Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Tours and Activities

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical 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 centre 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 colour. 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-metre), 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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Popular places to visit


Top Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Pool, HOT TUB and Huge Game Room

Pool, HOT TUB and Huge Game Room

Dallas
Pool, HOT TUB and Huge Game Room
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8559 East R L Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX
Studio 6 Dallas, TX – Fair Park
Pickleball Vacation In Dallas! Private 30x60 Court

Pickleball Vacation In Dallas! Private 30x60 Court

Dallas
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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas/Fairpark

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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas/Fairpark
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

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8703 E. RL Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas East - Fair Park by IHG
Stay Express Inn Dallas - Fair Park / Downtown

Stay Express Inn Dallas - Fair Park / Downtown

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8303 East R L Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX
Stay Express Inn Dallas - Fair Park / Downtown
Motel 6 Dallas, TX - Fair Park

Motel 6 Dallas, TX - Fair Park

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8510 E Rl Thornton Blvd, Dallas, TX
Motel 6 Dallas, TX - Fair Park
Downtown Suites Dallas

Downtown Suites Dallas

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3422 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX
Downtown Suites Dallas
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

At the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, you can immerse yourself in stunning landscapes while enjoying live music and engaging in sports activities like basketball. Don’t miss out on the vibrant botanical gardens that offer entertaining experiences for all ages. For a fantastic visit, consider travel tips such as the best times to explore the gardens and nearby attractions to enhance your holiday.

Shopping

NorthPark Center, located 8.0km from Dallas Arboretum, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of business and entertainment. The Dallas Farmer's Market, also 8.0km away, provides a bustling atmosphere perfect for local gifts. If you're up for a drive, explore the Old Deep Ellum Historic District, just 8.0km away, rich in unique shops and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of sports at Cotton Bowl, only 6.4km from the Dallas Arboretum, or enjoy a round at Topgolf Dallas, renowned for its outdoor golfing atmosphere. For a cultural retreat, head to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 8.0km away, and indulge in captivating performances.

Adventure

For a scenic hike, explore Katy Trail, located 9.7km from the garden, offering stunning views and outdoor vibes. Alternatively, Turtle Creek Greenbelt, 8.0km away, provides a lush escape for nature lovers. If you're after water fun, Hawaiian Falls Garland, 16.1km away, promises thrill and adventure for the family.

Nightlife

In Dallas, the Majestic Theater and Music Hall at Fair Park offer a delightful mix of family-friendly shows and romantic performances, both within 5 and 6.4km from the Arboretum. For a more relaxed vibe, the Angelika Film Center, just 4.8km away, showcases captivating films in a charming setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

While visiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, you can explore a variety of attractions including urban parks, entertainment arenas, and art museums. This vibrant area offers a cultural and family-friendly experience, making it perfect for all types of travellers. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the stunning botanical gardens and discover other nearby points of interest that highlight the beauty of Dallas.

  • American Airlines Center: Experience the vibrant atmosphere at this premier arena, hosting major sporting events and concerts. With its family-friendly vibe, it’s an excellent spot for entertainment and excitement, just 9.7km from the serene gardens.
  • Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center: This bustling conference venue is ideal for business travellers and events. Located 9.7km away, it offers a dynamic environment filled with networking opportunities and professional engagement.
  • Southern Methodist University: Explore the rich cultural heritage of this historic university, located only 6.4km from the gardens. Its stunning architecture and vibrant campus life provide a unique glimpse into academic excellence and community spirit.

Best time to go to Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The best time to visit Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
October69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
November57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 travelling during the off-peak months of August and December to January, when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and sort listings from lowest to highest price. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Lastly, take advantage of free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel accommodation at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.