If you’re looking for a great place to picnic or enjoy a relaxing stroll in Texas, consider visiting a botanical garden. Botanical gardens are known to have well-maintained and well-designed landscapes to provide both beautiful scenery and a relaxing environment. Since admission is fairly affordable or sometimes free, a visit to a botanical garden is definitely a budget-friendly experience. Get outdoors and explore these incredible botanical gardens the next time you’re in Texas.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas
This botanical garden in Dallas isn’t only one of the best botanical gardens in the state but also the country. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is more than just a beautiful garden; it’s also a leading horticultural research spot and plays host to a number of educational programs and events. On the shores of White Rock Lake, this botanical garden spans 66 acres and is home to 19 unique gardens. Visit this Dallas botanical garden for spring, summer and fall.
Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin
Located in the heart of Austin, Zilker Botanical Garden is an attachment of the popular Zilker Park. Located on 26 acres, Zilker Botanical Garden features a number of different gardens with ponds and trails connecting them. It’s a popular place to visit for those exploring Austin on a budget. You can also head to this botanical garden for educational opportunities since this garden hosts classes from gardening lessons to children’s programs.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth
This massive garden in Fort Worth lies on 109 sprawling acres. Home to a rose garden, rainforest conservancy, Japanese garden, a native Texas boardwalk and other unique gardens, you won’t get bored wandering this botanical garden that is home to 2,500 different plants. Fort Worth Botanic Garden is truly a Texas treasure since it’s the oldest botanical garden in the Lone Star State.
San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio
Spend an afternoon in San Antonio wandering the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This botanical garden is found on 38 acres and is home to native plants, roses, and even a glass conservatory. Wander the trails, meditate near the ponds and soak in the life that this garden exudes. The best way to explore this botanical garden is through a self-guided tour.
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, Corpus Christi
This massive botanical garden, which spans 180 acres, is a must-visit in Corpus Christi. The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is where plant lovers of all ages can view a wide variety of both plants and animals. Wander through the rose garden or the Sensory Garden. Since this botanical garden is a Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail site, you’ll also spot plenty of birdlife, like hummingbirds, pelicans and many more.
Mercer Botanic Gardens, Humble
Found along Cypress Creek, this botanical garden in Humble is a showcase of both native and exotic plants. Mercer Botanic Gardens is on 400 acres but is divided by Aldine Westfield Road. On the east side of the road, visitors will find the visitor’s center, a walking trail system, and beautifully-maintained gardens that include tropical plants and herbs. On the west side is the arboretum, which has two playgrounds, plenty of picnic tables and trails that lead through the native woodlands.
Hermann Park Japanese Garden, Houston
Find peace in the midst of Houston’s other fun and free attractions by visiting the Japanese Garden at Hermann Park. This small botanical garden strives to give a tranquil vibe to all its visitors. Complete with a wide variety of Japanese plants, like Japanese maples and cherry trees, you’ll feel complete serenity as you walk through the winding paths and bridges leading to bubbling ponds and even a teahouse.
Texas Discovery Gardens, Dallas
Texas Discovery Garden is the second Dallas botanical garden to make this list. This unique garden, located on 7.5 acres in Fair Park, is the only garden in the Lone Star State that is 100% organic, therefore no chemical feed or pesticides is used to grow the plants here. Visitors will find various gardens at Texas Discovery Gardens, such as a scent garden, heirloom garden and a shade garden. Don’t miss out on the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium found on the property, which is a two-story tropical rainforest full of butterflies.
