Road Trip Garden-Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Botanical Garden began in 1976 with a group of civic-minded Atlantans and a small plot of display gardens. Fast-forward, and the beloved 30+ acre garden is about to expand again just in time for its 50th anniversary in 2026. The expansion will connect the garden to the city’s Atlanta Beltline, a popular 22-mile multi-use trail and light rail transit system on a former railway corridor around the core of Atlanta. Even without the expansion, the existing 30+acres are jam-packed with everything a public garden should have, and it’s all done with Southern style and charm.

What I love about this garden;

Two words; CRAPE MYRTLES. In St. Louis, we have serious crape myrtle envy. If you have never seen crapes growing south of St. Louis, it’s worth a trip. The outstanding bark and tree structure on pampered southern crape myrtles are to die for … and it’s quite the show when they bloom. Atlanta BG has one of the most impressive Crape allées I’ve ever seen-even before flowering. There’s plenty of competition to lure your eye away from the crapes though.

The Earth Goddess is an imaginative 20’ high sculpture seasonally planted with 18,000 plants and trimmed weekly to maintain the flowing lines. The Lou Glenn Children’s Garden was one of the first of its kind in the country and is home to charming characters, lots of hands-on displays, and water activities.

One of the more unique features at ABG is the Skyline Garden, where downtown Atlanta is the backdrop to a dramatic fountain and colorful display beds. Atlanta BG boasts multiple accredited plant collections, such as Maples, Magnolias, and carnivorous plants. (A portion of some of these collections are split between the Gainesville location.)

What you need to know before you go;

-Don’t let the small size fool you; there is a lot to see, so check your map and don’t miss anything!

-As of my visit in 2023, only timed ticket entries were allowed. Atlanta BG is not free; check the website for admission prices.

-Restrooms, benches, and water fountains throughout.

-A small gift shop at the Hardin Visitor Center entrance with local items, plant-related books, and merchandise.

-Longleaf Restaurant, a Café, and ample food/snack bars throughout. No outside food or drink.

-On-site parking in the SAGE Parking Garage entered from Piedmont. On my visit, it was card-only. See the website for parking rates. There is no street parking.

-Complimentary wheelchairs are available, and scooters are available for a small fee.