state botanical garden of georgia

It was a very pleasant surprise to find such a fine garden minutes from downtown Athens. The visitor center is a huge green house with orchids galore, a gift shop and a nice little cafe with good coffee. Outside you can stroll through very well maintained gardens and if you are feeling a bit more energetic, take a hike along the Oconee River. We loved it so much we went back the following morning, checked out all the gardens and rested on a bench facing the sun.

It is a great place to take pictures. My then fiance and I took our engagement pictures there. It is very relaxing and nice. :)

SBG is one of my absolute favorite places in Athens! The gardens are serene and relaxing, and the trails are just challenging enough to stay interesting no matter how many times you visit. I especially love how often the garden changes. The curators all do a fantastic job. If you get the opportunity, check out one of the educational programs they offer throughout the year. You can learn anything from beekeeping to upcycling old t-shirts. Highly recommend a visit (or ten)!

I rate this better than average for multiple reasons. Free admission, ample parking, nice walking trails, and the Conservatory is nice too. Worth your time to plan a visit if you are passing through Athens sometime.

I was skeptical of the high reviews but my visit was enjoyable, relaxing, and educational. Admission is free and the recommended donation is just $2, a true bargain. Start at the visitor center and they will tell you everything you need to know I. Order to get the most out of your visit.

Beautiful, and abounding. Many different things to look at and take in. A breath of fresh air in the city.

We live a couple of miles from the Bot Garden and go over there at least once a month to see what's blooming and what new features have been added - we treat it like our 300 acre backyard. The Garden is on our short list of places to take visitors and it never disappoints. Trails meander through both the cultivated gardens and woodsy areas and can turn into as long a walk as you want; one trail follows the Oconee River for a bit, and in the summertime we occasionally see folks in wet bathing suits wandering up from the bank. My favorite is the Herbal and Physic Garden near the Conservatory; these two features make for a very pleasant visit that's handicap accessible, and there's a cafe in the conservatory. I once ventured into a hillier area with my mother in a wheelchair, however, and wouldn't recommend that unless you're interested in an upper body workout. There are lots of events at the Gardens, including guided walks, classes, and plant sales, so if you're going to be in the area for awhile, check those out too. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.

With all the flowers blooming at different seasons except winter, this is a beautiful charming place to spend a morning / afternoon.

My wife and I went on some of our very first date to this place! I have been visiting here since I was a small child and have never had any complaints. There are tons of walking trails, picture taking spots, water features, and a beautiful indoor area as well!

I have been visiting the Bot Gardens for almost 30 years and have enjoyed watching it grow, while also remaining the same. It is a beautiful place to go for some meditative quiet , to get some exercise on the trail systems, to see a wide variety of plants, both tropical and native, , or even to take in a class, lecture or musical performance.My favorite thing to do is to walk the Orange trail, which meanders along a stream down to the Oconee River, then back up, ending at the Conservatory. You can take in the tropical plants there, grab a snack, or do a little shopping for nature-related items in the well-curated gift shop (including some by local artisans). If you park in the main parking area (entrance drive will feed you into it), the Orange trailhead is to the left as you first enter the lot.

A number of beautiful gardens on various themes, a nice indoor conservatory, great trails, and nice people.

Went in February, but got to see a variety of orchids (they'd just had Orchid Madness). There are monthly "specials" highlighting certain flowers/plants. Be sure to wear good shoes because you will be walking for quite awhile!! Be sure to go back every few months to see what's blooming new. There is a "donation" suggested, and it goes towards maintaining the gardens. The gift shop specializes in local artists and has some amazing things!It's absolutely gorgeous even when not in full bloom - so don't wait just because it's winter!

I adore the Botanical Garden of Georgia, an oasis of beauty and calm just minutes from downtown Athens. Year round, there are wonderful sites to see in the garden. The park has many walking trails to enjoy as well as a conservatory to enjoy indoors when the weather isn't perfect for exploring the outdoors. Admission is always free to the public, but donations are accepted. I don't believe that pets are allowed so keep Fido at home.

I called my husband from the gardens (he was at work; we have just relocated here) and told him THIS is Merry Christmas. ...to live in this town and have this PARADISE ON EARTH in our backyard is a gift. What a magical place to come for a cheap date, to play and exercise with the kids, or just some alone time. Wonderful home-made food, local coffee & REAL loose-leaf hot teas served in the garden cafe. So proud to call this place home now. Very friendly staff too and nice college kids work the gardens and engage our kids in kind/educational dialogue.

A great conservation and native plant mission, good displays, and an extensive trail system for hiking and leashed dogs.