Gator Atlas
Alligator Viewing Spot · North Carolina

Airlie Gardens

This historic coastal garden's lake and wetland areas hold gators that visitors regularly spot from the garden paths, especially in warmer months. It's primarily a botanical garden, so the gator sightings are a bonus alongside the azaleas and the famous Airlie Oak. Stay on the paths and keep a real distance from the lake edge if a gator is visible. There is an admission fee, and feeding wildlife is not allowed.

Know before you go

Fee Check operator site
Parking Lot at the gardens entrance, Wilmington
Water
Toilets
Access Garden paths around the lake and wetland areas
Surface
Hours
Operator New Hanover County
Website airliegardens.org

Map

Nearby in North Carolina

Hand-curated by Gator Atlas from public park and refuge operator information, not pulled from a database.

Last verified: July 21, 2026. See our methodology for how we check listings.