
Bellevue Botanical Garden
A 53-acre urban oasis featuring diverse gardens, woodlands, and wetlands, offering free admission and seasonal beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bloom season

Bellevue Botanical Garden
Best Time
Peak bloom season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 53-acre urban oasis featuring diverse gardens, woodlands, and wetlands, offering free admission and seasonal beauty.
"A beautiful and peaceful escape right in the heart of Bellevue!"

🎟️ Book Garden d'Lights Early
Tickets for the popular holiday light show sell out fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot .
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available but can be limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a spot .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Seasonal Blooms
Throughout the garden
Experience a kaleidoscope of colors with stunning flowers and lush greenery that change with the seasons.

Garden d'Lights
Throughout the garden
A dazzling holiday tradition featuring over half a million sparkling lights transforming the garden into a winter wonderland.

Suspension Bridge
Woodland Garden
A charming bridge offering unique perspectives and a fun element for exploration.

Japanese Garden
Yao Garden
A serene and tranquil space with a pond and traditional structures, perfect for quiet reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Garden d'Lights Early
Tickets for the popular holiday light show sell out fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot.
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available but can be limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a spot.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
The garden is larger than it looks! Wear comfortable shoes and allow ample time to wander through diverse landscapes.
☕ Grab a Coffee
A lovely coffee shop is available to fuel your strolls through the beautiful grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Garden d'Lights Early
Tickets for the popular holiday light show sell out fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot.
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available but can be limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a spot.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
The garden is larger than it looks! Wear comfortable shoes and allow ample time to wander through diverse landscapes.
☕ Grab a Coffee
A lovely coffee shop is available to fuel your strolls through the beautiful grounds.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
From vibrant blooms to whimsical lights, this garden is a photographer's dream. Capture the magic!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bellevue Botanical Garden as a beautiful, peaceful, and well-maintained escape right in Bellevue. Its free admission and parking are significant draws, though parking can be challenging during peak times. The diverse landscapes, seasonal blooms, and the magical Garden d'Lights event are highlights, making it a recommended spot for all types of visitors.
"Visited back in May of 2025 while waiting for our hotel room to open up. This is a fabulous place to spend some quality time if you like nature and plants and just being outdoors. We got there in the earlier morning hours as we wanted to be able to park, because I hear that parking can be tight during peak hours. The stroll around the garden was amazing and the place was a lot bigger than I thought it would be, our feet were getting tired so we turned back, otherwise, I could have stayed here for hours and hours. Free parking, donation at the door. Spectacular place! Will totally return in the future. Very nice grounds people and staff as well."
808TryWaitTryWait
"Such a beautiful and peaceful escape right in the heart of Bellevue!
The gardens are perfectly maintained with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and lovely walking trails. It’s a great place to unwind, take photos, or enjoy a quiet stroll surrounded by nature. The suspension bridge and seasonal blooms are must-sees! Free entry and parking make it even better. Highly recommend for families, couples, or anyone needing a nature break. 🌿🌸"
Sivan Travelholic
"Visiting the Bellevue Botanical Garden felt like stepping into a hidden pocket of peace in the middle of the weekend rush. The best part? It’s completely free to enter. Parking can be a bit tricky—I went on a weekend and felt lucky snagging a very tight spot—but once you’re inside, it’s worth it.
At noon, they offer free guided tours where volunteers walk you through the paths and share stories about the garden’s plants and history. The moment I stepped in, I was greeted by the sound of a waterfall feature, setting the tone for the calmness ahead. Maps and brochures are available at the entrance, which makes it easy to wander without getting lost.
Every corner has something blooming, but the showstopper for me was a giant red hibiscus—so large I had to stop and just take it in. Families strolled by with kids, enjoying the open space and time together, while others found quiet spots to reflect or take photos.
For me, it was more than just looking at flowers; it was a place to slow down, think, and appreciate the little meaningful things life has to offer. I haven’t seen all of the garden yet, so I’ll definitely be back to explore more."
Thu L.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is located at 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98005. It's about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Seattle. Many visitors opt to drive and utilize the free parking lot, though it can fill up quickly. Public transportation is also a viable option, with bus stops conveniently located near the garden.
Yes, there is a free parking lot available at the garden. However, it's important to note that parking can be very limited, especially during peak seasons and popular events like Garden d'Lights. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
Absolutely! Taking the bus is a convenient way to reach the Bellevue Botanical Garden, and it can help you avoid parking hassles. Check local transit schedules for routes that stop near Main Street in Bellevue.
Yes, the trails within the Bellevue Botanical Garden are generally wide and well-maintained, making them stroller-friendly. This makes it an excellent destination for families with young children.
From Seattle, take I-90 East towards Bellevue. Take exit 11A for Bellevue Way. Continue on Bellevue Way and turn right onto Main Street. The garden will be on your left. The address is 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Bellevue Botanical Garden is free. Donations are encouraged to help maintain the beautiful grounds.
Yes, tickets are required for the popular Garden d'Lights holiday event. It's highly recommended to purchase these in advance online, as they often sell out.
The garden is open daily year-round. Specific hours for events like Garden d'Lights vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
General admission tickets for Garden d'Lights are typically $10, with children 10 and under free. There are also special discounted $5 nights available on select dates.
While general admission is free, tickets for special events like Garden d'Lights should be purchased in advance online. Availability at the gate is not guaranteed.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a dream for photographers, offering diverse landscapes, vibrant seasonal blooms, and the magical Garden d'Lights display. Whether you're capturing nature, portraits, or event photos, you'll find stunning backdrops.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, for commercial photography or engagement sessions, it's advisable to check the garden's policies or inquire about permits, as some areas might have specific guidelines.
For natural light, early mornings or late afternoons (golden hour) offer beautiful soft lighting. During the holiday season, evenings are essential for capturing the spectacular Garden d'Lights display.
You'll find opportunities to photograph everything from intricate flower details and lush greenery to charming bridges, tranquil water features, and the enchanting holiday lights. The changing seasons also provide a dynamic range of subjects.
Yes, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is a popular and beautiful location for engagement photos. The natural beauty and diverse settings provide a romantic and whimsical backdrop.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The garden features diverse areas like the Woodland Garden, Japanese Garden (Yao Garden), and various themed plant collections. You'll find tranquil ponds, a suspension bridge, and beautiful seasonal blooms.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the main areas. However, you could easily spend longer if you wish to deeply explore all the paths or attend an event.
Yes, free guided tours are often offered by volunteers at noon, providing insights into the garden's plants and history.
Yes, there is a coffee shop on-site that can be a great spot to refuel during your visit.
While beautiful year-round, spring and early summer offer the most vibrant blooms. Autumn provides stunning fall colors, and winter brings the magical Garden d'Lights.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full-service restaurant, the garden does have a coffee shop where you can grab a drink and a snack.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas, but it's always a good idea to check the garden's specific rules regarding food and beverages to ensure you're following guidelines.
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is conveniently located near downtown Bellevue, offering a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to choose from after your visit.
Yes, there is a coffee shop available within the garden premises.
The coffee shop typically offers beverages and light snacks, perfect for a quick refreshment during your garden exploration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Garden d'Lights
Planning your visit for Garden d'Lights is crucial. Tickets are date- and time-specific and must be purchased in advance online, as they frequently sell out. The event typically runs from late November through December, with varying hours and pricing. Special discounted nights are often available during the first two weeks of the event. Children aged 10 and under are usually free, making it an accessible holiday outing for families.
Visitors can expect a mile-long stroll through the illuminated garden. The experience is designed to be enchanting, with lights woven through trees, along pathways, and highlighting various garden features. It's a perfect opportunity for memorable photos and a festive evening out.
Exploring the Diverse Landscapes
One of the charming features is the suspension bridge, which provides a fun and unique vantage point for exploring the garden's topography. The Yao Garden is particularly noted for its peaceful ambiance and simple wooden structures, offering a moment of quiet contemplation. Throughout the garden, well-marked trails guide visitors, ensuring an easy and enjoyable exploration.
Each season brings a new palette to the garden. Spring and early summer are renowned for their vibrant floral displays, while autumn paints the landscape with stunning fall colors. Even in winter, the garden offers a peaceful retreat, especially when adorned with the festive Garden d'Lights.
A Year-Round Free Escape
While entry is free, donations are highly encouraged and play a vital role in maintaining the garden's beauty and upkeep. This community support helps ensure that the garden remains a pristine and welcoming space for all to enjoy. The availability of free parking, though sometimes challenging during peak times, further enhances its accessibility.
This commitment to free access means the garden serves as a valuable public resource for relaxation, recreation, and connecting with nature. It's a place where families can enjoy time together, couples can find romantic strolls, and individuals can seek a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit