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Denver Botanic Gardens
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Denver Botanic Gardens

See all things to do
See all things to do
Denver Botanic Gardens
4.5
5,738 reviews
#7 of 262 things to do in Denver
Art Galleries • Gardens
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9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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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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Admission tickets
from $15.00
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,738 reviews
Excellent
4,371
Very good
1,079
Average
211
Poor
54
Terrible
23
RYC88
Centreville, VA1,167 contributions
Just gorgeous
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.
WmLesRob2
Columbus, OH243 contributions
My favorite botanic gardens
Jun 2021 • Friends
This place is amazing! The absolute best botanical gardens I have visited.

Allow plenty of time for your visit. We did. We explored all the massive gardens, spent some time in the Boettcher Conservatory, grabbed some lunch at the offshoots cafe, and worked our way through the Freyer-Newman Art Galleries. Walked by the Science Pyramid and fountains, and also the Hive Garden Bistro. If you get a chance, look at the map before you go it is beautiful but it is a lot. I think the only place we didn't get to swing in was the gift shop as the line was ridiculous to get in.

The Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street) was one of the highlights of the trip and so happy we went for a visit. I highly recommend the gardens if you are ever visiting Denver, or especially if you live in the area and have not checked them out.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Megan A
South Carolina11 contributions
Beautiful but check about any closings before going
Aug 2022
We visited the botanical gardens as part of our City Pass. When we arrived around 11:30, we were told their was a private event and they would be closing at one. It was our last day so we had no choice. The conservatory had many large, beautiful tropical plants in it. We hurried around the gardens which could be marked with number like on their map for easier identification. Some areas were closed off due to set up for the private event. We decided to save the childrens garden for the end since it was on top of the parking garage. It was closed at 12:30 when we finally got there. My son was very disappointed. I wish this would have been on the front page of their website so we could have planned better. What we saw was beautiful though.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kerri D
1 contribution
Discrimination
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.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jennifer W
Santa Ana, CA3 contributions
Nothing in bloom, extremely packed
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.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Victoria N
Gateshead, UK3,136 contributions
Beautiful
Aug 2022
I visited for the first time recently from the UK. The place is absolutely beautiful. There are so many places to walk and you can also purchase and enjoy refreshments outside near the beautiful lake area. Parking was tight however, then you walk downstairs or get an elevator downstairs, then the gardens are across the street. There is a gift shop too.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gautam R
Laurel, MD207 contributions
Spectacular Fall Colors
Oct 2021
We had a wonderful visit here in the Fall. The Park had a Halloween theme, with lots of pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, and animal creations come out with pumpkins. The fall color was unbelievable. Very leisurely walk in the park. The Conservatory was mediocre, given how warm it was, there was no real need, to spend a lot of time there.

Tickets must be purchased based upon arrival time and online, and the parking lot across the street fills up fast.

I think we with 2 hours, the entire garden can be leisurely walked.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carlos T
Mansfield, TX733 contributions
Beautiful Place
Aug 2020 • Couples
This was our first time visiting the Denver Botanical Garden and the overall experience was excellent! The garden staff were friendly and helpful. The Garden requires a time slot reservation in order to stay within the city coronavirus protocol. The Botanical Garden we're beautiful and well laid out for the visitors. The Garden shop was open. But it limits the number of people inside. The cafe was open for food and beverages. The Botanical Garden have free parking available. Worth the visit.
Written August 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MelissaWP
Shorewood, IL433 contributions
abundant beauty flourishes at the botanic garden
Aug 2021
After vacationing in various cities around Colorado, this was my favorite spot we visited. We immediately gravitated to the striking Chihuly sculpture that we love finding in various locations we visit. There were so many numerous varieties of flowers and plants with such vibrant colors that it was easy to slowly stroll through and difficult to leave this place. If I lived in Denver, I could easily make frequent visits here to peacefully relax.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RAScheuer
Narvon70 contributions
Beauty in every direction!
Jul 2022 • Couples
The Denver Botanic Gardens did not disappoint. In fact, they exceeded our expectations. We reserved our ticket for 9am and spent the cooler part of the day in the outside gardens. There were beautiful flower gardens, winding pathways, and wildlife, including hummingbirds. The art galleries were a nice respite from the heat, and the iced coffee and the cinnamon roll pastry in the cafe were perfect. The children’s garden is attached to the free parking, and we enjoyed our last stroll through there before leaving. We spent about 4 hours there, and would probably have stayed longer if it was a cooler day. We will return on our next visit to Denver.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Denver Botanic Gardens - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Denver Botanic Gardens can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 2 Denver Botanic Gardens tickets and tours on Tripadvisor