San Antonio Botanical Garden

555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA

Address:	555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
Phone:	+1 210-536-1400
Site:	sabot.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

A Private User

They must be deliberately encouraging the butterflies, which graced the air with their colorful and sometimes iridescent wings. I spotted black and yellow swallowtails, Monarchs and skippers. Something about just one butterflies delights me; bunches of them are even better! There are many small fountains and one elaborate, multi-spouted one, as well as water flowing throughout the gardens. The elaborate fountain made me want to be a fountain designer and invent new, entrancing ways to display and play with the cooling water. Their elaborate fountain has a curtain of water falling into a long pool with cross-firing jets, finally falling into a traditional circular pool. My favorite part was a simple childs toy - a steel pipe marimba for we guests to play with. You strike it with golf balls mounted on rods; it hangs from cables so the pipes can resonate. The pipes are tuned so you cant hit a sour note. What joy to improvise on an instrument that requires no practice, only the love of music and the desire to contrive new rhythms, counterpoints and melodies! Now I want to build my own marimba so I can play some more. I truly believe the best exhibits are interactive, not passive, and the steel marimba epitomizes that concept. The cycad and palm display areas have spectacular glass and aluminum towers with ventilated spiral ramps - they remind me of either Jurassic Park or Mayan temples. The bracing was formed of shining aluminum tubes forming tetrahedra, joined at lustrous metal spheres, to create a a very pleasing form. When you look at them from above, the towers, grotto and gardens and appear strange and alien, but beautiful. As you walk up the spiral ramp, blasts of cooling air zoom upwards immediately adjacent to you, so when the August sun becomes too much, simply step on top of one and enjoy the refreshment! Of course, the palms and cycads, plus bromeliads, were novel and alien to my North American eyes, overwhelming in their variety. Overall, very, very nice, and the only drawback was the heat, which is hardly the managements fault!

Mario Sánchez Gaytàn

Para los amantes de la naturaleza este es un excelente refugio, pues puedes encontrar tantas plantas nuevas en un ambiente de tranquilidad y paz que te invita a pasar una tarde bajo los arboles percibiendo el olor de las plantas y el canto de los pajaros que tambien forman parte de ese bello ambiente, el trato de staff es excelente, no dejes de visitarlo

Michael Lockridge

When I was single I brought dates here. Lots of great spots for fun, romance, photos, and picnics--what ever you are looking for. Lovely setting for all occasions. Now that I am married with kids we are members and take advantage of the duck/turtle/fish feeding at the lake (bring your own bread), the traveling exhibits they offer, and family walks. Membership is best--that way you dont feel you have to do it all at once. This is not a good place to be in a hurry! Currently undergoing massive expansion, should be complete in 2017. Construction doesnt interfere with your enjoyment of the space.

aure11976

Le prix dentrée (10 dollars) restera le seul point négatif et lui coûtera sa cinquième étoile. Un très beau jardin botanique dans lequel on trouvera un jardin à papillons et un observatoire pour contempler les oiseaux. On sent que tout a été pensé. A visiter absolument

Tony T

This is one of the first botanical gardens Ive been to in the states and it was wonderful!!! We went during March so there were plenty of flowers beginning to bloom although I hear they have flowers for every season. The area is breath taking! This place captured our interest. Id recommend to hit this place up early in the morning while its still cool because youll want to take your time walking around this place. Im considering taking some snacks next time in a pack to enjoy a small picnic surrounded by all that beauty!

A. Schultz

If you love flowers, plants, or walks this is a great place to visit. The grounds are large, clean, well kept, and managed by a friendly staff. They have different exhibits for different climates which is pretty interesting. They also have bathrooms and drink vending machines throughout the grounds so you can always find water even on the hottest days. They also have a garden to promote gardening to children, I think they have a set day and time for this activity group but Im not sure when it is.

Olivia Ogden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places in the city. Weve been members for years. Its a lovely way to get out and get some exercise and learn a bit in the process. They are currently expanding the garden, and I cannot wait until the new area is finished. Also, on three weekends a year, you can bring your dogs to the garden for an extra $5 per dog. The extra charge goes to animal-related charities in the San Antonio area.

Kelly Hamby

Beautiful plant life with a large expanse of grounds to walk. There are different areas to display region-specific bushes, trees, flowers, and plants. Most are labelled, but it can be challenging to match up a plant with its name when there are multiple plants & signs in one area. Pictures of each specimen on every sign would help. Regardless, its still a wonderful place to visit with kids and/or significant others.

Skylar Adams

Went with my fiance a while back on a day that was crazy hot! I recommend going on a day that is more on the mild side unless you want to sweat through all your clothes going through the green houses! The flowers and plants are absolutely stunning though! They have made an amazing oasis in the middle of SA! I got plenty of info about marriage ceremonies from the information desk and cant wait to book a day!

Chad Mangham

Beautiful well kept grounds. There is a good variety in the different landscapes. From east to west Texas down to the Rio Grande Valley you can see plants of the different regions. Kid friendly atmosphere. Food is available on site as well. Be sure to check if the childrens garden for you little ones to take in the smells...and maybe sneak a blackberry or two!

Matthew Kenny

Breathtaking. As a local who just recently found my way to the Gardens, it is truly a hidden gem. Be sure to try their onsite restaurant and play oversized chess with the kids. Theres always something new going on here it seems. And with the new additions coming in 2017, be sure to keep an eye out for this place. Great way to spend a Sunday Funday.

Rebekah Allen

My family and I had a blast walking around and seeing all of the different plants/trees that we wouldnt normally see where we live. It was educational for all of us. Granted, we did go in the heat of the day in summer but there were lots of places to sit in the shade and catch our breath. We are seriously considering getting a yearly pass.

Benjamin Reddoch

Come early and plan to spend all day. There are many exhibits to see, the price feels a little steep but even I enjoyed myself and am definitely not a plant fan. Bring your own water bottles as it gets hot and you will pay gift shop process for anything. Shade is somewhat fleeting and children will grumble after a couple hours here.

Kristy Payne

Growing up being an outdoor enthusiast and my mothers love of flowers and plants, this place was a no brainer. It was a close distance to where we stayed, which is a bonus. If it wasnt for the August scorcher, I could stay here all day. The other downside is the admission fee. The arboretum near my house is free.