Reviews of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. (Other) in Birmingham (Alabama).
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, United States
Description
Information of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Other in Birmingham (Alabama)
Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.
We still haven't received any review on this business.
Map
Open hours of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Sunday
7 am–5 pm
Monday
7 am–5 pm
Tuesday
7 am–5 pm
Wednesday
7 am–5 pm
Thursday
7 am–5 pm
Friday
7 am–5 pm
Saturday
7 am–5 pm
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Reviews of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Dave Jackman
We really enjoyed our trip. There was plenty to see, the benches were nice swings, a big variety of plants looked healthy and taken care of. It is right next to a busy road, so some parts can be fairly noisy. But overall it's a very enjoyable experience. They have a couple of different public bathrooms and some vending machines for quick drinks. Plenty of shady areas to enjoy the scenery. We didn't try the cafe, but there is one there that serves lunch. There's no entrance fee, but they do ask for donations. It's also mostly wheelchair accessible everywhere. Even the gravel paths aren't too bad.
Tim Wilson
This is a beautiful place to spend the day. I can't wait to come back thru in the spring and catch some of the blooms that I missed by being there later in the year. Free parking and free admission and great views, you can't ask for much more. Spend the day walking the paths and sitting by one of the fountains and just enjoy nature.
A C
Wish I could give this place a higher review, it seems like a great botanical garden, but I visited in November, and on a Monday (which the conservatory is closed on, apparently), and on the day I visited they had most of the water features turned off, likely for maintenance as there were a lot of guys walking around with tools working on PVC pipes. I guess its just a bad day, but I didn't choose when work sent me to Birmingham. The Japanese garden was pretty good despite the cool weather and the fern garden was lovely.
Kelly Finnegan
Such a wonderful place to come and enjoy a beautiful Birmingham day. It’s always peaceful and nice here in pretty much any season. I love the Japanese section of the gardens and the boardwalk through the bamboo is very well done. Also don’t miss the moon tree next to the rose garden near the entrance. I feel like every time we come we discover a new section of the gardens. I highly recommend.
Victoria O'Tool
WOW, WOW, WOW! I never knew there were FREE botanical gardens until I stumbled upon this place! I only had an hour to spend here, so I went to the Japanese garden and the conservatory and they were both beautiful. I am so glad I stopped here because it is so stunning and free (even free to park). I would 100% recommend this place for a fun trip or a date. I hope to come back soon. :)
Erin Hardwick
This is a very magical place! We stopped in early April so not all things were in bloom but the Rhododendrons were spectacular.
The place is huge so make sure you have walking shoes on. We learned so much!
Looking forward to visiting during the different seasons.
Pics- my husband found two pencils on a path and they made for some cute pictures.
Percy Moore
Very beautiful place. So many areas to take photos that I did not get to walk entire park that. Will definitely be going back. I will be doing a shoot for a graduate in an area I really liked that I saw. Great place to do photo shoots. I loved it. 😍 …
Kaushal Patel
Wow.. incredible garden. Took the family and kids here on Thanksgiving day and the grounds are fantastic and so much nature including Japanese garden, fern garden, herb garden, greenhouse and much more. Got to enjoy the leaves changing colors coming at this time of the year and best part is it's completely free to visit. If you are driving through or visiting Birmingham put this place on your list. There is also a waking path to the zoo so Incase you are doing both it's easily accessible.
Morghan Townsend
This place is a breath of fresh air! The diversity in the sections of the gardens were amazing. I really appreciate that it’s free to enter. Unfortunately, I visited on a Monday, so the conservatory was closed, but there is still lots to see! Definitely stop by the wildflower garden
Katlynn Nguyen
Beautiful, clean gardens!! This place is huge and has a lot of trails for walking as well as strolling. It is completely free admission. Very well maintained grounds and the gardens has a library, greenhouse conservatory, along with public classes/group events!
Mario
A beautiful place to get yourself back centered. All around amazing experience. On the way out definitely stop by the gift shop. They have some incredible treasures in there from local artisans.
Jasmine Cordy
Fun and free! Great place to bring a family on a low budget. Plenty of flowers and different garden themes to see. Similar plant varieties from the gardens are featured in the gift shop. Being here makes you forget you're in the city! Awesome koi pond and water features too.
Tradona Hudson
Took my daughter her upon her request, for her birthday. It was lots of walking but we loved it!
It was hot! It also rained a bit while we were there but we were able to sit under one of the little sitting areas & stayed dry until the rain stopped. We will be returning soon to finish up some of the areas we missed.
Idk if the gift shop is privately owned but the lady there is rude! She offered assistance to everyone but my daughter & I. Guess our skin was too dark, so even if I wanted to buy something I wouldn’t spend a penny in there!
Otherwise great place in general.
Mary Crisman
This beautiful garden is FREE!!! I couldn't believe it! We were visiting from out of town and trying to find low-cost entertainment, so we were jazzed when we found this garden. The main path around the garden is paved. The interior paths through the individual garden areas (Japanese garden, bog garden, hosta gardens, woodlands, etc) had a variety of paths: paved, gravel, brick, dirt, etc.
I wound up borrowing a wheelchair for my mom from the information booth (just to the left of the gift shop), which worked well for most of the paved paths, although some of the hills are a little steep for a novice wheelchair lady, and some of the paths are either too bumpy, or too slippery, to make a wheelchair a good idea. We visited in early June. If we'd made it up a month earlier we probably would've had nicer weather and seen more things in bloom, but it was still a really nice garden and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Plenty of parking and there's also an amazing gift shop. There's also a path that leads right to the neighboring zoo, which is handy.
Beck H
Great gardens ~ even on a cold overcast day. Quiet and peaceful. Signage to learn about trees, flowers, fauna, etc. Great place for a quiet walk, picnic, photography or sitting in the sun with a good book. A Birmingham treasure. Check out the gift shop too!
Audra Powers
Beautiful place and huge! This was my first time and I was only able to see part of it. Would love to go again when more flowers are in bloom.
Cindy Matthews
Beautiful gardens and greenhouse. Love that it’s so close to the zoo! Wish there were more things for kids. Perfect for an outdoor walk, enjoying plants and flowers, or just wanting to try something new!
Kimberly Bollman
This is our second visit and we loved it again. The parking lot was super crowded but this place is so big, you don't notice much about the other people there. Very relaxing day trip.
Melissa
Beautiful gardens with lots of incredible plants and water features and benches to sit and take it all in. I love that it is free and it’s also right across from the zoo so I usually go to both while I’m in the area. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk, read a book, have a picnic, or take photos. The gift shop is really lovely as well.
Top Guide
Such a beautiful place to be! You can stay on the pain paths or there are a few hiking trails too! There are many of the paths on an incline so be prepared for that! The greenhouse is cool too! Don’t overlook that. There are cacti there along with an indoor waterfall and many other trees!!
Suhey Rojas
I visited this beautiful place on December 15th. I could stay there for hours. I enjoyed the contact with nature, all the colors and the Japanese gardens are a meditative experience. I will definitely go back!!
Denise W.
Beautiful place. Such peacefulness and beauty. Loved the swings and stream...I could use a walk through every morning here! Price was free. Parking was great as well. There was only a handful of people there when we went. Would definitely go back. We weren't able to cover all the area so there was so much more I didn't even see.
Marcus Daley
I visited here a few months ago when I travelled from the West on over for a wedding.
This place was really nice and clean. The staff were nice and courteous, and honestly I have no complaints. Botanical Gardens are one of mans greatest inventions.
The crowning piece for me is the gigantic koi pond they have in their Japanese section. The fish themselves are HUGE and they have plenty of turtles swimming around which is heartwarming. Even after an exhausting day this place was refreshing and I’m glad I went.
Nancy Uche
This place is just gorgeous! My boyfriend took me here on my first ever trip to Birmingham and we had such an amazing time. We took so stunning photos 😍. There is so many different gardens you can check out. My favorite was the Japanese garden. The lush greenery was simply breathtaking. We love hiking and nature and this spot was wonderful. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you later. It’s free admission and ample parking. Try and go earlier in the day so you can enjoy the weather on a beautiful sunny day. This place is amazing it’s a must visit you if come to Birmingham.
Check out more photos on my Instagram: nancyuche_
Dalton Andress
This is a great, free experience in a beautiful part of Birmingham! Although it was hot, most of the paths around the garden are well shaded and easy to walk. I would recommend that you have a map pulled up while exploring since the area is fairly large, but it may also add to memories by simply wandering between the sections. It's interesting to be able to go between and see different types of plants from around the world by walking only a short distance. The traditional Irish rose garden in full bloom was an especially phenomenal experience that I wouldn't want anyone to miss!
stella?
Great place for families to admire nature and what Birmingham has to offer in terms of attractions. Beautiful scenery will leave any visitor speechless. The gardens are very clean and offer maps in case you get lost. One thing I do wish to better see are the coi fish. Water seemed a little blurry to see them but not too much. Overall I would 100% recommended coming here to clear the mind. Well Done!
DoReMi Fabrications
Free parking and admittance. Not a whole lot to see in December, but a lovely walk through the grounds. Nice peaceful waterfalls... I imagine it is spectacular in full bloom.
Candidly Kandi
Gorgeous place! My cousin had her wedding here. Love the setup and layout. It was unbearably hot that day but it was beautiful!
JitkaKac
Absolutely beautiful! We spent two relaxing hours walking around. Lots of parking and free admission.
Lilly Goodwin
Great Flowers! My favorite is the Japanese garden! They have 2 new HUGE snapping turtles in the koi pond.
Elaine Lambros
Gorgeous and beautifully maintained gardens. My family spent the day and throughly enjoyed it.
Lucretia Allen
Most serene and peaceful place. Great for exercising too! Beautiful gardens and educational as well. The Japanese garden was my favorite and loved the huge goldfish! Free admission as well!
Melissa Irving
Can't wait to have more time to go back. This place is gorgeous!
Travis Dicks
Incredibly beautiful garden. I could spend an entire day here. Perfect location for a date, or just to enjoy natural beauty. It was a long drive for me, and worth every hour.
B. Hall
Even on a chilly December day the Gardens offer solace and Nature. The walking paths are lovely, and it was a great place to take a break from the holiday rush. The Japanese garden needs some raking, but I loved so many parts of this special place. Free admission. Recommended.
holly bee
This is a must-do. I wasn't expecting much. I just wanted to walk around a bit and take break from a long car drive. I could have stayed for hours. My suggestion is bring a lunch, there is a Publix around the corner. There are many shaded places to eat. Great place to take pictures!
Dawna Thomas
Tranquil lovely charming and expansive. Our favorites were the formal rose garden-they were so vibrant! And the Japanese garden established in 1967 it has some amazing g plantings, rock structures and water features. It was an amazing place to stroll peacefully contemplating our need for contrasting greenery, or structure. The pathways are wide and smooth throughout the 67 acre park. Masks were required when interacting with or near others. Very relaxing.
Brokk
Free parking and free admission.
Well maintained gardens and pathways winding throughout the forest.
Lots of interesting things to see, or to just walk through leisurely and relax.
Plenty of benches to rest if you get too hot or tired.
Graham Campbell
This place is amazing. Really pretty and great for some walking around if you're interested in beautiful things. The Japanese garden is terrific in all seasons, whereas the rose garden clearly is nicer when the roses are in bloom. I would totally return. It's a great place to clear your head and just get some self care.
Chris Krueger
Need to come at the peak of spring. Was a nice visit plenty of walking. Even the beginning of August they had some really beautiful flowers on display.
SHUN SMITH
Great experince a serine walk through plants and vegetation really reviving
Unity Moving LLC
Amazing place & we visited on a beautiful day, too! The Orchids at the annual show in the auditorium here we're a heavenly sight! The shop adjacent to the entrance was full of the nicest live plant & flower displays. The walk around the garden was peace invoking and relaxing. Cudos to the staff for there tender loving care.
linia elliott
The Gardens are huge and beautiful! We were here 2 hours today and only did the Japanese Gardens. Can't wait to come back and see more :-)
Matt Jackson
Not the biggest botanical gardens, but some of the most interesting exhibits and a free public attraction! The Japanese gardens are especially interesting.
sabuj banerjee
Very nice, peaceful and relaxing. Best part is its free....wonderful place cor taking pics, seating areas, shades....flowers abd gardens evrywhere....the japanese garden is a must see with the bamboo forest.
Rachel Jean
This place is absolutely amazing! I didn’t get to see all of it but I will definitely be back! I was in awe from the moment I arrived to when I left. The grounds are kept so nice and the themes are beautiful. Everyone that comes to visit me I will have to take here. Skip the zoo, come to the gardens!
Ed Bartkiewicz
My wife, son and I had a wonderful time at the gardens.
Melody Owen
We went for the first time today and it's a lovely garden. I will say there are some places where it will be hard to push a stroller through because of gravel. There are areas with stairs too which will be difficult if you have a stroller. The flowers and trees are nice to look at. My son enjoyed the English garden and was able to run around the roses. The Japanese garden has a bamboo forest and koi fish. I recommend going in the morning when it's not so hot and bring plenty of water. They have a gift shop and a cafe.
Robert Pastuszka
This place is pretty amazing and it is free. There are so many beautiful gardens and little nature trails. You can get lost for hours.
Brandon Morenzoni
This is a beautiful place to visit. Plenty of space to walk, and plenty of trails to walk on as well, most of which are well shaded so you won't get too hot while walking.
Best of all its free to the public!
Alex Hannan
Beautiful and mostly well maintained gardens, with an extensive trail system throughout. Has an indoor greenhouse with exotic and more tropical plants. Best part: admission is free!
Mandi Yager
Absolutely love this place. It's incredible.
k g
Birmingham is so lucky to have a place like this open to the public. It’s an absolutely lovely place to spend a morning walking, and there are a lot of different paths to take. The Fern Glade is by far my favorite part of the Gardens.
Angel Thuresson
Honestly can’t figure out how this place is free. It’s so beautiful, peaceful, and has a ton of walking trails. The flowers are breathtaking and the sculptures are just super cool. If you go in the summer visit early in the morning and bring a backpack with water and snacks. You can spend hours walking all the trails and garden areas.
Jade Pod
Came in the winter so unfortunately a lot of the trees were dead, but it was still beautiful, I bet in the spring and summer the place is gorgeous. Free to enter and free parking AND free conservatory! Lots to explore and again free!
Mitzi Bennett
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!! If your an outdoors person, its the place to go. But a head up there's ALOT of walking, but its so worth it! The flowers are wonderful!
Shaurita Hutchins
The Japanese Garden is worth visiting. It's a great place to clear your head and get some excercise. It's also breathtakingly beautiful in the spring and summer months.
Lana D.
I love this place. I could honestly say that it's probably my favorite spot in the city. The area is beautiful all year round, far away from city traffic and there's always something new to discover. One of my personal favorite sections has to be the Japanese Gardens. Today, for example, I had the pleasure of meeting Norm, a volunteer, who told me all of the cool facts about the Imperial Koi fish that resides in the pond. Did you know that their lifespan is 20-30 years?! If you ever find yourself in the Magic City, make sure to visit the Botanical Gardens. You won't regret it, I promise 😊
Eve Williams
It was beautiful and relaxing. Great place to take the family. A much needed walk in the Garden 🤗 …
Erin Meghan
This place is so amazing. I love coming here, it's massive and full of gorgeous plants. The staff is always kind and helpful. I couldn't recommend them enough!
Cherri Simmons
Beautiful place. Quiet and serene. Love all the swings and benches along the paths to be able to sit and enjoy. 😊 …
Maria Herrera
Great place! I'm 8mo pregnant and had a great time, while I didnt make it the whole way around there were plenty of places/benches to take picures and take breaks. My favorite was the Japanese Garden. I was surprised it was free admission. The shop sold plants and had a lot of decor and neat stuff. I will definitely return if I'm in town again.
Courtney Brown
Beautiful flowers and nature to surround yourself in. We had our engagement pictures taken here and they are a treasure. It was raining that day but they still ended up being priceless.
Brittany Best
We had a great time here. It had many gorgeous gardens throughout the whole place. It also had a veggie and herb garden, and many pathways you could walk along. They have areas that you can sit as well and just relax. They also have a pretty cool gift shop that sells such a wide range of things from jewellery, to gardening supplies, plants, books, kids items, fresh dried lavender, succulents and a ton of other things.
Alex Jihun Kim
It was good to go for a walk even though I went on a cold day. On Monday, the greenhouse is closed, so You have to check it out. The sound of the wind-bell in front of the botanical garden is so beautiful. Oriental vegetable gardens and herbs were good, and camellia flowers in winter were pretty.
David Rutledge
Beautiful place, even when it's not fully in bloom. Fun to watch the coy (some are over 20 years old) and catch a glimpse of the softshell turtles in the Japanese section. Areas to spread a blanket and have a picnic, just a nice place to enjoy a pretty day. One big downside though, parking is fairly limited, so in busier times, you may find yourself circling the parking lot trying to find a spot.
H Delgado
The Japanese gardens were as if I was back in Japan. Felt so realistic. The bamboo forest is impressive, and the Koi pond has big vivacious Koi ready and willing to please your expectations of what a Koi pond would look like. The Garden entrance is smaller in scale to the real entrance but still realistic.
Sherry R
These gardens are very nice. My husband and I covered all of the grounds and everything was lovely. I would definitely recommend taking the time for a visit. Many beautiful flowers to see!
Margo Williams
What a wonderful place. Beautifully maintained and you can't beat the price (free but PLEASE make a donation when you leave). The azaleas and dogwoods were in bloom and gorgeous. Very nice place to wander around and just sit peacefully. Definitely a must when in Birmingham.
Larry S
Beautiful day to enjoy the garden. First to there and was with family for mother's day. Lots of people but huge area to roam. Highly recommend place if you want to enjoy nature. Might even get to see a half albino squirrel.
Savanah Hatcher
I am editing & updating my review, not changing the stars. I gave the Gardens 5 stars 3.5 years ago and I still do it today.
We were feeling the early spring itch when Alabama is in the false Spring, that part in late February & early March where it can snow and sunburn you at the same time, & the best solution was to visit noir local Botanical Gardens. We went early on a Sunday where the only downfall was the closed shops, but my wallet was thankful for that... despite being fresh from the frosty nights, every bit of the gardens was absolutely gorgeous. As someone who is obsessed with plant life, this was pleasing -& you can tell which part was my favorite.
Jessica Dial
The botanical gardens are absolutely gorgeous! You can spend anywhere from hours to a few minutes here and not get tired of it. The heat was bit much but it was fine. We loved so many things about this place. Need a place to study? There are some great spots with tables and chairs. Need to just get some fresh air or relax, this is your place. Pictures? Yes! But don't bring props, or change of clothes, there is a sign that asks you not to do this! All this to say, it's beautiful and very enjoyable, and free!
Stephen M
One of our favorite places to visit in Birmingham. We always seek our the volunteer guides to fill us in on the history around each garden. Their knowledge is only surpassed by their enthusiasm.
Be sure to check out the Japanese garden and tea house.
My sweetie has the green thumb and loves horticulture so this is a destination for us several times a year. Her daughter was married here and I understand it is quite popular as it is beautiful.
Sherri Thompson
I love this place and was so excited to go back and visit because I have moved away. All parts of the garden are wonderful. We were there while the day lilies were still blooming. And we got to go to the bonsai show as well and learn about them. A great visit.
Dan Rembert
Stopped in to "kill some time" while visiting for a weekend, ended up spending a few hours here. If you take your time and really keep your eyes open there is SO MUCH to see here. The bamboo forest was very interesting. The rose garden was amazing. My absolute favorite feature was the large oak trees. You can tell they are very very very old and have witnessed so much history of their lifetime. Very humbling. Thank you ! to whoever maintains this park, it was beautiful.
Laura McFarland
Love this place. There are peaceful spots, pools and statues, huge stately pines and plenty of side paths to wander. Be careful of the flowerbeds and the gift shop lol. Perfect on a weekday when it's not as crowded. Take the #73 bus and avoid parking!
Isabella
Simply amazing! Can’t believe it’s free! There’s so many gorgeous plants to see and there’s also a place to buy succulents! The library inside sells books for $1 so check that out too. Free parking on site. You can make it a 1 hour trip or a half day. Bring some water and snacks.
Kylie Kay
Free admission and beautiful flowers! Had a wonderful last minute visit.
Lilah Bazarte
It was raining on and off but that did not stop me nor the families or wedding photoshoots from enjoying these beautifullykept grounds.
I spent hours here and could have spent more.
Here are a few of my favorite spot from the rose gardens.
Check out my Ig @CTSNature to see more of my photos.
Ashley Caggiano
The gardens are a gem in the city. Free with plenty of parking, you can easily spend an afternoon exploring and learning about plants here. There are also designated quiet spaces for study or relaxation. Definitely recommend.
CJ
Beautiful property. Extremely diverse amount of sections. Organized very well. The property is very large so you can spend a lot of time wandering and enjoying your time. Highly recommend visiting!
Henry Katz
Lovely garden over extensive grounds with full service indoor/outdoor cafe. Only able to cover portion of landscaping. Extensive trails connect to many regions. Might be more practical to provide Segway style transportation between areas.
Jennifer Nolen
Lovely gardens! The whole family enjoyed their time here and you can't beat free admission. The gift shop was filled with so many lovely things - not the usual junky souvenirs. I'm so glad we got to stop in here.
Ola L
Beautiful!!!!
We love coming here all year round!
Its wonderful to have a place like this to visit for free in town. We have learned about many local and international species of plants.
Absolutely beautiful park!
Gary Kibble
This was an awesome place to visit with roses, desert cacti, and a great variety of other plants. The biggest problem is getting lost. The signs are few and far between and map is only so helpful when you take the wrong path.
Sean Isaacs
This place is great to enjoy the scenery. You can walk around experiencing gardens and plant life scene in magazines, or you can grab a bench and relax. Plenty of shade of you're too hot and a very peaceful environment to relax. Will definitely be going back.
Dedric
Very nice and quiet place to walk and enjoy the scenery. There's a store where you can purchase shrubs and/or flowering plants. Did I mention it's FREE to enter the gardens? I plan on going back when the flowers have bloomed.
Matthew Standland
First off this place is free. We still managed to spend hours wandering through the gardens. My favorites were the Japanese gardens and greenhouses. They've got a lovely selection of plants for sale. I went with a passionflower vine.
Allison T
Great serene water areas in the Japanese garden, along w large coy.
Beautiful quiet areas to sit.
And a nice restaurant to cool down wa raspberry lemonade, as well as sandwiches or salads.
Bryan Wattenbarger
Been here many times over the years. We always enjoy spending time here. I enjoy the Japanese garden while my wife enjoys the herb garden and greenhouse. Had the pleasure of finding this squirrel on this vist! Have never seen one that looked like this!
L G Lambert
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens were in full bloom and absolutely beautiful. They have a good variety of plant species and areas devoted to roses, shade loving plants, a Japanese Garden (which was in poor condition on this date but looked good in the past), wildflowers, herb gardens and desert gardens. There were some nice sculptural accents and a fountain but on this particular day it was not on. They have a cafe and also have a few vending areas. Important to many is the availability of benches and seating areas.
Lara Polk
Awesome place to spend the afternoon. A great place to take pictures and just get away from all the world purchased a few minutes to spend some time in nature.
Katy K
I could live here it's so beautiful. The Japanese garden was my favorite, but overall the place is amazing. Free. Easy parking. 200 acres of nature.
Roisin Blanks
Beautiful garden in the heart of Birmingham. Try and go when the roses are in bloom or the Japanese Maples are in full fall colors.
David R.
Beautiful place with lovely roses. If you're wondering what 50% of the people there are doing staring at their phones, they are doing some Pokemon game.
Cheryl Withers
There are many paths to walk throughout the center so we easily hit our 5,000 steps mark. The plant life is in winter more so not as beautiful as the growing season but that's ok.
Leslie Johnson
Beautiful, even during the pandemic. The koi pond in the Japanese gardens were Huge! And the herb gardens were in full bloom with the vegetables under way.
Nancy Davis
This should sum it up; my husband and I hiked here for a beautiful time together on Mothers Day!
Drew Yarbrough
The gardens are a wonderful escape surrounded by acres of greenery and flowers. There are even some more hidden "hiking trails." We're always discovering something new every time we come here.
Justin Fountain
Best experience for free in Birmingham!!!! Gardens beyond well taken care of. So many great photo spots, check out the greenhouse!
Keith Taylor
It's a beautiful place, even in January, with great walks and lots to see. There is a variety of attractions. Including small lakes, woodlands and ornamental gardens. Very clean and well maintained. Most footpaths are suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, etc.
Chip G
Beautiful rose gardens that look amazing and smell divine. Skip the cafe.
Danny Joiner
Beautiful place to take photos. Also, a great place to take a quiet walk and see some really nice flowers. Bonsai trees are probably my favorite to see. Prim pictures I shot turned out great!
Bob Harvey
Wear your best walking shoes, or fully charge your H/C vehicles batteries!
From a mountain creek and terrain on the north, through trials of Southern Wetlands, to Japanese Gardens with a lake full of prized Koi Fish, there are seasonally placed and naturally growing flowers just about all seasons to walk or drive through!
As of 4/18/18, the English Styled Rose garden is in “full budding” about to explode in color — with about 1/3 early budding varieties already giving off their warm scents to all who pass that way!
jeffrey sanford
Would highly recommend, wear some good walking shoes
Chrystal Freeman
Beautiful place. Great location for a peaceful walk or to sit and read a book. I love learning the names of all the plants and shopping for new plants to take home at the Garden store.
Blake Belcher
This place is gorgeous. My favorite part is the Japanese garden. I visited Tokyo and have been desperately trying to go back, but Covid has prevented that. Walking around the Japanese garden makes me feel like I’m back in Tokyo and I absolutely love it. The wife and I make it a point to visit the garden on a regular basis because it’s so nice.
Steve Edwards - Sitivi
Can I choose six stars? Spot-on sunny 18 degrees is dream weather for a visit. I could spend days here.
What a pleasant walk. With a surprise around every corner. Design ideas abound.
Bird watching opportunities everywhere. A juvenile cardinal tracks us as we walk...no peanuts for you big fella.
Spring offers fewer blooms but leaves more to the imagination.
It is all free. Just go.
David Hensley
This is one of the greatest sites in Birmingham. We hiked the gardens for a couple hours and still didn't hit all the trails. It's a great place for meditation, relaxation, or just to get away for a bit and not have to leave the city.
Cindy Mahaney
Beautiful! Just a wonderful place
Can't wait to see it when there is more in bloom. Spend as much time walking around as you can. Very well taken care of. It's FREE!
Mrs Kai
Oh my how truly gorgeous love it. Beautiful and it's free. What a blessing to have a place like this to visit. I enjoyed every moment of it
Emily A
Free! Nice. Greenhouse, rose garden, bog garden, wildflower garden, rhododendron garden, and more.
Hamish Scrimgeour
Luscious flora, well kept grounds, peaceful setting, and no entrance fee. We will go again.
Sheila Vazquez
This is the most beautiful place I have ever been to. I visit Alabama once a month from Indianapolis and last month I finally got out and about to explore Birmingham. Im so glad I did. This has become my favorite place to visit while Im there. It's free and huge. The JAPANESE GARDEN is breathtaking and my favorite. It has a gift shop full of great stuff to add to homes and gardens. Absolutely amazing find.
Elizabeth Douglas
The BBG is such a wonderful amenity for the city of Birmingham. The gardens are always free, and regardless of the season, there’s always something in bloom or full of color. The hot houses are currently producing oranges and banana, and the pansies and camellias were in full bloom a week or so ago. A Pokémon hunting group was wandering the gardens the day I was there, and it was great to see hundreds of people of all ages and races enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The Japanese Garden’s red bridge is a well known photo-op and should not be missed. The pond needed a little attention, and it would be wise be careful when walking through the bamboo forest after a rain as the mud can get slick. The gift shop has many fun and beautiful items, and they have seasonal plant sales as well as community events. Visit and support the gardens! You won’t regret it!
Angel Marie
This place was gorgeous! I wish I could have tried their cafe, but we went on the weekend. The menu was extremely well priced, amd admission and parking is free! Perfect place to relax and site see!
Deb Mar
This a lovely place to spend time. The tree's shade much of the park. There are a large numberof healthy trees and plants, with beautiful foliage and mature growth. The gardens are attached to the zoo. But you wouldn't know it.
I was very impressed that Birmingham is so generous that they offer the public free access to such a treasure.
My only suggestion is that they post exit signs. I got turned around and went full circle back to the place I started trying to return to our car. There are not many workers around to get directions from and I became anxious and over heated before I came across a fast driving employee I had to yell at to get his attention.
Damon Davis
This place a great way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with someone whom you enjoy talking and spending time. My daughter and I had a great time strolling through the grounds. They were well kept and there is lots to explore. There is a enough acreage and variety to keep you busy for at least a couple of hours.
Chris Zucco
Known this place for over 50 years. Love it from my past, in the present and will love it until the Lord brings me home. 5 stars in not close to how I rate this place. Add a couple orders of magnitude.
Katherine Gonzalez
Best time ever mia lived her first real trip to the gardens! Next is the art museum!!
Samira Segreti
I absolutely love the botanical gardens in Birmingham, very upkept, restrooms are always clean, staff at the store is very friendly. It's a great place to spend a day away from technology and reconnecting with nature.
Steve Hartig
Very nice garden and even free. Visited there in November which is not peak garden time however it was very nice. Great place to spend a few hours and a real gem.
Joy
BHM Botanical Gardens. Such a peaceful place to be. Great for long walks with the family. They have a greenhouse that houses cactus, cacao tree, banana tree, orangea, starfruit. They also have a section called Japanese Garden that contains beautiful cherry blossoms, a tea house, a long full of koi fish and turtles, and bamboo forest!!
Eunice Bluster
The Birmingham Botanical Garden is simply amazing. If your a lover of our beautiful mother earth, than you will enjoy all the gorgeous flowers, Roses and trees. The landscape is breath taking. This is a great romantic 1st year anniversary day. Off to Pursell's Farm in Fayetteville, Alabama. I am so Excited!!
Dianne Wheeler
The parks and the garden are a family fun locations to visit. Sloss Furnace with its history and if you believe it's haunted is fun too.
Elvin Zuniga
Great place to have a nice walk and enjoy nature. Very well manicured. Our favorite spot was the Japanese gardens. Staff was amazing, helpful, and welcoming.
Joe Graham
It's always great coming here--especially when the weather is great!
treasure :p
a very beautiful place with many different types of flowers, trees, fruits, etc. a great place for family fun times and a mini vacation.
Herbert Lin
Nice relaxing garden with a lot of variety. It isn't too big so expect to finish seeing everything under 2 hours.
Betsy J
Even on the busy sale day I went, it never felt crowded. Super places all over to sit and sketch, or just sit. The gift shop is exceptionally well curated, and reasonably priced, even for all the local craftsmen offerings, from soap to jewelry, and kitchen stuff.
Hoshi Yoshi
Excellent representation of plants around Alabama. The different sub-gardens offer a wide variety of flora, with plenty of paths to explore the different sections of the gardens without too much crowding from other people. There are paths for people to take if they are looking to take a long walk to get in exercise as well as other, more efficient routes to catch all the highlights within the botanical gardens. The map at the entrance can help you navigate once you arrive.
Todd Pierce
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens only occupies 67.5 acres, but it feels much more expansive. Fully wheelchair accessible, this is one of the Magic City's must-see destinations, a true Alabama treasure. The best part is that this municipal park is free!
The massive Conservatory alone is worth the visit if one doesn't experience anything else, but the fern garden surrounded by steep rock "wall" expanses; trails with rustic wooden bridges spanning the cold, bubbling creek; and large, looming, luxurious trees of the dark forest remind me of areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Great Smokey Mountains. The mountain is iron. It is ancient, and it is the reason d'etre for the city's existence.
Throughout the park are found iron ore boulders & outcroppings. These are purple-red with a slight metallic sheen. This is after all Red Mountain, which is THE defining geological feature of Jefferson County.
The Japanese Gardens are authentic & contemplative. Birmingham's fairly substantial Asian population frequents here year-round.
There are many places to explore at the BBG, and the large main building holds meeting rooms, an auditorium, a café, a gift shop, and a well-stocked, substantial library 100% dedicated to horticulture. The library is a part of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative, which has 40 locations.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a great resource for inspiration & upliftment. Go alone... go with a friend... go with your family, but just go.
It never disappoints.
Samuel Segal
Very beautiful, well maintained, one of the most relaxing Japanese gardens I've been to
Bailee Hollis
Beautiful place, and it's free! Definitely going to be spending a lot of time here, absolutely stunning gardens and so well kept.
Beatriz Puche
We love the Botanical Gardens. They are an absolute gem in Bham. The different layouys, the Japanese Gardens, the trails. Love, love, love. Must visit if you are in the area, plus it's free.
Gina D
Beautiful garden! A very nice walk with a variety of plants. Free admission, and parking is easy as well.
Andrew Gamblin
Visited with my wife for a spur of the moment date. It was difficult to navigate the gardens with the map. There were zero directions on where to go for information or to where to receive a map. We had to ask around. Maybe the gardens would be prettier in the Spring? Not a lot to look at and we ended up on some terrain, without warning, that would not be suitable for elderly or young children. Probably won’t go back.
Perla N
Gorgeous place. No fee to enter (at least not that I noticed). No pets allowed and make sure to keep the gardens clean. Truly worth visiting.
DeAndre Sullivan
Awesome for picture taking I created a whole experience as I spent the weekend for my girl bday!
David Hancock
Large garden, right next to the Birmingham Zoo, so you can do both in one day. This garden has big walking areas and open spaces, a few green houses, a large rose area, and, surprisingly, a very nice Japanese garden. Also a great gift shop. You could glance at everything in maybe 1.5 hours but it will take more than that to really see it all.
Narine Harut
Very nice garden, beautiful Japanese Garden 🏯, but I am sure it will be more beautiful in the spring and summer time, so you can enjoy Rose 🌹 Garden and others. …
Lanash Lath (Dezignstar)
This is a must visit for families coming to Birmingham. The gardens are very beautiful and very well maintained.
Bill Tiemann
Wonderful botanical gardens in Birmingham, Al. Free admission. Recently I visited the Japanese gardens section. Quite lovely.
LadyKStyle111
This was such a BEAUTIFUL place. Get your good shoes on, a bookbag and a water bottle with some hiking clothes lol. This place is huge! Enjoy the views and nature. Its a great place for family's and couples.
Fanny Salgado
Is free , I'm pretty sure the best season for visit is Spring !!! But we enjoy the walking mornings!!
Robert Edwards
Beautiful one of the best gardens I have ever enjoyed
Will C
This is a great place in Birmingham. There are many place to visit here. I like all the different garden and trial they have. They also have a great big field outside of the green house. It is a great place to spend time. Everything always looks nice. They do a good job keeping it clean. I would highly recommend going there. There are lots pf things to do! Five Stars!
Hugh Smaltz
Enjoyed the shade and sunshine around the well kept gardens. Thank you Birmingham for keeping this park free and beautiful.
David Fox
Lots of trails showcasing a fantastic variety of plants. There's a nice selection in the garden store. The Japanese garden and the rose walls are personal favorites.
Adrianne Curran, Realtor with LAH
An afternoon at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is always a wonderful experience. The walking paths are level and easy for kids and strollers. The Japanese Garden with Koi pond is my favorite. It is a beautiful venue for weddings. I have also attended several fun classes offered throughout the years. A nice time for me to visit is during the week when it is less busy.
buymytoasters
What a beautiful and quiet corner of Birmingham. Lots of stroller friendly paths and neat little nooks. Plenty of places to sit and relax or read a book. The gift shop is unique and fun. Really happy these gardens are here!
Brandi Wyatt
A wonderful place to spend time with family. Beautiful flowers and each are labeled so you know what they are.
Tracey O.
Definitely a must-see and do in Birmingham. Free admission and parking. Friendly staff. Beautiful gorgeous Well maintained trails and gardens. Dining on site. Visited August the 4th on a Thursday midday, not busy at all. Lots of shade. There is not an app available for guiding but there is a walking map that is easy to follow. The gift shop has cold drinks, ice cream that is pre-packaged. Definitely allow lots of time. The Birmingham zoo is very close. You can walk from the gardens directly across the road to the zoo and let your car parked at the gardens. The zoo closes 30 minutes before the gardens, which allows you to get back to your car before the gate closes. At this time of the year, the garden clothes at 6:00 and the zoo at 5:30. I would definitely recommend coming to the botanical gardens of Birmingham.
Paul Robinson
Great place. We were visiting from out of town and stopped there. Leaves had just started to change.
Alex Baker
Beautiful place! I could stay here the entire day!!!
Dorothy Guillory
Very friendly surroundings clean restrooms and spacious places to visit an opportunity see some beautiful sights.
Clara Jennings
Free place to walk around and enjoy the gardens! The gift shop had a large selection as well. Parking is abundant.
Roxana Santander
It’s an amazing place, has a beautiful Japanese garden and it’s totally free if you want to visit it . I totally recommend it and it’s kid friendly the bathrooms were clean and the workers were so nice.
Lauren Thornberg
Beautiful gardens! The Japanese garden was phenomenal. Amazing flower selection and diverse various gardens.
Dana McKeen
Visitors about half masked, everyone thoughtfully distanced. Beautiful gardens of course.
Marta B
Great place to spend part of the day. The staff are friendly and happy to share stories about the animals and there is a nice shaded area at the entrance for a picnic. Plan for a trip soon.
Crystal Berry
Beautiful place, so glad I went. It's a must see for everyone!
Jonathan Bromet
Beautiful spot to walk around with the family. Open everyday from 8-5pm. Free parking and admission I appreciate that. 😊 …
Ms Q
Amazing place to have announcements, prom, pregnancy, kid, photos taken. I also like to go there to get some walking in. Ps lots of Pokemon Stops and Gyms.
Ni N.
I went there twice, once on a rainy day and once near Labor Day. The scenes are beautiful! The bamboo corner is the best! Great places to walk around with family, date, or children!
David Overstreet
Always beautiful and very relaxing. Great for a brief stroll lot to spend hours meandering.
Loni Burks
This was a nice relaxing place to visit with our kids. There are many sections. We stayed for 3 hours and did not cover everything. there is a Japanese Garden area that is beautiful and has huge koi fish. It is free to visit. If you have extra time then I would recommend coming by.
Phil Hatcher
One of my favorite places to take a walk. The Japanese gardens are extremely well done, complete with bamboo forest. The fact that it is free is a bonus, too.
Layne Watts
Went here with my girlfriend and her family in late August/early September. Had a great time talking around and enjoying the beautiful flowers. Hoping to visit again this spring!
Charles Whisonant
Love this place! Can't seem to come often enough. OMG the Canna Lilies are 10 ft tall this year! You got to come see them.
James Naoumoff
Beautiful large gardens open free to the public. Perfect for a relaxing day just outside the city.
Jessica Alexander
Love the botanical gardens! It's great for a nature stroll pretty much year round. My favorite part is the forest area in the back right and the greenhouse! And the rose garden when it is in bloom!🌹 …
Sharon Cassum
Love taking a walk here through the greenery and nature, gives a feeling of serenity in today's busy world. The tropical plants in the glass house, a must watch.
Ja'Qualen & Alexandra C
A lovely garden to go view. Although we did not see everything offered, we were pleased with the scenery we were able to view. We would definitely visit again!
Lee Artisan
The picture is pure fun, but so is the rest of the Gardens! You can walk the property on a brisk pace in about an hour, or stop and smell the roses in two. For real, he's not got undergarments on. ;)
Shileshia Milligan
The garden is always awesome. Lots to see. I love coming here.
Anissa Thompson
We had a wonderful time yesterday at the gardens, even on a cold day. It was such a lovely place, my (now) fiancé proposed to me in the middle of the rose gardens on our trip. We can’t wait to come back when it’s warmer and more things are in bloom. Thank you for having such a special place to visit!
angelasharris2791
Beautiful, great even walking surface, and free. Make a donation on your way out to help keep this gem free to the public!
Susin Desai
Unfortunately it was just shy of Spring when I was in Birmingham, so the flowers were not in full bloom yet, but the layout, and the areas of the garden that were in bloom were Beautiful!!! It's a nice walk with lots to see- I'll definitely be making another trip here later in the Spring! :)
Rebecca VanTassell
Beautiful. I'm from somewhere cold that doesn't have flowers and leaves in November.
Tag TM
Free to visit. Great place to reflect and see natures beauty...
Jobaida Akther
Today's weather was amazing!!! This is my favorite place to spend a sunny weekend day.
Kinley Hall
One of my favorite place to go! My boyfriend and I went there on valentines day!
Jay Kim
Best botanical gardens I’ve been to is in Birmingham. Who knew? Really amazing place, well maintained, fairly large. And free!
Md Huzzatul Mursalin
This is wonderful garden! I specially loved the Japanese garden.
Jackson Hyde
Great park, good spot for Pokemon GO! The greenhouse is especially pretty, I think.
Phyllis Riddle
The B'ham Daylily Society had a luncheon meeting at the B'ham Botanical Garden. It was a lovely day at the gardens
Sirius Chocolate
Beautiful. Love it! Check out the Japanese Gardens and the greenhouses.
Tofu Bazooka
Loved It but needs more signs for directions we got lost quite a few times while traveling through the gardens
Momma Bear
I always find the Gardens to be tranquil and I am able to reset my inner self. It calms me and I find peace withing myself. I am able to continue in my daily activities without as much tension.
Ray Suggs
A great way to unwind on a Saturday morning. A taste of nature in the big city.
Rosa
What an amazing oasis! If your into botanicals you'll have a great time. Free to visit but take donations
Jamie Sharp
Absolutely beautiful! Just a day trip from Atlanta and it was definitely worth the drive.
Kayla Hoover
This is a great outing for everyone! If you just want to get away and enjoy the scenery you will love it or if you have children who love to run and enjoy the wildlife they will love it! Entry is free and I recommend packing a lunch and having a picnic in the grass.
Mary Waldman
One of the best public gardens in America. There is huge community support and leadership and it shows. Volunteers are second to none.
Vanieca Akins
Very pretty place. Lot of walking but worth it. And it's Free!
Gendo Ikari
Great place to hike. Good scenery. Very pleasant.
Raven Howell
It was very nice and beautiful a peaceful place to go and take pictures and it's free
Dustin Allin
I love the botanical gardens, so relaxing, I can't wait untill more things are in full bloom!!
jennifer green
Absolutely breathtaking! The rose garden is so vibrant and colorful.
Tracy Robichaud
I just love this place it is a great place to look at nature and take a stroll
Babin Stha
Lovely place to visit and picnic. Could probably meditate in one of the the gardens.
David Stambaugh
Wonderful leisurely stroll through the Japanese Garden after a great lunch in the cafe.
Jason Rhodes
Beautiful gardens, quiet atmosphere, nothing bad to say.
Andria Juarez
Beautiful japanese gardens, clean and well kept
Ryan Trader
One of Birminghams treasures, great place to take a walk with beautiful scenery.
Atara Brookler
These gardens are very pretty and dispersed around a large area. It is very picturesque. Large portions of the area are shaded. There is a large variety of flora from all around the world. The gardens are well kept. I was pleasantly surprised by the clean bathrooms especially for a free, public place. A very enjoyable place to spend a few hours.
Anne Calvert
Enjoyed the Japanese gardens the best. Well maintained.
Jennifer Ruzycki
Absolutely beautiful ❤️ I still can't believe it was free
Ace Dragon Trainer Hart (AcetrainerAdam)
Beautiful scenery. Highly recommend checking it out!
Sandip Ramgirwar
Beautiful gardenscapes. Visited in November still felt nice but recommend if get a chance do see this after spring. It should be heaven for botanical lovers and photographers.
Wedding shoots can find this as a perfect place too.
Tim
We spent 4 hours walking, looking, and taking photos, and still didn't see it all. Beautiful day, quiet and free to the public. We will return. Right next door to the Zoo!
Raland Burks
What a great place to visit. This place is well maintained and we truly enjoyed the visit. The cost being free makes this a must if you are on a budget.
Timtimtimtim Timtimtim
GORGEOUS GARDENS GREAT FOR WALKS AND TO SEE BIRDS AND THE JAPANESE SECTION IS LOVELY
Michael Trump
It was great, except for the security guard that followed us around the entire time.
Jeremiah Quintero
Loved it, free to the public and very beautiful grounds located with in minutes from The Summit!
James Lauters
lovely walking paths ... beautiful rose garden
Kisha Hall
BEAUTIFUL!!! The staff are all knowledgeable and super friendly. This place is just wonderful.
Mike Allen
Enjoyed the walk and interaction with staff. Nice gem of a place.
Joel Munoz III
I didn't get to experience the entire area this visit but I want to go back and do so. It smelled so wonderful there. The area is done so well you almost forget you're in a city.
Cyntia Katy
It was great, amazing, splendid!!!!
It wasn't a waste of time going there. For nature lovers you'll appreciate the fresh scent of nature, its beauty and magnificence!!!
It is calm, quiet, reposing and inspiring. I just love it❤❤❤
I strongly recommend it and will myself go back when i come back to Birmingham.
Cicada Celestine
This it's such a beautiful place, and I totally recommend going at least once! I took my favorite photo of me here, posing with the Golden Barrel cactus!
Koopa Wesson (Koopa)
Always love going to these gardens!! Me and my daughter had a blast a couple days ago.
Jennifer Andrasko
Beautiful and free. I recommend for all photography! #InStillLightPhotography by Sarah Stilwell
Joel Cognevich
Very nice garden, and it's all free!
Kristina Sweatt
We really enjoyed the peacefulness of our visit and the beautiful scenery
Sindy Smith
Here was really good
I saw a lot of different plants
and they got some good places for pictures!
It will be good experience to you!
Andrew Supak
Absolutely beautiful and peaceful, really well-maintained, and the cafe is solid.
Kimberly Mcglaun
My family had so much fun today!! Took a lot of pictures!!!
P F
One of the best botanical gardens I've ever been to.
Michael Ellis
Absolutely love this place. One of the best Japanese gardens i have seen.
Jack Lewsley
Beautiful gardens, friendly staff and easy to access location just down the street from Vulcan Park!
Tracy Horne
As always, it is a nice place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the native plants and trees. I enjoy the variety of colors and shapes of flowers this time of year.
Suzi V
Wonderful time to see all of Jehovah's creation.
Aja Carter
It's a beautiful and peaceful place!
Maureen Pelc
Beautiful plants and flowers. The Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden are wonderful.
Slesa Adhikari
I especially enjoyed the green house - i'm a plant mom 😁
Some BIG monsteras!!!! …
Mattias Becker
Meticulously maintained gardens. Easy walking trails. To top it off free parking and free entrance.
Jeremy R33D
Wonderful euphoric atmosphere... very peaceful!
Kyle Davis
Really nice gardens. The conservatory was closed on Monday, but we had fun with rest.
Brooke Dayton
Very well cared for gardens, the giant greenhouse is a good trip even in the winter, but springtime right now is the best for the entire garden. Try to get there early before it gets busy!
Dave Baker
Had couple hours to pass before a flight. Free parking and admission. Grounds were well kept. ALOT of people taking grad, family, couple pictures was a little annoying as they expected you to wait for them to pose and change wardrobe.. . But great place for a walk with family
Kat
Wow! Beautiful gardens. Nice place to walk. Great gift shop with tons of reasonably priced items. Did I mention it's totally free? Both times we've been here, there have been just a few visitors. Would be a wonderful wedding spot.
Hoyt Phillips
Simply beautiful! Spent a warm spring afternoon here strolling around. It’s very peaceful and lots to see from very manicured to more organic settings. A fair amount of trails. It’s free to enter and it’s connected to the zoo. Just be prepared to share several locales in this place with multiple wedding parties taking photos when the weather is nice. Also parking is free but when it’s nice out it’s pretty packed and hard to find a space.
shiva sahba
Beautiful place, but need walking/hiking shoes.
Jasmine Barnett
It's absolutely beautiful. 67.5 acres of pure beauty
Wendy Leigh
Beautiful place. I love the bonsai garden and the Rose garden and the tropical rainforest garden. The Japanese garden is amazing too. Aw heck the whole place is absolutely beautiful. There isn't much about it that isn't just breathtakingly beautiful.
M B
I love the greenhouses! The Japanese Garden and The Lotus pond are my favorite spots!
Lisa Sanders
Just beautiful! A great place to take pictures, walk, and enjoy the outdoors.
James Davis
Nice way to spend an afternoon!
Christopher Turner
Beautiful place. No cost to go. I highly recommend it.
Hector Alvarado
Is beautiful botanical garden to visit anytime
Janet Murray
Relaxing setting and pretty even in winter. Loved the greenhouse.
carmen moton
It was a beautiful day for a walk in the gardens. I was there for a baby shower and the staff and everyone was nice. It was good seeing families out together enjoying the gardens.
S Carmack
Beautiful for plant lovers, lots of outdoor paths for getting some good exercise in the midst of the city, walking distance from Mountainbrook Village
Milo Mannino
Didn't know you couldn't have pets inside the gardens!
It's truly a magical place!
Linda Hammonds
It was really nice for 10/02/20.
Opal Gordon
A group of us visited for a picnic as part of low key hen party celebrations and really enjoyed a few hours here. The gardens are big and there’s plenty to see (glasshouses with lots of interesting plants, aviaries, exotic outdoor plants). The entry cost seemed reasonable and it’s very well kept. We were joined on our picnic by some very friendly and beautiful peacocks who are obviously used to people close to people which was lovely.
Arin Canbolat
A nice place to visit and walk. It's free, but make sure to wear some sunscreen you will get a lot of sun. The Japanese gardens section is very nice.
Christie Lawless
It's awesome! Lots of space to sit and enjoy nature without having several people around you. My husband and I loved the Japanese garden the most, but the local wild flowers and wildlife was a close second. If you go during the weekend, you'll probably also see a wedding. We saw two weddings and one proposal when we went in October
Clayton Vines
Really nice place for a leisurely stroll. Family friendly. Lots of cool sculptures and art pieces hidden throughout. Good anytime of year. Very popular photography spot
Steven Patterson (Realtor at eXp Realty)
We love the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and everything there is to see. There are many different beautiful plants, and you need to come at different times of the year to truly appreciate everything. Many wedding parties use the gardens as a backdrop for taking photos.
D Smith
Love this place! So much to see.... Very calming...
Chazz Chaney
Unfortunately not much was in bloom outside, but the Japanese garden was a nice area to explore on a late winter/early spring day and a healthy koi population in the pond. At certain spots you can hear traffic passing by, but due to its location that is to be expected...however with free admission it's an amazing value for an afternoon stroll if you're looking to spend an hour or so in nature amongst the beautiful flora and small woodland creatures (lots of squirrels and chipmunks). I'm sure it's an amazing place for photography during the spring bloom. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area.
Debbie Reeves
Awesome place to visit. If you love nature, give this place a try. So Serene and beautiful. Admission is free and there are ample parking spaces. You can just sit in the middle of The garden and soak in nature's beauty. The garden center is really nice, you can buy plants, pots, books etc.
MsKrayola
Spring 2022 - We visited again and now I have to deduct a star. We tried visiting at a different time of year and still barely any flowers. Just greenery. We still walked through the gardens and looked at the plants but it would have been nice to see a flower garden. It is completely free so that helps. But I don't have to go back.
Fall 2020 - We had a great time. We weren't able to see all the flowers because of fall but we were able to see plants, vegetables, and cacti
Michael Kidwell
This was our first visit here and everything was perfect. The grounds are immaculately kept. Our first stop was the gift shop. A terrific place with a great variety of plants, gifts and decor. The halls are filled with art and there was even free popcorn in the library. We went to the restaurant for lunch. The service was perfect and the food was great. We spent half a day walking the different gardens and paths. We are completely impressed with this garden and will be back often. Perfect place to spend the day and you can even walk across to the zoo.
AA Brad Sims
I have visited botanical gardens in a number of states, and have been to Birmingham Botanical Gardens many times. I think the BBG is one of the best I have visited. Love going there.
Svitlana Yablonska
There is really impressive Japanese garden down there.
Arlene Williams
Such an amazing Botanical Garden. All the separate areas are great. The Fern Glade and Herb Garden were my favorite spots. But so many cool gardens to enjoy, someone could easily lose an hour or two looking around at the beautiful plants. Having the Bee hives on site is very awesome!
Taylor Stewart
Beautiful place love taking a little walk here on a nice afternoon enjoying the scenery.
Wes Lamon (Wes L)
Have you visited the gardens? Well if you haven't, you should! It is a great place for any season. Trails are well kept, nature is all around and the sheer number of variety of plants is awesome. My family loves the camelia tree garden and the fern bog, but you can't go wrong with the Alabama native plants trail and Japanese garden. Take your family or go by yourself and see what I'm talking about.
Mary Johnson
Expected more flowers. There were only a few white roses and several cacti varieties. Some scattered flowers. Nonetheless, the overall experience and layout was worth the visit. Plan to return later this Summer.
Ping Vuong
The best walk in weekends
Anne Hicks
Enjoyed a delightful walk exploring the gardens followed by afternoon tea. The gardens have a variety of areas which offer different experiences, including pools and waterfalls, woodland walks, beautifully planted areas, a cottage garden, play areas and much more. All topped off by roaming peacocks adding the ultimate ornamentation. Afternoon tea in the cafe was fresh and tasty with a good selection of sandwiches, scones and fabulous cakes. All the staff we encountered were very informative and helpful. There were areas that could do with a makeover - the historical gardens for instance, but since this is a charity, relying on donations and volunteers, all in all I think they are doing an excellent job.
Jason “Squig” McCrory
I love to walk through the gardens anytime during the year. They do a wonderful job keeping the garden beautiful.
Thomasine Beck
Beautiful serene gardens and great cafe!
Suzie Lange
Beautiful flowers and trees
Teresa J.
Beautiful place to go to get you horticultural fix. :-)
Diana Winchester
Beautiful and free to enjoy, this is a family favorite for us. Great place to get family photos made, but also fun to walk around and explore. The different gardens have different themes, my 2 year old loves to play pretend as we enter the different areas.
Brody Griffin
Wow! What a place. If you ever think of a royal garden or something that's really extravagant, then this is the gardens for you. Absolutely free to park and visit, and with such a large area and wide array of plants, you cant beat it man. I was blown away at the work put into this place. I loved every moment of it. Spent 3 hours here and bearly explored 1/4 of what there was to look at. I'd highly recommend a visit. Good place for photos.
Scott Yancy
Beautiful gardens!
Maggie
So beautiful and well maintained! There was enough to look at to fill about half a day but we never got bored. There are also good accommodations for those who tire from walking easily (a big plus when traveling with family). You definitely need to come here.
Rebecca Hofsommer
Lovely as always. This is one of my young daughters favorite place to visit. Beautiful scenery with plenty of room to run.
Anne Van Ess
What a beautiful botanical garden! Thank you for allowing all to enjoy by making it free and thanks to the support of the volunteers, and community. I had a wonderful conversation with a volunteer in the Japanese Garden, he shared history and fun stories. Don't miss the bamboo boardwalk.
Joe Trimble
Very beautiful experience. Tons of different looking biomes to walk through. Great place for photos
B Renae Batton
This place was beautiful, even though not everything had begun to bloom yet. The staff was very knowledgeable about their plants, and the giftstore staff were so helpful. I can't wait to visit again. This is also a great place for families with children to visit as it's free and there is lots of room for the children to run and explore. It's also located right across the street from the zoo. Would make a great day trip.
Caleb
A beautiful experience all around, with such a lovely atmosphere and friendly staff I would recommend the garden to anyone who wants a walk in nature.
Also, I noticed that a plethora of events take place throughout the year so there is always something to do. Even different exhibits pop up! Not to mention that it's a wonderful place to host an event including weddings or graduation parties.
Nikki Thurman
I really enjoyed viewing all the plants and strolling along the foot paths. My favorite part was the Ireland Rose Garden, the smell was wonderful and I was very impressed with the Big Leaf Magnolia Tree, the flowers were huge and beautiful. I recommend using a map of the gardens so you don't get turned around too much. The gift shop is definitely worth a visit as well. I also enjoyed that there is no cost to tour the gardens or park.
Tena J
Such a beautiful place. You can even buy plants.
Sam Towns
We really enjoyed our time here! There's so much area to walk and it's all free. Gorgeous gardens, huge trees, friendly workers. Thankfully a lot of it was shaded to protect us from the hot sun.
C W
What a nice place to spend a beautifly spring day, but be aware that many others will have the same idea so it might be difficult to find a parking space. What a fun, free way to spend time with family. We didn't have the time to explore all the trails, but there are many with a variety of gardens so pack a little picnic and enjoy!
Rhonda Bryant
The Japanese Gardens are beautiful! The entire area is well kept and tranquil. Excellent place for a quiet lunch on the grounds.
Dragan Raljic
Wery nice place, kids friendly
Amanda Rossi' Marsh
Absolutely gorgeous place. If you're looking for a beautiful place to take prom, wedding, engagement etc photos this is the place.
Summer Davis
I have always loved the gardens but now as a photographer I've had to cut my visits in half because of the no prop rule.
But it's still beautiful and a great place to catch a break.
Willie Griffin
Botanical Gardens was a great place for the kids. We had 5 kids aged 6 m.-10yrs. They all had a blast running and playing while looking at the flowers that were bloomed. We went in early summer. I would recommend going mid-spring to see all the flowers bloomed out. We did take a stroller and didn't have any trouble with the paved paths.
Luanu'u Maiava
Beautiful gardens and it's free!
Enjoying strolling through the gardens. The grounds were immaculately clean and no litter. Very nice to see especially a place where admission is free.
Lots of benches and gazebos to seek rest. Japanese gardens were our favorite.
I can see why this place is a popular wedding spot.
Nice sculptures around the garden as well. It started raining and thanks to the trees we pretty much stayed dry.
Great family place to visit or even hanging out with friends. Check them out!
Wes Harris
We loved walking around. Every corner has different flowers and they smell and look gorgeous. The Japanese garden was so pretty.
David&Tesia Sullivan
Wow! Absolutely beautiful! We met a photographer here for fall photos. The colors of the trees were amazing even at the end of November. We stayed for hours after. Our 2 year old loved being able to run and play as we walked fo each garden.
Joe P
I have been to a number of botanical gardens and this one might be the best I have seen. It is free admission and has a large area, enough to be covered in two days if you walk slowly and take all the trails. It has a neat collection of green houses, vegetable gardens, artistically styled lawns, and nature trails. A good trip for a family of more nature oriented folks.
Joyce Segers
I have lived in Homewood almost a year now and finally visited the gardens today. Wow!! This was a wonderful surprise and right in "my backyard"!! The gardens 🌺🌼🌷🐢⛲🌹🌳 were just spectacular!! A great place to clear your mind and take in mother nature's beauty!! I will be going back again and again!! I just want to say thank you to all the people who have contributed and volunteered to make this place possible!! ♥️
Stephen Hayes
Beautiful place. Staff (event planning) is VERY slow to respond, but great for a day visit.
Glen Eicher
The facilty was clean and the garden areas nicely laid out. The fall colors were splend and even had quite a few flowers still blooming
ND Seibel
Beautiful grounds with a variety of gardens to explore from bogs and rhododendron to herbs, antique rose and formal gardens. It is free and open to the public, making it a favorite weekend spot for many. Also a favorite for wedding and prom photos so if it's a beautiful spring weekend, be prepared to share. Parking is also free but can be a challenge on weekends.
Kyle Ryc
Sometimes you need to let the sun see you, sometimes you need to hide. These Botanical Gardens are a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle, to reconnect with capital N Nature.
There is a wonderful cafe at the front, and lots of space to wander on your own or with groups.
If I can recommend anything, some quiet time in the Japanese Garden may be the best choice for your day.
carolyn fernandes
Amazing place to connect with nature quick and easy. This place helped us to know better the world flora.
Susan Daniel
We were here too early to truly enjoy the burst of springtime color, but still had a wonderful time walk throughout the gardens.
Mark Fausel
Beautiful! Great walking trails. Lots of variety in the gardens. Visited in early March, so not a lot blooming. Very serene. Can only imagine how nice it would be in mid-summer.
Austin R. Kelly
This place was truly an incredible experience. If you even remotely enjoy flowers, plants, the outdoors, hiking or walking, sweet aromas, insects, wildlife, or any of nature's beauty, this is a great place for you! It's crazy to think you can visit her and enjoy all the hard work and dedication at this garden all for free. I loved all the different areas of these gardens, but particularly I appreciated the Kaul Wildflower Garden, because it was a beautiful rendition of most the local flora of Alabama and surrounding states.
Zach Hoffman
This was one of the first places we went to when we visited the city, and it made a lasting impression. The various gardens all offer differing landscapes for any length of walk, and the greenhouse is spectacular - the waterfall feature is SO cool. This is such a wonderful place to go for a nice walk, grab fresh air, and just enjoy a free afternoon.
April L. Butler
One of the best kept secrets in the city is the beauty in the botanical gardens! It is great to take the kids and check out everything from the lily pond to the cacti in the greenhouse and even the stunning Japanese gardens. I've also used this place for photo shoots a few times and keep discovering other hidden gems. Great place for a nice relaxing stroll to take it all in.
Robin Lewis
Spent the day with our young children a few years ago. They enjoyed all the gardens but I believed the Japanese gardens intrigued them the most. We brought a picnic and after that we walked around a bit more then ended the day at the splashing fountain. The kids had a ball and got soaking wet. It was a blast. I've always visited by myself and it's very peaceful and well laid out.
Sheree Hall
Beautiful place to walk and enjoy the scenery. It opens fairly early in the morning. Admission is free. You will see many people getting their pictures taken here. Besides the gardens themselves you can also visit a library, restaurant, and gift shop. Members receive 10% off cost of food at the restaurant and items from the store. The gardens offer many educational programs for individuals, children, and families. Some are free and others require registration and a fee.
Jessica Saylor
I love going with my family to the gardens and seeing all the beautiful plants and flowers in the different gardens. It's a huge area with several different types of gardens, such as a rose garden and a Japanese garden. We've been several times and I still don't think we've seen everything the garden has to offer. The gardens are exceptionally well maintained. One of the great things about the gardens is that anyone can go since it's free to go.
Samantha Lozano
Stunning!!! Easy parking! And it's free!
Tom Brown
Probably one of the best places to go to at the most reasonable price to see the many various plants from all over the world. With walking trails . Benches and restrooms along the trails makes for a very relaxing and comforting day. Plenty of parking and rooms for meetings and various functions. Handicap accessible. And a large assortment of plants and decorations for outdoors available and very helpful staff.
Cris Sleightholm
Lovely grounds nicely laid out. The rose garden is particularly beautiful. Everything is well maintained. I loved the Japanese Garden.
Brandon Evans
Beautiful and expansive park full of a wide variety of plants, ranging from tropical fruits to orchids to a herb garden for the homeless. The best part is, the entire park is free. There's a nice shop in the front to get some of your favorite plants as well.
Woody Moss
Wow. What a beautiful place. Well worth the visit
Casey Pardue
Wonderful place. Beautiful scenery
Julie Humphrey
The gardens were beautiful. It was a little concerning how dirty the koi and turtle pond was. Things really could use a little more water as some of the plants were wilted due to the heat. Overall, I will visit again maybe a different time of year. I would imagine the gardens would be picture perfect.
cam johnson
This place, now in high summer 2019, looks the best it has ever looked. I commend the staff for the excellent work. There is a peaceful contemplative stillness but also a playfulness in the gardens. So many enjoyable places to meander. There is attention to areas I feel like have been neglected in the past. It's fantastic - just GO! - Life long Birminghamian PS - I very much enjoyed the Bonsai society show I attended & the gift shop gifts & plants as well. I have also dined at a private event here. All Great Facilities.
Veronica Thompson
There's no charge to visit these stunning Botanical Gardens! It has a Japanese section that includes a zen garden with a gorgeous red bridge and coy fish and turtles. Amazing rose beds, beautiful pools of water, and an enclosed greenhouse full of interesting plants. The gift shop has interesting items, snacks, drinks, plus plants for sale. There's also a restaurant but I haven't visited it, and a library.
Carol Alston
This is my favorite botanical gardens. It has many paths and trails with over 25 themed gardens, is mostly shaded with tall trees, and is hilly enough to provide a pretty good workout. There are water features and greenhouses, but I wasn't bothered by mosquitoes. There is no admission or parking fee.
Jason Bigbie
Always a great place to escape the city life! Love the beautiful gardens and views. You can learn a lot from this peaceful place. Plan your wedding or photo shoots! Absolutely love the beautiful spot!
Bevan Shores
Even though we were there in March, in Birmingham the spring flowers and trees gave this couple from Illinois a taste of Spring. The gardens and paths are well tended and marked. Peaceful yet well attended. Seeing the garden center with plants for sale made me wish I could purchase some of these plants and have them shipped home. The Red Japanese Maples were what I wanted. I had another opportunity to visit the Gardens and there were school children visiting. What fun for them - learning to preserve and respect nature! Lovely place and it is free.
Jeremy Bowling (Escapednut)
Great place, free to everyone and we'll maintained. Make sure you stop by to see the bees!!
Sparky B
Lovely as always. Great family place.
Jose Andres
A absolute gem in the Birmingham area as there are many flowers here at the garden and they’re well maintained. There’s a bunch of trails and a Japanese garden with koi fish. Props to the people that keep this place looking stunning and the best part is that it’s free to visit and to park.
Hoda Naei
It’s FREE! I love this place ! Been here multiple times . It’s so calm and relaxing ! It’s pretty big and has a lot of pretty flowers ! Oh and did I mentions it’s free ! It’s has a cute Japanese garden ! Sometimes it gets busy and you have to park on in the zoos parking lot and walk across. Highly recommend place
James Duke
Beautiful (and free) activity in the city. Our visit was on a rather chilly day in between winter and spring so many of the gardens hadn't yet "woken up." We still doing plenty to see and explore to entertain our 6, 12, and 15 year-olds for about an hour. Definitely exceeds the "you get what you pay for" cliche.
james marsee
Always beautiful especially when the roses are in bloom!
Adam Earnest
Wonderful, big, beautiful and well maintained
Christopher Day
This place is amazing! Too many different gardens to explore in one day! We will be back to see everything again and more
Jessica Lyn
Beautiful at all times of the year!
Paul Hughes
The reason my wife and I love the Botanical Gardens is the super reasonably priced meeting rooms. Since it is a City of Birmingham venue, you can rent a room in a fabulous area of town (Mountainbrook in this case) in a classy and gorgeous atmosphere. In 2010 we had our oldest son's wedding rehearsal dinner in their Ireland Room for $500. It was perfect. Now we have reserved the same room 10 years later for the wedding rehearsal dinner for our youngest son for $525. So pleased!
Tammie Phillips
Beautiful gardens with great walking trails encouraging you to take in the beauty of your surroundings. Humidity is high right now-fall would be recommended. If you go now, use insect repellent for walking trails.
Mark Smith
This was one of the places we wanted to go to while in Birmingham. Even though it was early March, the grounds were very nice and well maintained. We really did not expect something this impressive. We spent about two hours but you could definitely spend more. Worth a visit - can’t beat the price (free!)
Melanie Cerwinske
Free parking and free admission! We visited in summer, knowing there might not be a lot of blooms, but there was still plenty of beauty to see. Great place to get some fresh air and walk! Visit their website to see what should be blooming in what month. Great feature!
DJ Williams
A good bit of the gardens is shaded so was bearable in August. Glad we went. Relaxing, photo worthy, and diverse areas.
Joe Watts
We love visiting the gardens. It is one of the best places to watch birds in Birmingham, it has comfortable walking paths and is very accessible. The grounds are always in great shape and everyone there is friendly. Just visited yesterday--we try to visit a few dozen times each year.
Christine Cole
As a Birmingham native I have always loved the Gardens! Nothing compares to the beautiful trails, tremendous rose garden, amazing greenhouse, and Japanese gardens. And if you’re a shopper, you have to check out Leaf and Petal in BBG! They have everything from great plants to unique jewelry at unbeatable prices. I go there for all my gift needs!
Brock S
Great Botanical Gardens with many styles of gardens.
Craig Winn
Absolutely beautiful and absolutely free. We love to go for the large open green spaces to throw a football and the closed dense spaces full of flowers. It is rarely over crowded even when the parking lot is full. Grab a sandwich before you get there and eat it in the grass then take a walk thru the Japanese gardens.
QuantumPolagnus
My wife and I like to go to the BBG once a month, or so, since it's always beautiful, and they change up some of the big planters occasionally to keep things fresh. Of course, admission is free, which is another big draw.
There are plenty of places to sit down and enjoy the view, some on the main paths and some in quiet, out-of-the-way nooks. There is a big grassy area near the entrance where it's pretty common to see people having a picnic, and there are also a few areas with tables, as well, if you'd rather not be in the grass for it.
A lot of people also do wedding photography, as well as actual weddings, at the Gardens - though you'll need to reserve an area if you want to have a private event.
There's a gift shop/nursery at the entrance to the Gardens, as well as a restaurant, though I've never actually been to the restaurant.
Adrienne Savage
We had a great time at the botanical gardens! even though it was a rainy and cold day and not much was in Bloom it was still a real treat to walk around the gardens and have a good conversation and see how beautiful it's going to be in the spring. it's a wonderful place to visit in Birmingham especially because it's free and it's something you can do out in nature but you certainly don't have to wear hiking boots 😂!
Deepak Vinod
Very beautiful and not crowded at all, not to mention completely free! It is a hidden gem.
Matthew DiDonato
Great place to relax and take in nature. My family and I did our Christmas photos here and were able to get some really good photos with beautiful trees and flowers as the backdrop. Will definitely go back in the spring to see everything in bloom! Highly recommend bring the whole family.
Eric Johns
Love the gardens! They're free too.
Nikki Guthrie
Beautifully maintained and a jewel in Birmingham. It's wonderful that Alabama residents can enjoy the gardens free of charge! Most paths are paved to it makes for lovely strolls with a baby or child in a stroller. The vegetation is nicely labeled and the vignettes are incredibly informative. Had our engagement photos taken here and the photos were stunning against all the beautiful backdrops. The gift shop has many unique items worth checking out. It's a staple for any Birmingham area visitor or resident.
P F
Very Beautiful, I love the colors and the art and the greenery. Only saw a fraction of it, but it was a very pleasant experience. I would recommend going in the early morning or closer to the evening to avoid being in the sun especially if you dont like heat or have a large group with children
James Marble
Nice garden. Well kept.
Miss Carter
Mostly out of season. Beautiful Japanese Garden! I'm returning in Spring when it's in it's full Beauty! Nice peaceful place to gather your thoughts and enjoy nature. Help donate to the Gardens to assist in upkeep. I can tell it would go a long way here! Respect your botanical gardens! Great place to hv a Wedding or family event. The little town Mountain Brook is absolutely the cutest town I hv ever been! Def recommend a visit!
Marysol RosaLES
Nice place to enjoy nature walks
Rachel B.
This place was huge!! I could spend all day here walking around all the different trails! And it’s FREE!!!!!
Frog Price
Beautiful collection of gardens. Featured Gardens include a Japanese garden, a wildflower Garden, a vegetable garden, a water lily area, hey beautiful beautiful rose garden. The greenhouse areas are filled with tropical plants a cacti and succulents of thousands varieties.
The Landscaping makes the parking areas looks very inviting and comfortable. The walking areas are wide and gently sloping. The library includes mini books on different Garden needs including books on trees, wildflowers, weed control and a variety of other subjects all plant related.
Whether at a catered event or just going to visit you need to try the restaurant at the gardens. The food is delicious and service is very good because of a very attentive staff.
In summation, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a jewel within the Birmingham Park and Recreation family. It is right across the street from the Birmingham Zoo. It is located in the Mountain Brook area. The only nice hotels an additional restaurants in the area. The gardens offer something for everyone in the family.
Octavia Kuransky
Varied plant life and beautifully maintained. One feels that you've been somewhere out of the city. Great regardless of weather.Beautiful giftshop if you need that. Attached to sweet library full of volumes of books on plants
Karis W
This is a lovely place to have photos made. We had family photos made here in October and most of the roses were in bloom. It was beautiful.
Just remember not to pick any of the plants! That's highly frowned upon.
Edric Bryant
There are so many areas with differing fauna. The iris garden is georgios and fragrant when in bloom, and the Japanese garden area is absolutely charming. There's also a rose garden, greenhouse, and wooded trails featuring indigenous plants and more. Every time I visit I see couples or families with a photographer finding the perfect place to pose. And while there is a lot of ground to cover, there is always a gazebo or bench swing nearby for a pleasant rest. And it's free!
Rodrick Hilson
Very beautiful place, very serene, peaceful and just my type of place
Austin Smith
This place is a true gem in Birmingham. It's hard to find a place like this that's so well-maintained and beautiful, and you don't even have to pay to get in! It's a great place to explore or just relax. Also a great place to take pictures, just make sure you follow the rules for that listed on the website (no tripods, props, lights, reflectors, or wardrobe changes). My family and I will definitely be spending a good amount of time here when the weather is good.
Lindsey Herron
Always a fun and beautiful place to go. Lots of walking paths and little nooks to relax. Make sure to visit each season to see the plants change. They have plant sales on occasion, and it's a good place to take pictures, like kids or family photo shoots.
Alicia T. Watkins
Really pretty when the blossoms are in bloom. I usually visit around the Japanese cherry Blossom festival but I also go when they are have plants sales. Overall really nice place to just enjoy the calmness of nature.
Aaron Kelley
I love this place, and holds a special memory. It's very pretty with many things to see along the main walkway. I captured quite a few good photos while doing a portrait session a few years ago.
Keep in mind, if you encounter allergies very easily, then be prepared with medicine or oils; at least in the main pollen season.
Princess
Excellent wedding venue option! Well manicured lawns.
Vanessa Bowser
This place is so beautiful I am always amazed that its free. I come here to take photos for my photography hobby and I am never disappointed no matter what time of year it is. You can purchase plants here as well as book events or just stroll around a variety of different gatdens.
Jinan Chaarani
Very peaceful quaint garden. I love taking family photos here. They have a beautiful Japanese garden with parts of it donated/gifted by Japan (surprising to see that in a small city like Bham). Their little flower and gifts shop is always a fun treat after walking the gardens. The only issue I have is that they don't allow dogs. It would be a great place to walk the dog.
Stephanie Easterling
This is such a beautiful and peaceful place. I love it here. The Japanese Gardens are absolutely gorgeous. They have a great gift shop here as well.
Russell Meyers
The gardens are truly beautiful and huge. It would take all day to see the whole thing. We had half a day, so will go back. Well kept. Better to go when not height of summer.
George Freas II
Many asphalt & gravel trails through a large grounds with green houses and flower gardens. Plenty of good camera shots for family poses or still life. No admission costs.
Cheryl Eden
Absolutely stunning! It was more amazing than I could have imagined! Your senses will be awakened with the beautiful sounds of birds, frogs, and water features along with bursts of colors everywhere with the amazing fragrances from the flowers! ❤❤❤
Bree The Nerd
Always gorgeous place! Perfect for a picnic or walk. I love meeting friends here and look around. A very cute gift shop as well with great employees
Tiffany West
Crazy amounts of gorgeous! Huge area great for walking, picnicking, to take photos, quietly read, spend time with your children or escape them and quietly meditate ~ Outside food allowed however clean up your mess (should go without saying, yet I feel the compulsion). Bring your own book or blanket, not a soccer ball or baseball type area (so leave those toys at home). A Birmingham Must Visit Place~
K Ammons
Always an awesome place to explore. One of Birminghams free places to visit. We are so fortunate to have this attraction for our pleasure to share with family and friends. Visit it and you won't be disappointed. Nature at its finest. Truly a wonderful experience for all ages.
Carrie Matthews
I love this place! I was there taking engagement photos. It is free! They have different sections of gardens including the rose garden, Japanese garden, Alabama wildflowers, and a greenhouse full of fruit trees and succulents.
Twice a year they open the tea house in the Japanese garden and anyone can go in and get tea.
Please give a donation! It's amazing that such a wonderful place is free. There is a donation box where you can drop in a couple dollars or whatever you feel like. Putting in $1-5 in the donation box is a steal for the immaculate garden experience.
Matthew Moses James
The Botanical gardens is a serene beautiful public garden. The garden is used for photo shoots of all sorts, weddings, relaxation and good family outings. Thousands of plants, trees, flowers and shrubbery are labeled just to educate. The Orential Garden is the best. It is well laid out and very colorful...a must see.
Jennifer Lipskoch
This is a great place to go and explore. Best perk is that it is free, but it also has a beautiful rose garden, several trails through the woods, a unique gift shop, and a library branch with books about plants. Love taking the family here.
Penny Scherzer
What an amazing place. There is such care that goes into the maintenance of all the grounds. Made for a very peaceful walk.
R David Chambers
this place was beautiful! I only spent a couple hours there but it's worth a full day ...
if
you bring some sort of repellent. I did not bring any and I was eaten alive. there are some paved paths and some hiking in the woods paths. Just make sure you plan properly and this will make for an amazing day.
It's also a short drive from Vulcan, so you can easily do both on one trip. I'm not sure how late the Gardens are open, but Vulcan is open late and worth seeing day and night, so maybe bounce back and forth between the Gardens and Vulcan.
I met a few grounds people while at the Gardens and they were very friendly and happy to answer questions.
The Gardens are also great for both Pokémon Go and Jurassic World Alive, so plan those in if you need to ;)
Kayla Fischer
If I was a plant, I would want to live here. This place is god's gift to Birmingham. By far the most underrated attraction here is the Japanese garden bathroom. I can always find something new to be dazzled by, no matter how often I visit. Staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Even the bugs are friendly.
Matthew Cowell
This place is beautiful! Definitely a must see. Right by the Birmingham Zoo as well so you can make a big day out of it. Took my two youngest kids and with the exception of a wasp sting they liked it.
Roxana Woychesin
Beautiful and enchanting Japanese Garden!.
Paul Franklin
A nice walk in pleasant surroundings throughout the year. Paved or improved walkways wind through the entire park, and there are themed sections (wildflowers, ferns, rhododendrons, day lilies, roses...) that peak at differing times of the year. The entire southern portion of the gardens is given to the formal Japanese Garden, a popular destination for visitors. There is a glass conservatory with rooms devoted to tropical plants, camellias, and cacti. The BBC is one of the state's most popular destinations for photography and for birding. It is well-visited throughout the year.
Tsukiko
I always love coming here to see the beautiful flowers, trees, and bamboo. So lovely in the spring.
Gaspare Renda
This is a beautiful place in one of Birmingham's oldest and wealthiest neighborhoods. All types of floral from around the world in a well taken care of massive outdoor garden that you could easily walk a few miles to see it all and waste a half a day leisurely looking at all the beauty. Will probably be tempted to take pics, or selfies, great place for wedding and baby pictures also. A store for gardening with plants for sell and restaurant are on the property. Definitely worth a visit.
Yariely Hernandez
Great selection of plants and flowers. Stroll down for a nice evening
Zachary McNair
It's always a wonderful experience to go to the Botanical Gardens. The paths are well kept, the foliage is beautiful, and it's just a great place to run.
If you happen to play Pokemon Go (like me), then you'll love it for its plentiful PokeStops.
Cora Ashley
Wonderful place to unwind amidst the beauty of native botanicals. There's also lots to learn about a variety of flora and fauna. Great place to bring little ones on warm days as there is lots of room for them to burn energy and lots of interesting plant life to grab their attention. Great romantic spot for a walk or picnic. They also have an event center, a library and a store. You can purchase plants just about year round as well as unique gift shop items. There is ample parking and you can walk to and from the Birmingham zoo via a paved walk way.
Lauren King
Classic place for kids and outings. Perfect for pictures and wonderful wedding venue. Great way to teach your kids about nature. Perfect for time away from the electronic world we live in now a days.
Ismael Torres
Beautiful place to visit in Birmingham and it's free
Samantha Hays
Absolutely stunning. Plenty of variety in plants, flowers and trees. Nice bridges with brooks and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the sounds of birds. Even j the d a bee area that was pretty neat. Free admittance and you can bring your own bags, snacks and drinks. Theres even several places you can put a blanket down and sit in the grass for a picnic. Also has a Japanese Garden with Koi fish in their large pond/lake. Perfect place to go for a nice, peaceful day to enjoy the weather and nature.
Jaclyn Verret Peters
One of our favorite places to go when in town. Such beautiful grounds that pictures simply cannot do it justice. Peaceful yet adventurous walking paths, lots of flowers and trees, and wildlife to enjoy.
Tim Lynch
Beautiful and well kept. Wonderful spot for a Spring stroll.