South Carolina Botanical Garden — Attraction in Clemson

I was very underwhelmed almost from the onset. Handicap accessible parking at the Visitor's Center is plentiful;however, it is located at the bottom of the hill. The climb to the Visitor's Center and bathroom is very steep with no handrails. The site map provided is confusing, not easily followed, nor does it correspond to locations through the site. Obviously, some names have changes on the map but the signage remains. Overall the signage needs a complete overhaul with more directional markers at trail intersections. These trails are best characterized as walking trails as they have little to no real elevation deviation you would expect on a true hiking trail. Being an avid Gardner in Upstate SC for several decades, I was also underwhelmed with the floral display. We actually walked through the designated hosta area twice and were unable to see ANY hosta or even the markers for hosts. Three areas that were supposed waterways, one with bridges, had no water and looked abandoned. If you are looking for a quaint family picnic spot, this would be ideal for you as all of the attention to landscaping has been provided to the areas immediately around the picnic/parking spots. If you want to see a real Botanical Garden I suggest a trip to the Biltmore Estate. As for hiking, you can never go wrong with a trip to Table Rock or Caesar's Head State Parks. If you want to see some beautifully crafted flora along an equally beautiful walking trail the Reedy River Falls Park is splendid. I would by-pass the Clemson Botanical Garden for Falls Park every time from here on. What a waste of my tax money that goes to...

The South Carolina Botanical Garden, located in Clemson, offers visitors a serene and enriching experience amidst its expansive 295 acres of natural landscapes. As the state's official botanical garden since 1992, it provides a diverse array of plant collections, display gardens, and tranquil walking trails that cater to both casual visitors and avid horticulturists.

One of the garden's standout features is its accessibility; admission is free, and it's open daily from dawn until dusk, making it an inviting destination for individuals and families alike. Visitors can explore various themed sections, including the Camellia Garden, the Heritage Gardens, and the serene Duck Pond area. The garden also houses the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of minerals and fossils, adding an educational dimension to the visit.

For those interested in hiking, the garden offers several miles of nature trails that wind through diverse habitats, providing ample opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. The well-maintained paths are suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.

Additionally, the garden is pet-friendly, welcoming leashed dogs to accompany their owners on the trails. This inclusive policy ensures that all members of the family, including furry ones, can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. citeturn0search8

In summary, the South Carolina Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, offering a blend of botanical beauty, educational exhibits, and recreational...

Very beautiful place to visit whether you want to see all the different plants blooming. You can feed the geese, ducks, and koi fish with bits of kernels provided for only $0.25 cents per hand full. There are plenty of resting areas and shade for anyone who needs frequent brakes while walking or if you have to avoid too much sun like I do. And if you're into Pokemon Go, there are about 3-4 gyms, and 8-10 poke-stops. The whole place is well maintained and each part of the gardens has placards explaining everything from art pieces and plants to building structures and information about each stopping point. I highly recommend seeing this garden when all of the plants are in full bloom but it's also a very nice and mostly quiet place to walk around if you just want somewhere safe to walk around that isn't beside a busy road. There are bathrooms which so far in my visits seem well kept. Parking is free. And there is an emergency call box by the entry point if knowing about those is important to anyone. I usually have a cell phone with me for pictures but it's peace of mind to know that the call...