Botanical Garden
A century-old tropical oasis in St. Petersburg, Florida, featuring exotic plants, waterfalls, flamingos, and a butterfly aviary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Botanical Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A century-old tropical oasis in St. Petersburg, Florida, featuring exotic plants, waterfalls, flamingos, and a butterfly aviary.
"It was so sweet being surrounded by all of the life, trees, plants, and foliage. They have a lot to sight see."
Beat the Heat 🌞
Visit early in the day, especially in summer. Bring water and wear light clothing.
Feed the Koi 🐟
Purchase pellets to feed the massive koi in the pond for an interactive experience.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 5,512 reviews
Type
Botanical Garden
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tropical Paradise
Throughout the gardens
Wander through lush, century-old tropical gardens filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers.
Koi Pond & Flamingos
Various water features
Marvel at massive koi fish and spot the resident flamingos adding a splash of color to the scenery.
Butterfly Aviary
Designated aviary area
Experience a magical encounter with fluttering butterflies in a dedicated, immersive habitat.
Historical Insights
Visitor Center
Learn about the garden's fascinating history and development through informative exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ticket Tips & Discounts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Heat 🌞
Visit early in the day, especially in summer. Bring water and wear light clothing.
Feed the Koi 🐟
Purchase pellets to feed the massive koi in the pond for an interactive experience.
Kid-Friendly Fun 👧
Explore the kids' exploration center and enjoy the animal encounters.
Photo Opportunities 📷
Capture stunning shots of exotic plants, colorful birds, and serene water features.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Heat 🌞
Visit early in the day, especially in summer. Bring water and wear light clothing.
Feed the Koi 🐟
Purchase pellets to feed the massive koi in the pond for an interactive experience.
Kid-Friendly Fun 👧
Explore the kids' exploration center and enjoy the animal encounters.
Photo Opportunities 📷
Capture stunning shots of exotic plants, colorful birds, and serene water features.
Comfortable Shoes 🥾
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the sprawling gardens.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sunken Gardens for its beautiful, century-old tropical landscape, diverse plant life, and charming animal residents like flamingos and koi. Many find it a peaceful and engaging escape, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Some reviewers noted the gift shop could be more garden-themed and found the ticket price a bit steep, though discounts are available.
"Escape the city without leaving the city. This garden transports you into a lush tropical oasis. Surrounded by vibrant colors, calming sounds, and layered textures of cascading landscapes, you can meander the blissfully winding trails for hours. Stop by the flamingos to see them dance in delight at feeding time. The Macaws and Tuscan show off their vivid colors at their own exhibits throughout the property. Other special sightings include butterflies, a kookaburra, tortoises, and turtle. The garden also provides ample opportunities for photo ops and has a gift shop as well."
lexy g
"This was a lovely experience and a great look at old Florida! The plants were beautiful and there was a great amount of information. Plenty of opportunities for cute pictures and we got to see a fair amount of wildlife as well. I felt tickets were well priced for the amount of time we spent and what we got to see. I also thought the gift shop was great. There were lots of cute things for someone looking for a souvenir from St Petersburg!"
Abby Shores
"I'm so glad we finally got a chance to go. This place is breathtaking 😍. Trying to navigate with the map is kinda tricky. There are not a lot of restroom. I liked that we could pack our own lunch, so we had a nice picnic on the lawn. They were also setting up for wla wedding which looked very beautiful. I actually got to see the stunning bride. They also have birds."
Lyrical Sky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Botanical Garden is located at 1825 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704. Ample parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules if you're not driving.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Botanical Garden, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option for reaching the Botanical Garden. The address is 1825 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704.
The gardens are designed with meandering trails. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time to explore all the nooks and crannies.
Restrooms are conveniently located in the visitor center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are approximately $15, with a planned increase to $18 starting October 1, 2025. Discounts may be available for AAA members and veterans.
It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on purchasing tickets online in advance, especially for special events.
The garden is typically open from 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. 
Yes, discounts are often available for AAA members and veterans. Inquire at the ticket counter or check their website for details.
Yes, Sunken Gardens is considered a beautiful and romantic spot for a proposal, offering secluded nooks and picturesque scenery.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Highlights include lush tropical plants, exotic flowers, a butterfly aviary, resident flamingos, and a massive koi pond.
You can purchase pellets to feed the koi fish in the pond. Feeding other animals is generally not permitted to ensure their well-being.
Yes, the Botanical Garden features a butterfly aviary where you can immerse yourself among fluttering butterflies.
There's a kids' exploration center and opportunities to see animals like flamingos and koi. The overall environment is engaging for children.
A leisurely walk through the gardens can take about an hour, but you might spend longer if you pause to admire the plants or interact with the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full-service restaurant, there might be limited snack options or a cafe. It's advisable to check their website for current offerings or plan to dine before or after your visit.
Typically, botanical gardens allow visitors to bring their own water bottles. For outside food and picnics, it's best to check the garden's specific policies.
St. Petersburg offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, located a short drive from the Botanical Garden.
Information on specific cafe or snack bar availability can be found on the official Botanical Garden website.
Check the garden's policy regarding picnic areas. Some botanical gardens offer designated spots for visitors to enjoy their own meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged for personal use.
While personal photography is welcome, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check the garden's specific photography policy.
Look for colorful flower beds, the serene koi pond, the flamingos, and the lush tropical foliage. The butterfly aviary also offers unique photo opportunities.
Professional or commercial photo shoots may require advance permission and fees. Contact the garden administration for their specific policies.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light, creating a softer, more flattering glow for your photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit