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If you’re planning to visit St. Petersburg, you shouldn’t miss out on dropping by the Sunken Gardens. As the oldest living museum, immerse yourself in a botanical paradise right in the heart of a bustling city.
The 100-year-old Sunken Gardens is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the area. Travel through meandering pathways while enjoying an up-close encounter with the living collection of more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers with lush demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls, and a flock of flamingos.
The Sunken Gardens is one of the last remaining roadside attractions in Florida. As a historic gem, visitors should observe special care. During your visit, try to stay on the paths, avoid touching the plants or touching the structures and respect the space of animals by observing from a distance.
Hours of operation
- Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: Noon – 4:30 PM
Take note that the last admission is sold at 4 PM daily. The Sunken Gardens is open on most holidays, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The Sunken Gardens Business Office is closed on most holidays, while the Gardens stay open.
Admission
- Adults: $15
- Seniors: (62+): $12
- Children (2-17): $6
If you’ll be visiting with a group, consider booking a docent-led tour. The group tours are interactive, age-appropriate, and include the rich history of the site along with fascinating details about the tropical plants and animals on site.
Membership and volunteer opportunities
You can also be a member if you want to support the Sunken Gardens. As a member, you’ll enjoy unlimited admission and exclusive discounts all year.
- Individual Membership: $50
- Family Membership: $100
If you want to cultivate a lasting relationship with Sunken Gardens, you can become a member or volunteer. Members will receive unlimited yearly admission to enjoy year-round access to a tropical garden experience. As a volunteer, you can make new friends, participate in unique projects and gain knowledge from your volunteer efforts.
Parking and accessibility
A limited number of on-site parking spots are available for standard vehicles. Overflow parking is available along Crescent Lake Park on the west side of 4th St. along 22nd Ave. N.
The majority of the historic pathways are ADA accessible and span three-fourths of a mile. Walkers or wheelchairs are allowed, but you need to bring your own. Some of the paths have a steep incline, but there are alternate routes so you can access all areas. When it comes to seating, there’s limited seating throughout the gardens. The mature foliage ensures ample shade with open, bright areas throughout.
Only ADA service-trained dogs are allowed inside Sunken Gardens. While visiting, service animals must have a leash or harness and be under the guest’s complete control and care. Pets and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not allowed at this time.
Rentals
If you want a refuge from bustling city life, Sunken Gardens is the ideal sanctuary. The lovely gem offers a peaceful garden atmosphere that creates an ambiance for reflection, connection, and community.
Sunken Gardens offers an ideal space for private parties, weddings, seminars, retreats, luncheons, and receptions. Events held at the garden offer guests a one-of-a-kind experience in a venue that boasts a convenient location close to hotels, museums, shopping, entertainment, and dining.
Filming and photography
If you love taking photos, Sunken Gardens is the ideal destination. Amateur photographers are welcome to take photos and videos. As for professional and commercial photographers, set an appointment and pay a fee to utilize the grounds. Make sure to check out the Sunken Gardens Photography Policy and Request for Still Photography or Filming.
History
Back in 1911, a plumber, George Turner, Sr. acquired the six acres that would later become a world-famous botanical attraction.
By utilizing an elaborate maze of clay tiles, he drained an ancient lake on the property, leaving a rich soil ideal for his favorite hobby – gardening.
Neighbors loved strolling through Mr. Turner’s garden and by the early 1930s, he was charging a nickel for tours. The wife of George, Mrs. Eula Turner also shared her husband’s love for plants and played a significant role in establishing the garden as a landmark. The children and grandchildren preserved the family vision and created the unique tropical garden with its flowing ponds.
What do people have to say about Sunken Gardens?
“Visited with the family. We all enjoyed our relaxing walk through the gardens. Kids liked seeing the flamingos, turtles & laughing kookaburra. My wife is an avid gardener, she thoroughly enjoyed her time walking around and getting inspiration from the garden.”
“What a tranquil and simply beautiful spot at the heart of St. Pete! Walking through the gates transports you to a tropical world. You can see thousands of blooming flowers (especially Azaleas!), a colony of flamingos, and hundreds of species of flora from around the world. Be sure to check out the hidden path that lets you view the flamingo exhibit from a raised viewpoint. Highly recommend!”
“This garden is incredible! A little crowded on a Saturday afternoon, but the plants and flowers are great. The animals make this garden stand out though. Getting to see flamingos and exotic birds in abundance was awesome!”
“Beautiful botanical gardens with birds, flamingos, and koi fish. Nicely laid out and a pleasure to walk around. We found out if permitting allows more animals may be coming to stay. That would be a wonderful addition!”
“some time to recharge and walk through these beautiful gardens hidden in plain sight smack dab in the middle of a busy city. Be sure you bring your camera because you will not want to miss the endless photo opportunities!”
“Definitely worth the ticket price. Lovely plants and all the gardens are well maintained. Had fun seeing turtles and flamingos and huge koi….even saw a monarch which was very exciting for me. I still don’t fully understand the sunken garden part but it is an awesome garden to go thru.”
“A wonderful experience! The gardens are well kept and the map is easy to follow. We loved the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree and the Bougainvillea. The Royal Palms are the oldest in Central FL and are spectacular. Well worth the visit.”
Enjoy the best accommodations at St. Petersburg
If you’re spending the entire week for a family vacation or a weekend escapade with friends in St. Petersburg, Florida, make sure you’ll look for the best accommodations to make your stay truly worthwhile. If you want superior comfort, services, and amenities at a great value, check out the best St. Petersburg hotels to find the right one for your needs.
Final thoughts
Your stay in St. Petersburg is not complete without spending a day in Sunken Gardens with family and friends. If you want a refuge from the bustling city life, head over to the botanical garden to get in touch with nature and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind experience.
