Things to Do at Sunken Gardens

Complete Guide to travel to Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg

About Sunken Gardens

travel to Sunken Gardens is a century-old botanical paradise nestled in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida. Originally a natural sinkhole that was drained and transformed in the 1920s, this 4-acre garden sits 15 feet below street level, creating a unique microclimate that supports an incredible diversity of plant life. The gardens feature over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, including rare orchids, towering palms, and exotic specimens from around the world. Designated as a local historic landmark, travel to Sunken Gardens offers visitors a tranquil escape from urban life with its winding pathways, cascading waterfalls, and serene koi ponds. The garden's unique sunken design creates natural wind protection and maintains higher humidity levels, allowing tropical and subtropical plants to thrive in Florida's climate. Beyond its botanical wonders, the gardens also house flamingos and other exotic birds, making it both a horticultural and wildlife sanctuary that has delighted visitors for nearly 100 years.

What to See & Do

Tropical Plant Collections

Explore over 50,000 exotic plants including rare orchids, bromeliads, cycads, and towering royal palms from around the globe

Flamingo Habitat

Observe the resident flock of Chilean flamingos in their specially designed habitat, along with other exotic birds

Cascading Waterfalls

Enjoy the peaceful sounds of multiple waterfalls that flow throughout the gardens, creating a serene atmosphere

Koi Ponds

Visit the tranquil koi ponds where colorful Japanese carp swim among water lilies and aquatic plants

Wedding Lawn

Admire the beautifully manicured ceremonial lawn surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, perfect for photos

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Tickets & Pricing

Adults $15, Seniors (62+) $12, Children (2-11) $8, Children under 2 free. Annual memberships available. Purchase tickets online or at entrance.

Best Time to Visit

October through April offers the most comfortable weather. Early morning visits provide cooler temperatures and better photography lighting.

Suggested Duration

Allow 1-2 hours for a leisurely self-guided tour of the entire gardens

Getting There

travel to Sunken Gardens is conveniently located at 1825 4th Street North in downtown St. Petersburg, easily accessible by car with free on-site parking available. The gardens are about 10 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg and 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport. Public transportation options include the PSTA bus system, with several routes stopping within walking distance. The location is also bike-friendly with nearby bike lanes and is within walking distance of many downtown St. Petersburg hotels and attractions.

Things to Do Nearby

The Dalí Museum
World-renowned museum housing the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's works outside of Spain, just 10 minutes away
Museum of Fine Arts
Impressive art museum featuring works from ancient to contemporary periods, located in the downtown arts district
St. Petersburg Pier
Iconic waterfront destination with dining, shopping, and stunning views of Tampa Bay, perfect for sunset strolls
Chihuly Collection
Stunning display of Dale Chihuly's glass art in a specially designed building with a beautiful garden
Great Explorations Children's Museum
Interactive museum perfect for families, featuring hands-on exhibits and educational programs for children

Tips & Advice

Wear comfortable walking shoes as paths can be uneven and you'll be walking on various surfaces including wooden bridges
Bring a camera or smartphone - the gardens offer countless photo opportunities, especially near the waterfalls and flamingo habitat
Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds and the best lighting for photography
Check the weather forecast and bring sun protection as parts of the garden have limited shade despite the sunken location

Tours & Activities at Sunken Gardens