Denver Botanic Gardens
A sprawling urban oasis featuring diverse themed gardens, a tropical conservatory, and stunning seasonal light displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness vibrant blooms awakening
Denver Botanic Gardens
Best Time
Witness vibrant blooms awakening
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling urban oasis featuring diverse themed gardens, a tropical conservatory, and stunning seasonal light displays.
"This place is fantastic. Highly recommend."
📸 Frame Your Memories
Look for giant picture frames strategically placed to capture stunning landscape views. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are expansive! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory
Indoor Conservatory
Step into a lush, humid world with diverse tropical plants and cascading water features. A true urban oasis.

Blossoms of Light
Throughout the Gardens
Experience a magical winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights transforming the gardens into a festive spectacle.

Themed Gardens
Outdoor Collections
Explore diverse landscapes from arid cacti to serene water gardens, each offering a unique horticultural experience.
Monarch Butterfly Exhibition
Various Locations
Discover art and nature celebrating the monarch butterfly's journey, symbolizing hope and resilience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Blooms
Book Ahead for Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Frame Your Memories
Look for giant picture frames strategically placed to capture stunning landscape views. Perfect for photos!
:camerawithflash:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are expansive! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
:athletic_shoe:💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water or utilize the cafe to stay refreshed while exploring.
:droplet:🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance, especially for popular events.
:admission_tickets:Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Frame Your Memories
Look for giant picture frames strategically placed to capture stunning landscape views. Perfect for photos!
:camerawithflash:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are expansive! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
:athletic_shoe:💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water or utilize the cafe to stay refreshed while exploring.
:droplet:🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance, especially for popular events.
:admission_tickets:🍽️ Cafe Delights
The on-site cafe offers great food, making it easy to refuel during your visit.
:knifeforkplate:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Denver Botanic Gardens for its immense size and beautifully themed areas, offering a tranquil escape. The on-site cafe receives positive mentions for its quality food, and the cleanliness of facilities is appreciated. While generally well-received, some areas may be closed for private events, and not all paths are suitable for strollers.
"Cannot say enough good things about this place. I was not expecting how massive the gardens were. They were themed very nicely by demographic. I loved that they added giant picture frames around the park to capture certain landscapes because they really were amazing.
The food at the cafe was great as well.
The indoor rainforest is not huge, but there are areas you can get to up and down stairs to get every perspective which was really cool.
Overall, this place is fantastic. Highly recommend."
Nick Costa
"Beautiful! We chose great timing! The lily pads were in bloom, amazing!! The whole adventure was beautiful! Even my 8 year old grandson loved it! I have to comment on the restrooms, they were so clean! Much appreciated. The pictures did not invade anyone's space as you can see!"
Jana Husch
"Great outdoor experience and easy way to get in some steps. FYI, not all paths are for strollers, but that is not a problem. Enjoyed the indoor experiences too. We were impressed by the children's garden and the water feature."
Jayesh Jariwala
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main Denver Botanic Gardens is located at 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206, just minutes from downtown in Cheesman Park.
You can reach it by car, with parking available, or via public transportation. Several bus routes stop nearby.Yes, there is parking available at the Denver Botanic Gardens. It's advisable to check their website for current parking fees and availability, especially during peak times or special events.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to the Denver Botanic Gardens. There's usually a designated drop-off/pick-up area.
Yes, besides the main York Street location, there's also Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, a larger, more natural setting located southwest of Denver.
The gardens are quite extensive, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. While most paths are stroller-friendly, some areas might be more challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the season and any special events. It's best to check the official Denver Botanic Gardens website for the most up-to-date pricing and to purchase tickets in advance, as popular events sell out.
For general admission, it's highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance to secure your entry time and avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons. For special events like Blossoms of Light, advance purchase is mandatory and they sell out quickly.
Hours can vary seasonally and by location. It's crucial to check the Denver Botanic Gardens' official website for the most current operating hours for both the York Street and Chatfield Farms locations.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and children. Check the Denver Botanic Gardens website for specific discount information and eligibility requirements. Member pre-sales are also common for special events.
Yes, a membership to the Denver Botanic Gardens offers benefits like free admission, discounts on events, and early access to ticket sales for popular attractions.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory for a lush escape, explore the diverse themed gardens, and if visiting in winter, the magical Blossoms of Light event is a must-see.
Absolutely! The Children's Garden is a fantastic interactive space designed for young explorers, featuring water features and engaging activities.
The gardens boast seven major collections, including alpine, amenity, aquatic, cactus and succulents, native, steppe, and tropical plants, showcasing incredible biodiversity.
Yes, photography is encouraged! The gardens offer stunning backdrops, and many visitors find the dark water in ponds perfect for photos.
Yes, the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory provides an indoor rainforest experience. There are also often indoor exhibits or galleries.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers food and beverages. It's a convenient option for refueling during your visit.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the gardens, except for water bottles. It's best to check their specific policies on their website.
The cafe typically offers a selection of light meals, snacks, and drinks. The food has been described as great by visitors.
While specific picnic areas might be limited, you can often enjoy a snack or light meal purchased from the cafe in designated seating areas throughout the gardens.
The Denver Botanic Gardens offers spaces for private events and parties. You can inquire about their event services through their website.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for the strategically placed giant picture frames that highlight beautiful landscapes. The dark water in the ponds also creates perfect reflections for photos.
While personal photography is welcome, professional photography sessions may require permits. It's advisable to check the Denver Botanic Gardens' photography policy on their website.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and crowds. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in botanical gardens to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and the environment. Always check the specific rules.
Keep an eye on the Denver Botanic Gardens' events calendar. They occasionally host photography workshops or special events that might be of interest to photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the dedicated children's area, the sheer variety of themed gardens provides endless discovery. From colorful flower displays to interesting plant shapes, there's always something new to point out. Consider visiting during events like Glow Before Dark for a family-friendly Halloween experience with pumpkin displays. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of ground to cover!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) will provide the best natural light for your photos. Be aware of potential closures for private events, which might affect access to certain areas on specific days. Always check the gardens' photography policy if you plan on professional shoots.
🌸 Plant Lovers & Gardeners
Consider visiting in spring or summer for the most vibrant blooms. The gardens also host exhibitions like 'Mariposas Sin Fronteras,' celebrating the monarch butterfly, which appeals to those interested in conservation and natural symbolism. It's an excellent place to gather inspiration for your own garden or simply to appreciate the artistry of horticulture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Themed Gardens
Don't miss the Alpine Garden, which recreates high-altitude conditions, or the vibrant Tropical Conservatory, a humid haven filled with exotic flora. The Amenity Garden offers a more traditional, manicured landscape, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The sheer variety ensures there's something to captivate every visitor, whether you're a seasoned botanist or a casual admirer of nature's beauty.
These themed areas are not just visually stunning but also educational, providing insights into plant adaptation, conservation, and the importance of biodiversity. The gardens are meticulously maintained, ensuring that each visit offers a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for the plant kingdom.
Blossoms of Light: A Winter Spectacle
This event is a major draw and consistently sells out, so booking tickets well in advance is absolutely essential. Visitors often describe the experience as enchanting and a perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. The pathways are illuminated, and familiar garden features are reimagined with dazzling light displays, making it a unique and memorable experience for all ages.
Plan your visit for the evening to fully immerse yourself in the glowing spectacle. It's a fantastic opportunity to see the gardens in a completely different light, quite literally, and enjoy a truly festive Colorado tradition.
Photography Opportunities
Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, you'll find endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the diverse flora and meticulously designed landscapes. Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic and flattering light. Early mornings also tend to be less crowded, allowing for more unobstructed shots.
Remember to check the gardens' photography policy, especially if you plan on conducting professional shoots, as permits may be required. However, for personal memories and social media sharing, the gardens offer an abundance of visually captivating subjects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit