Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
4.6
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Birmingham Botanical Gardens and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
390 within 3 miles
Attractions
162 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- journalmytripsGeorgia740 contributionsSpringtime in the south is a great time to visit gardens. We have visited many during our travels. This spring we decided to visit the Birmingham Botanical gardens. While not as spectacular as the azalea bowl at Callaway Gardens, it is still worth a visit. The gardens are very clean and the paths are very walkable. I imagine when the roses bloom that area would be lovely. If you have time, stop at the cafe for lunch where you will find a nice setting with tablecloths on each table, good food and good service.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 8, 2024
- tarajean424Colleyville, Texas417 contributionsWe love to visit botanical gardens, and this one is such a beautifully kept garden! The grounds are very well kept and have many areas to explore. If you are looking for a great non-rainy day activity that is family-friendly, this is the place! The best part is that it is free!Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 4, 2024
- TSP2014Colleyville, Texas384 contributionsMy family enjoyed our visit to the gardens. Everything was green and well-kept. We walked through the Japanese gardens as well as some of the other gardens. It's quite a big place, but it's a great place to go on a walk and just enjoy the outdoors. The price is free, so it's family-friendly. Obviously being outside this wouldn't be a good activity on a rainy day or on a day where it's real humid. We were blessed to have an overcast day and it wasn't too humid. If you are in the Birmingham area and looking for something to do outdoors, you'll definitely want to stop by.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 14, 2024
- Ann M34 contributionsThe Birmingham Botanical Gardens is such an awesome Birmingham spot to visit. It is so nice that there is no admission fee, and the gardens are beautiful in every season. The Japanese gardens are my favorite! I also love how they have a desire to give back to the local Birmingham community.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 22, 2024
- Melinda WMagee, Mississippi227 contributionsFantastic garden! Well kept and friendly staff. We were pleasantly surprised by this garden. When it said “free”, I didn’t set the bar very high. It was a beautiful place with lots of variety! Just FYI, it is a large area, so a great deal of walking is required. They have very well maintained walkways with benches and/or swings along the way.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 14, 2024
- Amanda PAthens, Georgia19 contributionsWe loved the beautiful plants, trees and flowers coupled with the sounds of birdsong and occasional laughter of children playing in the green spaces or picnicking with parents. The swings were our fav to stop and soak in the beauty. It was a wonderful place we would visit often if we lived nearby.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
525 reviews
Excellent
344
Very good
147
Average
23
Poor
7
Terrible
4
heatherpiro
327 contributions
Apr 2023 • Business
What a beautiful garden! And it’s free! The staff were lovely and the gardens were amazing! It is right across from the zoo. It is a public space, so anyone can just walk in. I got there before 7 and they opened the gates about 10 mins early. I saw all kinds of amazing birds! The zoo is literally across the street. If I had more time I would have gone. By the time I left at 10, the parking lot was full and there was a queue of cars to get into the zoo. There is a lovely little shop. I didn’t try the restaurant.
Written April 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl J
Indianapolis, IN591 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Wow! Great stop. Beautiful gardens. Free parking free entrance. Lots of great picture taking opportunities. We were too early for gift shop or cafe (745 arrival on
a Sunday) but spent almost 2 hours meandering around and checking all the gardens including conservatory and getting pictures.
a Sunday) but spent almost 2 hours meandering around and checking all the gardens including conservatory and getting pictures.
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise H
2 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
So run down, unkept and very sad that these gardens are not brought to their potential. Nothing to see in the Japanese gardens. Everything is overgrown and dead. Many of the fountains and water features were not working and I won’t recommend unless you only want to get your walking steps in for the day.
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kwame Micheal
Anchorage, AK1,088 contributions
Aug 2021
Starting out this garden is wonderful. It is free to enter and recommends donations to keep things going in a dropbox near the gate entrance. I recommend supporting this in order to keep it free for those who want to go.
The garden is gorgeous and has so much to offer, to be honest. A lot of clean and nice paths to walk on. Sections of the garden are nicely organized. They have bees pollinating and lots and lots to see. My favorite part was the Japanese garden with bamboo, koi, and lots of Japanese Maples. I would recommend this to anyone who likes these types of things.
The garden is gorgeous and has so much to offer, to be honest. A lot of clean and nice paths to walk on. Sections of the garden are nicely organized. They have bees pollinating and lots and lots to see. My favorite part was the Japanese garden with bamboo, koi, and lots of Japanese Maples. I would recommend this to anyone who likes these types of things.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
monswall
Plano, TX83 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
As a free garden, this was an amazing place to visit. We arrived in the morning and walked the entire garden. Sadly, the cafe is closed on Mondays, but you'll find ice cold popsicles in the gift shop.
The class conservatories are also closed on Mondays. You'll still see native plants and forests to formal gardens.
You'll want a hat, your own reusable water bottle and really good walking shoes for the paved and unpaved paths through the gardens. You'll want to keep an eye on the weather during your visit. We left when we heard thunder.
The class conservatories are also closed on Mondays. You'll still see native plants and forests to formal gardens.
You'll want a hat, your own reusable water bottle and really good walking shoes for the paved and unpaved paths through the gardens. You'll want to keep an eye on the weather during your visit. We left when we heard thunder.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patsy B
Hampshire, UK22 contributions
Feb 2020
Three times I have tried to arrange to take a friend to these gardens, I have been in the summer, Beautiful walks, gardens indoors & out, during the summer they have a band playing on the band stand. Lovely for the children to look around.
It’s February it’s wet, windy, cold, not the best time of the year, lots to see indoors
Spring not to far away, so buds to be seen, beautiful fish to look at indoors.
We also paid a visit to the tea rooms, half term, lots of children inside, excellent sandwiches, hot food available, and the staff amazing, friendly, helpful.shop to look around, enjoyable wet afternoon.
It’s February it’s wet, windy, cold, not the best time of the year, lots to see indoors
Spring not to far away, so buds to be seen, beautiful fish to look at indoors.
We also paid a visit to the tea rooms, half term, lots of children inside, excellent sandwiches, hot food available, and the staff amazing, friendly, helpful.shop to look around, enjoyable wet afternoon.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gillp141
West Bromwich, UK49 contributions
Aug 2021
Had not visited since May 2019 and was saddened to see that the whole place had gone down hill and clearly needs some serious investment.
Most of the buildings need repair/painting, crumbling window frames and flaking paint on a number of the buildings.
Went to the toilet before we set off round the gardens, (we arrived for opening at 10.00) no toilet paper and the bin was literally over flowing and it was clear it had not cleaned .
Set off on our walk an passed a bin that had a number of soiled nappies on the floor next to it. One of the staff was working a few yards from it ( he had to have seen it) I pointed it out to him and he explained that he was the only person cleaning/emptying bins on site but would deal with it .
The gardens themselves are lovely, an amazing array of plants and trees.
We went to the butterfly house and were dismayed to see a number on dead butterflies and several who were clearly unwell. I think there were probably less then 10 live butterflies in there.
Had 2 cofffes from the cafe , tiny cups £6.20.
Overall we were left feeling sad and disappointed as it was not the gardens we had previously enjoyed, don’t know if it the affect of COVID, lack of staff/volunteers that has impacted on the overall appearance of the gardens, but it’s such a shame, sad to say we won’t be back anytime soon.
Most of the buildings need repair/painting, crumbling window frames and flaking paint on a number of the buildings.
Went to the toilet before we set off round the gardens, (we arrived for opening at 10.00) no toilet paper and the bin was literally over flowing and it was clear it had not cleaned .
Set off on our walk an passed a bin that had a number of soiled nappies on the floor next to it. One of the staff was working a few yards from it ( he had to have seen it) I pointed it out to him and he explained that he was the only person cleaning/emptying bins on site but would deal with it .
The gardens themselves are lovely, an amazing array of plants and trees.
We went to the butterfly house and were dismayed to see a number on dead butterflies and several who were clearly unwell. I think there were probably less then 10 live butterflies in there.
Had 2 cofffes from the cafe , tiny cups £6.20.
Overall we were left feeling sad and disappointed as it was not the gardens we had previously enjoyed, don’t know if it the affect of COVID, lack of staff/volunteers that has impacted on the overall appearance of the gardens, but it’s such a shame, sad to say we won’t be back anytime soon.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stephanie
5 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Jurassic encounter AVOID if you are a blue badge holder as there is NO management of the carpark which had no disabled parking but full of cars without blue badges. ‘Street food ’ consisted of overpriced burger stand. Hot chocolate stand and sweets stand. If the management of the event was acceptable it may have been worth a visit but was too stressful to enjoy 😩
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,809 contributions
Jul 2023
While there was less than I expected in bloom, the garden was quite nice and the drive through this neighborhood was beautiful as well. We got to the restaurant early enough to eat lunch. Soup was great and so was the service! Be aware that there is a note posted if you arrive at 1:30, you have to carry out your meal. Sort of tough and a bit early. Thanks for having this free for everyone.
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimichongaJC
New Bern, NC677 contributions
Apr 2021
Beautiful natural setting. Exquisitely curated and cared for grounds and plantings. The trails, the glass greenhouses, the trellises, the garden paths, the bridges, the fencing, the gates and divisions are all integrated beautifully into the whole making this site a marvellous open grounds for contemplative and reflective relaxation. It's truly astounding that the city of Birmngham offers these gardens free to the public. Although we were early for spring blossoms, the majesty of the trees, cacti, bonsai, ponds and leafy shade were just awesome. We watched a groundskeeper clipping shrubbery using manicure scissors! That should give an idea of the loving care the staff brings to this wonderful site. Most emphatic recommendation to visit the lovely Birmingham Botanical Gardens!
Written May 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On my last visit I noted several child strollers in the gardens.
Written October 5, 2019
There is quite a bit of goodness in bloom, if specifically azaleas, I would suggest calling them. Happy travels!
Written May 3, 2019
what is the best time of year to see the gardens?
Written February 25, 2019
We always enjoy it in spring here in Birmingham mid March and on.
Written February 25, 2019
Absolutey YES to a picnic lunch, and there's dozens of places to eat it. If the weather's nice, bring a blanket (or fold-up chairs and a table if that's more your style) and all the acoutrements, and chow down! I've seen folks with wine, but I'm not sure about the rules for alcoholic beverages. I do know that you can't do any grilling or cooking.
Written February 20, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 10
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing