Sunken Gardens

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Deep Roots in Downtown St. Pete

St. Pete's oldest living museum is a botanical paradise in the midst of the bustling city. The 100-year-old Sunken Gardens is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Meandering paths guide visitors through a living collection of more than thousands of plant species, tropical plants and flowers with lush demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls, a flock of flamingos, and a colorful array of rehomed tropical birds including macaws, cockatoos, and more.

As one of the last remaining Florida roadside attractions, this historic gem requires some additional care when visiting. Visitors to Sunken Gardens should prepare to stay on the paths, refrain from touching or climbing the plants and structures, and respect the animals’ space by viewing them from a distance. Gardens may be closed due to inclement weather.

Upcoming Events

Pre-registration is required for some programs. Please see event details for more information.

Sunday, March 24 – Spring Plant Sale – 12 - 3 p.m.
Sunday, April 7 – Orchid Festival – 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 10 – Meditation, Mindfulness Walk, Gentle Yoga, and Sound Healing – 6 - 7:30 p.m. 
Saturday, April 13 – Pesticide-Free Gardening – 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Gentle Hatha Yoga every Monday & Wednesday!

View the Sunken Gardens Calendar

Plan Your Visit

Sunken Gardens provides garden tours, horticultural programs, special events, field trips, weddings, private and corporate rentals.

View the Guide Map

Hours

Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4:30 p.m.
The last admission is sold at 4 p.m. daily. 

Sunken Gardens is open on most holidays except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day when the attraction is closed. The Sunken Gardens Business Office is closed on most holidays, while the Gardens remain open. 

Admission

  • Adults: $15
  • Seniors (62+): $12
  • Children (2-12): $6 

Support Sunken Gardens and become a member! Enjoy unlimited admission and exclusive discounts all year. More information under Membership & Volunteer Opportunities below.

  • Individual Membership: $50
  • Family Membership: $100

For self-guided group visits, please submit your request form after reading over the information found under Group Visits

Parking & Accessibility

A limited number of on-site parking spots for standard vehicles are available. Sunken Gardens cannot accommodate bus parking from October through May. Overflow parking is available along Crescent Lake Park (street parking) on the west side of 4th St. along 22nd Ave. N. Bus drivers may also choose to park at shopping center lots just north of Sunken Gardens on 4th Street N.

Most of our historic paths are ADA-accessible and span three-fourths of a mile. Wheelchairs/walkers are allowed, but not provided. Some paths have a steep incline, but there are alternate ways to access all areas. Limited seating is located throughout the gardens. Mature foliage provides ample shade with open, sunny areas located throughout. Contact Sunken Gardens for accessibility inquiries or concerns prior to visiting.

Only ADA service-trained dogs are permitted inside Sunken Gardens. During the visit, service animals must be harnessed or leashed, and must be under the guest's complete control and care (including clean-up). If these guidelines are not followed, guests will be asked to leave. Pets and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not allowed at this time. Guests with service animals are encouraged to check with Guest Relations on the day of visit to determine if access to any specific area is restricted on that day.

Membership & Volunteer Opportunities

Residents can deepen their relationship with Sunken Gardens by becoming a member or volunteer. Members receive unlimited annual admission to Sunken Gardens, giving them year-round access to this unique tropical garden experience. Sunken Gardens volunteers make new friends, participate in unique projects, and gain knowledge from their volunteer efforts.

Group Visits

ATTENTION: Group visit requests will be responded to within three business days.
                         Group Tours spots are full and no longer available in January, February, and March of 2024. Self-guided group visits are still available upon 
request.

For an in-depth Sunken Gardens experience, consider booking a docent-led tour for your group. Group tours are interactive, age-appropriate, and include the rich history of the site as well as fascinating details about the tropical plants and animals on site.

Rentals

In contrast to the rapid pace of the city outside its vine-covered walls, Sunken Gardens offers a tranquil garden atmosphere that creates space for connection, reflection, and community. Sunken Gardens offers a prime location for weddings, private parties, seminars, luncheons, retreats, and receptions hosted by corporations, organizations, or individuals. Events held at the garden offer guests a unique experience in a venue that’s conveniently located near hotels, shopping, museums, dining, and entertainment. 

Filming & Photography

Amateur, hobbyist photographers are welcome to take photos and videos on the property. Professional and commercial photographers must make an appointment and pay a fee to utilize the grounds. This includes but is not limited to: wedding, fashion/beauty, pregnancy, graduation, prom, engagement, & family photography. Please review the policy and submit a request utilizing the forms below:

History

In 1911 a plumber named George Turner, Sr. purchased the 4.1 acres that would later become a world-famous botanical attraction. Using an elaborate maze of clay tiles, he drained what was known as Curlew Pond, leaving a rich muck soil that was ideal for his favorite hobby – gardening. Neighbors so enjoyed strolling through Mr. Turner's garden, that by the early 1930's he was charging fifteen cents for tours.  George's wife, Mrs. Eula Turner shared her husbands' love of plants and played a large role in establishing the gardens as a landmark. Their children and grandchildren continued the family vision and created this unique tropical garden with its flowing ponds.

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