State Botanical Garden of Georgia 🇺🇸

Located along the east bank of the Middle Oconee River at 2450 South Milledge Avenue in Athens, Georgia, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers a captivating retreat operated by the University of Georgia. Spanning 323 acres in total, this expansive destination features 290 acres of natural area alongside 32 acres of cultivated gardens, including eight specialty gardens. You can wander through eleven diverse botanical and horticultural collections, such as the Native Flora Garden with over 300 plant species, the Heritage Garden highlighting Georgia's agricultural history like peaches and cotton, and the International Garden exploring historical plant ages. Families can explore the 2.5-acre Alice H. Richards Children's Garden, complete with a stone map of Georgia, a pitcher plant bog, and a fossil-embedded cave replica. Visitors can also admire the conservatory inside the Visitor Center and Conservatory building, visit the Day Chapel, or check out unique spaces like the Dahlia Garden and Shade Garden. Whether you are interested in native flora or seasonal displays like November and December's Winter WonderLights, this serene Athens location provides a rich blend of natural beauty and educational horticultural collections for all ages.

What to see at State Botanical Garden of Georgia

• 2.5-acre Alice H. Richards Children's Garden with a cave replica and pitcher plant bog
• Visitor Center and Conservatory featuring entrance plaza and fountain
• Eleven unique botanical collections including Native Flora and Heritage gardens
• Winter WonderLights event featuring a half-mile trail with over one million bulbs

Visiting tips

Plan your visit in November or December to experience the festive Winter WonderLights walking trail.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: November or December

How to get there & what’s nearby

State Botanical Garden of Georgia is easy to reach on Athens’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sanford Stadium. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Athens travel guide.