San Antonio Botanical Garden

"Spanning 38 acres of beautifully designed landscapes, historical homes, and immersive plant collections, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a vibrant oasis in the heart of the city."

Recommended For

Garden lovers
Explore native Texas trails, rare plant collections, and global botanical displays

Families with kids
Get hands-on in the Children’s Vegetable Garden or explore seasonal exhibits and storybook playhouses

Birdwatchers
Spot hundreds of migratory species from a dedicated observatory on the Rio Grande flyway

Home gardeners
Learn sustainable planting techniques in Water Saver Lane and attend conservation classes

Garden Highlights

Lucille Halsell Conservatory: Five climate-controlled pavilions featuring tropical rainforests, desert flora, ferns, palms, and ancient cycads
Texas Native Trail: An 11-acre experience showcasing ecosystems from the Hill Country, Pineywoods, and South Texas—complete with authentic historic homes
Formal Display Beds: Ever-changing seasonal blooms in four showy gardens featuring colorful annuals
Themed Gardens: Includes the Rose Garden, Old Fashioned Garden, Sacred Garden, Cactus Garden, Japanese Garden, and a Sensory Garden
Children’s Vegetable Garden: A hands-on educational garden for kids to learn about planting, harvesting, and healthy eating

Education & Conservation

Water Saver Garden & Lane: Educational exhibits, classes, and real-life landscape models showing how to conserve water and grow native plants
Guided Classes: Learn about Texas soil types, irrigation, and eco-conscious gardening methods for all climates
Model Cabins: Explore six authentic landscape styles built around Texas log homes—including one that demonstrates what *not* to plant

Historic Homes

Sullivan Carriage House: A restored 1896 stone stable and carriage house, now serving as the garden entrance and home to a gift shop and café
Auld Log Cabin: One of the largest pine log homes in Texas, constructed from ice-age pinon pine
Schumacher House: A limestone homestead from Fredericksburg (1849), reassembled and awarded for historic preservation
East Texas Log Cabin: A preserved one-room home with a barn, smokehouse, and well, representing Pineywoods culture
South Texas Adobe House: A reconstructed 1880s palisade structure showcasing early Texan adobe architecture

Bird Watch Structure

Observation Pavilion: Built in 2010, with benches, fans, and portholes for viewing up to 650 species of birds
Flora for Birds: Native nectar plants attract hummingbirds, buntings, sparrows, and Purple Martins

Events & Activities

Family Flashlight Nights: Evening garden adventures with lights, nature play, and star gazing
Live Events: Shakespeare plays, Spring Galas, Viva Botanica!, astronomy clubs, and pet-friendly programs
Seasonal Installations: Rotating exhibits like Storybook Playhouses and artist installations throughout the year
Wellness Programs: Outdoor yoga, tai chi, and fitness classes set in serene garden backdrops
Camps & Workshops: Enriching programs for children and adults focusing on art, nature, and sustainability

Insider Tip

Don’t miss the Gretchen Northrup Tropical Conservatory where towering trees like cocoa and coffee thrive. For a quiet moment, relax in the Sacred Garden or enjoy birdwatching from the shady observatory. Visit in spring for the most colorful blooms and family-friendly events.

Visitor Information

Location: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: 210-536-1400
Website: sabot.org