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Atlanta Botanical Garden
Category: Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Botanical Gardens [Edit]
1345 Piedmont Ave NEAtlanta, GA 30309
(404) 876-5859
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 9 am - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
126 reviews for Atlanta Botanical Garden
126 reviews in English
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Review from melody m.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2012
What an incredibly lovely and well-maintained garden space.
I loved the orchids and the canopy bridge. Stunningly immaculate, great little cafe as well.
Take the family asap.
***Some of the garden is currently under construction and the fountains are not all in working order due to the construction (as of today, April 15th, 2012) -
Review from Bruce C.
4/30/2012 2 Check-ins Here
We're in Atlanta for a wedding and we've asked the locals, "Where should we go while we're in town?"
The first answer is "Atlanta Botanical Garden."
So after 3 different people mentioned we should go there, we decided that we should indulge them and go. It's $19/person and I think parking was like $3.
We get inside and it's quite well maintained. We ask where to go and are pointed to the canopy walk, the rose gardens and the edible gardens. We stroll along toward the canopy walk which we thought might be like the Ewok village, but it's far from it. It's a suspension bridge that allows you to walk about 10-15 feet above ground level to look at the greenery. It sounds *a lot* better than it is. I'm glad we went, but it was not nearly as exciting as I had imagined. It ends at the Cascades Garden, a tiered fountain.
We then head our way on to the Rose Garden. I can hear the trombone in the background. Waa-waa... Yeah.. The Roses were all starting to wilt. It would have been impressive had it been someone's personal garden, but for a place that keeps plants for display, this was pretty terrible. I suppose had they been all in bloom, it would have been more spectacular. We must have picked the wrong day.
The buildings were quite impressive. The tropical climate housed a ton of cool looking plants. The arid climate had all kinds of cactus (don't wander off the trail!). There was an orchid building and a frog exhibit. Some pretty cool stuff all-in-all.
The edible garden had a bunch of lettuce and fruit plants as well as a herb wall. It was cool to see what plants look like as they grow before they're cut into what we eat. Who knew blueberries grew on a bush? Not me!
It was a fun time walking around and enjoying the weather. There are places to eat outdoors and places to sit and rest.
Check out the green roof of the visitor's center! -
Review from Kathleen M.
Atlanta, GA
Buying a membership to the Botanical Gardens is the best money I've spent in a while. Wandering along the various pathways of the gardens have an immediate impact on my blood pressure and headspace, and I love the sights and smells. Due to the changing seasons, the garden is a different experience each and every time, and I love it for that.
My favorite spot is in the Orchid House, unsurprisingly. It just feels like magic.
Don't miss out on the holiday lights in December: I've never seen a show quite like it and it is totally worth the ticket price. -
Review from Doctah L.
Villa Rica, GA
5/13/2012
I could not have had a better time! The gardens are gorgeous, with so many varieties of plants to check out!... The Fuqua conservatory was full of delights, definitely a must-see! There is only one restaurant, but I enjoyed the food. They have different selections daily.Parking was easy also, and.cost me ten dollars for the whole day. my only complaint is that there were not a, lot of signs labeling things.
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Review from Edward E.
Roswell, GA
4/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful place on any day. But you really need to try some of there special events. Take a look on the web page and check them all out. They have the best cocktail nights on Thursday from 6 to 10. People are friendly and the atmosphere was beautiful.
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Review from Ben P.
Jacksonville, FL
3/19/2012 1 photo
While it's not the coolest place in the world, there's a lot to appreciate about a place like Atlanta's Botanical Garden. A lot of cities don't have this luxury: having a really big and well-maintained garden in the heart of a city.
There's a lot to see here. Long walks, benches in front of waterfalls, humid orchid rooms, simulated deserts, et cetera. While I can't imagine walking through here during the Summer or extreme Winter, it's a great choice for Spring or Fall. I came in December and, while it was a tad on the cold side, it was a perfect place to kill a few hours.
If you plan on coming here more than once a year (which I would do if I lived in ATL), consider buying the yearly membership--it's a great deal. -
Review from David B.
Birmingham, AL
3/20/2012 1 photo
Let's start with the price. $18.95 for an adult pass is steeper than I would have guessed but oh well. Beware the customer is NOT ALWAYS right at the botanical gardens. For example, when I informed the man selling tickets at the front that I was under 3 and so admission was free he smiled and said "that'll be $18.95." I told him I had the same disorder as Robin Williams in the movie "Jack" but he didn't buy it.
Things that were fun at the Atlanta Botanical Garden: the orchid room, the desert greenhouse, the rainforest greenhouse, and the edible garden.
The edible garden was my favorite. It was really interesting to see what those vegetables look like when they aren't on the shelf at Publix. They have signs telling you not to eat the vegetables but I threw caution to the wind and tried some parsley. It tasted like parsley! They also have this awesome hallway lined with trees and bushes that are used to make everyday products like gum, cinnamon, and coffee.
The orchid room was very cool. I didn't know what an orchid was before I went to the botanical gardens but now I know a couple things. They are:
1) There are a lot of different kinds of orchids
2) They are pretty to look at
The skyway was a bit of a disappointment. It was shorter than I imagined and went over a fairly boring woodland exhibit.
The desert and the rainforest greenhouses were both fun. You learn a lot about plants, biology, climate, and ecology if you read the little signs they put around.
Overall it was a fun way to spend 2 hours on a Sunday morning but I won't be going back for $18.95. -
Review from Sabrina C.
Atlanta, GA
4/12/2012
Buy a membership - come enjoy $4 beers, live music and the garden on the regular, they do have year round events that are included in the membership. I also use this to take out visitors from out of town! Date night romance as well as GNO (prosecco and orchids!)
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Review from Sol A.
4/14/2012
I have been living close to the botanical garden for over a year and it was until last week that I decided to finally visit it. I went in the afternoon, so I can comment on the night events. The garden is amaizing, I especially like the orquid observatory, I took thousands of pictures from them!. However, It's a little bit expensive for what it really is.. a garden. Would still consider coming back but for the night events.
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Review from Obadiah S.
Atlanta, GA
2/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places in town to visit. Situated right in Midtown Atlanta, it's a wonder that such beautiful acreage exists in the middle of a city. The location is separated into several different types of gardens. With the recent expansion, there is a lovely and secluded wooded walking path. The rose garden is gorgeous. There is also an edible garden. For some cool plants, check out their carnivorous/bog garden. I also like the herb garden for its lovely smells. Careful walking around though, in the spring and summer there are bullfrogs everywhere.
The real highlight of the garden though is the conservatory and orchid house. The conservatory is a giant glass enclosure that is planted to resemble a rainforest. It's complete with live birds, amphibians, and a few reptiles running around. Also in the conservatory is a desert exhibit with spiny plants from around the world. Linking the two sides of the conservatory is a hallway which features a number of citrus and other edible trees. Don't forget to see the nepenthes display inside as well.
Attached to the conservatory is the orchid house. It too is split into two main parts. One half is built to mimic a cool (temperature) rainforest at high elevation. The other half houses the more heat loving orchids. The Garden has a massive support greenhouse, so there's always something beautiful blooming in the orchid house.
If you're hungry, there is a cafe. Nothing special, and a little pricey, but it's a nice meal. The best times to visit are weekday afternoons. This is when you can really appreciate the beauty in relative peace. On the weekends it's nice, but expect more people, and lots of kids running around. This place is a photographer's dream, not only the beautiful plants, but the many different types of wildlife who congregate in an urban oasis.
Interestingly, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of the few places in the U.S. that has been able to bloom the titan arum. It is the world's largest flower, which also has a quite 'pungent' odor, to say the least.
I would say this may be one of the best date spots in town. It's relatively cheap to enter, quiet, and there are tons of walking paths. The Garden has special events many times a year, but I prefer to visit on a Thursday or Friday afternoon, it is so peaceful. -
Review from Daniel B.
12/16/2011 18 photos
This review is for the Atlanta Botanical Garden's "Garden Lights Holiday Nights" experience. The garden has been transformed into a winter wonderland for the holidays. I visited on Monday with some friends and had a great time. I'm not too crazy about Christmas lights and didn't know what to expect before going. However, I'm glad I went because it turned out to be a very cool display. All you have to do is take a look at my photos and you'll see why.
After purchasing tickets and entering the grounds, a greeter will hand you a map and give you a recommended path to stroll through the gardens so you can see everything. This starts with heading north from the visitor center into the Southern Seasons Garden, where giant red and white-lit stars suspend high from the tree branches overhead. Heading further north takes you into a suspended canopy walk where tall trees in the Woodland Gardens are decorated with colorful blue and pink lights from the base of the stump all the way to the tops of some trees (30+ feet). It's can be pretty mesmerizing, especially with the Midtown skyline off in the distance. The curvy paths are dimly lit on either side by small orange box lanterns.
The northern paths loop back to the visitor center and center of the facility, where the Gardenhouse and various halls are located. The Gardenhouse has a cafe and outdoor fire pit. Here, you can buy hot chocolate and roast s'mores. Also near the center of the gardens is the Alston Overlook, where Christmas carolers in traditional apparel (Victorian and Dickinson-style -- e.g. petticoats, bonnets, ruffles, ribbons, tailcoats, and top hats) sing Christmas songs. There's also ambient holiday music at various displays, so the gardens do a magnificent job in getting you in the holiday mood and spirit.
Mershon Hall is elegantly decorated with wreaths and lighting and the fountain in front makes for some great photo ops, not to mention the bright glow of the walkway between the Alston Overlook and the Great Lawn. Speaking of the Great Lawn, it's laid out with giant Christmas light bulbs that blink and and change color. Sometimes, the bulbs light up in-sync with the music. It's neat to watch.
At the end of the Great Lawn is the Fuqua Conservatory, where you can go inside from the cold and enter the warm and humid greenhouse atmosphere. Highlights inside the conservatory include an 18-foot red poinsettia tree, plants trimmed to look like animals with winter clothing on, and a rainforest with dazzling green laser lighting that will make your head spin.
Oh yeah, and those tree frogs you hear aren't sound effects. They are real tree frogs. Finally, the Edible Garden and the Perennial Gardens are filled with fun, whimsical light-up sunflowers, bees, butterflies, and other garden insects.
In all, over one million lights were used to create the magical displays.
Garden Lights Holiday Nights currently runs nightly through January 7 (closed Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve). The park is open each night from 5pm until 10pm. Tickets are $18.95 per adult and $12.95 per child. Discounts are available for garden members. While the web site encourages you to purchase tickets in advance, I don't think it's necessary, especially if you visit on a weeknight. There were two ticket tellers and no lines on Monday night. Buying in-person may also save you money from online ticket fees/surcharges.
Parking in the SAGE parking deck, which is relatively new and conveniently located next to the entrance to the garden, is $5. Also, since you'll be outdoors most of the time, it's a good idea to dress appropriately for the weather.Listed in: Atlanta Arts and Entertainment
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Review from Janet B.
12/11/2011 3 photos
Atlanta Botanical Garden does a stunning job of weaving artworks and decorations among plants. My first visit was for Chihuly's glass art exhibit many years ago, and it was one of the most memorable art exhibits I've ever seen (and I've been to many, many art exhibits and museums all over). I've been a fan since.
I saw the magical transformation of the gardens once more when I went in for the Holiday Lights. It was their first year doing it, and I'd definitely recommend it for families, couples, anyone who wants to get in the groove of holidays!!
The lights were decorated beautifully around and on the plants. The winding walkway with lanterns along the side, the tiptoe through canopy walk with Christmas lightings wrapping trees all around, the dark conservatory with frogs croaking... it was all incredibly romantic and sensational. The s'mores and a bar by the herb garden were a nice touch :)
It's well-designed, so you can stroll comfortably even when there are a lot of other people. There are many benches along the paths and places to grab a drink or snack. I'm excited to other exhibits and events in the future! -
Review from Belle S.
3/25/2012
Came here about 6 years ago in the early fall and I really enjoyed my time here. Everywhere you looked, there was something beautiful to complement your view. Plus, it large enough to spend several hours there at your leisure. I probably should come back here again before I move from Atlanta.
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Review from Nathan J.
Atlanta, GA
12/8/2011
I've been in Atlanta for over three years and I've still never been to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens...until a few days ago.
A friend of mine happened to invite me to the Garden Lights display, and let's just say I didn't know this amount of awesome could exist in the middle of the city!
Here's a rundown:
1) Millions of incredible lights adorning every bit of foliage your eyes can see
2) A fire pit to make s'mores (seriously a nice touch to the holiday season)
3) Really cool glasses that make everything look just a bit more interesting
4) Incredible light show in the Great Lawn area
5) I'm not going to give it ALL away! Surprises around every corner (read: Santa Mantis!!!).
Pair all of the above with a buttered rum beverage (available inside the gardens) and throw in a few good friends, and you're in for a treat.
Parking was simple, and the botanical gardens are very easy to find (especially at night with all the lights!)
Definitely a great way to ramp up the holiday season! Looking forward to next year. -
Review from Will P.
12/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
After the pointed kerfuffle over the parking deck - which, as a city dweller, I was against - I will begrudgingly say that their improvements here have transformed these gardens from a sleepy, flora-and-fauna viewing visit to world-class garden-geekdom. One quibble: don't call something an "edible garden" and have it be off-limits to the touch or eating. Sort of antithetical.
The orchid garden was probably my favorite attraction there, with tropical yumminess abounding. I snapped a number of great pictures there and even sold one for charity - so yes I'd say I'm a convert.
Another minor beef: the placards are WAY too small, too, which cuts into enjoying the place and understanding what we're viewing. Overall, though, a great experience and highly recommended.Listed in: The Culture Club
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Review from Paul S.
12/11/2011
The gardens are beautiful and they have different organized events throughout the year to get people to come out. It's nice when you're there and get a little view of the Atlanta skyline to remind you that in the middle of this city Atlanta has actually provided us with something nice to look at that's not metal or homeless.
I've come for pumpkins and scarecrows and most recently the Christmas lights. We enjoyed both outings and I feel that the events here are very well organized. The Christmas lights were nice and you could tell a lot of time had gone into them, but I was still left a bit whelmed. Meh, I'd rather drive around looking for houses for free. It's nice that they tried, but I feel like they could have done so much more with the space they have.
It was nice to see the new edible gardens and to learn that all harvested items go to the Atlanta Food Bank. It's cool how they have recipe cards encouraging you to take a picture and try the recipe out at the house yourself.
The new canopy walk is kind of boring. A slowly descending walk to admire a bunch of trees and the entrance way to the gardens. It's cold outside so maybe you get more for your walk when the plants are all in full bloom. You only start out 40 ft up in the air so the view isn't spectacular and from what I hear this project took a fair amount of time to complete.... for what?
I'll be back the next time Groupon offers a discount for the next big event. -
Review from Lisa Y.
New York, NY
1/16/2012
"Garden Lights Holiday Nights" was a really fun experience. They definitely had a lot of lights and the show on the lawn with the music was pretty! The price is a bit high for the displays they had but it was an entertaining 30-45 minutes. We went on a Tuesday evening, about 6pm. It was not crazy crowded but there was a nice crowd.
I'm not really sure why they had a "walk over the bridge" when the lights on that side were not nearly as interesting as the main area. That could use some improvement. But I really loved the trains! Super cute!
My favorite part was actually having a hot drink near the fireplace, in the edible garden. The gentlemen there were very helpful with picking out a drink for me and accomodating when I said I wanted it all! It warmed me right up as we laughed and drank by the fireplace.
Another nice touch was the fire pits where you can purchase tools and ingredients to make your own s'mores! Great family night out! -
Review from Jordan W.
Atlanta, GA
12/6/2011
I have always loved the Garden - honestly one of my favorite things about the city. From Cocktails in the Garden to a Bruce Hornsby concert with my parents (who I only knew because of Tupac's "The Way It Is" sample, I hate to admit), I have many wonderful memories of Garden visits with family and friends.
A recent visit for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights was yet another treat! The stunning displays really helped me get in the holiday spirit - despite visiting on a balmy, 75 degree evening. Add to the experience a nice hot buttered rum or some other delicious (adult) beverage, a pair of 3D glasses (try all of the different designs - they all make the lights look different!) and the sounds of the strolling carolers, and any lingering "bah humbug"-ness will be a thing of the past. -
Review from Emily G.
12/21/2011
Garden Lights show rocks my socks off.
At a hefty price of $18.50, you get to walk around the garden and see colors as far as the eye can see, all twinkling and turning. Its a great time to walk around, take tons of pictures and absorb the feeling of winter in the air.
Be prepared for massive crowds and slow walking as it can get VERY crowded in the 6-7pm time frame, so plan accordingly.
I really loved the the lights that turned with the music (sort of like a light symphony) and the speckled green lights inside the conservatory- very unique.
Overall I am glad I got to show this to my family as it was a great way to walk around and chill, take pictures and have some good old christmas family time. I do wish the Botanical garden had discounts or better group offerings, but with the show being Sold out so often, i'm sure they don't feel like dropping the price by a single cent. -
Review from Christine K.
Cumming, GA
12/19/2011
I've been to the botanical gardens twice. I went once during the summer and I went again this past week to see their Christmas light display.
I really enjoyed the visit during the summer. Everything was in bloom and every single turn was a perfect setting for pictures. The edible garden was fun. There are signs saying not to eat the plants in the edible garden, but Asians disregard signs...so we tried the apples and the green peppers. Young children will really enjoy a day at the gardens. (I'm in my early 20s and I had a blast!)
I also went to see their Christmas light show and was very disappointed. Tickets were about $20 for adults. The best part was the entrance and you could see that from the street without having to pay. It was very crowded and it cold, but they do sell drinks and other snacks. (I especially liked the butter beer rum thingy! It warms you up.)
They had a s'more "station" set up, but it's really expensive to buy the ingredients there. I would recommend taking your own marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers.
I felt like the light display was NOT worth the $20. If you want to see a really good light display, try this out. When traveling on 141, turn onto Hospital Parkway (The road where Emory Johns Creek Hospital is located.). They have lights set up all down that row and it is really great. My boyfriend and I checked it out last night and I was impressed!
Overall, love the botanical gardens, lukewarm about the light display.
LOL Moment, someone from the Botanical Garden has commented that you are not allowed to bring in outside food and drink. Well, you can decide for yourself.Comment from Summer G. of Atlanta Botanical Garden 12/21/2011
We are glad that you visited the Garden, and we appreciate… More » -
Review from jennifer w.
Atlanta, GA
12/6/2011
I visited the garden for the first time in years for Garden Lights. All of the lights are such a festive addition to the already beautiful setting, and it really put me in the holiday spirit! My favorite part was the light show on the Great Lawn. It's set to holiday music, and I watched it for almost a half an hour!
Because the lights are so popular, I definitely recommend arriving early and planning to spend most of the evening at the garden. They also have fire pits to roast smores - so delicious and it really adds to the experience! -
Review from Kelley O.
Atlanta, GA
12/6/2011
The Garden is truly a rare gem in a city of many wonderful offerings. We love the Concerts in the Garden, experiencing outstanding musicians admidst the backdrop of the most beautiful gardens you can imagine - with the skyline of Atlanta peaking up behind. We also enjoy the annual Ball, which is the most elegant of all of the seasonal social gatherings in Atlanta.
And, recently, we were blown away by the "Garden Nights, Holiday Lights" in the Garden. I felt a sense of pride about being from Atlanta that I had not felt in quite some time. The quality of the lights and sheer beauty of the Garden during this event were beyond anything else that I have experienced, and I intend to go again before it is over.
There is a soul-regenerative vibration in the Garden that doesn't exist anywhere else. Truly, there is a magic here that all ages love! -
Review from Melanie M.
Kennesaw, GA
2/27/2012
Simply breathtaking! Very well cultivated and organized, great place to visit with friends and family. About $20 per adult for admittance. Definitely check out the Edible Garden! They have a really great member's program too, which I'm planning on taking full advantage of this year!!
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Review from Ryan S.
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I need to go back. Unfortunately my first experience was one of the wine events so it was dark, crowded and we were drunk. Even with all of that I was really impressed with the grounds and the exhibits.
I plan on going back before it gets too cold, remaining sober too. -
Review from Elaine O.
9/16/2011
Don't get me wrong. The gardens are beautiful and well-maintained, and the canopy walk is lovely but a bit too concrete.
But Cocktails in the Garden was a complete rip-off. Admission is $18, which is pretty steep in itself. Parking is atrocious - one lane and they only let one car in at a time. They used to have special cocktails for the events and deliciously paired bites, but now it's mediocre beer and wine at club prices and no special drinks. And you're lucky if you get a bite because they run out of food in an hour.
This used to be such a nice event but now it's another way for ABG to make a buck. -
Review from Taylor A.
7/19/2011
One of my all time favorite attractions in Atlanta (and that was before the recent massive additions). The grounds are very large and the orchid houses and facilities are all top quality.
The cocktails in the garden events are wonderful on Thursday evenings in the summer. I wish they would have a better beer selection though (Amstel and Heineken, really?). There are so many great local beers to choose from, like Sweetwater and Red Brick, that I wish they would add to their selection.
I became a member for the 2nd time out of the 5 years I've been here as I can easily walk over. There is always some new growing and their events list is massive. Definitely a worthwhile place to take visitors.Listed in: Where I can walk to!
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Review from David O.
8/13/2011
To celebrate a one year dating anniversary with my girlfriend, I took her to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It was my first trip here and it was better than expected. We were on a short deadline so we only were able to see half of the garden and I think we missed the best half.
We made it as far south as the Japanese & Perennial Gardens, but then we had to leave. It was very hot today, but we sure enjoyed being outside and looking at all the plants.
A few minor things to earn a 5th star:
- The water: All the drinking fountains tasted like water straight from the river. Plus, all the fountains smelled bad. Where is Ernest P. Worrell when you need him...ewwwww.
- Cascade Gardens: No cascades and the bottom level was dry. We were a little disappointed with that one area.
Everyone we interacted with on staff was friendly. The gardenia's sure smelled nice.
I would go back. -
Review from Alice Y.
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gorgeous flowers, clean facilities, and it's well designed. The landscaping was done well.
It's small enough where you can see everything within 3 hours or so. There are a lot of different sections of the garden. I liked the rose garden and the children's area is adorable. It's a nice place to spend a spring afternoon. I wish the tasting garden was open when I was there. They were performing construction, so there wasn't much to see. I wanted to see the chefs giving demo's and see how they were putting organic vegetables to good use!
It's a bit pricey (I think student admission was $18/person) but it was peaceful and beautiful. Nice place to visit if you're touring Atlanta. -
Review from Melissa M.
Atlanta, GA
Updated - 3/21/2012
Thanks for the response. Metrofresh was closed Sunday afternoon. I am glad to hear that. Thanks
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/4/2012
At his is a wonderful place to walk. The scenery is beautiful and atmosphere is so peaceful. I… Read more »
Comment from Summer G. of Atlanta Botanical Garden 3/20/2012
Please note that MetroFresh in the Garden serves coffee and… More » -
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Review from Jamarcus T.
Stone Mountain, GA
6/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The gardens are gorgeous, and this place is ever evolving. Before this year I hadn't visited in a couple of years and I loved what they did with the place, including the new entrance, parking deck and canopy walk.
Everything is very well maintained, and if you casually stroll around, it'll take you an hour or so. I recommend the eating area where you can pull off a leaf or two and try out plants near the green house area.
Of course the flowers steal the show, as there are several thousands of flowers you'll walk past. It has date spot written all over it.
The very cool thing, as an added bonus is the gardens shares a offsite lot with Piedmont park, so when you finish with the gardens, head on over to the park. Trust me, on a gorgeous day, this place cannot be beat. -
Review from Claudia R.
Atlanta, GA
7/5/2011
Simply gorgeous...enjoyed it so much that I'm thinking of becoming a member. If nothing else, come for the orchids. Oh, and the frogs from around the world (a selling point for those of you with kiddies, perhaps?).
Went on Thursday for Cocktails in the Garden; my only gripe: not enough of the "lite bites from an local restaurant" (Davios last week)...they were packed up within an hour.
Also, probably best to wait until after the summer to return...it was hot, even after sunset... -
Review from Angela M.
1/31/2011
We've been members of the Atlanta Botanical Garden for years. The garden has a lot of variety for a small space, with several outdoor areas in addition to a huge greenhouse with lots of orchids.
Two things that make the ABG really great: their exhibits and their concerts.
The garden has one main exhibit every summer. My favorite (which is probably the same for most of the city) was Chihuly - beautiful blown glass in organic shapes that mimic much of the flora. Lucky for those of you who didn't get to see it at the time, there's still one piece in the fountain between the two original buildings.
Also, there are concerts in the garden every summer. I've seen Jerry Jeff Walker and She & Him. The concerts are intimate, since they're all on the lawn. They do a good job of getting a variety of artists that attract old and young. They have catered meals for those concerts from Sun In My Belly.
There are other events: Cocktails in the Garden (enjoy late admission and cocktails for purchase one Thursday a month), Orchid Daze (Cocktails in the Garden but in the Fuqua Orchid Center), an Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest by notable Atlanta chefs, Scarecrows in the Garden, etc.
It's a little pricey - enough for me that it's worth just getting the annual membership that gives you guest passes so that you can take your friends. Membership also gets you early purchase and discount tickets to the concerts.
#Yelp365 - 31/365 -
Review from Pam A.
Absolutely gorgeous. A fantastic addition to Atlanta.
Maybe you're like me. Maybe you think to yourself, "How interesting could a bunch of gardens possibly be?". This is all despite the rave reviews from Yelpers and others, making you think your Yelp friends are either crazy or have weird tastes in what is considered "fun".
If this is you, I say to you, GO NOW. Drop what you're doing, and head over to the Botanical gardens.
I was there last night for their Fest-of-Ale event. I could not believe how humongous- and extraordinarily beautiful- this place is! Just after entry into the gardens, we found the first of many cash bars. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the beers were only $3.50! I sipped on a fantastic pumpkin ale that perfectly matched the displays and festivities at the gardens.
We walked through a bunch of scarecrow displays that were witty and humorous. It wasn't long before we began strolling under a long walkway lined with trees decorated with white lights. Despite the large amount of children in attendance, it was - dare I say it - quite romantic!
And even though it was pretty dark outside at this point, we did get to enjoy a lot of the different exhibits. I really loved the cornucopia display with glass pumpkins, and the tree nearby that was dotted with glass apples! The inside exhibits, especially the orchid room and rainforest area (with frogs!) were especially fun to meander around and enjoy at night.
Most of the exhibits were open, which made it fun to walk around while dark. A lot of people had flashlights, which we of course missed on the event description as something to bring. But again, it made for an oddly romantic scene; just dark enough for me to get a little spooked out. Unlike most of the other parks in Atlanta, you don't have to worry about some crazy homeless person jumping out of the bushes at you.
The only thing that was bit of a disappointment was the canopy walk. I had envisioned it being much higher in the air. And since we were there at night there wasn't much to look at.
Another thing to mention are the fantastic water features. Absolutely gorgeous fountains dot the botanical garden's grounds. Steal a bench near one and enjoy some conversation with your fellow guests with a scenic view.
If you've ever thought that going to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens sounds lame or boring, I encourage you to try it, just once, and then see how you feel about it. And if you're looking for a great date night, this is it! -
Review from Jennifer D.
Woodstock, GA
12/8/2010
It's been a while, or maybe years, since I've been to ABG. I'd heard about the canopy walk, so I decided to check out the changes. Boy, everything's turned around! And in a good way!
I love the new entrance and gift shop. There's a lot more room to mill about and peruse the shop's inventory. The volunteers in the main building were helpful and pointed out a few key exhibits on the map. I headed straight for the canopy walk, hoisted up among the huge oaks and pines. I love forests and I enjoyed being up high and seeing things from a different perspective. I was particularly taken with the wood and iron benches along the walkway--unique and great craftsmanship.
In the veggie garden, glass artwork had been incorporated among the plants to bring in a little color amid the seasonally stagnant.
And really, I'll be honest. I cruise through all the other areas just to get to the orchid center. It's true. I have a soft place in my heart for orchids. ABG's orchid center is always covered with cascading orchids from every angle, even when they should be out of season. Strangely, though my orchid plant, pot, bark, etc., look EXACTLY like those of ABG, mine don't quite bloom as often or as well as ABG's. I'll probably never get a handle on raising up orchids, but I keep tryin'.
After the orchids, I enjoy the rose garden. The aromas are so pungent, and some of the colors are so rich they appear velvet in the sunlight. I could spend a day in the rose garden, bending low to breath in their intoxication. Truly.
The Chihuly glassworks that enhance ABG, particularly the fountain just up from the rose garden, bring my heart delight. See, I've always enjoyed Chihuly's work, and when he brought an exhibit to ABG years ago, I was ecstatic to learn that some pieces would remain.
ABG hosts several fun events, especially during the summer. A few years back they introduced a summer concert series. Also enjoyable during the summer months are the weekly Cocktails in the Garden event. And if you're more of the participant type, the gardens host several flower shows throughout the year. -
Review from Apearl C.
1/4/2011
I went this past Sept/Oct. I found it to be, just OK. I expected more flowers. I like the landscape set up. But do wish there were more flowers and plants. Some parts are gorgeous, while others are quite blah.
Many parts felt like a regular park. Hell I could go to Piedmont park, one of my favorite parks, next door for free!
I really like the greenhouses and new canopy walk the most. Probably because of the variety of plants in the greenhouse and the canopy walk is new and different.
All the staff we came across were friendly and helpful.
If you plan to eat while there or want a snack, I'd suggest bringing it with you. Their snack/food area isn't very extensive. Their prices are mediocre though. -
Review from Norman C.
Sugar Hill, GA
Updated - 12/11/2011
We took our grand daughter to see Santa yesterday. What a awesome Santa they had. And the fact we could take our own pictures without the hassle of them trying to sell us their own pics was a huge bonus. We got there after the Puppy Parade but did get to see many of them still hanging out. What a wonderful day so glad we become Garden members worth every penny and then some. Our grand daughter feels right at home exploring the grounds everytime we bring her.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/27/2011
Awesome little piece of earth nestled right in the heart of downtown Atlanta. We are new to the area… Read more »
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Review from Brian U.
Sylmar, CA
5/26/2011
The star of the place is the greenhouse complex that houses a huge collection of orchid and other unique plants. I only wish the tree orchids were blooming, but there were still walls of orchids. The rest of the place isn't nearly as interesting.
The gardens are small. For example, I have friends with more roses that in the "Rose Garden" or the "Great Lawn" takes less than a minute to walk across. The entire experience takes less than an hour.
The grounds are very well maintained which is probably why they charge a steep $19 entry fee.
The tree walk was a joke. It's basically a bridge to cross the fenced-in road. The metal goliath overwhelms the surroundings and is not high enough to get into the tree greenery. They basically took a perfectly nice arbor and ruined it with a man-made structure. There is a better bridge at the Atlanta History Center.
Since I'm at an Atlanta garden and forest, I was hoping to see some Hawks or Falcons, but maybe with all of these trees they are hard to spot. But hey, who am I to talk. I'm from Los Angeles where most Lakes are man-made reservoirs which don't contain Clipper ships along with Rams and Raiders that are no where to be found in LA - including football stadiums.
I'm a little surprised that water conservation is a non-issue in Georgia. The only place I visited that had no flow toilets was the Georgia Aquarium. You'd think a botanical garden would also be concerned with saving water. -
Review from Art R.
Atlanta, GA
12/6/2011
Holiday Lights is awesome...because rather than gawking at a display of blinking Santa's, you stroll through a beautiful work of art. It's a shame if you miss it.
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Review from Peter U.
Dunwoody, GA
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Garden Lights were spectacular and the weather was perfect. Kids loved it and the holo glasses for viewing. A highlight was the house with the Coqui frogs, all chirping away as you strolled through with thousands of pinpoint lights on the greenery. It reminded me of scenes from Avatar. If you have a chance and the weather is good put this on your list.
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Review from Lisa B.
9/30/2011
We went here last night for the final evening of Cocktails in the Garden. We had a Groupon and of course we waited until the last minute to use it, like just about everyone else in Atlanta. We had to park off one of the side streets because the parking lot was full. We easily found a spot a few blocks away and the walk turned out to be a blessing in disguise because we avoided the parking fees associated with the parking deck...plus we missed out on the traffic leaving because everyone had to stop and pay on their way out.
We had to wait in a little bit of a line to get in, and at the bar, but I have to commend the Botanical Garden staff for keeping the lines moving. They did a great job with crowd control. Once inside we stopped at the bar and in about 8 minutes we had drinks in hand and were off to explore the garden. I guess because it was fall we didn't see a whole lot of flowers. I expected to be totally wowed by millions of flowers but it was more plants and trees than anything else. The Orchid House was really nice - I never knew there were so many different types. My favorite part was probably the desert area featuring a lot of plants from Africa. All the prickly plants, I learned that they are not cacti, made me miss Arizona. I also enjoyed all the scare crows throughout the garden and of course the pumpkins. I LOVE fall! My least favorite part was probably the Canopy Walk. I guess I went in with high expectations because I had heard so much about it. I expected it to be much longer and higher than it was. It definitely ads something to the garden but it just wasn't what I expected.
The only cons to the evening were that it was crowded and there was a lack of lighting. We had to pack our patience to wait at the bars and had to navigate around people when we wanted to take pictures. Also, many of the paths were not lit. I am guessing this is because they typically close before dark and we are into fall now so there is even less daylight. I feel like the experience would have been better if they had a least a little bit of lighting along the pathways.
Needless to say we will be back again but we will probably avoid the last night of a special event and go during the day!
