10 Must-See Texas Botanical Gardens
Texas is known for its rich biodiversity and sprawling landscapes — a perfect foundation for some of the most beautiful and diverse botanical gardens in the country.
Explore these 10 Texas botanical gardens sprawled across the state from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast.
Amarillo Botanical Gardens, Amarillo
This space started as a labor of love in the late 1920s among a group of women on a mission to prove that gardening was a worthwhile, and possible, feat in Texas’ high plains. The women and their descendants were successful, culminating in the 4.4-acre space in Medical Center Park. The garden also offers classes on Panhandle plants and features an indoor tropical garden of exotic flora.
Beaumont Botanical Gardens, Beaumont
The 23-acre garden is nestled within Tyrrell Park, one of Beaumont’s largest public spaces. Take a leisurely stroll along the paved Friendship Walk that winds through the garden, passing by camellias, roses, native plants, and bromeliads. Stop by the conservatory (Texas’ second largest at 10,000 square feet) to see tropical plants and a pond filled with vibrant koi.
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens, Fort Davis
This Far West Texas wonder is part of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, a nonprofit advocating for public awareness and appreciation of the region’s diverse landscape. Located at the foothills of the Davis Mountains, the center features exhibits about the region’s history, geology, and landscape. You’ll also see about 165 plant species native to the Trans-Pecos Region. While there, also explore the five miles of hiking trails at 5,100-foot elevation. (Planning to be out west for a bit? Check out these West Texas state parks.)
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas
The 66-acre garden is regarded as one of the top botanical gardens in the world — and it’s also one of the most Instagrammable. Crape Myrtle Allee is one of the garden’s most recognizable features, with sweeping crape myrtle trees enclosing a stone walkway, creating the perfect, photo-worthy “frame.” The garden also backs up to Dallas’ White Rock Lake, offering a stunning — if partial — view of downtown Dallas’ iconic skyline.
East Texas Arboretum, Athens
This East Texas gem sprawls across 104 acres, showcasing towering trees and scurrying wildlife. Admire spring-fed streams connected by a 115-foot suspension bridge. And be sure to stop by the Wofford House Museum for a peek back into pioneer times. The house, built in 1850 and later relocated to the arboretum, features period furnishings and memorabilia.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth
This 120-acre oasis in the middle of “Cowtown” houses 23 specialty gardens, a winding forest boardwalk, and a water conservation garden. (It also doubles as one of the state’s best outdoor wedding venues.) One of the garden’s most notable attractions is its stunning 7.5-acre Japanese garden bursting with magnolias, bamboo, Japanese maples, and cherry trees. There’s also a picturesque moon bridge and deck that overlooks a scenic waterfall.
Houston Botanic Garden, Houston
Just a few miles from downtown Houston, this garden sits on 132 acres, surrounded by Sims Bayou. Visitors will find a curated collection of natural ecosystems, like the Coastal Prairie and Stormwater Wetlands. The garden, focused on education and research, hosts several programs and events throughout the year.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin
A signature piece of former First Lady Claudia Alta Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson’s environmental legacy, the center has the most diverse collection of Texas native plants (nearly 900 species!) on the continent. Don’t miss the Savanna Meadow, a vast native grassland peppered with trees and a soothing creek that ebbs and flows with rainfall.
While you’re in town, carve out time for the Zilker Botanical Garden, 28 acres known as the “jewel in the heart of Austin.”
Riverside Nature Center, Kerrville
Cultural and natural history merge along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Once a small farm, the center is now a native plant and urban wildlife sanctuary with more than 140 species of trees. The wildflower meadow and butterfly gardens are a must-see, but make time to take in the scenic river.
San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio
Throughout the past 40 years, this 38-acre garden has evolved into one of the most notable Texas botanical gardens. The garden is “a living museum of native and imported plant life” with 35 endangered and rare species in its care. Enhance your visit with guided tours or by spending time in one of the garden’s featured attractions, such as the Texas Native Trail or WaterSaver Community.
Feeling inspired to try out your green thumb? Get started with this complete spring gardening guide.
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