Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A nationally acclaimed 66 acre display garden features breathtaking floral displays all year long. Nestled on the shores of White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum was named "One of the Most Breathtaking Gardens in the World" by Architectural Digest. Dallas Blooms festival boasts of over 500,000 spring blooming bulbs, 3,000 azaleas and hundreds of Cherry Blooms-February-April. Summer in the garden includes an outdoor concert series on Thursday evenings and numerous water features with breathtaking floral displays. Autumn at the Arboretum-September-November features a nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village featuring over 90,000 pumpkins/gourds/squash and named one of America's Best Pumpkin festivals by Fodor's Travel. The 8 acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden was designed to connect children with nature. Education is a central focus the gardens mission, which teach life and Earth science with 17 indoor/outdoor galleries and 150 interactive activities - Where science and fun become one. Open seven days a week and Wednesday nights until 8pm from March-October. Seasonal weekday discounts are available. The garden is closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & 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 Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
331 within 3 miles
Attractions
293 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Trippin with DustyEdina, Minnesota70 contributionsAwesome Water Features and the Spring Blooms are AmazingThis is a fantastic arboretum. You should definitely take time to visit it if you are in Dallas. It is filled with amazing water features. The Spring blooms are fantastic, including tons of tulips and multiple cherry trees. We covered most of it in two hours, but you could definitely spend more time and there are many comfortable places to sit and relax and take in all the beautiful scenery.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 7, 2024
- Sara G.Saint Louis, Missouri964 contributionsBeautiful GardensBeautiful and relaxing gardens east of Dallas. The horticulturists just planted 500,000 bulbs which are blooming! The are miles of walking paths featuring many water fountains and seating areas. This garden is on White Rock Lake! It's so peaceful and calming. This is a beautiful garden & arboretum. I recommend paying it a visit!Visited February 2024Traveled on businessWritten March 7, 2024
- Sammie-Jo69North West England, United Kingdom552 contributionsBeautiful sceneryBeautiful surroundings and especially so on a warm but not baking clear day. The grounds are immaculate and just spending a few hours moping around is lovely, although if you aren't a big flowers person, there isn't actually much of interest. A tour of the DeGolyer house is well worth it. The only other thing to note is that there's no real structure to going around the gardens, so you might be well served by planning a route first!Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 28, 2024
- Elise GHudson River Valley, New York1,315 contributionsLovely, but a bit too many people!It is likely that I would have given this review five "stars", but the crowds were a bit of an obstacle. I loved the layout of the gardens. Everything was so well maintained, cared for and marked. I appreciated beautiful views of the lakes and the paths meandering through wooded areas and water fountains. Spring is a great time to visit, as so much was in bloom. A Sunday at noon is not the ideal time to visit! (Parking was challenging.) Thankfully, everyone was respectful. If I were to go to the Dallas Arboretum again, it would be on a weekday morning!Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 7, 2024
- lamarbradleyNashville, Tennessee1,266 contributionsNice, serene place to relax and unwindWe saw great reviews of this place and since we were in Dallas, we wanted to see it for ourselves. There is a lot to look at, and the day we were there, the weather was uncooperative and cold and much of the foliage was not in full bloom, so it was not the greatest experience of you were looking for flowers in full bloom. The place is very well maintained and is a peaceful calming experience. We also toured the DeGolyer House and the docent gave an excellent presentation about the home and grounds. Dallas was fortunate that this acreage was saved from commercial or residential development as it is a beautiful oasis in the city.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 12, 2024
- Ric41 contributionsHeavenlyThis place is filled with beautiful nature scenic spots. The beautiful flowers, plants and trees immediately put you in a calm mood. There were weddings, quince photos, proposals, picnics and families walking around.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 16, 2024
- Geof JGermantown, Wisconsin494 contributionsLovely Arboretum and GardensThis is a beautiful park with a lot of walking trails, peaceful nature and calming landscaping. We visited for a few hours one afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The vertical landscaping installations were fascinating as were the various water features. There are several water walls and other artistic water features that should not be missed. Well worth a visitVisited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 1, 2024
- Chris K10 contributionsGreat Day OutWhat a wonderful way to enjoy the great weather in Dallas by exploring the magnificent gardens and the Degolyer family house at Dallas Arboretum. Shame my photos do not do it justice. Lots of shade and places to sit and enjoy the place even if the sun is beating down. Cafe and gift shop were both good value too. It is definitely worth a visit.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 11, 2024
- elawson651 contributionsIf the weather is bearable, this place is a welcome spot of beautyIf the weather is not too hot, stop here. It's not too expensive, the walkways are beautiful, the views of downtown Dallas over the lake are pretty. I think it would be great for kids because they can burn off some energy. And there was a petting zoo there the day we went.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 19, 2024
- Jeremy CKaiserslautern, Germany7 contributionsBeautiful and relaxing visit (shade included)Excellent visit to a lovely place! I was surprised by just how much there was to see. Beautiful flowers, plentiful shade, awesome hammocks and a really cool historical house full of knowledgeable volunteers. We visited on Saturday afternoon and spent around 2.5 hours walking the park. I was inspired to try to build something beautiful in my backyard based on the tranquility we experienced. I really enjoyed the hammock park where you could crash in any of the 100+ hammocks under the shade trees. The historic Degoyler house was so impressive to walk through. I almost felt like I was transported back to the mid 1940s. Trails are kid and stroller friendly.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 23, 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
4.5
5,915 reviews
Excellent
4,543
Very good
1,050
Average
214
Poor
65
Terrible
43
Kris-Tina W
Dallas, TX23 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
It's not quite the Keukenhof outside Amsterdam, but it is still glorious. During tulip time, they have remote parking lots and shuttle people from there in full size buses to the entrance. I believe that you can purchase individual, family or group tickets on line. Restrooms and lovely gift shop, wheelchairs available. What I appreciate, and probably the parents of younger children do too, the children's area very close to the start, and always so creative for every seasonal change.
There are several snack and quick food options and a nicer restaurant for those who prefer. Picnics are popular all around the grounds and gardens. Plants, trees and flowers are all well marked. Additional wheelchairs are frequently available along the way, but if you think you might need one, bring your own or pick one up at the entrance. Well marked maps are given out, so you have many options available, including cutting back if you don't want to tour the whole site. Summer events in the evening with orchestra, etc., bring a picnic and wine for a delightful evening.
Of course it's a bit busy, especially at tulip time, but the property is huge and I have never felt like it was crowded. More small children on the weekends with their families.
A few discreet kiosks along the paths selling calendars, post cards, and the usual fare. But no where does the Arboretum look like a commercial park, indeed, it isn't because of generous donations and seasonal memberships. You end up back at the entrance with clean restrooms and that delightful gift store with some truly unique items. ENJOY! PS: if you're day is a bit cloudy, don't let that keep you from going. Seeing the flowers without your sunglasses on is great.
There are several snack and quick food options and a nicer restaurant for those who prefer. Picnics are popular all around the grounds and gardens. Plants, trees and flowers are all well marked. Additional wheelchairs are frequently available along the way, but if you think you might need one, bring your own or pick one up at the entrance. Well marked maps are given out, so you have many options available, including cutting back if you don't want to tour the whole site. Summer events in the evening with orchestra, etc., bring a picnic and wine for a delightful evening.
Of course it's a bit busy, especially at tulip time, but the property is huge and I have never felt like it was crowded. More small children on the weekends with their families.
A few discreet kiosks along the paths selling calendars, post cards, and the usual fare. But no where does the Arboretum look like a commercial park, indeed, it isn't because of generous donations and seasonal memberships. You end up back at the entrance with clean restrooms and that delightful gift store with some truly unique items. ENJOY! PS: if you're day is a bit cloudy, don't let that keep you from going. Seeing the flowers without your sunglasses on is great.
Written January 24, 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.
Mike S
Arlington, TX2,907 contributions
Mar 2020
For Christmas this year, I gave my wife a membership to the Dallas Arboretum. She likes to go several times a year and had been going as the +1 with a friend who has a membership. One of my conditions was that I didn't have to go. I have nothing against the arboretum but my interests lie elsewhere. So, of course, when she decided she needed to use her membership for the first time a couple of weeks ago, guess who she asked to be her +1? Yep, it was me. And since I have trouble denying my wife anything since she's put up with me for as long as he has, off we went.
She told me I'd been there around 25 years ago with her and our kids but I have no recollection of that. We saw a lot of folks with kids and, in some cases photographers taking family photos so I'm sure we did that too when our kids were little.
We spent 2-3 hours there and I have to say that I enjoyed it much more than I ever imagined I would. It is a beautiful and peaceful (even with all the people) place and I have a great appreciation for how many people and hours and sweat it takes to make something the size of the arboretum look as good as it does and keep it that way. They change exhibits seasonally and it's obvious that they try very hard to stay "modern" and not just rest on past success. They had a food tasting pavilion as well as an outdoor stage where groups can (and were) performing. They also have a wedding venue. (That's a great idea!) There were volunteers on golf carts in the parking lot to shuttle people, if needed or wanted, to the main entrance and there were plenty of places to buy drinks and snacks throughout the grounds. The entire facility, including the restrooms, was clean and, again, that speaks volumes to the dedication of the volunteers.
I don't know when I'll be back but if my wife asks me to go again for the fireworks, the pumpkin display or at Christmas, I at least won't be sweating to come up with an excuse not to go! ;-)
She told me I'd been there around 25 years ago with her and our kids but I have no recollection of that. We saw a lot of folks with kids and, in some cases photographers taking family photos so I'm sure we did that too when our kids were little.
We spent 2-3 hours there and I have to say that I enjoyed it much more than I ever imagined I would. It is a beautiful and peaceful (even with all the people) place and I have a great appreciation for how many people and hours and sweat it takes to make something the size of the arboretum look as good as it does and keep it that way. They change exhibits seasonally and it's obvious that they try very hard to stay "modern" and not just rest on past success. They had a food tasting pavilion as well as an outdoor stage where groups can (and were) performing. They also have a wedding venue. (That's a great idea!) There were volunteers on golf carts in the parking lot to shuttle people, if needed or wanted, to the main entrance and there were plenty of places to buy drinks and snacks throughout the grounds. The entire facility, including the restrooms, was clean and, again, that speaks volumes to the dedication of the volunteers.
I don't know when I'll be back but if my wife asks me to go again for the fireworks, the pumpkin display or at Christmas, I at least won't be sweating to come up with an excuse not to go! ;-)
Written March 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.
Ruth B
Seattle, WA89 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
This attraction is well kept up, beautifully laid out with intricately made statues. Lots of plants, many of which are beautiful and smell great. Also great incorporation of waterfalls and fountains. Relaxing and serene environment. I recommend going in the morning or toward evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Written February 25, 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.
glemay06
Hurst, TX10 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Beware!!! We tried going to the Dallas Arboretum where they ask you to buy your tickets on line. We asked the staff at the entrance if we needed to pay the $10 parking fee while we were purchasing our tickets online and the staff person there said no, and waved that it was okay. Then later at the gate they told us that we had not purchased a parking ticket. They said no problem you can purchase it here and we said OK, but this time they charged us $15 for the ticket when online it was $10. We asked for the five dollar reimbursement due to their mistake. And they said that once ticket is purchased there is no refund. The staff lady at the entrance denied telling us no and that it was not their error. The person in charge obviously saw no problem with overcharging us, and thier was no apology for it. This was going to be an anniversary celebration. Needless to say we walked out after paying for our tickets and the $15 parking ticket. It was a matter of principle. Customer service is a thing of the past. Never again Dallas arboretum!!!
Written April 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.
Nancy L
5 contributions
Jul 2020
I love the timed entry system because of the low crowds and the parking was easy to find. I know that the overcrowding of the past made lots of money for our beautiful Arboretum however we were able to visit on a Saturday and it was easy! Please ya'll go have lunch or Garden Tea at the wonderful DeGolyer Restaurant inside the Arboretum! The menu has great selections and the staff are lovely!
Love the Dallas Arboretum. Tomorrow, July 31 is the last day to see: Seward Johnson's 'Celebrating the Familiar Sculpture Exhibit'. It is wonderful, so lifelike.
Love the Dallas Arboretum. Tomorrow, July 31 is the last day to see: Seward Johnson's 'Celebrating the Familiar Sculpture Exhibit'. It is wonderful, so lifelike.
Written July 30, 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.
LiketoeatCincinnati
Cincinnati, OH2,465 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
I visited my son who lives in Dallas. My son took me to the Arboretum and Botanical Garden. It's one of best things to do in Dallas. Paid $25.00 (parking $15.00 plus $10.00 for two persons). We spent a great time with good weather 65° in Feb. Most of flowers bloomed, good view of downtown and the white rock lake! Must visit!
Written February 8, 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.
Eat, drink and travel
Homer, AK520 contributions
Sep 2020
Recent visit on a weekend, went early to avoid some expected high temperatures. Though the views from various lawn areas of the lake are gorgeous, along with several flowerbed varieties, the amount of tissues and plastic that were strewn about - between some bushes, and on branches of trees and bushes is of course unsightly. Need more trash cans would help, as would people being so lazy and dispose of litter on the ground. But also would be helpful is that those working on the property actually perform litter checks each day and throughout the day - otherwise the beautiful blooming flowers get lost because of views of ugly trash on the ground.
Written September 7, 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.
Thank you for your feedback regarding trash in the garden. We are so thankful you let us know as our janitorial team manage their 'zones' and we do regular quality checks, and had not been advised of this. With modified food service, we have seen more guests enjoying picnics in the garden, so we apologize you came at a time when our trash needed attention, as we have requested guests take their trash with them.
We hope that you will return soon to the garden to experience our fall festival.
Thank you!
Written September 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Csac80
Houston, TX58 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Went on a Sunday for Autumn in the Arboretum. We made required reservations and paid almost $100 for 4 adults and one toddler and parking. We were extremely disappointed in lack of crowd control. The arboretum was extremely crowded. No way to social distance. Masks required but no enforcement. Too many people were having photography sessions for their special events That should not be allowed on a crowded weekend as it delays access to popular sites and causes long lines and more crowding. We found a nice secluded spot for a picnic and made the best of it. There needs to be a better plan for Christmas at the Arboretum.
Written October 19, 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.
Wynn A
San Ramon, CA2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Dallas Arboretum is a beautiful place. The volunteers are friendly and give free rides to their visitors. They are very knowledgeable of the plants, restaurants and the historic home on the grounds. You do not ride from one place to another, they entertain you with stories and even gave us a side trip because of a question we had asked!
The house tour is included in your entrance fee as well as the tasting booth which give us a taste of the gardens. I tried pineapple ice cream and it was refreshing.
The gardens are beautiful with formal fountains and wilderness creeks. They had two very large peacocks shrubs and their tails were the flower beds.
The sit down restaurant had delicious food and the service was great. We enjoyed our day.
The house tour is included in your entrance fee as well as the tasting booth which give us a taste of the gardens. I tried pineapple ice cream and it was refreshing.
The gardens are beautiful with formal fountains and wilderness creeks. They had two very large peacocks shrubs and their tails were the flower beds.
The sit down restaurant had delicious food and the service was great. We enjoyed our day.
Written June 20, 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.
Laura553
Edmond, OK101 contributions
Oct 2021
Beware! You must book tickets online 3 days in advance to get in. We were told this is a new policy to allow more flexibility of times for members. A Tuesday easily had over 500 time slots available when looking on Saturday but it is closed and considered “sold out” to guests on Sunday morning.
We hear great things about the grounds but do not appreciate this new policy. Book early if you want to go.
We hear great things about the grounds but do not appreciate this new policy. Book early if you want to go.
Written October 17, 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.
If I could only go to 1 botanical garden during my visit - would it be Dallas or Fort Worth? Thanks
Written August 11, 2024
Both are very nice, and both have their own special aspects. If you have small children, I would suggestive Dallas gardens, as they have very nice section for children. The Ft Worth one has a very nice Japanese garden area, but Dallas has a home that was the home of the people who donated the land that the gardens are on, that is free for tours. Calls gardens have more food choices as well if you would be in the gardens during lunch time.
Written August 11, 2024
Are the Arboretum paths & trails paved or are they gravel? Are they easily traveled by wheelchair?
Written September 22, 2023
Mostly (>90% I'd say) paved, some steps, but there's always or nearly always an alternative. Mild changes in incline.
Written September 22, 2023
Can you bring alcohol in to the Dallas Arboretum
Written November 17, 2021
The gardens are blooming later than in past years and some of azaleas maybe delayed or lost, we don't know yet. The tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are blooming and we have amazing color throughout the garden.
Written March 10, 2021
Planning a trip soon, what’s the difference between gate 1 & 4 for admissions?
Written September 11, 2020
Gate 1 is the main lot closed to the main entrance. Gate 4 is the parking garage, with underground tunnel to the Rory Meyers Children's Garden entrance. Pricing is the same for both.
Written September 24, 2020
The Holiday at the Arboretum festival is open November 9-December 31. The NEW Christmas Village opens November 29-December 31, with over one million lights throughout the garden.
Written November 15, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 76
*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