SouthWestRaleigh is rich in greenspace. The Capital Area Greenway Trail System crosses the city and connects parks and trails in a network of nature. Beaver Dam, the Centennial Bikeway Connector, and Reedy Creek are some of the trails local to SouthWestRaleigh.

Area parks run the gamut from small pocket parks to community parks such as Lake Johnson, Fred Fletcher, Pullen, and Jaycee, to the new 308-acre Dorothea Dix Park.

To see many native plant species and participate in garden activities, the JC Raulston Arboretum is well worth a visit.