Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Spanning more than 24 acres, Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street presents a wide range of gardens and collections that illustrate an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. Distinctive gardens define and celebrate our Western identity and a unique high altitude climate and geography. We are passionate about connecting people to plants through botanical beauty, education, art, events, conservation and sustainable living.
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- jrzj42Ellicott City, Maryland1,737 contributionsExcellent gardensA surprisingly good selection of plants, trees, etc., arrange in very nice settings. Easy to spend a few hours walking the paths and enjoying all that the botanic gardens has to offer. Worth a repeat visit.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 22, 2023
- CrystalEatsSouth Bend, Indiana138 contributionsBlossom of LightsThis was an absolutely gorgeous display of lights. Holiday music drifts in the air, lights seem to cover nearly every inch in different shapes and colors. It’s a one way path and you should amble at a leisurely pace as it’s just under a mile. I high recommend for any age.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 26, 2023
- Cecilia S3 contributionsDenver Botanic Gardens: Urban Nature EscapeDenver Botanic Gardens is like a green sanctuary in the city. The gardens are a mix of beautiful plants and calming vibes, making it a perfect escape for families and anyone who loves nature. It's not just a garden; it's a place that feels alive and teaches you cool stuff about plants. With its cozy nooks and changing displays, it's a chill spot to connect with nature right in the heart of Denver.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 25, 2023
- Ronald LDenver, Colorado2,936 contributionsSpirit Guides on DisplayNew sculptures at Denver Botanical Gardens inspired by astrology of the Mesoamerican Zapotecs are now on display. The fiberglass and acrylic paint animals were completed by Jacobo & Maria Angeles of Oaxaca, Mexico where they operate a community workshop providing training and employment for hundreds of local artists. We visited the Angeles studio, in Oaxaca, a couple of years ago and were impressed by the talent of the local artists. This is a very impressive display and well worth visiting.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 14, 2024
- spanishrose1952Mijas, Spain157 contributionsA great day outThere was so much to see here, different trees, plants and other things. These gardens are well worth a visit but wear comfortable shoes. The car park gets full very quickly but we were able to find street parking a short walk awayVisited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 16, 2024
- AskDrNPueblo, Colorado254 contributionsBeautiful!Easy flat walks surrounded by endless gardens of all kinds make a couple hours at the Botanic Gardens the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. I loved the Bonsai trees and the water Lillies,as well as the sculptures throughout the park. Be prepared for humidity and heat in the enclosed rainforest gardens. The gift shop is amazing and there is an art gallery, a cafe and a library. Parking is easy across the street in a parking garage.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 31, 2024
- Richard C795 contributionsMust Visit!The Denver Botanic Gardens are expansive, well tended, and drop jaw beautiful. During a long stroll, I moved from wonder to awe -- just so much to see on different scales. Take your time, wear good shoes, and take breaks as needed. If you're a gardener, you'll go back home with many more ideas for your own garden.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 2, 2024
- Maureen CColorado Springs, Colorado3 contributionsGarden FunThe botanic gardens is my favorite escape. They have been adding a lot of new things and buildings to check out. I highly suggest going in the day and at night for different experiences. My favorite exhibit is the bonsai exhibit.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 15, 2024
- Bernard WDallas, Texas1,915 contributionsLots of Variety in Calm SettingsReciprocal AHA membership only gets two people in. There are wonderful sculptures amidst the floral displays. The grounds map is now digital rather than paper. Wonderful array of beautiful flora. Large garden with many comfortable seating nooks.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 30, 2024
- JanelleGrand Rapids, Michigan151 contributionsExpansive Garden spaceThis Is quite a large place with a lot to look at and do for being a botanical garden. We were there about 3 hours and didn't even go across the street to the Children's Garden at all. You could stay longer if the movie had been running, and if you looked through all the art exhibits as well. It appears to host many events at various parts of the park as well.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
5,841 reviews
Excellent
4,451
Very good
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213
Poor
55
Terrible
27
Jennifer W
Santa Ana, CA4 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We visited on Saturday May 1, 2021 and we were surprised at the fact that the majority of the garden was dead... there were very few flowers in bloom. I think you would see more greenery at the park down the street. I thought springtime would be an ideal time to visit a botanic garden but I guess not in Colorado?
It was also extremely packed to the point where it was not fun, and many of the exhibits were still closed due to covid.. you would think if there were still closed exhibits that maybe they would try to limit the capacity ? They had an online ticketing system when we came, you could not purchase tickets in person, and you had to reserve a time slot. However once you go in you’re not limited on how long you can spend there, so by the time we got there in the afternoon it was just packed to the brim with people. They have signs everywhere suggesting people wear masks but around half the people there were not wearing masks. Which might have been okay if it hadn’t been so extremely packed.
This was a waste of money and a waste of time, worst botanic gardens I’ve ever been to. The one sore spot of an otherwise great trip to Denver.
It was also extremely packed to the point where it was not fun, and many of the exhibits were still closed due to covid.. you would think if there were still closed exhibits that maybe they would try to limit the capacity ? They had an online ticketing system when we came, you could not purchase tickets in person, and you had to reserve a time slot. However once you go in you’re not limited on how long you can spend there, so by the time we got there in the afternoon it was just packed to the brim with people. They have signs everywhere suggesting people wear masks but around half the people there were not wearing masks. Which might have been okay if it hadn’t been so extremely packed.
This was a waste of money and a waste of time, worst botanic gardens I’ve ever been to. The one sore spot of an otherwise great trip to Denver.
Written May 2, 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.
Kerri D
1 contribution
Oct 2021
I traveled to Denver to see the Botanical Gardens specifically with my entire family. We were celebrating my daughters one year cancer free remission date. When we arrived at the Botanical gardens, parking was a nightmare. We then proceed to go to the ticket booth to purchase tickets. We are a military family so the discount was nice. However, my husband has severe PTSD and has our dog; and American Bully to ease his anxiety and paranoia at times in crowds. As we had already paid for 4 tickets to enter the garden when we were stopped by an extremely rude Botanical Garden security and he stated that " If the dog does not have a working dog vest he can not be let in." I had just paid for 4 tickets mind you, so the special celebratory trip was missing a parent and beloved pet because of some security persons ideals. Also I was not refunded my money then, I had to call a main office and was told it would be three to four days to receive my money back. That is crap!
My husband had to wait in the car while my daughters and I looked at the garden. While walking around the garden there were 4 other dogs running around in Halloween costumes. These costumes were not service dog vests. I felt discriminated against because of how my dog looked. The day was ruined, and not good at all. The Gardens were hard to find one's way around and boring. So many areas were closed off due to weddings and events happening. This is a very horrible place to go . Do not waste your money, all of the reviews on google state it is absolutely amazing. Keep scrolling to see how many horrible reviews there are. Please keep scrolling to see the one star reviews that never show up. I would hope that the Botanical Gardens would apologize to my family and my pet, however I will not hold my breath. Put your money towards something that is really family friendly.
My husband had to wait in the car while my daughters and I looked at the garden. While walking around the garden there were 4 other dogs running around in Halloween costumes. These costumes were not service dog vests. I felt discriminated against because of how my dog looked. The day was ruined, and not good at all. The Gardens were hard to find one's way around and boring. So many areas were closed off due to weddings and events happening. This is a very horrible place to go . Do not waste your money, all of the reviews on google state it is absolutely amazing. Keep scrolling to see how many horrible reviews there are. Please keep scrolling to see the one star reviews that never show up. I would hope that the Botanical Gardens would apologize to my family and my pet, however I will not hold my breath. Put your money towards something that is really family friendly.
Written October 11, 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.
Amanda D
Houston, TX114 contributions
Jul 2020
Family of four visited on July 4, 2020. The gardens are very pretty and scenic, if your interested in plants. Masks were required, even for small children. A lot of exhibits were closed, but there we a number of accessible restrooms. Parking was free, but admission for 2 adults and 2 children was around $53.
Written July 9, 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.
Melissa H
Denver, CO253 contributions
Jan 2020
Absolutely magical!!! My family and I attended January 3rd. We were unable to park in the Botanic Gardens parking lot so found off site parking (challenging since a lot of the area surrounding the gardens is for permits only) we had a chilly walk of about 4 blocks to the gardens. Our tickets were for 7pm and we got there early but it was not a problem, they let us right in. I was stunned by the amazing light displays and all of the work that would go into creating such a winter wonderland! The pictures I took on my camera just didn't do it justice. There was a projection show of Santa placing presents under a tree in a window of one of the houses that are around the property and even my teen boys thought it was cool! I felt like a little kid walking around with wide eyes and a permanent smile in place. Completely worth the drive to Denver and appropriate for all ages. We loved it and would do it again and again!
Written January 12, 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.
RYC88
Centreville, VA1,305 contributions
Jun 2022
There is a parking area across the street, but the underground parking is not obvious, so don't think the top surface lot is all the parking there is. There are signs that say tickets must be purchased before entering the main building and you can do that by scanning the QR code, however, once you enter the building, there are staff members at the desk selling admission passes. I'm assuming they are trying to keep the staff from being overwhelmed with sales. The actual grounds are fabulous, beautifully laid out, and with plenty of signs with information on the flora and fauna. All the various sections are so thoughtful and the use of water features and sculpture and landscaping is wonderful. It's a huge complex and it's just beautiful and well worth a visit.
Written July 7, 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.
Mary M
Denver, CO7 contributions
Dec 2019
We love botanic gardens! The Denver gardens are a special treat. No matter what the season, there is something interesting to see. The building that houses the tropical plants and rainforest is a one of a kind, must see, piece of architecture! Throughout the gardens are lovely sitting areas for a quiet moment of observation or a picnic. Two restaurants provide lovely food. During the summer months the Denver Botanic Gardens hosts some pretty big name outdoor concerts where you are welcome to bring your own picnic dinner and bottle of wine. It is just a very special place!
Written March 5, 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.
bokie007
Annandale, VA8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
On my business travels I usually make it a point to visit botanical gardens, just to get away from the stresses of work.
These sprawling gardens are of the best I’ve seen, even though it’s the dead of winter, I can only imagine how vibrant they are in warmer months.
There are indoor exhibits to check out such as a rain forest; a phenomenal display of orchids; unusual plants and trees (eg. coffee & chocolate); a very copacetic Japanese garden with its huge koi pond; a succulents and cacti garden. Etc.
If in Denver and you love exploring flora & fauna or you are an avid gardener, I urge you to check out this one, you’ll leave with a heart full of love and peace.
These sprawling gardens are of the best I’ve seen, even though it’s the dead of winter, I can only imagine how vibrant they are in warmer months.
There are indoor exhibits to check out such as a rain forest; a phenomenal display of orchids; unusual plants and trees (eg. coffee & chocolate); a very copacetic Japanese garden with its huge koi pond; a succulents and cacti garden. Etc.
If in Denver and you love exploring flora & fauna or you are an avid gardener, I urge you to check out this one, you’ll leave with a heart full of love and peace.
Written February 29, 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.
mjmees
Longmont, CO10 contributions
Dec 2019
We had out of state family visiting at Christmas. In the past we have visited zoo lights at Christmas and wanted to do something different. We loved the Christmas lights. We were kept on a path so as to see everything. I was so impressed with the experiences we were exposed to. There were special eye glasses to look through that allowed us to see candy canes on the trees. We walked through a covered walkway
with lights dancing and other such special features.
with lights dancing and other such special features.
Written January 9, 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.
Inga L
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
As a Denverite, I’ve been to more than a few concerts here over the years, and have come to the conclusion it’s probably not worth the considerable expense. Hopefully, if you decide to be a concert goer anyway, at least you’ll be prepared. 1) you will receive an email supposedly prepping you for the concert. It will neglect to warn you that chairs above a certain height (about 30” I believe) aren’t acceptable. Water bottles are. 2) prepare to queue in a very long line under a hot sun for an hour before the doors open, and then walk VERY fast to grab your spot on the lawn (preferably the west side, never the east…you’ll see). A month of good aerobic workouts will come in handy. 3) despite the tight squeeze, your next door “neighbor “ will often complain you’re too close. Ignore them. 4) despite the warning to take conversations elsewhere during the performances, don’t be surprised that the music you’ve paid a significant amount of money to enjoy vies with the drunken braying of older wealthy patrons . No ushers around, so either prepare for subdued battle or try to tune them out. Good luck!
Written August 23, 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.
Cyn
14 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
Stunning, lush gardens. Beautiful design with pathways that leads to a multitude of garden spaces. Many benches with places to sit in the shade and take in the wonder of it all.
I tour botanic gardens wherever I travel and this is one of the best. Treat yourself to lunch in the cafe (the quiche is amazing) and plan to spend at least a couple of hours in the gardens to appreciate nature’s beauty.
I tour botanic gardens wherever I travel and this is one of the best. Treat yourself to lunch in the cafe (the quiche is amazing) and plan to spend at least a couple of hours in the gardens to appreciate nature’s beauty.
Written June 19, 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.
Does the Gardens have wheelchairs to loan and if so, can one be reserved? Where are the handicap parking spaces?
Written September 22, 2023
I did not see any wheelchair availability, but I did not look for that option either as nobody in our party required that type of assistance. There is parking available close to the Garden entrance, but it is somewhat limited so we parked off-street relatively close by. Not sure of the amount or availability of handicapped parking at the Botanical Gardens.
Written September 23, 2023
yes some parts of the gardens are wheel chair accessible, some parts you will need help to access it and some parts are not accessible by wheelchair.
They have a map when you get there that shows all the parts that wheelchairs will able to access.
Written April 15, 2022
Is public transportation available nearby
Written October 18, 2021
I’m not exactly sure but you could probably use uber or Lyft. I was driving my own vehicle.
Written October 22, 2021
Chris W
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
We have tickets purchased and just saw it’s 100% chance of rain. Are there indoor attractions to see ?
Written May 27, 2021
Sorry, I don't remember! My wife purchased the tickets online.
Written October 6, 2020
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