State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA
- 2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605
- (706) 542-1244
Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 323-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural, educational and recreational facility and is one of Athens' most-visited attractions. Numerous themed display gardens include the Flower Garden, International Garden, Heritage Garden, Shade Garden and more. The garden is an All-American Selections Garden, Southeastern Conifer Society Reference Garden, American Daffodil Society Display Garden and Audubon Society Important Bird Area.
Five miles of nature trails extend into the natural areas typical of the habitats and plant communities found in the Georgia Piedmont.
The Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center & Conservatory contains a collection of tropical and semi-tropical plants providing a backdrop for concerts, lectures and art exhibitions.
The Alice H. Richards Children's Garden is an interactive experience of wonder for all ages, and opened in 2019. Unlike any other in the Southeast, it is an experience crafted in layers, for children to explore under, around and through.
The Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum is the newest world-class facility at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Its extensive collection of artwork visualizes and celebrates the connection between art and nature.
The Garden Gift Shop offers plants, books, local gifts and art, jewelry, and educational toys.
PLAN YOUR VISIT:
Allow 30 minutes minimum to view the conservatory and have a quick view of the gardens from the overlooks from the conservatory. There is plenty to see and do on the grounds for a half or full day visit!
ADMISSION: No admission charge; donations accepted.
No pets.
TOURS: Make the most of your visit with a Guided Garden Tour. Friendly and knowledgeable Garden Guides will lead you through the beautiful grounds, showcasing different garden areas and plant collections, and highlighting what’s in bloom right now. Check out Tour offerings directly on the website.
FACILITIES/RENTAL INFORMATION:
Several buildings set within the garden offer unique facilities for a diverse range of events. Visit the garden's website for more information about rentals.
Events
Nature Ramblers
Meet at Children's Garden Arbor
Recurring weekly on Thursday until November 20, 2025
Winter WonderLights
State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA
Dates vary between November 21, 2025 - January 10, 2026
WonderLights Disco Nights
State Botanical Garden of Georgia @UGA
Dates vary between January 2, 2026 - January 10, 2026
Hours
Mon
7:00am - 7:00pm
Tue
7:00am - 7:00pm
Wed
7:00am - 7:00pm
Thu
7:00am - 7:00pm
Fri
7:00am - 7:00pm
Sat
7:00am - 7:00pm
Sun
7:00am - 7:00pm
Map
Amenities
General Accommodations
-
Complimentary Newspaper:
-
Exterior Corridors:
-
Free Parking:
-
Handicapped Accessible Rooms:
-
High-speed Internet Access:
- Miles from Classic Center: 5
Additional Property Information
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
- American Express
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Discover
- Dining Style: Cafe
General
-
Catering Services:
-
Handicap Accessible:
General
-
Guided Tours:
-
Handicap Accessible:
-
Kids Programs:
-
Onsite Restaurant/Food Vendor:
-
Parking Available:
General
-
Handicap Accessible:
-
Parking Available:
Outdoor Recreation
-
Dogs-leashed:
-
Trails-walking/hiking:
Meeting Facilities
- Exhibits Space
- Description The Visitor Center is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00AM-4:30PM and Sunday 11:30AM-4:30PM. It is available for rentals in the evenings.
- Exhibits 1
- Floorplan File Floorplan File
- Reception Capacity 200
- Banquet Capacity 300
- Number of Rooms 5
- Classroom Capacity 30
Cecil B. Day Chapel
- Width: 40
- Length: 120
- Theater Capacity: 130
- Banquet Capacity: 65
- Reception Capacity: 130
Terrace Room
- Width: 35
- Length: 65
- Banquet Capacity: 200
- Reception Capacity: 130
Callaway Administrative Building
- Theater Capacity: 90
- Classroom Capacity: 15
- Banquet Capacity: 150
- Reception Capacity: 50
Gardenside Room
- Banquet Capacity: 115
- Reception Capacity: 75
Great Room
- Width: 75
- Length: 41
- Banquet Capacity: 300
- Reception Capacity: 200