Step into history at Sunken Gardens, a 4-acre botanical haven located in the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood of St. Petersburg, Florida. Established over a century ago in 1903 by George Turner Sr., this local historic landmark stands as one of the oldest roadside commercial tourist attractions in the United States and the oldest on Florida's west coast.
Today, the city-operated attraction invites you to explore lush, peaceful grounds featuring cascading waterfalls, serene pools, and over 50,000 tropical and subtropical plants spanning 500 species, including bougainvilleas, water lilies, royal palms, shrimp plants, and fruit trees. You can meander through dedicated spaces such as a Japanese garden, a cactus garden, and a butterfly garden. Alongside the vibrant flora, you will encounter Chilean flamingos—including elderly residents George and Lucy alongside a younger flock—plus rescued birds like macaws, Amazons, cockatoos, and a kookaburra.
The site also features the historic 1920s Sanitary Public Market building, now home to Great Explorations Children's Museum. Whether you join educational programs, take a docent-led tour, or simply stroll the historic paths, Sunken Gardens offers a uniquely relaxing Floridian botanical experience for every visitor.
What to see at Sunken Gardens
- Explore 4 acres filled with over 50,000 tropical plants, cascading waterfalls, and serene pools.
- Stroll through themed spaces including a Japanese garden, cactus garden, and butterfly garden.
- Observe Chilean flamingos alongside 12 rescued birds, including macaws, cockatoos, and a kookaburra.
- Discover the historic 1920s Sanitary Public Market building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Participate in docent-led tours and educational photography or horticulture programs.
Visiting tips
Bring your own wheelchair or walker if needed, and use the alternate routes provided to comfortably navigate sections with steep inclines along the historic paths.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Sunken Gardens is easy to reach on St. Petersburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Salvador Dalí Museum and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our St. Petersburg travel guide.
See the full St. Petersburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.