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NOTE: Water, including restrooms, temporarily unavailable in Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden. Use facilities in Welcome Pavilion.
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE GARDEN
How does timed ticketing work?
- Your timed ticket can be scanned for entry within the hour indicated on your ticket. If you arrive more than an hour past the time on your ticket, please stop by the ticket window to exchange your ticket for the current timed entry period.
- You may stay as long as you like. Average visits are between 1.5-2 hours.
- For other questions about tickets, please email tickets@hbg.org.
What happens if it rains?
- The Garden is open rain or shine, unless the severity of the weather poses a threat to the safety of our visitors and staff (like a hurricane).
- All tickets are non-refundable. Please check the weather and dress appropriately. There is covered seating under the Alcoves along the Global Collection Garden, in the Welcome Pavilion, and on its Veranda adjacent to the Culinary Garden.
Can I buy tickets at the Garden?
- We strongly encourage you to purchase tickets in advance online. For questions about tickets, please email tickets@hbg.org.
Does the Garden accept cash?
The Garden is cashless for both on-site ticket purchases at the window and all purchases – including refreshments – in the Garden Shop.
Do we need tickets or member reservations for infants and children?
Yes, everyone entering the Garden—regardless of age—will need a ticket or a member reservation. For other questions about tickets, please email tickets@hbg.org.
Is there a parking fee?
No, on-site parking is free!
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the Garden’s gate, with the exception of food necessary for babies and infants. Refillable water bottles are welcome and encouraged.
- For more information, see Respecting the Garden and Other’s Enjoyment in the Garden Rules.
What are the Garden Rules?
You can find the complete Garden Rules here.
How do we get there?
- The Houston Botanic Garden is located east of I-45 South on Park Place Blvd. Entering 8210 Park Place Blvd. into your preferred mapping app or website should bring you to our entry drive, One Botanic Lane.
- METRO Route 005-Southmore runs along Park Place Blvd. The closest stops to our entry gate are 853 (Park Place Blvd. @ River Dr.) and 848 (Park Place Blvd. @ Hartford St.).
- Our entry bridge includes a dedicated lane for bicyclists and pedestrians. There is a bicycle rack available on a first-come, first-served basis near the southeast corner of the Picnic Grove, across from the Welcome Pavilion.
- The Sims Bayou Greenway hike-and-bike trail runs adjacent to our South Gardens, but we are not currently able to admit guests directly into the South Gardens, so those coming on foot or bicycle need to enter off of Park Place Blvd.
What photography is allowed?
- Visitors are welcome to take photographs and videos at the Garden, for personal use only, so long as all Garden Rules are followed.
- Cameras with an attached flash are allowed. Please leave all tripods, stand-alone flashes, and other large equipment at home.
- Large props and anything that might get left in the Garden, like confetti, are not allowed.
- Drone photography is not allowed.
- Professional film and photography require an advanced reservation and fee. View our professional photography policy.
- Members of the media who wish to take photos or videos should contact our Director of Communications & Community Engagement to coordinate.
- During your visit, you may be filmed and/or photographed by a Garden employee or contract photographer. Your attendance serves as permission for the use of your image by the Garden for promotional or archival purposes.
Can I bring my pet?
- Pets – as well as emotional support, assistance, or companion animals – are not allowed.
- Service animals that provide assistance for visitors with disabilities are permitted. Please stop by the ticket window to alert staff to the presence of the animal before entering the Garden.
Where are the restrooms located?
Restrooms are located in the Welcome Pavilion on The Island and the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden in the South Gardens.
Can we get a tour of the Garden?
Private tours are available by advanced reservation, at an additional flat fee. Learn more here.
Can I donate a plant?
Thank you for thinking of the Garden! Please contact our Director of Horticulture to discuss.
Can I smoke at the Garden?
Smoking and vaping are not allowed at the Garden.
Are strollers and wheelchairs available?
Unfortunately, strollers and wheelchairs are not available to borrow or rent at this time, so please bring your own and plan accordingly.