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Zilker Botanical Gardens
Rating Details »
Categories: Parks, Botanical Gardens [Edit]
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)2220 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 466-8672
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
29 reviews for Zilker Botanical Gardens
My best friend and I took my daughter Olivia here for a visit to the garden while she was in town from Ohio. We really enjoyed it. The gardens are really beautiful.
The only mark I would give against it is that it is certainly not handicap accesible, as we had a really difficult time maneuvering my daughter's stroller around the gardens. I think that they should probably work on this given that it is a community park.
This place is OK. It does have lots of beautiful flowers but it just seems like there's stuff missing. When I went there was a wedding and that was pretty annoying cause we were trying very hard not to be rude and get in the parties pics. The Japanese Garden left so much to be desired, as did most of the place. I'm pretty used to TX but there is just no shade whatsoever here. I really thought I would die of heat exhaustion. It wasn't at all worth the heat. The souvenir shop really sucked.
I go to the Zilker Botanical Gardens at least once or twice a year. It is a cheap outdoor activity, great for the whole family. I started coming here when I was in college, taking my one of many Photography classes. Even now, I still love to go because of all the beautiful plants, scenery, statues, etc. GREAT photo ops - both for still-life & portraits. Of course, just like any other family-friendly activity, be leary of going on weekends if you don't want the crowd.
I took my five year old neice here. She loved it. Even in the fall, there were still many flowers in bloom. The best part is the pond with turtles and large fish. She did not want to leave that area. There are a lot of beautiful photo opportunites so don't forget the camera. I especially love the fact that it is free to park and free to get in. I would suggest visiting this place and would consider returning.
How to rate this? It's the best botanical gardens in Austin. It's the only botanical gardens in Austin. Even if this was the first such place I've ever seen, it's nice enough that I would be sorely tempted to rate it a five.
Thankfully I've had the fortune to visit the Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanical Gardens in the Windy City, and another stellar one in St. Louis, and this place definitely ranks up there.
The grounds are huge, which I did not expect; sure, Zilker is also huge, but the entrance to the Gardens sits between large tree fences and belies the extensive nature (ha) of the property.
I've mainly visited the 'Green Garden' and 'Oriental Garden'; check out their website for an interesting backstory on the latter's landscaper. It's beautiful, meticulously groomed, and has got lots of little areas to discover. You could just sit and soak in the view of the water lilies, sound of the waterfall, and smell of the greenery, for quite a while. Beautiful, even in 95 degree Austin weather.
Stop by the gift shop on your way out to catch some chilly A/C, buy a $1 chilled Coke to help support the Gardens (esp. since it's free on weekdays!), and be grateful that there are people out there who are interested in more than the daily grind and the next buck, who make places like this for the rest of us to enjoy.
ps. There are some disgustingly (like they could swallow small cats) huge koi in the pond. When they breach the surface to eat bugs it can be startling the first time around, so if you venture out on to the stepping pond, just be careful =) lest you join them in the murky waters
This place is beautiful, peaceful and full of life. I love how each turn of the path shows you something new. Heading down in the direction of the Oriental Gardens, there are areas of little stepping stones, hidden creeks, a little bridge over the pond, and then the path leads you to other secret gardens. I also loved the miniature water fall. We went on a 72 degree day and it was perfect and smelled so refreshing.
This is definitely a place that I will frequent and it's free, you can't beat that.
For parking there's a parking lot up the hill in the garden entrance, which was full when we got there, so we parked by Barton Springs and walked across the street, which is when we noticed a parking lot right there before the entrance.
A great place to take pics or to just take in what nature has to offer.
Lots of different areas to explore. My kids liked the dinosaur part. I liked the butterfly garden. Even my husband had fun. We saw 2 brides and a family (separately) having their pictures taken. It was really big...we didn't even get through all of it, so we will be going back!
Entrance and parking are FREE.
I don't care so much how this garden compares to others - Texas is not the most colorful place most of the year, so it would be kind of lame if Austin's Botanical Gardens were full of orchids or something.
I totally love this garden. The Japanese Gardens are really beautiful and relaxing, and the roses are stunning (and smell good too). I love going in the morning before it gets too bright and practicing my nature photography. Don't miss the butterfly garden, it's teeming with them right now.
My daughter and I went here yesterday morning after being denied the ability to go to the park across the street. I am not down with that paying for parking crap. Turns out the Gardens were free though and I am ashamed to admit that I have run by this place countless times and never been in. My two year old thoroughly enjoyed it and was having a ball playing in the bamboo pagoda. It is like a little oasis right off the highway. I recommend going earlier before the large families start to take over.
I grew up in Austin and Zilker park has been a part of my life...all of my life. But I rarely make it over to the botanical gardens. I went about 2wks ago and was sooooo happy I did. I really think it was good for my health. No really....so peaceful, colorful and perfect. Just perfect. I plan on going a couples of times each month with my kids this summer. You cant go wrong here. Its free and beautiful! Pack your lunch, grab your camera and go already!
I originally moved to Austin in 1999, and I went to the Zilker Botanical Gardens for the first time today. That's kind of a crime. I should have to give my Austinite card back. For you photographer's, there are countless photo ops.
I'm no expert on botanical gardens, so I can't tell you if the Austin gardens are any better than another city's garden. But I do know that these gardens are a peaceful oasis, and I plan on spending a lot more time here. The Oriental Garden might be my favorite spot in the park. The goldfish in the pond are of impressive size, and then I stood there and watch a snake swim across the pond and climb on to a tree branch.
I think the Zilker Botanical Gardens could be the cure for high blood pressure, because I left completely calm and relaxed.
A cool place to wander about and idle away some time on a warm afternoon with a camera and a friend. The scenery changes a bit throughout the year, and it may not be the biggest or most impressive botanical garden in the world. It is, however, local, usually free, and home to a plethora of events (cultural, botanical, ecumenical?) and flowers.
PS, there's dinosaurs here.
I spent a wonderful morning here today wandering around taking in all the beauty around me and snapping pictures. And trying to keep my pup who loves to swim out of the ponds.
My favorite area is the Oriental Gardens where the ponds filled with lilies and huge goldfish are. The metal butterfly chairs in the butterfly area are really cool - I would love to have a couple of those in my backyard. The dinosaur covered with a living garden is pretty cool - I posted a picture of it along with some others.
And like Alison P. I am embarrassed to admit this was my first visit and I have lived here for 8 years - shameful...
Be sure and bring your camera.
And dogs are allowed!!!
This park is clean, beautiful, lots of shade and though I went today, I think there might have been more to look at in the spring, or during the yearly festival they have, which I regretfully missed. My 4 year old loves dinosaurs but she was afraid when I added too much drama by saying we had to be quiet as not to wake them. Anyhow, around 3pm in the afternoon it was warm, and there was plenty of parking. There are water fountains throughout the park and no food allowed. Be sure to hydrate, its pretty hot in the summer.
Another great place to bring the kids. Great for exploring nature. When you're all done, whip out a blanket to throw on the ground and just chillax. Spend the day kicked back with a good book or with sketch books and colored pencils.
I went last weekend and it was pretty fun. I had just gone to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, which has a little more to look at. But Austin has a cool garden too! There was a Bonzai convention of some sort going on (wow-didn't know there were so many avid Bonzaiers), but it was cool seeing the incredible work that goes into raising a Bonzai. Overall, it's free on the weekdays and only $3 on weekends so it's not a bad deal. Plus, free access to the rest of Zilker parking areas.
As uncool as it might make me, visiting a botanical garden will never be top on my list of fun things to do. When family visited last summer, 8 of us headed to Zilker Botanical Gardens (some of us more joyfully than others) for a relaxing midday walk through Austin's centrally located patch of natural-ness.
I'll admit - I enjoyed myself. I'm going to assume that ZBG is not the most impressive, largest, or most colorful of botanical gardens, but there was plenty to see and the atmosphere was fresh and comforting. Sprawling trees offer shade, but you won't completely beat the heat in the dead of an Austin summer. The giant fish were neat to see and the trails provide great exercise in a fresh air environment. The layout was strange to me. Maybe it was our group's generally poor sense of direction, but there were several moments of "Haven't we already been here?" The landscaping and design is gaudy at times...think fake dinosaur footprints and purposefully created matrimonial Kodak moments. (I shouldn't talk...we of course have an online album full of so-and-so in front of the pink flowers and group shots at the gazebo.)
All in all, maybe worth a visit, depending on the personality of your group. ZBG is usually free, but charges for parking seasonally and on the weekends. It's very accessible from Mopac or from S. Lamar if you're coming from downtown.
For our junior town, really an outstanding effort, and AWESOME sales (especially bamboo, bonsai, African violet and cacti) at festivals held at the park year round.
The Isamu Taniguchi Oriental Garden is quite the showcase and surprise of the garden, and first thing you encounter once past the garden center, past that is an organizational afterthought...not sure I get the thread that takes us through the rest of the garden, from teaching points to a Pioneer Settlement...loses focus.
The Prehistoric Garden, complete with a disneyfication of steam and faux dinosaurs takes the confusion deeper. Too busy.
Presently, the gardens are full on in bloom, the succulent garden starts blooming in Mid April to Mid May,
This weekend is their annual garden festival, and if you haven't been, now's the time.
The Memorial Arch is just down the hill from the Butler Window, and it is dedicated to all of the volunteers that have made this city what it is. I was married to the woman of my dreams on this spot on March 21, 2008. Anyone looking to be married amongst beauty that will be kept beautiful for the indefinite future, need not look any further for the ideal location. The cost was minuscule, the pictures were amazing, and it was wonderful to have family from all over convene in such verdant and halcyon greenery. There are many places to be married in this lush maze of bodacious botany, and the potential for photography is similarly splendid.
I am giving them four stars for the "Zilker Garden Festival" which is held annually (heh, plant joke) around March.
Yes, it is a small little garden festival, but every time we go we end up leaving loaded down with organic veggies, beautiful ferns and other miscellaneous items. (Check out the sky chairs!)
It's also a great time to stroll through the Botanical Garden's grounds - check out the rose garden and Oriental Garden - enjoying the weather and good company (assuming you have good company).
By no means is Zilker Botanical Gardens the largest or most accomplished garden I've been to - but it feels like Austin - and for that I am grateful.
Zilker Botanical Gardens are located with in the massive space that is Zilker park. The gardens are spread out, on many levels. They have a beautiful rose garden with lots of flowers, an herb garden, veggie gardens, a garden filled with ancient plants,shrub collection and lots of beautiful flowers. They have huge gazebos ( prom photos or marriage ceremonies anyone?) Also home to a large log cabin from the 1800's and old farm equipment.
My mom, the garden expert, can go here and spent a whole afternoon wandering. Definitely a tourist attraction, and a pretty cool one at that.
great place to relax. Keep a lookout for garter snakes, turtles, watersnakes and anoles.
I once went on a cheesy but cute date at Zilker Park. We didn't have much money and it was pretty cheap and nice outside, so we chose the park. There's a little train that takes you around for a good while; the carts are kind of small but it's good for cuddly times.
Also, there's that place you can swim...I saw people swim there but I didn't go in. But it looked fun. It probably is fun.
Anywho, I don't remember a whole lot about the park except for the fun train ride thingy; but I do remember that I enjoyed myself.
After going to a movie, my roommate wanted to go somewhere outdoors where he could be close to nature; a park or a cemetery, he said. I guess he was feeling homesick for his native Virginia's abundant folliage. I was trying to find Zilker park and, believe it or not, I missed it and turned into the botanical gardens.
Compared to other botanical gardens, this one is a little sad. It's under construction, and the flaura and fauna isn't as maintained or exotic as parks in bigger cities. There's a cheesy pre-historic garden, with a stupid Dinosaur sculpture, as well as an "oriental" garden. The only thing that makes the latter Asian in any way are the large coy fish. Now, the fish are pretty cool because they're as long as a French bread loaf.
Maybe I'm being a little too harsh. This place is romantic and a nice escape from the city, if you need such a place.
Coming from California, I've seen some of the greatest botanical gardens...Huntington Gardens in San Marino, The Arboretum in Arcadia (famous for the legendary Tattoo yelling out "Da plane, da plane!" in the 1970s Fantasy Island)...but enough about those other more spectacular gardens.
It's true, Zilker does not stack up to those California beauties, but for Austin it's not too shabby, it's free, and it makes for a whimsical adventure with your folks from out of town, your significant other, your imaginary friend...
Regardless of who you're with, it's always a pleasure to gaze at the enormous koi in the Oriental garden, or attempt to cross the pond using the stepping stones without falling in.
p.s. If you don't want to pay for the parking and don't mind a short hike, try parking at the Stratford Lane entrance to the Town Lake Trail.
I hear from an airplane if you fly over the gardens you can see the word austin spelled out - so i've been told. This is attraction has multiple gardens. Most famous is the oriental garden designed by Isamu Tanuchi - see http://www.zilkergarde... for more information. There is also a rose garden, butterfly garden, succlent garden, and a pre-historic garden. Visit http://www.zilkergarde... for more information.
I loved this park, especially for my 2 kids. it has a wrap around train that costs about $2 for children and $3 for adults, it also has a swimming pool which is nice to cool off in under the friggen HOT texas sun. but what i enjoyed the most was the park itself, it's just huge and for a kid it's like a mini theme park. the people from the local area seem chill enough with the exception that they're all walking around with their kids in designer everything O_O, i don't mind at all though because whether the kids are playing in nike and lacostes they still get dirty the same way at this playground. it's a great place for families. the only downside is no nearby snack vendors. but it's near downtown and they have JAMBA JUICE by the state capital. ^_^
i agree with Michelann Q. I dont care about comparing this place with other Gardens in the nation or state. i am certain there are better ones. i am sure this one is better that others. i have been here a few times. various reasons and i love the peace it brings. relaxing. they also have koi fish ( i hope that is what they are called..) swimming in the ponds. its just one of those places that you just let your mind, let go of all that is inside and remind yourself that it isnt all bad in the world. it really isnt.
Not really impressed. I'm from Cleveland and we have a way cooler botanical garden. Good spot to take pictures of your family, if you have one. I don't so I didn't really care.
