Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Tours

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden showing flowers and a garden
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden


A peaceful green space with gorgeous displays of plant life offers a relaxing change from busy downtown Dallas. 

Sitting on 66 acres (26 hectares) by the water at White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is not just a pristine environment. It is a center built to promote the art and enjoyment of horticulture.

The attractions and activities here vary depending on the time of year. During the warmer months, it's worth the 15-minute drive from downtown Dallas just to walk amongst the native and foreign plant life and enjoy respite from the Texas heat.

Fall is an excellent time to visit too, when the flame-red Japanese maple trees of the Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill burst with autumnal color. If you are visiting later in the year, during November and December there is often a daily high tea, which for a set price combines entry to the gardens with a sit-down menu at the DeGolyer Garden Café. The menu includes sandwiches, desserts and a variety of teas.

An attraction that you can catch year-round is the former home of Everette L. DeGolyer, the original owner of the land that became the gardens. A pioneering geophysicist in the Texas oil industry, he had the 21,000-square-foot (1,951-square-meter), one-story mansion constructed in the 1930s for his wife and their four children. He long planned to create a public garden on the estate, and his ideas were the inspiration for what later became the botanical gardens. The home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a startling piece of architecture in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. You can take a tour of the home and accompanying gardens. Tours run daily, every half hour, and are included in the cost of admission to the gardens.

One of the key functions of the gardens is to educate. The whole family can take classes, which cover a variety of topics. Learn how to garden with native plants and grasses, paint, make a scarf or grow herbs. For a less structured day, however, simply show up and wander.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. There is paid parking on site. Alternatively, you can park at the YMCA parking lot and catch a shuttle bus from there to the gardens. The DART bus has a stop close to the arboretum entrance.

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Best Lodging Options Near Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Pool, HOT TUB and Huge Game Room

Pool, HOT TUB and Huge Game Room

Dallas
Pool, HOT TUB and Huge Game Room
Panoramic 4BR/3B Home with Pool, Grill, Sauna & Game Room

Panoramic 4BR/3B Home with Pool, Grill, Sauna & Game Room

Dallas
Panoramic 4BR/3B Home with Pool, Grill, Sauna & Game Room
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas/Fairpark

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas/Fairpark

3 out of 5
8687 E R L THORNTON FWY, Dallas, TX
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas/Fairpark
DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas - Campbell Centre

DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas - Campbell Centre

4 out of 5
8250 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX
DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas - Campbell Centre
Pickleball Vacation In Dallas! Private 30x60 Court

Pickleball Vacation In Dallas! Private 30x60 Court

Dallas
Pickleball Vacation In Dallas! Private 30x60 Court
Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas East

Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas East

3 out of 5
8605 E R L Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX
Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas East
Home2 Suites By Hilton Dallas East

Home2 Suites By Hilton Dallas East

3 out of 5
6845 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX
Home2 Suites By Hilton Dallas East
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas East - Fair Park by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas East - Fair Park by IHG

2.5 out of 5
8703 E. RL Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas East - Fair Park by IHG
Fairfield Inn and Suites Dallas East

Fairfield Inn and Suites Dallas East

2.5 out of 5
8690 E R L THORNTON FREEWAY, Dallas, TX
Fairfield Inn and Suites Dallas East
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers a beautiful setting for a day of exploration, featuring scenic trails and diverse botanical gardens. Nearby attractions include the Dallas Zoo and various sports activities, such as basketball. Enjoy live music while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this stunning locale, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and fun in Dallas.

Food and drinks

Visit House of Blues Dallas for a lively atmosphere and delicious Southern cuisine, just 6 miles from the Arboretum. For a taste of local wines, San Martino Winery and Vineyards, located 19 miles away, offers a romantic setting. Sixty Vines is another great option, 17 miles away, perfect for family dining.

Shopping

The Dallas Farmer's Market, located 5 miles away, offers a vibrant selection of local produce and unique gifts. Old Deep Ellum Historic District, also 5 miles away, features eclectic shops and art galleries. If you're up for a drive, Galleria Dallas, 9 miles away, boasts upscale shopping and dining options.

Recreation

At the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, enjoy serene walks among beautiful gardens. Nearby, White Rock Lake Park offers peaceful relaxation and nature views. For an active day, visit TopGolf for outdoor fun, while the Cotton Bowl provides a vibrant sports atmosphere just a short drive away.

Adventure

Embark on an adventure at Katy Trail, a scenic hiking trail located 6 miles away, offering stunning views and outdoor vibes. Alternatively, explore Turtle Creek Greenbelt, a nearby hiking trail 5 miles away, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure amidst beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

At night, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden area comes alive with entertainment options. Catch a show at the Majestic Theater, enjoy a film at the Angelika Film Center, or embrace adventure at Dad's Broadway Skateland, all within a short drive for a fun-filled evening.

Find the best attractions near Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Visiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers a delightful experience, with attractions like urban parks, event venues, and entertainment facilities nearby. Explore cultural and family-friendly activities at the arboretum, check out the Dallas NorthPark Center for shopping, and enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Dallas Perot Museum. This vibrant area promises a blend of nature and city experiences for every traveler.

  • American Airlines Center: Experience the excitement of live sports and concerts at this premier arena, known for its vibrant atmosphere. With a variety of events year-round, it's a perfect spot for family entertainment and an unforgettable night out.
  • Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center: This state-of-the-art venue hosts a range of conferences and events, making it a hub for business professionals. Its modern facilities and spacious layout create an ideal environment for networking and collaboration.
  • Southern Methodist University: Explore the beautiful campus of this historic university, rich in culture and tradition. With stunning architecture and vibrant student life, it's a great place to soak in the local academic atmosphere.

Best time to go to Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The best time to visit Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
February49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
April65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July86.7°F (30.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
August87.4°F (30.8°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
November57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

To save money on your visit to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, consider traveling in August or from November to December when hotel prices drop. Take advantage of nearby free attractions like Southern Methodist University and Galleria Dallas. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering prices from lowest to highest, and consider booking a package that combines flights and hotel stays for added savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden are August and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January and March to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.