21 Botanical Gardens to Explore in Georgia

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a 30 acres botanical garden located adjacent to Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Incorporated in 1976, the garden's mission is to "develop and maintain plant collections for the purposes of display, education, conservation, research and enjoyment."

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a nature-lover's paradise. Situated on 33 acres of protected land, the Garden offers a host of different activities and experiences. From its vast array of native plants and flowers to visiting greenhouses, children's gardens, trails and lakeside views, there are endless opportunities for visitors to explore the world of botany. One particularly special attraction at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is the local butterfly exhibit – home to more than 3,000 butterflies.

Callaway Resort & Gardens is a scenic and luxurious destination that has something for everyone. Located on 2,500 acres of forests and lakefront property, it offers breathtaking views of nature as well as plenty of activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the award-winning gardens, challenge themselves with golf courses designed by the Masters champion Tom Fazio, take a relaxing dip in the heated pool, take an educational guided tour around the plantation grounds, or bike through trails.

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm are a stunning display of nature. Located on 30 acres near beautiful Savannah, this botanical garden features over 300 species of plants, trees, shrubs and flowers native to the Savannah Coast. Visitors can enjoy 3 miles of winding trails with large bamboo groves. The facility also has growing and educational gardens featuring sustainable practices such as four rainwater harvesting systems and beekeeping classes.

Dunaway Gardens is one of the most beautiful and idyllic places you can find in the south. Located on Reynolds Plantation, Dunaway Gardens features a sensational array of gardens and plants that are sure to leave any visitor captivated. Among the remarkable features of this area are its natural trails along winding waterways and through dense forests; its inviting bridges, ponds, pavilions, rockeries and ruins; and an outdoor theatre like no other.

The first and oldest organized garden club in the United States is the Ladies' Garden Club of Athens, Georgia. It started in 1891 with a gathering of twelve women friends who shared plants and plant cuttings. It was formally organized the following year. is an organized group of people with a shared interest in gardening, gardens, and plants.

Gibbs Gardens, is an amazing place to experience the beauty of nature. With over 220 acres of breathtaking landscapes, it features 20 awe-inspiring garden areas filled with sculptures, fountains, and walking paths. Guests can marvel at vibrant blooming gardens with more than 50,000 azaleas in thirty varieties that make up the world's largest azalea garden during springtime. They can also celebrate each of the four seasons among thousands of camellias, daylilies, magnolias, and rhododendrons.

The Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens are a spectacular sight featuring beautiful cascading fountains, lush lawns and vibrant flower beds. A stroll through the gardens reveals over 125 varieties of rhododendron and azaleas, as well as Japanese maples, magnolias and Dogwood trees. The gargantuan mountain view in the background makes this park an idyllic place to spend quality time with family and friends. An impressive number of benches placed throughout the park make resting easy.

This is an important heritage site located in the Liberty County region of Georgia. Situated on one thousand acres of land, this plantation gives visitors a glimpse into a historic agricultural lifestyle in the Southeast United States. In addition to the original antebellum home that dates back to 1810, as well as outbuildings including a sugarhouse, cotton gin house and slave cabins, there are also beautiful botanical gardens and nature trails surrounding the estate.

Lockerly Arboretum is a dream for garden and nature lovers alike. This 15-acre arboretum is home to a variety of plants, trees, flowers and shrubs that offer visitors the chance to explore a plethora of natural landscapes. One can enjoy walking the trails at Lockerly Arboretum while bird watching, or take a self-guided tour to discover the beauty of their magnolias and camellias. Along with its lush foliage, visitors may also visit an 1890's gazebo, picnic pavilions and Japanese teahouse.

With over eight acres full of a variety of flora and fauna, Massee Lane Gardens provides an experience that is both educational and enjoyable. The sight of colorful azaleas and wildflowers bloomed throughout the grounds give visitors a beautiful view. Educators enjoy the opportunity to lead students on pleasant walks that teach them about plants, while nature enthusiasts can spend hours taking pictures or watching birds nest through ancient towering oaks.

The Paradise Garden Foundation is renowned for its beautiful and peaceful gardens. It was founded in 2011 by artist and gardener Howard Finster and consists of 4 main acres that span both sides of a narrow road. Each garden provides its own unique experience with multiple outdoor pathways that are lined with colorful sculptures, fountains, a koi pond, prayer stations, walls covered with artwork made by Finster's students and friends, and lush vegetation.

Radium Springs, is a tranquil yet vibrant destination that features freshwater springs soaring to heights of over 35 feet. The springs’ unique emerald green waters are filled with minerals that glow at night and surround the area with a beautiful turquoise color during the day. Utilizing hot springs technologies and cultures, Radium Springs offers immaculate views including a white sand beach, boardwalks, and park-like atmosphere.

Radium Springs Garden is a sight to behold. Located along the banks of the scenic Flint River, this garden contains thousands of diverse plant species that are native to the region. It provides a haven for visitors to escape into and explore local history, wildlife, and areas of ecological importance. A visit to Radium Springs Garden is an opportunity to marvel at northern Ga’s natural beauty while learning about ecology and sustaining these special habitats.

This majestic mountain getaway features 7.3 miles of trails which wind through the southern Appalachian Mountains and offer stunning views of the valley below. Along the way, visitors can take in unique rock formations, including a natural rock bridge with a picturesque waterfall streaming underneath it – truly a breathtaking sight. Wildlife watchers will also enjoy being able to observe local songbirds, wildflowers and deer in their natural habitats.

The Rock Garden is an impressive feature of the town. Though created as a memorial to commemorate World War II veterans, it has become a unique destination for visitors hoping to explore an area far removed from everyday life. The sculptured rocks were discovered on the property and over time, with the vision of one man, Zack Rothwell, they became a true testament to creating something remarkable out of what was previously ordinary.

The Savannah Botanical Gardens offers a stunning look at nature for all ages. Spanning over 30 acres, the grounds contain various themed gardens filled with unique plants and trees native to the area as well as other varieties from around the world. Visitors can wander through the butterfly gazebo, sun garden and Japanese garden before heading to the conservatory, which offers a rainforest-like escape all year round.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a botanical garden of 313 acres in the United States, with a conservatory operated by the University of Georgia. It is located at 2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, Georgia. The Garden contains eleven botanical and horticultural collections

The Thomasville Rose Garden is renowned for its exceptional beauty and horticultural innovation. This beloved garden has been the proud recipient of multiple awards from the Southeastern Horticultural Society for its sprawling selection of over 160 different species of rose varieties. In addition to its many varieties of roses, the Thomasville Rose Garden boasts magnolia and camellia blooms as well as a variety of ornamental grasses and shrubbery.

Woodlands Garden is a beautiful nature area created to honor and protect the wildlife that call it home. From lush trails filled with native plants like magnolia, wild azalea, and mountain laurel to the abundance of birds like cardinals, hummingbirds, and the rare prothonotary warbler, Woodlands Garden offers something for everyone. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the scenic pathways leading to peaceful gazebos or stopping at one of the many benches throughout the park to take a break.