Botanical Garden
A century-old tropical oasis in St. Petersburg, Florida, featuring exotic plants, waterfalls, flamingos, and a butterfly aviary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Botanical Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A century-old tropical oasis in St. Petersburg, Florida, featuring exotic plants, waterfalls, flamingos, and a butterfly aviary.
"It was so sweet being surrounded by all of the life, trees, plants, and foliage. They have a lot to sight see."
Beat the Heat 🌞
Visit early in the day, especially in summer. Bring water and wear light clothing.
Feed the Koi 🐟
Purchase pellets to feed the massive koi in the pond for an interactive experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tropical Paradise
Throughout the gardens
Wander through lush, century-old tropical gardens filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers.
Koi Pond & Flamingos
Various water features
Marvel at massive koi fish and spot the resident flamingos adding a splash of color to the scenery.
Butterfly Aviary
Designated aviary area
Experience a magical encounter with fluttering butterflies in a dedicated, immersive habitat.
Historical Insights
Visitor Center
Learn about the garden's fascinating history and development through informative exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ticket Tips & Discounts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Heat 🌞
Visit early in the day, especially in summer. Bring water and wear light clothing.
Feed the Koi 🐟
Purchase pellets to feed the massive koi in the pond for an interactive experience.
Kid-Friendly Fun 👧
Explore the kids' exploration center and enjoy the animal encounters.
Photo Opportunities 📷
Capture stunning shots of exotic plants, colorful birds, and serene water features.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Heat 🌞
Visit early in the day, especially in summer. Bring water and wear light clothing.
Feed the Koi 🐟
Purchase pellets to feed the massive koi in the pond for an interactive experience.
Kid-Friendly Fun 👧
Explore the kids' exploration center and enjoy the animal encounters.
Photo Opportunities 📷
Capture stunning shots of exotic plants, colorful birds, and serene water features.
Comfortable Shoes 🥾
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the sprawling gardens.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sunken Gardens for its beautiful, century-old tropical landscape, diverse plant life, and charming animal residents like flamingos and koi. Many find it a peaceful and engaging escape, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Some reviewers noted the gift shop could be more garden-themed and found the ticket price a bit steep, though discounts are available.
"About an hours walk through the gardens. Met some of the bird residents being taken for their enrichment walks which was neat to see. Coral cactus kind of blew me away and it was great to see so many pollinators enjoying what the gardens offers. Well worth the ticket price, the koi in the fish pond were absolutely massive and you can pay to get pellets to feed them more 😆 the gift shop I do think would work better if it was more related to garden related items or art or anything. Instead it was a large assortment of just seemingly random gift stuff"
Carly Voss
"A nice afternoon activity if you need to get out of the house. The place is huge so you will still find quiet corners even with a lot of people in the garden.
Personal favorites/ highlights
- Koi pond
- Flamingo’s
- A rainbow tree
- If you are wondering what in the world resulted in this huge garden, there is a history center to give context
If traveling with kids or older people- The only restrooms are in the visitor center.
There is also a kids exploration center which seemed interesting.
The ticket to this place for adults is $15, (note that they are raising it to $18 from oct 1,2025) which I felt was steep. They offer discounts if you are AAA member or VA.
Overall, it’s a good afternoon activity if you want to get out of the house
Plenty of parking is available at this place."
kavi
"All I can say is that this place exceeded my expectations! It was so sweet being surrounded by all of the life, trees, plants, and foliage. They have a lot to sight see, and it’s the cutest inexpensive day time activity. The service was wonderful, and I loved seeing the few animals they have in the garden. When I visit new places my goal is to always learn something I don’t know, and I did here! I would definitely recommend this place if you need something leisure to do alone, on a date, or while on vacation. The only downside is that the gift shop wasn’t at all tailored to the gardens. I would have loved to see souvenirs that were specific to the activity, what you get to see during the experience, and more. I’m big on keepsakes, and I would have loved to take something with me from this gorgeous place. There was just one little section dedicated to the gardens, and I hate to say it was a little disappointing. On the flip side, they do have a children’s museum right next to the gardens, and it’s a great activity for children to do with friends and family! I would visit again for sure!"
Ivory Lowe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Botanical Garden is located at 1825 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704. Ample parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules if you're not driving.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Botanical Garden, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option for reaching the Botanical Garden. The address is 1825 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704.
The gardens are designed with meandering trails. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time to explore all the nooks and crannies.
Restrooms are conveniently located in the visitor center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are approximately $15, with a planned increase to $18 starting October 1, 2025. Discounts may be available for AAA members and veterans.
It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on purchasing tickets online in advance, especially for special events.
The garden is typically open from 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. 
Yes, discounts are often available for AAA members and veterans. Inquire at the ticket counter or check their website for details.
Yes, Sunken Gardens is considered a beautiful and romantic spot for a proposal, offering secluded nooks and picturesque scenery.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Highlights include lush tropical plants, exotic flowers, a butterfly aviary, resident flamingos, and a massive koi pond.
You can purchase pellets to feed the koi fish in the pond. Feeding other animals is generally not permitted to ensure their well-being.
Yes, the Botanical Garden features a butterfly aviary where you can immerse yourself among fluttering butterflies.
There's a kids' exploration center and opportunities to see animals like flamingos and koi. The overall environment is engaging for children.
A leisurely walk through the gardens can take about an hour, but you might spend longer if you pause to admire the plants or interact with the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full-service restaurant, there might be limited snack options or a cafe. It's advisable to check their website for current offerings or plan to dine before or after your visit.
Typically, botanical gardens allow visitors to bring their own water bottles. For outside food and picnics, it's best to check the garden's specific policies.
St. Petersburg offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, located a short drive from the Botanical Garden.
Information on specific cafe or snack bar availability can be found on the official Botanical Garden website.
Check the garden's policy regarding picnic areas. Some botanical gardens offer designated spots for visitors to enjoy their own meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged for personal use.
While personal photography is welcome, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check the garden's specific photography policy.
Look for colorful flower beds, the serene koi pond, the flamingos, and the lush tropical foliage. The butterfly aviary also offers unique photo opportunities.
Professional or commercial photo shoots may require advance permission and fees. Contact the garden administration for their specific policies.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light, creating a softer, more flattering glow for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There's a dedicated children's exploration center that provides interactive fun, and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming to families. Remember that restrooms are mainly in the visitor center, so plan accordingly.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Capture stunning shots of the flamingos, the massive koi, and the intricate details of the tropical flora. The butterfly aviary offers a chance for close-up shots of these delicate creatures. To maximize your photographic opportunities, aim for the golden hour for soft, beautiful lighting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Century of Tropical Beauty
The garden showcases a remarkable collection of exotic plants and flowers from around the globe, meticulously curated to create a vibrant and ever-changing landscape. Visitors can wander through winding paths, discovering hidden nooks, cascading waterfalls, and a rich variety of botanical specimens. The historical context adds another layer of appreciation, as you walk through a space that has been cultivated and cherished for generations.
Beyond the flora, Sunken Gardens is also home to a variety of tropical birds and animals, including flamingos and a vibrant butterfly aviary. These inhabitants add an extra dimension of wonder and delight, making the garden a truly multi-sensory experience. The commitment to maintaining this historical gem ensures that it remains a tranquil escape and a testament to the beauty of nature.
Navigating the Gardens: Tips for a Smooth Visit
While the gardens are beautiful year-round, consider the weather conditions when planning your visit. Summer afternoons can be quite hot and humid, making morning visits more pleasant.
For those with families, the children's exploration center provides an engaging space for younger visitors. Restrooms are primarily located in the visitor center, so plan your route accordingly, especially if traveling with children or individuals with mobility needs.
Photography at Sunken Gardens
Whether you're using a professional camera or your smartphone, the garden's natural beauty is sure to impress. Golden hour, the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most flattering light for photography, casting a warm glow over the lush greenery.
Remember to be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways while taking photos.While personal photography is widely encouraged, it's important to be aware of the garden's photography policy. Commercial shoots or the use of drones may require special permits and advance arrangements.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit