1. Sunken Gardens is a historic botanical garden located in St. Petersburg, Florida, just a short driving distance from Tampa. It is one of the oldest living museums in the region, showcasing over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers spread across 4 acres of well-manicured grounds.
The gardens were originally created in 1903 by George Turner Sr., who drained a shallow lake and transformed it into a lush oasis. The site was opened to the public in 1935 as a tourist attraction and has since become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
One of the most unique features of Sunken Gardens is the \"sunken\" aspect of the garden, which was created by retaining walls that surround the area. This not only provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility but also protects the gardens from harsh weather elements.
Throughout the gardens, visitors can explore a variety of themed areas, including the Cactus Garden, Butterfly Garden, Orchid Arbor, Japanese Garden, and the Chilean Flamingo Garden. There are also several winding paths and hidden nooks to discover, offering peaceful spots for relaxation and reflection.
2.
- Sunken Gardens is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- The phone number for Sunken Gardens is (727) 551-3100.
3.
- Admission tickets for Sunken Gardens cost $12 for adults, $6 for children aged 2-11, and $10 for seniors (55+) and members of the military.
- Free parking is available on-site.
- Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704.
Transportation options:
- By car: Sunken Gardens is easily accessible by car from Tampa. Simply take I-275 S and take exit 24 onto 22nd Avenue N. Continue onto Coffeepot Blvd NE until you reach 4th Street N, where the gardens are located.
- By public transportation: Visitors can also take the Central Avenue Trolley from downtown St. Petersburg, which stops near the gardens. Additionally, several bus routes, such as the Route 7, have stops within walking distance of Sunken Gardens.
