The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden — Attraction in Dallas

Beautiful plants, landscaping and seasonal displays. Lovely walk. Be sure to buy tickets online before going. Parking is problematic. Unless you are familiar with the set up, the signs are not very helpful, eg, Gate 1 parking. Gate 1 for what? A fixed sign saying Arboretum or Garden Parking with an arrow showing where to turn would help. There should be more people helping direct traffic and letting people know what lane they should be in to park, especially for special events like Halloween, Christmas, Easter. When I finally got to the parking garage after waiting in line it was full. Then I spent another 30 minutes trying to get into Lot 1. We ate at the 'sit down with service' restaurant. Beautiful location, lovely day so we sat outside. Service was terrific. Not overly hovering, but drinks promptly refilled, plates, used items removed in a timely manner. Portions were good, not huge but not skimpy, prices kind of high, especially for the quality of food. We had the crab cakes, turkey club and sweet potato fries. Nothing was even warm. For $28 and the enormous staff, I expected the crab cakes to be served promptly. They had obviously been sitting because the remoulade sauce was dried out. The turkey club had an odd, not off, just unusual taste that didn't appeal to me. What could have saved the meal was hot, crispy sweet potato fries. But no. Not even warm, not crisp, not cooked through. Very disappointing. 😞 To add insult to injury, we tried the praline creme brulee. The praline part was very good. Unlike most creme brulees it appeared to have been created separately from the actual custard portion and set on top just before serving. The custard was not fully set so it didn't hold up when you cut into it. Disappointing and probably an indication of a very rushed kitchen. A meal with so much potential that failed to deliver in the most important aspect, satisfying food. One other ticky tac item, if you use a card, as opposed to cash, you are charged a fee for the privilege. They don't mention it when they present the bill, you have to inspect the two invoices you are offered to sign. If $28 crab cakes don't cover the business expenses, someone needs to re-examine the business model...

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is absolutely worth visiting during any time of the year. In the spring the garden is at its best. It is the season of the Dallas Blooms and the garden is transformed into the flowery colorful fairytale. It gets very busy very fast, so be prepared for that. To make the most of your visit: 1.Purchase Tickets and Parking Online – it will save you some money and ensure a smoother entry and parking. 2.Check for Discounts - The Arboretum offers discounted admission days and parking, so check their website for details. 3.Arrive early if possible to beat the crowds and the heat, especially during peak seasons. 4.Explore the Gardens –there are 11 lush display gardens with seasonal color year-round, including the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden and A Tasteful Place. Children’s garden may get super loud and busy after school hours and during school breaks. 5.Consider a Tram Tour - tours of the central part of the garden are available, departing from Tram Stop 1 by the Main Entrance and Tram Stop 2 by the Children's Garden at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. Check the website or at the entrance for schedule. 6.Check for Special Events – there are various events throughout the year, including Dallas Blooms (the Southwest's largest floral festival), Cool Thursdays Concert Series, and Autumn at the Arboretum, etc 7.Picnic Options - outside food and drinks are welcome, so you can pack a picnic to enjoy on the green lawns overlooking White Rock Lake. 8.Amenities – there is a restaurant on the property with a nice menu options; check website for cooking classes/testing events; there are also picnic tables, restrooms, and a gift shop. 9.Accessibility - the garden, buildings, and tour vehicles are accessible to all visitors, with wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis at the information booth. 10.Things to know - Bicycles are not allowed in the garden. Dogs are not allowed as well. No Active Sports or Games. And please do not feed...

Man, do I love this place!

I remember coming here as a kid growing up by White rock Lake.

I’ve been a member for multiple years now!

I’ve spent a lot of time here going up to three times a week sometimes during the summer.

I have a job as a photographer you see. And it is one of the best places in the entire DFW area to photograph my clients.

It’s good for a nice stroll! You can also bring stuff to eat there and picnic.

The staff are pleasant! Although they are strict on certain rules which I kind of like. I see familiar faces when I go, like Walter at the front (I always say hi but I know he sees so many people)

Try to park at Gate 1! (Thank Me Later)

The views are pleasant in the sense are amazing during certain times of the year!

There are seasonal events, as well as wine and art, festivals, food, festivals, cultural events, a pumpkin patch during fall and a Christmas village during the winter.

They also have a garden for children! The kids can learn a little bit about nature and plants.

They also host events there and allow you to book certain spaces for weddings and receptions as well as proposals. If you go often enough, you will for sure. See a proposal somewhere in the garden.

They have a nice coffee shop near crêpe Myrtle Alley, a café near the front entrance, a nice shop where you can get cool, memorabilia, and if you have the time you can have a nice lunch at their restaurant.

It’s an experience I would recommend anybody take somebody who loves to be outdoors and see beautiful landscapes.

I believe the history is that the property belonged to a Geo physicist from the 1940s who had a passion for horticulture.

You can see the remnants of a different time where the house was in the suburbs of the city complete with a driveway, large enough for a horse drawn carriage. But maybe that’s my imagination.

All in all, there is always something new to see even if you’ve been there before.

Also, they have live music on...