Zilker Botanical Garden

2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, USA

Address:	2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Phone:	+1 512-477-8672
Site:	zilkergarden.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

A Private User

No longer a calming place for zen hikes or a nice, urban outdoor experience. Definitely no longer a welcoming place for moms with young kids. Im sad to say that a group of us were treated callously on a recent visit to the garden. I have been here many times before and have never been treated in a negative way by staff or volunteers. The garden charges an entrance fee now for everyone over age 3 (as of 10/31/11) but you have to go into the administration building to pay and they do not take credit cards. Not easy to do if you are there with several children and do not have any cash on you. We were chastised by staff/volunteers for not paying, and did not even realize they began charging an entrance fee since there was no one outside to collect it. I understand the economy is bad and I have no issue with paying to visit, but it would make more sense to have someone outside in a booth as you drive in take your money, otherwise it seems like a half-baked effort to bring in extra funds since people wont always see the signs or take the time to pay since no one is on hand to collect money. We hiked and strolled around the garden which is very nicely maintained and were not bothered inside the park. We stopped to let the kids snack nearby the entrance on some benches and were asked not to eat anywhere in the garden. The woman who talked to us about food in the park was very tactful and sweet about it and we honestly did not realize that we could not eat at the entrance to the garden but we did see the signs that there should be no food down inside the garden and trails. Then I accidentally drove the wrong way when leaving the park and was screamed at by a volunteer driving into the park. She actually rolled down her window and screamed at me and would not budge her car until I pulled over to take my lashing for making a mistake. Bizarre!!! The staff/volunteers seem to be very edgy and eager to put you in your place should you do anything that does not follow their strict rules. All in all I would say if you have small children, this really is not an appropriate place to go since small kids usually need snacks and drinks and there is nowhere in the garden you can eat. Instead of feeling relaxed by a lovely, Austin, outdoor experience, I left feeling tense and sorry we went here.

Gianna Gesualdo

Such a cute little place! We visited in April and the spring flowers were all bloomed, lots of beautiful wildflowers and butterflies flying all around us! Theres lots of little trails and it was a beautiful place to just walk around and get lost in it and yourself. The Japanese garden is fascinating and we loved the koi pond- in addition to the fish we saw turtles and water snakes swimming. The cacti garden was super cool (were from up north so we dont get to see cacti regularly) and I also loved the part which showed different composting methods! Ive been gardening for the past few years and am planning on starting a compost this spring and it gave me some great ideas. My boyfriend LOVED the wind chimes- random, but its a big set and they are very beautiful and melodic. Also very reasonably priced!! Thank you!

Lindsay Shugerman

This was our first visit to the garden -- but it wont be our last! We went for the fairy house workshop, and then walked around the whole garden. The restored and replica settlers homes were great, although it would have been nice to be able to go inside (or at least see better...the glass was thick and dirty, and the buildings were too dark to see inside well) . The prehistoric area was great---especially that waterfall!! The Asian gardens were bare, but that was, I imagine, a seasonal issue, so well check back on our next visit. The staff was wonderful, helpful and friendly. Overall, a great deal for a very cheap admission fee!

Richard Lim

This is a relatively small botanical garden. The place is divided into several themed area, some more interesting than others. I came here in the morning, so the place was quiet and there were not many other visitors. Didnt see many flowers or wildlife (butterflies, etc.) here, could be this wasnt the season for flowers. While there were directions along the trail, there wasnt any map showing your current location and its relation to other parts of the garden. The only place I saw a map of the whole garden (and different sections labelled) was at the parking lot. Overall this was a nice place for a short walk.

Johanyeline Rios

Estoy de acuerdo con otros comentarios, que deberían visitar este lugar en otra época que no sea invierno. Fuimos en febrero, y aunque el lugar es inmenso, había mucha construcción y hacía falta mas vida. Pero volveré mas adelante a ver que tal. Sé que se le puede sacar mucho provecho a este lugar.

Miranda Lemon

This is one of the best $2 you can spend for a nature experience in Austin thats different from the typical Texan landscape. The area houses plenty of shady trees and gravel trails for a pleasant experience, even in the heat of summer. And the different types of garden landscapes (rose, cactus, prehistoric, Japanese, etc.) are as educational as they are beautiful. There are plenty of discoveries to be made on the surprisingly large grounds. The Zilker Botanical Garden is a serene change of pace not far removed from downtown and is a great way to spend an afternoon.

A Private User

Dinosaur topiary! Great place to walk around and enjoy manicured nature. My little one enjoys exploring the different areas but seemed to like the dinosaurs and waterfall the best. Be careful, though, my child fell in the waterfall during one of our visits. My husband was close and able to grab him out quickly but just be aware that there are no railings and its easy for clumsy little ones to take a dive on accident (and possibly on purpose). No food allowed so make sure and have a snack before heading out on your adventure.

Sharon Mineo

Though its not a huge venue, there are lots of different things to see, including the Japanese garden, rose garden, herb garden, dinosaur garden, and cactus garden. Location-wise, its not really suited to the occasional huge events (i.e. Garden Fest) it does throughout the year - there is parking in the grass across the street, but expect to have to sit in a traffic jam to get there). But the big events are work going to. In addition, ZBG hosts various Austin garden clubs, which meet and have events throughout the year.

karla reyes

I love every garden but my absolute favorite is the Japanese garden. Very beautiful it transports you out of Austin. Every garden they had was awesome to look at and my 4 year old loved it too. The staff was great very helpful and polite. Well worth the 3.00 fee and the drive from out of town. I recommend it for any group of people wether youre taking family, a group of friends, or a date. I beleive the website says its about 30 acres but there is so much to look at so many details! Loved it

Nicole Mardian

The beautiful, natural landscapes, water scapes, unique theme sections are just heavenly. Its sort of a mix of the Dallas Arboretum (but a FRACTION of the price) and the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. I loved the Japanese gardens the most--so nicely designed and serene. Got an outstanding glimpse of downtown Austin from the hillside we were standing on within the Botanical Gardens--breathtaking! This is a JEWEL of Austin--and only $3 a person. Best priced attraction in Texas.