Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham (must see)

Nestled at the southern base of Red Mountain and bordering Lane Park, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a 67.5-acre oasis in the heart of Birmingham. Established in 1963, the gardens were born from a visionary project led by then-mayor James W. Morgan, who saw the potential in a previously unused city-owned plot adjacent to the Birmingham Zoo.

Today, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is one of Alabama’s most visited free-admission attractions, welcoming over 350,000 visitors annually. Home to more than 12,000 plant species spread across 25 distinctive themed gardens and adorned with over 30 original outdoor sculptures, the gardens offer something for every nature lover, from quiet walkers to curious botanists. Miles of walking paths weave through this lush, educational space, making it a peaceful escape and a dynamic community hub.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Gardens house several notable facilities. Visitors can explore the Garden Center, which features the largest public horticulture library in the United States, with over 14,000 items including books, magazines, DVDs, and rare archival materials. The library also runs a community seed exchange program, where participants can trade non-GMO seeds or contribute to the exchange with a small donation-an initiative that fosters both biodiversity and neighborly connection.

The Garden Center also includes the Linn-Henley Lecture Hall, Blount Education Center, Gerlach Plant Information Center, a restaurant, and even an Arrington Children’s Plant Adventure Zone, offering hands-on learning experiences for young visitors.

As a proud member of the American Public Gardens Association, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens stands as a vibrant symbol of environmental stewardship, education, and civic pride in Alabama.