The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Visiting the State Botanical Garden of Georgia during Christmas was honestly such a peaceful and magical experience. The lights throughout the garden added this soft, warm glow that made everything feel a little extra special—like a quiet winter wonderland tucked into Athens. It wasn’t overly crowded, which made it easy to stroll through the paths, take in all the decorated trees and glowing displays, and just enjoy the calm. If you love holiday vibes but want something more serene than chaotic, this place is such a sweet spot. Plus, the lights reflecting off the plants and walkways made for some really pretty photos without even trying. A cozy, festive little escape that felt equal parts relaxing and joyful.

It's Free. A very beautiful garden. It's huge. A great place to take pictures. Great views of flowers and plants. Nature at its best. I recommend this place. We went during our trip to Atlanta. We made the drive out there not too bad, about an hour or so.

Beautiful grounds! My first visit was wonky. I was hoping to photograph some flowers, cool plants, and maybe some birds, insects, etc. I only saw two butterflies #bummer There's more greenery than flowers on the grounds based on where I went. If you visit on a Monday like I did, take note that the inside atrium looking building may be closed. I would not advise this during the hot summer, especially for small children and the elderly, unless they're well hydrated!! Parking: Don't go too far down the path once you enter the grounds. Otherwise, you'll miss the main entrance, which I think is lot #2 Overall, it was a very peaceful visit.

It is really nice. If you like plants or just nice scenic trails to walk on, you will like this place. There are also a couple of play areas for kids that look pretty awesome too. The pocelain museum onsite is worth a visit too - it is pretty amazing, and no it is not porcelain toilets. Honestly I think this place should charge admission. The outdoor areas are on par with the Atlanta Botanical gardens in my opinion, and Atlanta Botanical is a bit pricey on the admission. I have attached a picture of the map for those who would like to see the layout. Its a pretty big place. I spent about 3 hours there.

Beautiful gardens when we visited in the Spring. Lots of Spring flowers and trees in bloom. The gardens also have 2 beautiful playgrounds. Also nice walking trails! Amazing place and although it’s free please consider making a donation!

Nice weekend getaway. Entry is free. Not quite big as we imagined but really enjoyed the scenery.

Gardens were so nice. We mostly stayed in the sensory/kid area but had so much fun. Best part is the garden is free!

Visited Athens for a sporting event and we mentioned hitting a greenway to our AirBnB host to get some exercise. She recommended the Botanical Garden as well. I was so thrilled she did. The garden had PLENTY of trails both paved and unpaved for us to get our steps in, surrounded by beautiful, blooming spring flowers. We ended up walking/jogging for over 3.5 miles. Besides our team winning, it was the highlight of our trip!

Found this hidden gem on Yelp! Had no idea we were so close to the impressive State Botanical gardens! The indoor and outdoor gardens were decked out for Christmas. Even during the day, they were stunning. I really enjoyed the warmth of the tropical gardens and learning about all of the different plants and trees - coffee, papaya, and lemon for example. The water features - streams, and a gorgeous koi pond - were highlights. The $5 suggested donation seemed cheap. There is plenty of parking and an elevator. I really appreciated the wheelchairs available for use for one member of our party. We did not get a chance to explore every inch of this garden, but we will be back. You will get your steps in with so much ground to cover!

Best of Athens. Surprising a botanical garden of this quality in Athens. This BG is a part of UGA. I actually prefer this to the Atlanta BG. It is well designed and larger than an initial view. Much of the BG is open but many side gardens provide canopy. They have orchids ( in season ), tropical conservatory, herbs and vegetables garden as well as dogwoods and azaleas gardens. Lovely grounds to picnic and amble. I enjoy getting ideas for my yards looking through their native plants. It's not pet friendly so leave your pup at home. It's free and donations are accepted. Parking is private lots and free. Enjoy!

I would 100% recommend going to this botanical gardens!! It's free and really cool! There is a lot of stuff to see and a lot of walking!! I 100% recommend while in Athens GA!!!!

There is so much to see around here! From the museum to the children's outdoor location and even the terrarium inside by the gift shop. We went here when plants weren't in bloom and it was still so gorgeous just to walk around! Tons of trails all around and it's free! Great spot to go if you're looking to kill time around the area

Winter Wonderlights review We purchased our tickets in advance online for $15pp. Kids under 2 were free so we brought my niece with us. It was a beautiful experience and the entire walk was about an hour. They had several photo stations , restrooms and a few hot chocolate booths along the way. They had lights covering just about everything. At the end of the light show we purchased some hot chocolate and sat by the campfires. They were out of marshmallows so we didn't get to roast any. I recommend buying tickets for earlier slots. 8:30PM was the only time slot available when we bought ours. Parking was so easy to find, we found parking right outside the entrance. There's no restrooms outside the entrance, you'll have to make your way down the stairs/elevator to them.

I was just blown away by the spread of things available at Georgia's State Botanical Garden. I've seen some nice botanical gardens, but here, I was treated right away to a splendid overlook directed downwards towards the greenhouse. Adjacent was a bonus art museum with naturalistic ceramic pieces and some scavenged specimens arranged as art. The greenhouse had a few places to sit and a substantial amount of exotic yet recognizable plants. More manicured gardens including a medicinal plants area were immediately outside. The park was further ringed by a series of woodland trails, offering one a chance to compare a more natural Georgia environment with the global display of curated plants inside the fence. I spent a couple of hours and by no means covered the complete grounds. The place was well-maintained and had ample amenities and a nice-looking children's play area. And it was all free. I don't know what else you could reasonably ask for.

We went all the way to Athens for a look and comparison of Botanical Garden. This one amidst the UGA higher learning was definitely awarded "my choice". We got lucky and parked close by the elevator entry. Impressive how as you walk in you are immediately drawn to a cool and sun shaded atrium like area with displays of colorful orchids. This is a great start of a long journey going further down into the Garden. As plants and trees and flowers go, the Botanical Gardens we have now visited are on even par. But this one State Botanical Garden to further the learning of flora and fauna was wondrously layed out and pathways wind up and down labeled areas. It took my breath away as we walked and pushed a wheelchair. But this Garden has plenty of rest stops, including a children's playground with artsy play features. You could play endlessly here. We noticed that weddings and people gatherings are favorite events. But this did not take away from many picture moments of our own. All the colors of summer's end and autumn yellows on trees and shrubbery. A perfect day to gaze at the wonderment of Mother nature at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia here at city of Athens.

Attended for the Winter Wonderland event! Prior to: We ordered tickets online as you must choose a time slot. Getting there is a bit of a mission for newcomers. There were NO signs directing regular parking from the VIP one- so we accidently drove to the VIP, but a very nice volunteer directed us to turn around and how to get back. Then there were a few busses that came to drive from the parking to the entrance of the event, which was very nice considering the weather and major traffic going on. Event: Tickets were about $15, so it was not too bad, and the area was massive, so we found it to be a nice outdoor holiday event to do with the family. There were hot cocoa and drink tents set up right after the entrance, which was perfect for the cold weather. Then, as you walk your way through, there are plenty of volunteers in each section as well as photo spots to enjoy with friends and family. The lights were truly beautiful and amazing to admire. After: There's two small gift shops at the end of the walk. One pop up for the winter wonderland we land and the regular one for the botanical garden. There were cute momentos like ornaments toys for kids and plant enthusiasts must haves.

Would love to come back in another month or two when much more would be in bloom but I could tell from the little we saw and the layout of the gardens that this is a great place. Only a $2 suggested donation - a real bargain. The children's garden has a couple of great features including the map of the state in granite and the elevation waterfall. Really cool. We did not get a chance to check out the porcelain museum next door. Hopefully we will get back here on a future visit to the area.

A beautiful stroll awaits you at the garden! Well kept grounds and greenhouse, but let this mama tell you about the SPECTACULAR Children's garden! A huge learn and play area that starts with a "creek" to play in, some misting mushrooms, sand, and a slab of granite you can "paint" with water. Continue on and find the playground and a vegetable garden where you can fill a small pail and water the plants. If you keep walking still, you come across a wooded play area with lots of climbing fun and a tree house. The children's area is so much better and more fun than the super expensive Atlanta Botanical Garden, and this one - accepts donations - but no entry charge. This mama is a fan!

This place is amazing and FREE! I have paid a lot of money in membership fees and entrance fees to botanical gardens in other states. The State Botanical Garden in Athens, Georgia could easily do the same. It's gardens rival others and may surpass them in many ways. They have a donation box in the main building where you can contribute to the continued upkeep of the garden and conservatory, but there is no pressure to donate at all. It is completely voluntary. I meant to do it, but was quickly distracted by the friendly volunteer who offered me a map and pointed me in the direction of the bathrooms and where to start my self-guided tour of the gardens. Amazingly, you can come here after hours too. A lot of people walk through the gardens after work for their daily exercise. What an inspiring place to do that. NOTE: The bathrooms are NOT available after business hours. Do your business before they close the doors to the main building where the bathrooms are located; otherwise, you will have to wait the semi-long drive home to go. The gardens are located somewhat out of town in farm country. Parking is free, partly shaded and plentiful. If you are ever in the area or passing through, the botanical garden should be on your list of places to visit, especially in the spring when so much is in bloom. This place is huge! You will need a map and a lot of time to explore the gardens. The pathways vary, but much of it is paved, tiled or boardwalk style. There are also some steps, especially in the rose garden, but it appeared you could wheel your way around even if you were chair bound. In addition to the cultivated gardens, there are wild nature trails all around the perimeter of the gardens. The trails are labeled by color and vary in distance. There were sign posts and laminated maps hanging from the posts at the start of these nature trails. These trails are on dirt paths, so you will definitely want some good walking/hiking shoes, and not sandals. They weave through forested areas and along a creek bed. Your chance of spotting wildlife is good both in the gardens and on the surrounding trails. The gardens also attract plenty of photographers capturing graduates, married couples, pregnant moms, and families looking for that perfect backdrop. Thankfully there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy a quiet niche. The State Botanic Garden of Georgia located in Athens should be on everyone's "to do" list, especially if you live in the area.

June 2021, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. I was quite shocked to notice I had not written a review for this beautiful avant garde Botanical Garden which my family and I love visiting. The most amazing part is that there is no fee to enter but do keep in mind they accept donations. Reasons to visit: 1. To enjoy the botanical garden. 2. Go for a hike 3. Take the kids to play in the Botanical Garden log playground 4. To Learn 5. For a stroll 6. For a walk 7. For pictures 8. To Destress 9. To Clear your mind 10. To day dream about your own botanical garden in the future 11. To enjoy the great job the staff works on They have a well kept indoors section and large also well kept outdoors section. There is a café and gift store. I really enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful place, I don't find the right words to describe it so just head here and visit. I highly suggest it.

This is my favorite place in Athens. They have amazing trails that are well maintained, and it was my go-to running spot. They have a bigger loop that's about 4 miles long, with lots of offshoots and side trails to explore as well. The garden itself is also wonderful and free to visit!! This is a must-see when you come to visit Athens.

If you are in the Athens area, stop by this place. It is huge and well curated. The garden has a lot of educational signs and walking paths. Really peaceful! Bathrooms were immaculate, which was a welcome surprise. They have an awesome conservatory with tons of tropical plants and a gift shop attached. They have a whole building on porcelain art too. They were setting up for Christmas lights so they will do that soon. I liked my visit except for the Day Chapel. Apparently, according to the woman inside, "We ain't open to the public!" It doesn't say that anywhere and the door was open. So don't bother going that way unless you are going there for services or a wedding or something. That was the only bummer of the visit.

Beautiful location, quite a good sized garden. There are so many paths and unique areas that you can spend an entire day choosing to get lost in every twist and turn. We spent about 3 hours seeing everything - visiting in May provided a wonderful experience with all the flowers at their peak. This is a great event for couples, families, or anybody who loves nature. We saw plenty of photographers there as well taking photos of flowers and even a few ceremonial pictures like graduation and wedding/engagement.

When my wife and I visited Athens Georgia we went by the state botanical garden. It was a nice establishment we had a good time. I like getting out and explore and seeing different places and I like plants and flowers and things so we always try to go to different botanical gardens and this one was great

So beautiful and they have a really cool ceramics museum I didn't know was there. Thanks

For a free garden, this place is fantastic. There are lots of pretty trails and gardens for a variety of levels of fitness. In the spring, the tulips are just lovely. The kids area was closed when I last visited, but it looked like a thoughtful attraction that kitties would enjoy. This is not as nice as Atlanta Botanical Garden, or Gibbs Gardens. But it's FREE. As someone who lives in the area, I love getting to take advantage of this spot for walks and picnics.

On another weekender we visited Athens to check out this wonderful resource less than 2 hours from Atlanta. It's spectacular to visit the gardens outside and the inside botanical gardens are also well curated. On that note, a local artist was curating some works for sale and guests of the Gardens were treated to a portfolio of works, which we perused. The gift shop is quite large and has many offerings to meet just about everyone's needs. We certainly enjoyed our tour, which was quite relaxing.

Worth a visit. Give yourself a couple of hours. The gardens are lovely and the gift shop is nice, too. Parking is adequate. Be ready to walk and take photos. Teens come here for prom pictures, so be aware of that during prom season (limited parking).

Came here for the day with my family. I love that it is free admission. The gardens were beautiful. We started with the green house with all the tropical plants and amazing orchids. The herb and vegetable gardens were fun to walk though and the children's garden seems like it would be so fun for kids. I got lots of beautiful pictures!

We went to the Georgia botanical garden in Athens to see the Winter WonderLights a couple of nights ago. I have to say it was beautiful. They had almost every tree and bush, covered in lights and many on the ground along the path. There were a couple of coffee and hot chocolate booths along the way. We stopped and got a mocha coffee and my daughter got a hot chocolate. They put a big scoop of marshmallows on top and they were delicious. They also had s'more stations throughout the light show, but we didn't stop and get any. There were lots of families, roasting marshmallows, over the campfires, and it looked like fun, but I just didn't want any more sugar after my mocha. They had one giant light up tree that was flashing in all kinds of different patterns. It was very cool to watch. I will try to add a couple of videos to this review, but sometimes the videos don't go through. So don't come for me if it's not there. LOL. At the end of the light show path there was a holiday gift shop that had a whole lot of interesting gifts to look at. We didn't buy anything because I'm about finished my holiday shopping and frankly I'm about spent out. There are some very nice gifts there if you're still looking for something for a special someone. I checked several different holiday light shows and this one was the most affordable of all. I think I paid either $13 or $15 for the tickets. By comparison, the one in Chattanooga is $30 per ticket and the one in Atlanta is $50 per ticket . I did not check any others because they were not so close. I checked the lookout mountain light show because I've been before and I really liked it. There's something very beautiful about being up on that mountain at night. You will not regret visiting the Georgia Botanical Garden to see the Winter WonderLights show. It's a great family event and everyone will enjoy it.

Beautiful gardens. Great place for a wedding from what I've seen. The grounds lovely. Great hiking trails. Nice place to spend a morning

Really never knew Athens had a botanical gardens until looking on Yelp for things to do mid morning. Delightful and colorful orchids aligned most of the greenhouse while the rain poured down outside of the building that morning. Nice calm and peaceful place to visit for those who enjoy horticulture and plants such as I do in my spare time.

I'm in Atlanta for a temp job and with COVID-19 there isn't much to do on the weekends. Thankfully I love to explore nature so I've been discovering new hiking places. I decided to venture way outside the city to the botanical gardens. Man, this place is so cool! The fact that I think that is proof I'm becoming my parents (and that I still say things are "cool"). Anyways, I definitely need to come back later in the spring so I can see it full bloom (you may think this is a pun, but it certainly is meant literally). The layout was amazing, but of course it's early February, so not much foliage or flowers. I did enjoy the indoor tropical garden - very tempted to pluck a cacoa fruit off a tree, but like I said, I'm like my parents - an old, respectful goof. So I left them all there for others to enjoy (to look at silly! - Don't you pick it just because I didn't). After exploring the grounds for a bit I headed to the trails. I took the white trail which connected to the orange. Other than 1 point where I ended up on the yellow trail (and after looking at the map I have no idea how)... The orange trail was a bit muddy, but that's just fun to me (proof that I may not be quite the old fuddy duddy my parents are!). I would say difficulty the white is moderate and the orange is pretty easy. All in I hiked about 4.4 miles and worked up an appetite! It was off to explore Athens to find sustenance and dessert (cuz I deserved it!).

This is a wonderful get-away from downtown Athens into a dreamy world of exotic plants. Everything here is beautifully planned out. The visitor center has a great variety of plants, all of which can be enjoyed in an air-conditioned environment. The reason this place is only four stars is because it could get quite hot during the day during the summers and it is not very big in terms of area. There are also plenty of trails around the garden.

This is an AMAZING PLACE. Several options for trails if you've already seen all of the gardens. You can go for less than mile or over 5 if you'd like. Everything was very well marked. You can easily grab a colored map once you get in. Heads up that no dogs are allowed, even on the trails. The children's garden is currently only open by appointment due to covid. Masks are required inside the building.

I've been collecting gardens recently and this was my most recent. I love that UGA put together this multiuse large garden space that allows people to jog and exercise, enjoy nature, learn about plants and species, or just chill with friends. I went with friends and we explored around this place for a good 2 hrs and if you're outdoorsy you could even bring a picnic and spend even more time here. There's like a stream or river to check out but we couldn't find it. It wasn't too buggy but bring repellent if you're prone to bites. Not a good place to go on a rainy day but super nice on a spring or fall day for sure. The entrance starts you off with a neat tropical forest and outside is this nice black globe fountain that was neat to see the whole world humbly within your fingertips. There's a good veggie garden for all ya plant nerds like me. Love the Japanese garden they put together with the red gate and the preservation of local species. I recommend going at a cooler time like later afternoon or morning if you're going in summer. I imagine it's lovely in fall and spring, and best of all it's FREE so great place to get yourselves out there and appreciate how lovely the world is around us! Parking is confusing but if you don't have a wheelchair you can pretty much park at any lot.

Never seem flowers and stuff like this ones their so dope I like coming to this place a lot it's freaking epic.

Wowww. Gotta love a free beautiful garden that's already blooming (donations accepted). So serene. So peaceful on a nice day. Tip: Bring a blanket or picnic to sit/lay on the grass. Great place for families, hikers, joggers or couples. Beautiful gift shop and a cafe that closes by 4:30 PM. The park stays open until dark though. It's worth it.

I truly cannot believe this place is free. This is one of my favorite places. You can sit inside the tropical greenhouse or walk through one of the many different garden areas. They have trails in the woods behind it that lead to the river and a huge, beautiful chapel.

Wish there was a thousand stars! If you have not been to the botanical gardens, you need to go! There are so many roads and trails to follow that no visit will be the same. For me it is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and enjoy the wonder of Athens!

Thank goodness for UGA for their State Botanical Garden of Georgia. My wife and I have been coming here now for 11 years and have seen the changes. This place is beautiful and a place that I would recommend for anyone who loves the outdoors and is looking for a fantastic place to just relax and unwind from the everyday hustle and bustle. It is completely free to visit and for parking at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, but when you enter, they do have a donations box at the visitors' desk that asks for $2 as a donation to help keep the gardens maintained. I recommend that people donate, after all this place is such a great place to visit and with that, it must cost a lot to maintain as well. Inside the main building they have a café that sells food and drinks and they also have a gift shop at the front entrance that sells local items, flowers and other gift items. I really love the herb and physic garden, they have all sorts of herbs that smell so good. When coming here, I have my kids smell the herbs and try to guess what they are. After visiting this herb garden, you'll want to go home and start cooking. They have just about every herb one could think of. My other favourite of course is the Flower Garden which is in the far rear of the property. This place is gorgeous, the grass is so perfectly cut, bright green and as soft as the putting greens when putting for an albatross (double eagle). Come here when the sun is at the golden hour and you'll take amazing pictures. The colours here really pop in fotos here. Throughout the year visitors can see different plants in blossom. I love the gardens here and highly recommend it. Just look at the pictures and you'll see why. It is also a great place to get some good exercise as well. Hours: Monday-Sunday (7 Days a week 8am-6pm) They are open daily except on UGA holidays. [Review #277] (Thirty Seven Review of 2015)

I cannot believe that they do not charge admission to this beautiful place! My family and I had a great time touring the indoor and outdoor gardens here. The staff was so welcoming and knowledgeable about the plants and they even had a Master Gardener available to answer your gardening questions. The gardens are well maintained and they carried both common and more unique plants. I really enjoyed the fruit/food plants like the papaya, cacao and coffee bean plants. The herb garden smelled wonderful! Parking was easy and also free. If you visit, please give the recommended $2/person cash donation. It would be great to keep this kind of attraction open and properly maintained - it's worth the trip! This place is great for taking photos too so get your cameras ready

We got married here many years ago and love to visit the beautiful gardens. There have been many additions added as well as a nice playground for children. This is a great field trip spot as well.

Came here on a Saturday with my family and we had a great time. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no admission or parking fees here so it's definitely a wonderful value! We enjoyed touring thru the atrium garden and looking at the variety of tropical plants, orchids and fruit/bean bearing plants like papaya, cacao and coffee. They really take care of the gardens and facilities here and it was peaceful and relaxing to stroll around and read about the various plants. We spent about 2 hours here and appreciated how simple, affordable and beautiful this place was. I highly recommend it for family trips, dates ans photo shoots.

Magic for all the senses. Gorgeous spot where nature and convenience converge. Ramps for accessibility and an amazing play area. It's almost as if I don't want to talk it up or it'll be crowded and 'overrun'

The botanical garden was well maintained. We can't believe it was free. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They have childrens garden and lot of trails. Good place to spend morning walk or relaxing afternoon. Very educational of kids as well. Highly recommended.

What an amazing place to visit. I was here in November right before Thanksgiving with my daughter who is a student as the University of Georgia. She is a big hiker and thought this was a nice way to spend a few hours after breakfast to walk it off. Nice a spread out with easy paths to follow. The admittance fee for the this beautiful place is FREE as is parking. We as were walking around we notice a few schools on fieldtrips which was a great sight to see. There were many employees walking around willing to answer any all all questions. They had just had a preview the night prior of the holiday lights on the bushes that were still turned on as they were trying to get the rhythm synced to holiday music. The very nice employee we spoke to explained the holiday program to us and the smores and chocolate that they will also be serving for those events. The gardens are truly breath taking. The orchids, and the variety of colors ere out of this world. I never thought I would like hiking that much or that it could be so enjoyable as it was. If you are not in the area it is worth the drive to enjoy this very relaxing nature area. Just wish I could have returned for the holiday festivities. I am sure it is a sight to be seen by all.

Can't rave enough about our State Botanical Garden. It's absolutely beautiful & well cared for. This weekend was the opening celebration of the brand new Alice Richards, Children's Garden. They've done a fabulous job on it. Our kids love it here. We love taking them in the main garden to experience all the beautiful gardens & unique flowers. We always get the prettiest pictures here & feel closer to God than ever while surrounded by all these creations that are stunning. The girls absolutely loved playing in the children's garden after, we can't wait to go back after each visit. Thanks for a job well done State Botanical Gardens!!

We visited the gardens today and unfortunately there wasn't a lot in bloom; it was too late in the season for some things and too early for others. However, the gardens are well-maintained and there are several miles of trails. The visitors' center is large and very nice, with a gift shop (it has a good selection of books, but the gift items weren't anything special and they were very high-priced) and a café. Also, the woman in the gift shop and the woman at the information desk were very friendly. Lastly, there are several beautiful life-size bronze sculptures of people (mostly children) near the visitors' center. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

I cannot believe that this is a place that offers free parking and free admission? Donations encouraged but not mandatory. Such a beautiful property run by the college. There is a wonderful indoor temperature climate building that houses the tropical plants and cafe. There is a great gift shop that has on displace art created by nature. I loved just staring at how creative many of the pieces were. On site is a gorgeous church. If you live locally, this is something you should look into for a wedding, seriously. The gardens are so pretty. We made sure to walk around and get a feel for the place. Saw some people having a picnic on the grass. Simply lovely. A great treat to the Athens area.

OMFG. This place is gorgeous!!! I am so blown away by its beautifulness. I have never heard about it but my friend told me about it when searching for botanical gardens. Since she live in Statham, Athens is closer to her. I didn't mind going there since I wanted to visit her anyways. On top of that, State Botanical Garden of Georgia is absolutely FREE!!! No kidding. Free parking. Free admission. There is a donation box, asking for $2. I donated $5 because this place is awesome!! You do not have to enter through the main building to get to see the huge garden. Walking in, you will a gift shop on your left and straight ahead is the concierge and next to it, the donation box. To the right is a small cafe selling food, snacks, and drinks. You will walk downstairs to the tropical plants. This side is a greenhouse. It reminded me so much of the greenhouse in MN of Como Zoo but smaller. It lead us outside to the garden. You would never guess or realize that it's that big. I was very impressed and in awe. I didn't get the map prior to checking out the garden so I didn't know or understand the whole concept. However, I still loved what I saw. It was soooo gorgeous. Words and pictures do not do justice to this beautiful place. We want to come back to picnic and take more pictures. We saw a lot of people just chilling and having a picnic or even playing board and card games. There are many trails as well. We even walked to the chapel but it was closed. Later we walked back to the concierge and grabbed a map. Definitely coming back again!

Spent the whole day there and had a wonderful time. Peaceful trails outside of the gardens much quieter than the gardens with all the people milling about and well marked. So many picture opportunities. The only down side was that the cafe was closed so eventually we had to leave to eat. We will definitely go again!

A hidden gem near the UGA campus in Athens. My sister brought us to visit the gardens and it was a great experience for children and adults. They have walking trails as small at .4 miles and others as long at 3 miles, but the most beautiful portion of the venue was the gardens located right outside the visitor center. My favorite area was the food and herb gardens. Gave us great ideas for our garden at home!

A visit to the State Botanical Garden has always been on my radar, and I'm glad I finally paid them a visit. Wow! What a facility! The many paths though the gardens are a nice, easy walk. There's plenty of cool growing things to check out. It's no surprise to see so many photographers doing their thing in the area (many of them are pros). This place is also very clearly made for events. But even if you're not needing the gardens for a special event, you could just show up with a picnic and chill out right there. And the cost is right. Admission to the Gardens is free (suggested $2 donation). That donation is a tenth of what it costs to visit the Garden's Atlanta counterpart. The volunteers were very friendly. Helpful. Invested in helping the garden succeed. There's a thriving education component, and tours, among other garden features. Overall, I found the State Botanical Gardens to be just a fun, easy place to hang out, take some pictures, and relax. Next time I'm going to bring a small picnic. Holler if you're coming with.

Add to your to-do list once the weather allows. The new kids area is SO much fun for kids of all ages and they've done an incredible job at creating educational programming. The bathrooms are amazing, yes... I'm talking about the bathrooms-the ones outside. I kid you not, they're SO clean and when you hear the birds chirping I feel like I'm at the spa. Enjoy the great outdoors and mother nature by making this a regular part of your weekend (or week) with family and kids. And don't forget to make a contribution!

Absolutely gorgeous and well-maintained! The staff at the visitors center were very friendly and eager to help with first-time visitors. The gardens are organized and easy to get around, and nearly every plant is labeled. I never knew you could walk 5 feet and pass 10 different types of plant!

Fell in love with this place with all its beauty and history. Came back for a second day, but I could have visited every day of my ten days in Athens.