Visit Atlanta’s Beautiful Gardens this Summer
Published August 3, 2023
Last Updated May 24, 2024
Summer in Atlanta is the perfect time to explore gardens, and Atlanta is home to several spectacular ones. From Atlanta Botanical Garden to the gardens of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, each Atlanta garden holds its own charms. Betcha can’t choose a favorite.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Visit Atlanta Botanical Garden and experience breathtaking flowers, sculptures and water features all year-round. Through Sept. 17, see Thomas Dambo’s “Trolls: Save the Humans” exhibit of gigantic folklore-inspired sculptures. The Garden covers 30 acres of outdoor gardens including an award-winning Children’s Garden, Storza Woods highlighted by a Canopy Walk and the Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen. Indoors, the Fuqua Conservatory is home to collections of tropical and desert plants, and the Fuqua Orchid Center houses the foremost collection of species orchids in the United States
Where: 1345 Piedmont Ave.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
A visit to Chattahoochee Nature Center is your chance to walk the trails, view the exhibits, and participate in programs and events all in a locale set on 127 acres of forest, wetland and river habitat. The staff of Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Wildlife Department holds state and federal licenses to rehabilitate injured birds of prey, reptiles and amphibians. You might meet one of these critters during your visit.
Where: 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Yes, there are exhibits (and dinosaurs) to see inside the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. You also can take a walk on the wild side by exploring 75 acres of outdoor nature adventures in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. Walk the trails, participate in educational programming, take part in hands-on exhibits and, of course, enjoy the scenery.
Where: 767 Clifton Road
Goizueta Gardens
On the grounds of Atlanta History Center, Goizueta Gardens is a 33-acre landscape where you can enjoy nine distinct gardens. These gardens capture the variety of landscapes that have shaped Atlanta history. Discover Olguita’s Garden, where you’ll find ornamentals; the Quarry Garden, which contains herbal and medicinal plants; The Smith Farm Gardens, containing heirloom plants; the Swan House Gardens; the Rhododendron Garden;, Asian Garden; Swan Woods; and the Entrance Garden.
Where: 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum Gardens
The Carter Presidential Center’s grounds include formal gardens, sculptures and waterfalls tucked between two small lakes. You can stroll through the Rose Garden, which is home to 40 varieties — including the coral Rosalynn Carter rose — or view the serene Japanese garden, designed by master gardener Kinsaku Nakan.
Where: 441 John Lewis Freedom Parkway
Oakland Cemetery
Visit Oakland Cemetery year-round. This summer, watch the irises and tropicals bloom throughout the cemetery’s 48 acres. Historic Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest public park and the final resting place of many of the city’s most noted citizens. Learn the history and explore the gardens, sculpture and architecture. Marvel at the ancient oaks and magnolias
Where: 248 Oakland Ave. SE
If you like being outside, take a look at our Ultimate List of Things to Do Outdoors in Atlanta.
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