United States
Alaska (AK)
Anchorage
Things to Do in Anchorage
Alaska Botanical Garden
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Alaska Botanical Garden

See all things to do
See all things to do
Alaska Botanical Garden
4
218 reviews
#36 of 201 things to do in Anchorage
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
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10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Take in the beauty of Alaska's native flora and northern-hardy perennials at this tranquil garden located amidst 110 acres of boreal forest. View perennial, herb, alpine rock and wildflower gardens. Walk on nature trails, enjoy our Gold Medal Peony Collection and visit our Anchorage Heritage Garden. The main paved loop is about a half mile. ABG is a completely outdoor facility with a small gift shop. There are currently no greenhouses or indoor facilities. We are open year round, but snow covered in the winter. The fence surrounding the garden keeps the moose out, but bears can come and go. ABG is a private non-profit, we received no state or municipal funding. ABG is supported by entry fees, memberships, donations, program fees, gift shop sales and corporate sponsorship. If you have any questions please feel free to visit our website or call the office. We hope you enjoy your visit and thank you for supporting the garden!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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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
4.0
218 reviews
Excellent
104
Very good
72
Average
32
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Almaden
San Jose, CA115 contributions
Don't go in May or June.
May 2022
Based on the reviews and photos, it appears this is a wonderful and pretty place to go but be warned... DO NOT GO in May. We went in the middle of May and 90% of the plants were completely dead or just barley coming out of their winter dormancy. Even June is probably too soon to go. I was surprised they were willing to charge people $14/person to look at dirt and dead plants. We walked the loop in search of something inspiring to look at and found very little. We were done in 15 minutes.
Ironically, the only healthy plants we saw were the ones for sale in their nursery. I will attach 2 pictures, one of how we expected it to look, and one of how it actually looked. Someday I hope to go back when the plants are thriving and the flowers are in full bloom.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lori T
Dawsonville, GA2,502 contributions
Lots to see in a one hour visit, friendly helpful staff
Aug 2021 • Couples
We had some time before our evening flight home and the sun was shining, so we decided to go to the botanical gardens, and I'm glad we did. Although not large, the gardens are well organized and well maintained. The level paved half-mile pathway meanders through woodlands, breaking out into various themed gardens. The labeling of individual plants was extensive and helpful. The highlight of our visit was the staff members who took time out from their gardening tasks to answer my many questions. They patiently explained the difference between the various berries I had seen in the wild. I recommend a visit, especially when the weather is nice.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alaskan Karen
Sun City, AZ7 contributions
Delightful treasure.
Jul 2021 • Friends
A guided tour was quite helpful in understanding the types of vegetation and placement. Our tour guide gave me advice on many types of plants I have and how to care for them. The gardens are now a “must see” for folks who visit Alaska. As we were leaving, a large porcupine waddled down the exit road in front of us! So fun!
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Isabella Robinson
Blue Springs, MO2 contributions
A waste of time and money. Skip this place
Jun 2022 • Friends
It felt overpriced, unkept, difficult to find, and a waste of time on our once in a life time trip to Anchorage, Alaska. Upon arrival, it’s parking lot is a charter school. After an unnecessary amount of time of looking, we went in and paid an already unreasonable amount of money without even knowing what we were getting ourselves into. The entire place seems unkept. It’s not very pretty to look at, even walking through all the “trails” it had with what little flowers they offered. It honestly should have been free. If it was, I don’t think I would have felt like I wasted so much of my time and money. Definitely a skip if you’re visiting Alaska, but even if I lived here I wouldn’t visit.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alaska Botanical Garden
We are sorry the Garden didn't meet your expectations. If you contact us, we are happy to provide a refund electronically or we can send cash if needed. The Gardens are laboriously maintained by staff and volunteers. We noted you provided a similar review of another local museum. We sincerely hope the remainder of your trip was enjoyable an rewarding.
Written June 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tricia B
Wisconsin366 contributions
Not just flowers...
Jul 2022 • Family
I questioned whether or not I wanted to spend the money to walk through the botanical gardens. I'm so glad my teenage son wanted to check it out. Even though the main paved loop is only about half mile long, there were plenty of areas to check out off the main path. All the gardens are well kept and labeled. I loved all the art work that was integrated into the gardens too. I live in a zone 4 so it was really interesting to see the endless possibilities that grow in a similar climate. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys nature! Absolutely beautiful!
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SuburbanPioneer
11 contributions
Mosquitopia
Jun 2021 • Family
The unavoidable exhibit of mosquitoes was frightfully disappointing. They aren’t very colorful and all appeared to be of the same species. None were labeled, nor was the staff particularly knowledgeable or helpful. But what the exhibit lacked in diversity, it made up for in quantity. I easily got 15 bites in the span of a half hour. Only my face and hands were exposed.

The plants were nice though, if you’re into that sort of thing…
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
morad7
South TX25 contributions
Stunning Blooms and Enjoyable Afternoon
Jul 2022
We must have hit the Alaska botanical Garden at the perfect time. Everywhere you looked things were in full bloom. We were here on July 3. It was a beautiful sunny day, actually hot. We did take the complimentary shuttle from the Visitor Center in downtown Anchorage. We've been to larger gardens, but definitely not any with as cold a climate as Anchorage, so easy to understand the size. Great way to spend part of an afternoon.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tamara M
Boulder, CO229 contributions
Take the time to visit
Jul 2020 • Solo
Spent a couple of hours wandering gardens. The main path is paved and 1/2 mile in length. There are a few additional gravel paths. There are benches located at or in the different gardens allowing you to sit and relax to observe and watch nature. The types of plants are a nice variety and the colors and sizes of some of the plants are amazing.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda W
Falls Church, VA1 contribution
Beautiful setting
in the herb garden for a family wedding! Only 2 negatives - we didn't have time to actually tour the whole garden due the the wedding; got to see only the herb garden. 2nd negative is really for most of AK in the summertime - be sure to take bug spray that is HEAVY on the DEET - mosquitoes are very large, hungry and numerous!
Written July 7, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lang0
Boston, MA138 contributions
Don't Get Caught Out
Apr 2015 • Couples
Right here goes, yes it's April and out of season, but this attraction is posted as a year round attraction. At the entrance there is a "please pay admission here" box, so doing the right thing we paid and entered thinking there were gonna be greenhouses with local flowers and so on, there was nothing around but messy shrubs and so on, after walking all over there was nothing, just dead shrubs. Basically they leave the main gate open so you'll walk in pay ya money, walk around to be disappointed then the next thing you know ya at the exit gate. Just a heads up to everyone that's all, I also hope this will save you a few hours out of your day!
Written April 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robin D
So sorry that your expectations were different than what you experienced. The Garden is open year round so that people can enjoy the peaceful trails, plants and wildlife, and enjoy the nuances of seasonal change. For those visiting in 2016, the Alaska Botanical Garden is, except for our gift shop, an outdoor facility. For details and to learn about our events, visit alaskabg.org
Written June 1, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Alaska Botanical Garden (Anchorage) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Alaska Botanical Garden
Alaska Botanical Garden is open:
  • Fri - Sat 10:00 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.
We recommend booking Alaska Botanical Garden tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Alaska Botanical Garden tours on Tripadvisor