The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a lush, 313-acre living laboratory and public garden near Athens, showcasing seasonal flower beds, rich native plant collections, and miles of nature trails—perfect for plant lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Recommended For

Nature lovers & gardeners
Stroll through vibrant seasonal gardens and themed collections that celebrate biodiversity and southern heritage.

Families & kids
Explore the interactive Children’s Garden and discover nature through hands-on play and learning.

Hikers & birdwatchers
Hike five miles of color-coded trails and spot deer, wild turkeys, and hummingbirds in their natural habitats.

Students & lifelong learners
Enjoy workshops, lectures, and a native plant certificate program at the Center for Native Plant Studies.

Garden Highlights

  • Flower Garden: Colorful blooms that change with the seasons and attract vital pollinators
  • Heritage Garden: Southern garden design meets agricultural history with crops like cotton and tobacco
  • International Garden: A global tour of useful plants from the Middle Ages to modern conservation efforts
  • Shade & Native Flora Gardens: Woodland blooms, shaded benches, and peaceful strolls
  • Meditation Walk & Woodland Walk: Quiet spaces to relax and reconnect with nature

Trails & Wildlife

  • Seven Trails: Explore a variety of ecosystems—wetlands, hardwood forests, riversides, and wildflower prairies
  • White Trail: The most challenging hike with elevation changes and forested terrain
  • Hummingbird Trail: Seasonal (May–Oct) trail with 21 stops highlighting native plants that attract hummingbirds

For Kids & Families

  • Children’s Garden: A 2-acre space built for play and nature education with interactive features
  • Family-friendly trails & educational signage: Easy paths and fun facts throughout the garden

Education & Conservation

  • Native Plant Studies: Certificate programs, symposia, and seasonal classes on ecology and horticulture
  • Connect-to-Protect: A public outreach program encouraging native plant gardening
  • Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance: Protecting rare species through propagation and habitat restoration
  • University Programs: Undergraduate courses in public horticulture, restoration ecology, and more

Visitor Info

  • Location: 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605
  • Phone: 706-542-1244
  • Hours: Open daily; check website for visitor center and conservatory hours
  • Admission: Free (donations welcome); some events and programs may require registration

Special Features

  • Visitor Center & Tropical Conservatory: Open year-round with exotic plants and rentable event spaces
  • Greenhouses: Climate-controlled growing facilities (tours available by appointment)
  • Day Chapel & Garden Club Terrace Room: Popular rental venues for weddings and special events

Website: botgarden.uga.edu

Plan Your Trip