San Antonio Botanical Garden — Attraction in San Antonio

Bird at botanical gardens

On Sunday May 4th, we had an unpleasent start when visiting the San Antonio Botanical Gardens around 4:30 pm. On our first steps into the Gardens there was a dead bird in front of our feet which apparently had crashed into the office’s mirroring windows. We informed staff about it and they arrived to take it away. We were surprised that, at a Botanical Garden (where there are books and merchandising sold on mindfulness and the importance of preserving wildlife) there had been no precautions taken for something as obvious as mirroring windows (as it is a death trap for birds). Just a few steps further from this spot other birds apparently flew back and forth because there were two nests high up at the ceiling on the back of the entrance building. We couldn’t help noticing loud bird sounds and upon checking we saw a hatchling lying there trying to sit up and screaming for food. lSince it is this time of the year we would have expected staff (especially in a botanical garden) to pay extra attention to wildlife and take precautions to make sure, nature is well taken care of. Staff saw the little hatchling and promised they would take care of it. When we arrived back at the entrance about 3 hours later, we unfortunately were confronted with the hatchling still lying at the exact same spot, now very weak but still alive. We were appalled by the fact that nothing had been done to help the hatchling. There are a few options that could have been carried out, the first being to call wildlife rescue, which we did ourselves at that point. Even though it was a Sunday at 7:30pm, the contact person was very considerate and informed us how just a couple of steps could perhaps safe the bird (either by putting it back in the nest or in a little cartonage - providing a safe environment at shoulder’s height - where the bird parents would come and continue to feed the hatchling). They also offered to take care of the bird themselves. The bird could have been rescued if the two employees would have been less ignorant and somehow cruel. Since the Gardens closed at 8pm and staff ignored our repeated request for assistance in that matter, we have to say that this experience left us very upset and literally angry. We are appalled by the fact that even in a Botanical Garden wildlife is not well taken care of or, as in this particular case, even considered. Overall the only staff around were the two young ticket sales employees who where trying to act like the issue had been taken care of, when in honesty nothing was carried out. They were trying to minimalize their own involvement in order to not be forced out of their comfort zone. Since the Motto and Mission of San Antonio Botanical Gardens is Enriching lives through plants and nature”, we definitely see room for improvement here. Employees have to be better trained and sensitized for the issues that can arise in natural environments. We would appreciate a feedback on the issue and at the same time apologize for not being able to leave a positive review on the Gardens. The beauty, architectural design and care of the Gardens does not deserve an issue like that overshadowing visitor’s...

The kind of botanical gardens principally showing off native plants! Why are conservative ecological principles so important - go to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens to find out! The walking paths are great, tons of wildlife, great diversity of habitats from desert to wetlands, and indoor controlled climate exhibits in a central installation of the venue. There are multiple places to stop and rest, however, indoor air conditioning might be a consideration for those in concern. And not that a couple going on a date need to be fit as fiddler ferns, let the heat grow that transpiration up and escape to a great urban botanical afternoon delight! If you need help doing it, slow down and observe the birds and the bees. And if you’re still unsure or curious, there are plenty of labels, and many wonderful species, in well established gardens. This garden has love all through it with innumerable memory markers and looks to be solid donors supporting this awesome community space. If one would question if Texans’ love for plants and nature, and respecting, learning, and sharing nature, you’ll find no doubt here! Hit the gift shop on the way in and grab a popsicle and then pop in again on the way out and pickup some heartfelt items as gifts to your friends or to bring home some quality to your home. Imagine a world where we humans saw the whole planet as worshipful as a human made botanical gardens!?!! A visit to a botanical gardens might be a great way to start getting out in nature more! Check it out and dig into botany!!

*items to note: details on google page hours and ticket prices inaccurate- expect shorter hours and higher prices | cafe closed end of May 2025 so no coffee for budding botanists | Parking was easy and close with great access | there was an art installation which was thought provoking for all ages and easy to take in while...

A place in the heart of San Antonio to admire nature in its myriad forms. Take a morning or afternoon vacation by yourself or with others and enjoy the relaxation gardens can provide. The garden is divided into about 30 areas that display a moderate (and thankfully not overwhelming) selection of plants. If you've been to many bigger gardens or museums even the sheer volume of things to see can reduce the peace that people can find. Not here, find a bench under a rose arbor or next to the pond and enjoy a 70s-80s day. There are easily accessible paths for all ages, although some areas, like the conservatory, can require a flight or so of stairs to fully traverse. An adventure garden provides appeal to families, but I've always found kids hard to keep interested in gardens unless they have a special interest and a personality that suits them. There are plenty of green and paved spaces for kids to play if they lose interest. (Frisbee?)

This garden is accessible too in that you can see almost all of it with just 1 to 2 miles of walking. There are benches interspersed in good, shady spots for rest if you need it. Bathroom facilities are close at hand at almost any point.

I visited on April 13,2024, and while the selection of plants changes, I did find the rocket larkspur.l, the climbing rose arbor, and the yellow, orange, and red varieties of blooming cactus particularly beautiful.

Tickets prices are different Monday to Thursday vs Friday to Sunday. Adults are $18/22. Prices for children and military are less. ...