laid back family gatherings here, this is a great place for the kids to run around.
Raised in a Barn
2100 NC Hwy 33 E, Chocowinity
252-495-3398
Hours: Thursday – Friday:10AM – 6PM/ Saturday:10AM – 12AM/ Sundays-Wednesday are close
Fees: $5 per person
Parking: Free
Photographers: need an appointment, contact directly
Picking: Yes! $1per stem or a dozen for $10
Pets: No
Facilities: Yes
Located near Washington, and about 20 minutes from Greenville, Raised in a Barn hosted the NC Sunflower Festival in years past. The farm reassesses its hours each week, so check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Kersey Valley
1615 Kersey Valley Road, Archdale
336-431-1700
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun: 9 am – 5 pm/ Fri – Sat:9 am – 9 pm
Fees: $15 for ages 3 and up (includes 1 stem)
Parking: Free
Photographers: $150 per hour for professional photographers private sessions (available when not open to the public), $50 for professional photographers (sunrise, midday, or sunset available)
Picking: Yes! $2 per stem, $10 for clippers or bring your own, bucket $15 or bring your own
Pets: On a leash only.
Facilities: Restrooms and concessions available.
Located outside of Greensboro, the Kersey Valley Sunflower Extravaganza features 350,000 blooms planted on rolling hills. Tickets are for non-professional photos and u-pick during sunrise and sunset or when the Maize Adventure is not open. Otherwise, you can visit during the day with admission to the Maize Adventure, Saturdays, and Sundays. Sign up for text notifications of bloom updates by texting “sunflowers” to 31996!
Dogwood Farms
8096 Belews Creek Road, Belews Creek, Forsyth County
Hours: Monday-Friday 4pm-DARK/ Saturday 9AM – DARK/ Sunday 1PM-DARK. Flowers should last through May – depending on the weather!
Fees: $5 per 8 and older, discounts available for multiple groups (state employees, first responders, etc). Veterans and active duty are FREE. Cash or card accepted for all fees.
Parking: Free
Professional Photographers: $25 per hour (includes admission) – clients must still pay admission
Picking: Yes! Sunflowers $1/stem; wildflowers $3/6; $5/12.
Pets: On a leash only
Facilities: No
Located about half an hour outside of Greensboro, Dogwood Farms is the largest U-Pick sunflower field in the state! Dogwood Farms provides visitors with pruning shears and a bucket so you can pick your own flowers. It makes a beautiful setting for professional photos too, with various fields including multiple wildflower fields and sunflower fields. Two barns provide backgrounds as well. Plus they’re open at other times of year to pick various types of flowers and pumpkins.
Dewberry Farm
2585 Dewberry Farm Lane, Kernersville
336-971-4684
Hours: May 14,2023: 10am-3pm
Fees: $8 per adult, $5 for children over 2 Purchased in advance
Parking: Free
Photographers: $25 fee
Picking: Yes! $1.50 per sunflower, $0.50 per zinnia, $2.50 per dahlia, $0.50 per snapdragon
Pets: No
Facilities: Yes
This private residence typically serves as an outdoor venue for weddings and special events but opens to the public for UPick events in the Spring for tulips and Summer for sunflowers and zinnias. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are scheduled for a two-hour time frame but guests may stay as long as they like. Bring a blanket and have a picnic!
Pace Family Farms
12701 Buffalo Road, Clayton
919-398-2698
Hours: May 1-6, 2023
Fees: Quart: $7 Basket: $13 Bucket: $18 Flat (2 Buckets): $34
Parking: Free
Photographers: $25 fee
Picking: Yes! $2.95/ pound
Pets: No
Facilities: Yes
Bring your own container and get $1 off per family!
2890 Oddie Road, Salisbury
704-239-1315
Waxhaw Sunflower Fields
Corner of Providence Road and Ennis Road, Waxhaw
While Charlotte has other sunflower fields in nearby South Carolina, this is the only one in North Carolina. Located off Highway 16, local farmers have planted sunflower fields to bring smiles and good cheer for the last two years. These have traditionally bloomed in August.
Sunflower Field Etiquette
Each sunflower field in NC has its own set of rules. Please consider them carefully before you go out to each sunflower field to avoid any aggravation. Some general rules have been listed below:
- Do not go to any sunflower fields in NC when they are not open.
- Driveways are made of dirt and gravel – drive SLOWLY!
- Do not smoke anywhere on the property, including in parking lots.
- Only bring your pet on a leash if permitted.
- Bring your own pruning shears and bucket if you’ll be picking your own sunflowers.
- Only cut the stems you plan to purchase.
- Leave the bees, butterflies, and other insects alone. They will fly away on their own.
- Walk between the sunflower rows – use the paths.
- Bring your own water bottle.
- Wear sunscreen if you’ll be picking your own sunflowers.
- Don’t forget bug spray since there are often woods nearby.
- Wear flat shoes – you’ll be in fields, sometimes in muddy spots. Save your heels for another time.
Final Thoughts on the Best Sunflower Fields in NC:
Nothing changes your disposition and puts a smile on your face like taking a walk through a field of these full-face sunshiny beauties! So while we have to keep our distance, enjoy going outside and admiring these sunny flowers. Don’t forget to look for sunflower fields in your own state – I’ve heard there are beautiful sunflower fields in Alabama too!
Have you visited a great sunflower field in NC or in your own state? What did you think? What did you enjoy the most?
Looking for more things to do out and about in North Carolina? Check out these other options:
- Best 6 Lavender Fields to Visit in NC
- NC’s 10 Best Wine Trails
- NC’s Drive-In Theaters are Socially Distant Fun
- Finding The Best Donuts in North Carolina
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.
There is something about sunflowers that amazes me and my partner never understood why so great to know about this location. Can’t wait to take her there
Sunflower has always been my favorite! So sunny, so positive
I 100% agree!
Excellent, thanks for this info! I was planning a family trip to see some sunflower farms like I saw as a kid, but didn’t know about the harvest status. Thanks for updating this!
Always loved sunflowers! Will surely come and visit these places if I have the chance. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome!
I love sunflower because it symbolizes positivity. Thanks for your sharing!!
You’re welcome!
Hey there, this is Shannon with Kersey Valley Attractions. We just wanted to let you know that we actually have State-of-the-Art bathroom facilities. Not Porta-Johns. Just because we are a farm doesnt mean we have to live like a pig!! lol
Also, you mentioned that you can text for blooming updates, but you didn’t mention what to text or where to text it to! If you text “sunflowers” to 31996, you will get blooming updates. We are expecting blooms to be ready for your viewing and pleasure on September 21st and be available through November 7th.
Thank you for the updates. I’ve added them to the article. We love fall sunflowers!
Stopped by to check on Waxhaw Sunflower Fields and there are no sunflowers this year, instead looks like they have just planted wildflowers and they haven’t grown/blossomed yet. Only a sign that says wildflower plants growing.
Oh no! Thanks for letting me know. I’ll update the post on Sunday.
howdy! I own and operate Galloway Farm just West of Wilmington NC. Last year we opened with out first Sunflower event. We have 12 acres planted again this year to bloom near the end of September. How can we be listed here on your site? Please feel free to check out our website http://www.gallowayfarmnc.com
Thank you,
Alma Galloway
Alma! Thank you for sharing your beautiful farm! Will be adding it shortly!
I typically go to NC in the fall to photo the foliage. In late October of 2018, we stumbled upon a sunflower field still in bloom along Interstate 40. What a beautiful, surprising find!
Those are the best finds! If they’re semi-regular, I’ve tried to include them but it was hard with COVID finding out about some of these beautiful surprises.
I am so so jealous that you have so many beautiful sunflower fields there! I live in Kentucky and we have some here as well, but they are a bit harder to find and are pretty scarcely planted. I’m lucky that my sister’s fiancé has a big, gorgeous one not far from our house, but I still wish we had more! Thank you for sharing and enjoy the beautiful flowers!
I love sunflower fields and didn’t know there are a few farms and fields ion NC. saving this for later.
LOVED this blog! My mom & step-father live in Asheville, NC, and I always try to visit during sunflower season. Never heard of Lady Luck Gardens, but going to save this blog for the next time I’m in AVL.
I didn’t include the Biltmore on the list because their sunflower gardens aren’t always open to the public but you can often see theirs from the roads while you drive through the property. Sunflowers are gourmet food to deer!
Sunflowers are one of my favorites flower and I’m yet to visit a sunflower field. I need to check where there is one close to me so I can plan to visit next year.
They’re in peak season this month through August in most places and many have put safety precautions in place. Otherwise planning is the way to go!
It’s a great way to get outdoors!