Atlanta Botanical Garden

The basics

This leafy oasis is a pleasant place to wander and escape the Atlanta traffic. While many travelers visit independently, a guided Atlanta Botanical Garden tour ensures you explore all 30 acres (12 hectares) while learning more about the plants, animals, hidden sculptures, and water features that make this one of the best gardens in the nation.

Nature-themed tours of the city include the botanical garden, as well as Olmsted Linear Park, Grant Park, and Centennial Olympic Park.

Things to know before you go

• The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must-visit for nature lovers and families traveling with kids.

• Dress appropriately for the weather, as many of the gardens are outdoors.

• Give yourself three to four hours in the garden to explore.

• Nearly all areas of the garden are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for rent.

How to get there

Atlanta Botanical Garden is located in Midtown Atlanta, adjacent to Piedmont Park on Piedmont Avenue. You can easily get here by car, Bus 27, and the MARTA transit system.

When to get there

The botanical garden is closed on Mondays, except for certain public holidays; hours are reduced during the winter months but the garden is open rain or shine. Springtime tends to be the most colorful season, but there’s always something in bloom. The garden is particularly lovely to visit during the Christmas season when it is lit with thousands of fairly lights for the annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights exhibit.

Birdwatching in the Atlanta Botanical Garden

The garden provides a habitat for a dozen or so species of native birds, including red-tailed hawks, blue jays, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and chickadees. Early mornings are the best time for birdwatching, particularly in the Perennial Gardens, Fuqua Conservatory, Children’s Garden, and Storza Woods.

How long does it take to go through the Atlanta Botanical Garden?

Most visits to the Atlanta Botanical Garden last between 1.5 and two hours. All tickets have timed entrance, and it’s a good idea to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Once inside the garden, however, you can stay as long as you wish—there’s no time limit.

What do you wear to the Atlanta Botanical Garden?

Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes to explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden, as some of the well-maintained trails have an uneven surface. Shoes and shirts are always required for adult visitors, but children can don a bathing suit to enjoy the Lou Glenn Children’s Garden Splash Pad.

What is the best time to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden?

Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden because March and April bring a profusion of brightly colored tulips, along with daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses. Holiday displays from November through January are another highlight, with the Kendeda Canopy Walk and topiary sculptures decked in glittering lights.

Can you bring food into the Atlanta Botanical Garden?

No, you can’t bring food or beverages into the Atlantic Botanical Garden. (Water bottles are OK, and filling stations are on site.) Grab-and-go snacks and sit-down meals are available inside the garden at the outdoor Snack Bar, the Longleaf Quick Café, and the full-service restaurant Longleaf.

Can I take photos in the Atlanta Botanical Garden?

Yes, you can shoot photos for personal use inside the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Amateur photographers are welcome to take pictures on site—favorite backdrops include the city-backdropped Skyline Garden, the Great Lawn, and the Japanese Garden. Professional photographers must secure a permit, with deposits due two weeks in advance.

Do you need to book tickets to the Atlanta Botanical Garden in advance?

It’s a good idea to book Atlanta Botanical Garden tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend. All admission to the garden is timed ticketing, and open time slots during peak hours frequently sell out. Entry times are offered every 30 minutes and you can enter at or after your purchased time slot. While walk-in tickets are available at the visitor center ticket office, admission is not guaranteed.

Ways to explore

This leafy oasis is a pleasant place to wander and escape the Atlanta traffic. Many travelers opt to visit the garden independently; it's worth setting aside several hours to ensure you explore all 30 acres (12 hectares) and admire the plants, hidden sculptures, and water features that make it one of the best gardens in the nation.

Some self-guided tours of the city also include stops at the botanical garden. If visiting independently, make your sightseeing experience easier by prebooking admission tickets online.

Accessibility

Most of the Atlanta Botanical Garden is accessible to wheelchair users; wheelchairs are free to rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, empty water bottle, camera, handheld bag

What to wear

Wear comfortable, seasonally appropriate layers and good walking shoes—as most attractions are outside, you’ll want to dress for the weather.

Not allowed

Outside food and beverages, smoking and vaping, bicycles and roller blades, other sports equipment

Amenities

Restrooms, water fountains, visitor center, restaurants and cafés

Address 

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is adjacent to Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta. Driving is an easy way to get there, or you can take a taxi or rideshare service. Alternatively, the garden can be reached using rapid transit.

Driving

You can get to the Atlanta Botanical Garden via thoroughfares such as Piedmont Avenue NE; it is typically 10–15 minutes by car from Downtown Atlanta. Paid parking is provided on-site.

Public transportation

Take the Gold or Red Lines of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to the Arts Center station. From there, hop on the 27 bus, which stops near the garden entrance.

Best times to visit

The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s hours vary by season, though it’s typically open from midmorning until late afternoon or early evening. Arrive early in the day to beat the midday heat.

Best days to visit

The garden is usually open every day except Mondays. Weekends and holidays are likely to be especially popular times; try for a weekday visit to beat the crowds.

Best months to visit

Aim to visit the garden in spring, when many of its plants will be blooming (and before the sweltering summer weather sets in). Alternatively, aim for the festive winter season.

Special events

Don’t miss the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights exhibition, held during the winter holiday period and featuring light installations and other festive activities and perks.