The 8 Best Botanical Gardens in Georgia

Georgia has dozens of breathtaking public gardens, some of which have been named some of the best in the country. With its lush, green vegetation and mild weather, Georgia is the perfect place for growing all kinds of flowers, bushes, and trees. If you want to spend the day strolling through stunningly arranged foliage, check out these eight best botanical gardens in Georgia!

1. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta is truly a city in a forest. Its high-rise buildings are surrounded by dense evergreen forests, and there are plenty of places to explore that highlight the nature of the area, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This 30-acre garden is adjacent to Piedmont Park in Midtown and aims to display, educate, and conserve plant collections. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is an award-winning oasis featuring one of the best children’s gardens in the country.

2. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Located in Athens and spanning 313 acres, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is one of the largest in the country. The University of Georgia operates the conservatory, which has been designated as an important birding area by the Georgia Audubon Society. Nature trails wind through this massive park, where you can discover different themed gardens, greenhouses, and more. During the winter, you can also experience the Winer Wonderlights attraction, which includes the garden displays adorned with holiday lights.

3. Gibbs Gardens

Sitting in the mountains of Northern Georgia, the Gibbs Gardens is a world-class destination for all things nature. It sits on the massive estate of Jim Gibbs, a retired founder of the Gibbs Landscaping Company, and covers 220 acres in Ball Ground, Georgia. This sprawling estate features 16 different gardens in varying themes and styles. You can enjoy fall foliage in all its glory, walk through glorious wildflower meadows, and discover the Manor House with its seven terrace levels of gardens.

4. Atlanta Botanical Garden (Gainesville)

The Gainesville location of the Atlanta Botanical Garden opened its doors in 2015 and aims to provide a space to celebrate nature in North Georgia. It is also home to the largest conservation nursery in the Southeast. Peaceful paths wind through woodland gardens, stream gardens, ponds, and more. This botanical garden also features a model train garden, an amphitheater, and many community events. During the holidays, you can find themed events, including fall and Halloween-decorated gardens.

5. Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University

The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University sits on just over 11 acres in Statesboro, Georgia, a few blocks from the school’s main campus. This botanic garden features woodland trails, courtyards, and native plant life of the Southeastern coastal plain. This important attraction protects more than 20 rare species and includes an arboretum, a children’s garden, 20th-century farmhouses, and museums.

6. Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

Located at the historic Bamboo Farm in Savannah, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is a museum of plants, a tranquil oasis, and one of the top attractions in Chatham County. Located on 51 acres, this ornamental garden features varying themed areas, such as a bamboo collection, a cottage garden, a Mediterranean garden, and more. Along with peaceful walkways and annual events, visitors will also find pick-your-own berry fields. Don’t forget to check out the formal gardens designed in an Italian Renaissance and French Baroque style.

7. Savannah Botanical Gardens

As one of the most beautiful gardens in the state, the Savannah Botanical Gardens is a popular attraction in Savannah and has been since its conception in the 1980s. This garden features naturalistic and formal plant exhibits, walking trails, a two-acre pond, and an amphitheater. Visitors can also find archeological exhibits and check out the historic Reinhard House. This tranquil oasis is just minutes away from Savannah’s Historic District. 

8. Smith-Gilbert Gardens

This expansive garden in Kennesaw, Georgia, features more than 3,000 plant species and year-round gardens with seasonal exhibits. The Smith-Gilbert Gardens combines nature and art, featuring various artwork and sculptures from regional and local artists interwoven with garden displays. Some of the most notable attractions include the butterfly garden and banzai trees. Along its 16 acres, you will also find a historic home, various classes, and wildlife, especially pollinators.

A Recap of the 8 Best Botanical Gardens in Georgia

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