Tired of staring at an office wall all day? Georgia's botanical gardens offer a break from the daily grind and a journey into the magical realm of nature. From stunningly planned flower gardens to peaceful forest paths, you'll experience some of the top flora collections in the world at these highly-renowned botanical gardens. And don't just visit in the spring -- these gardens offer seasonally changing interest so you can rediscover your serenity all year long.
Find your happy place with a day trip to one of these top botanical gardens in the state.
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Gibbs Gardens
Showcasing more than 20 million daffodils, 1,000 hydrangeas and 3,000 Japanese maples on 220 acres, Gibbs Gardens is truly a sight to see. Called the "most stunning daffodil garden ever" by Southern Living magazine, you can spend the whole day at Gibbs and still have so much to explore on your next visit.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $16 for groups of 10 or more, $10 for children, free for members. 1987 Gibbs Drive, Ball Ground. 770-893-1881. www.gibbsgardens.com.
Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens
Separated into 16 unique gardens, the Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens offers a wide variety of lush foliage to see, including European and Asian themed displays, medicinal plants, Xeriscaping and more. Enjoy exploring the diverse collection for free on the grounds of Macon State College.
Various days, hours. Free. 100 College Station Drive, Macon. 478-471-2732. www.mga.edu.
Credit: Courtesy Pine Mountain Tourism Association
Credit: Courtesy Pine Mountain Tourism Association
Callaway Gardens
Surround yourself with enchantment and beauty within the 2,500 acres of lush gardens and woodland trails at Callaway Gardens. Along with more azaleas than the eye can see, visitors will enjoy enriching educational experiences at the Callaway Discover Center, view over 1,000 butterflies at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and watch the Free-Flighted Birds of Prey shows.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. $24.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors, $14.95 for children ages 6-12, free for children ages 5 and under, free for members, discount for military.17800 U.S. Highway 27, Pine Mountain. 844-512-3826. www.callawaygardens.com.
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens showcases some of the many plants unique to the ecosystem found along the coast of Georgia. Along with the Historic Bamboo Farm, which hosts over 60 species of bamboo, you'll also get a chance to see one of the biggest collections of camellia in the world, landscape roses, more than 40 types of dwarf palmetto and a variety of specimen trees to explore.
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-13, free for children ages 5 and under, free for members. 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah. 912-921-5460. www.coastalbg.uga.edu.
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Credit: Courtesy of Curtis Compton
Credit: Courtesy of Curtis Compton
Atlanta Botanical Garden
For over 40 years, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens has been a sanctuary for those seeking a natural refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, and an inspiration for gardeners and horticulturists everywhere. Stretching across 30 stunning acres in the heart of Midtown, guests will see a wide array of themed gardens, woodland areas, sculptures, exhibits, conservatories and the largest collection of orchid species in the country.
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. $21.95 for adults, $18.95 for children ages 3-12, free for children 2 and under, free for members. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. www.atlantabg.org.
Massee Lane Gardens
Discover one of the best collections of camellias in the world at Massee Lane Gardens. Located in Fort Valley, you can take one of the professionally guided tours or explore the grounds on your own at this not-to-miss local treasure.
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday. $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and military, free for children ages 11 and under, free for members. 100 Massee Lane, Fort Valley. 478-967-2358. www.americancamellias.com.
Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden
Head up into the mountains of North Georgia to see one of the most spectacular rhododendron displays in the South -- over 400 different varieties intermingling with tulip magnolias, wildflowers, trillium, dogwood and native azaleas. This enchanting hillside garden sits adjacent to Lake Chatuge with views of Brasstown Bald.
8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Free. 96 Pavilion Road, Hiawassee. 706-970-0011. www.n-georgia.com.
Savannah Botanical Gardens
Sponsored by the Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs, Inc., the Savannah Botanical Gardens features seasonal gardens, camellias, awe-inspiring rose gardens, nature trails surrounding a 2-acre pond, an archaeological study site and much more. Spanning 10 acres and located close to Savannah's Historic District, you'll want to add this one to your vacation itinerary.
8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-8:45 p.m. Sunday. Free, small fee for large groups. 1388 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah. 912-355-3883. www.savannahbotanical.org.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens
Situated just north of the Metro, Smith-Gilbert Gardens houses over 3,000 plant species well-loved in American garden beds. This ever-expanding established collectors garden will help even the most reluctant gardener develop a green thumb.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for military, $5 for children ages 3. 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. www.smithgilbertgardens.com.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Journey over to UGA territory to explore the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, which includes a heritage garden filled with historical crops like tobacco, cotton, rice and indigo, a diverse flower garden and the new Alice H. Richards Children's Garden, which broke ground in 2017.
8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Free. 2450 South Milledge Ave., Athens. 706-542-1244. www.botgarden.uga.edu.
Looking for more great ways to spend time in nature? Check out the 7 spectacular spring hikes in Georgia you won't want to miss.
