I’m not sure what all the negative reviews are about. This establishment is FREE and beautiful yet people still complain. Anyway, my kiddo and I had a great time today. The gardens are being prepped and it’s still winter so obviously not much was happening there but I cannot wait to come back when everything is in bloom 🌻🌸🌺 Parking was plenty, I’m sure the weekends might be a bit crazy. Although it’s free and free parking, donation is welcome and there’s a small box for it near the entrance. Great place for photos! The kids playground was awesome as well. The bathrooms were clean. Next time we’ll bring a picnic! There is a cafe but we didn’t go inside at all.

Absolutely beautiful! From all the flowers and tropical plants to the butterflies everywhere you look! The wildlife and shaded paths to more beauty! This is a must visit place if you are in Athens, Georgia! The indoor facility is cool and naturally oxygenated by all the vegetation. There is a vegetable garden. Children will love the playground and climbing ropes! You could easily spend the day just enjoying nature here! There is also an art museum and chapel.

Can you say Free! This place was awesome. A lot of work went into this place. Also, this would be a great venue for a wedding or party. Lots of room and beautiful scenery

My family and I came here for Winter Wonderlights and had a wonderful time. The volunteers were super friendly, the event was well spaced both inside and out, it wasn't too busy, they had a shuttle service for parking, an elevator and wheelchairs for those who needed them, and while masks were mandated on the shuttle they were had a box to pass them out before you got on if you didn't have one! We had a great time, and I would recommend this for a fun, family friendly, and affordable distraction for the Holiday Season.

What an amazing place. All of the volunteers were so knowledgeable and so friendly. Even just the visitors were kind. The gift shop was fabulous and I picked up a few things for friends and family. I didn't get a chance to see the Holiday lights at night. But it was even more beautiful in the day. Everything is labeled so perfectly when you walk through. That only do you learn but you get a little bit of a hands-on experience with everything. Words cannot express what a fabulous time I had. Thank you guys so much for all of your hospitality and I can't wait to come back and visit again.

Love, love, love these gardens! I have been twice in the last month, bringing family then friends from Atlanta. Worth the drive and a great place to spend the day. From the ceramics museum to the many gardens to the hiking trails, it makes for a wonderful day outdoors. Entry is free but bring cash for the donation box in the visitor's center!

Beautiful! First time there 2 days ago. I enjoyed every bit of it. My kids really enjoyed it here as well. We had a wonderful time exploring this Botanical Garden. Has 2 kids playground. Definitely coming back to see what it looks like with the Christmas lights in the next couple of weeks.

Outstanding night with the family! Beautiful leisurely walk on a perfect night for late December. UGA team that put this event together did a great job. Excellent flow for both kids and adults. Concessions and restrooms throughout. It was a magical night for everyone. Thanks to everyone associated with the event.

We went for the Winter Wonderlights. The lights were bright and festive. However, the prices were a bit high for the hot chocolate, smores kits, and swag. The workers were all friendly and helpful. One of the volunteers even took our picture with our phone at one of the locations under the lights.

Great place to take a walk. Free too! Well kept gardens. Also a new beautiful ceramics museum. Ample parking. If you come prepared with proper footwear there are miles of hiking trails all around the gardens.

I had a great time exploring this botanical garden. I started out exploring the arts museum, which has some unbelievable pieces in it. Then I headed towards the trails and walked some of the white trail along the garden. Finally, when I thought I was just about done, I saw the international garden. It's amazing taking the stroll around that area, which leads to the front of the garden and plenty more to see once you're there.

This is one of the prettiest places in Athens. There are so many diverse gardens. Our kids never get bored of coming here and exploring the gardens and trails. There is an amazing children's garden/playground that is closed during the covid 19 pandemic. There's a bathroom that is still open. There is still plenty for kids to see without being able to do the children's garden. Besides exploring the gardens, we went on the orange trail in the woods and it took us to the river on a shady path. I highly recommend coming here!

Love the botanical gardens! Their little rainforest is wonderful and the hiking trails are excellent.

This place was amazing. Despite the crazy heat, the beauty of nature had me happy to keep exploring. Not to mention it was super quiet and peaceful! There was plenty parking and the staff there were more than friendly. I'd definitely come back.

This is a great little side trip in Athens, GA. The staff is very helpful. It's kid friendly. Excellent specimens. I would like to come back during late spring or early summer and walk around more.

Great place for a stroll in this new Era of social responsibility. The new children's garden is temporarily closed as is the conservatory. The gardens and trails are still a wonder. Visitors are respectful of both nature and others, with masks and social distancing very evident. Go and enjoy the quiet while we can.

Hey all you dog fans out there why not go on some walkies at the State Botanical Gardens? You got fresh flowers you can bring you SO for some great hiking on some moderate trails some of which go by the water and some out in fields it's pretty amazing, great spot for weddings too! This is one of our fav. locations anywhere in the world ! great facilities friendly staff, and beautiful bounty of botany.

Was anxious to visit but disappointed that not handicapped accessible. If you can physically walk/hike through rugged, hilly trails, you can see outdoor gardens. On the upside, the Conservatory is very, very nice. Accessible & was able to stroll through concrete ramp to see beautiful indoor plants, trees & flowers. Admission is $2 recommended donation.

Gorgeous garden! Took my time walking the trails and the grounds. Perfect trip with kids or groups of friends. Parking was easy and there are two trails that go through the property. Perfect afternoon outing!

I came here to check out the Porcelain museum and the Gardens, and I couldn't see it all in one day. They had everything set up for Winter Wonderlights (buy tickets for this in advance), and I wish they weren't sold out when I visited, but you can still see the light sculptures and all the holiday lights on the trees. Even during the afternoon it was lovely. A lot had died back for the season in mid-December, but this place was impressive nonetheless. I need to come back to see the rose garden in bloom, too.

We purchased tickets in advance for the 9pm time. Definitely worth buying the vip parking so you don’t have to ride the shuttle bus. It was a great experience, beautiful lights, music, staff were awesome and friendly! It took us about 55 minutes to walk through. There were hot cocoa and s’mores stations set up if you wanted to purchase them. I couldn’t get over the amount of lights! We will definitely make this a yearly tradition!!

As a professional photographer I love the Athens Botanical Gardens. The grounds are beautifully maintained and there are plenty of beautiful nooks to take photos. I've never had trouble finding parking and I have found most of the entrances are stroller friendly. The staff are friendly and welcoming - it's perfect any time of year!

Beautiful place. Great variety of gardens and spaces for exploring. My kids loved it. The playground is really really cool.

I love going here, its never super busy, always very clean and beautiful and good for all seasons

Awesome and extremely well maintained.

Such beautiful place

Beautiful gardens and a pleasant outdoor walk.

This is the place I got married. In a beautiful Chappell they have. Then taking pictures in the beautiful garden with the flowers, the water and the smell of nature. Different times of the year has a different look and lately they have done some work there. They added a playground for the kids thay it is educational as well. They built a new building that will be porcelain museum. And they have access for handycap and strollers with their new elevator.

Love it!

Nice flowers, Good people

We love visiting here. There are many programs and events you can attend but if you just want to wander around, its free (and free parking!). It has many different gardens including a wonderful children's garden. My favorite part is the orchid collection and beautiful jungle type plants. Many trails and things to see.

Beautiful botanical gardens. Though it is smaller than the one in Atlanta, it was really amazing. The entry into the botanical gardens is free. The staff were really friendly and assisted in showing us which way to go. The botanical gardens might look more greener during the Spring season.

Great visit and beautiful!

The botanical gardens is always a wonderful place to walk and get the family out of the house. Plenty of walking paths for experienced walkers and places for inexperienced people to take a seat and catch their breath if they need to.

Used to go there 30 years ago... they have changed a bunch, but I love how many useful projects they have going!

This was a very beautiful place with amazing scenery and interesting people met along the trails! I didn't take a lot of non people photos, but here's some of what I got so far: A Bee give, btw, that's the closest I've ever gotten to a nest in my life like that so that was new A beautiful yellow plant, not sure if the name And some more scenery

A beautiful display in a gorgeous setting! Our family highly recommends you visit the Botanical Gardens light display. Reserve your tickets ahead.

Absolutely amazing. Great place to go when it's not too sunny. Great little paths through the garden or you can stay on the cement pathways if you're not much of a hiker. Worth the trip. Everything was gorgeous.

This was a beautiful location for an evening wedding reception that I recently attended. The venue had a glass atrium with live plants and open spaces for 200 comfortably. Public restrooms were in good condition. The drive in to the visitors center is beautiful and well designed to feel immersed completely in nature and away from traffic and noise. Great settings in the back gardens for photoshoots.

The Sunflower Concerts have been a very wonderful experience. It's been a relaxing and enjoyment from a chaotic day or weekend. Two absolutely wonderful hours. Bring your chairs, food and/or blankets for a picnic atmosphere. Dancing down in front of the band. Free snacks and drinks. Highly recommend you join Friends of the Garden! Wonderful discount and other things, too. It's worth every penny!

WE TOOK OUR FAMILY CHRISTMAS PHOTOS THERE THIS YEAR & IT WAS SO AWESOME!!❤👍

I loved it!

Nice place to walk

I love the botanical gardens, I walk the trails a few time a week and enjoy the different plants. I get ideas for my own gardens.

It's been a while since I visited the botanical gardens...close to a year and the changes that have been made are amazing. There's a new area that used to be a parking lot that has cool features like a veggie garden, toad stools, large mushrooms, snails, giant acorns & huge nets to climb and dance in/on! I know it sounds weird but it's kind of magical walking through. Thanks to the infamous pandemic (& winter maintainence) some of the areas are closed but I am looking forward to going back and enjoying the new attractions thoroughly come spring!

Beautiful relaxing place.

One of the hidden gems of Athens. If you only had time to visit one spot in Athens, this might be the place.

The beauty of the tall trees and foliage with the wind blowing through provided a sense of peace. The trails are wonderful.

So beautiful. It made for an amazing family outing. We will be returning many times

Beautiful place with a lot of trails. Great place to bring your children.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place with such a nice smell (Original) Hermoso lugar con un olor tan agradable

This place is huge! And free admission.

Very beautiful place to visit! Thoroughly enjoyed walking all of the Gardens and it wasn't crowded so the flow through was easy. This is a great spot to visit and would definitely recommend!

Beautiful gardens to explore in Athens.

Beautiful place to walk around and observe the plants. Tremendous variety.

If you want to have an intimate walk up wedding this is the place to go! It’s not only beautiful, but very cost effective.

This was a fun and educational experience that I highly recommend. My boyfriend and I went here as a date and had a great time viewing the flowers and trees. Even though we visited in autumn, there were still plenty of beautiful flowers in bloom and trees turning color. This is a great spot for photography plus entry and parking is free. I can't wait to come back during spring.

The most beautiful setting ever

This place is so beautiful and there are plenty of paths away from/around people. There is a nifty playing area for kids too that teaches them about the plants.

Beautiful and serene. A must see when in the area. Love it!

I bet you'll see more flora in a day than you did your entire life!!!

Flowers are always so beautiful no matter the season!

Beautiful walk. Very well laid out.

Exceeded all of my expectations. We spent hours exploring and only scratched the surface of the beautiful grounds.

Beautiful place, free of charge, great hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty.

Come visit and have fun with the beauty of the nature.