Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to inspiring the conservation of native plants. Located a quick but quiet ten miles from downtown, we are a botanical garden open to the public year-round and have become a favored venue for everything from conservation-focused conventions to beautiful weddings. We carry out our mission to inspire the conservation and application of native plants through our gardens, campus, research, education and outreach programs. In doing so, we improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife and enhance human health and happiness. Visit, learn and make a better world with us. The Wildflower Center was founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 and became a part of The University of Texas at Austin in 2006.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.

Top ways to experience Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and nearby attractions

See what travelers are saying
  • mojomo
    Texas6,461 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Follow the Bluebonnet Road
    We went to the wildflower center on a trip to Austin to celebrate my daughter’s 40th birthday. She loves nature and going on hikes, so this was perfect. I wasn’t sure if there was enough to warrant this being our main outing of the day, but it was very nice and did not disappoint. The highlight of the visit for us were the Hill Country Trails. It was a bit confusing bc the trail entrance feels like it is outside the main complex. We asked an employee about the trails & if there were bluebonnets? She was rather vague. If we had not ventured out, we would have missed what for us, was truly the best part! Yes, there were bluebonnets and they were stunning!! They lined both sides of the trail. I’d seen another travelers photo of these and that was actually what determined that I wanted to visit. For those who are not familiar, bluebonnet season is typically late March, into mid April. The bluebonnet is Texas’ state flower and very beloved. I mention the season, only because I have seen reviews where people were disappointed in not seeing any. The vary, sometimes we have bumper crops. This was a good year! We got slightly lost at the end of the trail, trying to determine how to get back to the main area, but there are signs. They’d provided a map at the front, but I am terrible with maps. I think a few well placed benches (with backs!) would have been nice on the trail. I have a kooky back and after walking a while, it is nice to rest it. We made reservations a day ahead of time & I am so glad we did bc it was a very busy Saturday. The entrance fee is very reasonable. There is a senior discount & our UT student got in for free. Another must see is: Athena the resident owl, peeping up over the ledge of her perch overlooking the entrance courtyard. We could just see the top of her head peeking out! We got coffee and tea at the convenient cafe. Be sure and bring a sun hat, sunscreen & water container during the warmer months. Austin’s climate is dry. We are glad we visited.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 3, 2023
  • Elsa C. L.
    New York City, New York2,346 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tranquil, relaxing
    The entrance for a senior is $10 and $15 for an adult. The trails take approximately two hours when one does not take as many pictures of wildflowers. Bluebonnets are in abundance but not fields of them. Adequate though. There are plenty of entertaining things for kids as well as swings hanging from oak tree branches that I find delightful to see, have fun on and even bring forth romanticism. They have fields of or thousands of crystal scepters that must be a beautiful sight at night. We saw staff and/or interns planting the flower beds. The trails have artists’ names snd art work on display. We noticed huge oak trees that appear half uprooted with its roots exposed but thriving💪!
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 9, 2023
  • Al Makynen
    Duluth, Minnesota276 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spring Bloom
    We arrived at 10:30 (opens at 9:00) to a full parking lot. However, there is ample free parking on the street. The cost for seniors is $10. Reasonable. With the recent rains, everything was in bloom, including the occasional cactus. It was 80 degrees and sunny, but there is shade in the complex and along the trails. The gift shop was tasteful. With a membership with another conservatory (in our case Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul, MN) we saved 20%
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 28, 2023
  • Suzanne D
    Nashville, Tennessee77 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A few miles out of town but worth the trip.
    This is a pretty place. Lots to see. We were planning to go on Mother’s Day and didn’t realize what a special day they had planned, so we couldn’t get in! They were completely booked and would not allow additional visitors that day. We went a couple days later. Study the map or get help with some way to organize your visit. I felt as though I was skipping some things but seeing some things twice. Nevertheless, the place is really pretty and the wildflowers are amazing. Lots to learn about the plant research going on there. Plenty of parking. They do reciprocating gardens if you are a member elsewhere you possibly get in for free. Check their list on their website.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 17, 2023
  • Rhiannon
    Sedona, Arizona5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful but go earlier in the day!
    It was beautiful and highly recommend checking it out. We went early afternoon and it was not crowded. However, it’s extremely hot outside so bring a refillable water bottle since they have a refill station by the bathrooms and try to go earlier in the day.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 10, 2023
  • msbones047
    Lincoln, Nebraska99 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely worth the drive!
    This is a very beautiful site-relaxed atmosphere, enjoy at your own pace. We were there during a heat wave-100!-but took it easy, rested in the shade frequently, and thoroughly enjoyed the flowers. The waterfall area is a wonderful place for kids to enjoy seeing little fish, frogs, even a tiny snake. They can safely go behind the waterfall in a cave just their size. All the plants and trees are labeled, and there were many statues of animals that we also enjoyed seeing. Very reasonable admission price.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 28, 2023
  • EC13091
    Ellicott City, Maryland1,248 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An Austin Highlight
    We spent a bit more than an hour here, including having a quick lunch, and felt we had time to see all that we wanted. In November we had easy parking, but noted that in peak season it would be far away or better to get a ride share. Ticket purchase was simple, and a guide helped us understand the layout of the property. We did the loop, and saw many native Texas plants. There’s an amazing playground and we saw many kids enjoying it. But for us the best things were the main gardens that benefitted from showing plants in their native habitat. Many of these would never be in a garden outside this area, and like so many botanical gardens, they are a fine way to understand the nature of the place. There’s a nice small cafe for lunch (great chicken salad sandwich!) and a fine shop, with everything from small seed packets to gifts and collectibles.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 9, 2023
  • Steven D
    Spring Hill, Tennessee1,776 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Part Educational. Part Recreational. All Beautiful.
    An amazing venue that embraces nature, appropriate for all ages. Accessible mostly flat trails & sturdy walkways provide a safe and inviting pathway for accessible devices. We toured the beautiful gardens, exhibits and children forts on Friday after Thanksgiving with a 90 year old, grandparents, young parents and young school age children — perfect place for all of us to enjoy and engage the outdoors. Austin is blessed to have leaders, corporate sponsors and visionaries who’ve gone before us — so we can learn and enjoy this world class garden campus.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 26, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,118 reviews
Excellent
682
Very good
310
Average
89
Poor
27
Terrible
10

2Alaska09
United States185 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
Field of Light is more than 25,000 solar powered lights installed in 16 acres of the Arboretum at the WIldflower Center. You feel like you are surrounded by the glowing lights.

We got to the Arboretum before the sun went down. As it got darker, the lights started to come on and subtly change color. There are several trails through the lights allowing you to be immersed in the experience.

This is currently scheduled through the end of 2022 and requires a separate admission from visiting the gardens. It is not a cheap thrill, but it is spectacular.
Written September 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ljrapp16
Roswell, GA273 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
I want my money back. They should tell you that the wild flowers are not in season when you come visit this place and it looks like there are only weeds in this place. You drive up and it says you need a reservation to come in but there may be availability. We took a chance and drove to the entrance. There was nobody in the place! We know why. There was nothing to see!! They should have let us in for free. It was not fair of them to charge us. Do not waste your time or money on the place.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello - We're sorry to hear you didn't enjoy the gardens. If you ever visit again, please reach out to us beforehand. We want you to have the best possible experience and would love to provide some guidance regarding the best times to come and must-see spots. Thank you for sharing your impression.
Written June 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Aimee E
San Clemente, CA56 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Honestly, this place is not worth going to unless anything is blooming. You're just looking at a field of weeds. We went on the cave festival day, which was free but apparently only if you mentioned it at the ticket booth even though it was advertised as just being free. I'm super glad we did not pay for it.

This would be better if you had kids but it was just my husband and I staring out at fields of weeds. They had some kid playgrounds and activities. Parking was tough but free.

Not worth going without kids if nothing is in bloom. I knew it since it was February that it wouldn't be super colorful but I was hoping for at least a few flowers or plants blooming.

Not worth your time IMO.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elsa C. L.
New York City, NY2,346 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
The entrance for a senior is $10 and $15 for an adult. The trails take approximately two hours when one does not take as many pictures of wildflowers.

Bluebonnets are in abundance but not fields of them. Adequate though.

There are plenty of entertaining things for kids as well as swings hanging from oak tree branches that I find delightful to see, have fun on and even bring forth romanticism.

They have fields of or thousands of crystal scepters that must be a beautiful sight at night.

We saw staff and/or interns planting the flower beds. The trails have artists’ names snd art work on display.

We noticed huge oak trees that appear half uprooted with its roots exposed but thriving💪!
Written April 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

08Mambo
Austin, United States7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
I really didn't know what to expect from a local neighborhood located park..but wow, what a lovely surprise! The nature walking paths were great - whilst we didn't go during wildflower season, it was lovely to search Texas meadows and nature. There were alot of climbing/discovery playgrounds for the kids but we didn't have kids - yet we really were pleased to escape the city and enjoy nature, only 15 minutes from where I live. I highly recommend it. Plus they have a cafe :)

I am definitely going back during wildflower season.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BougieKnight
Akron, OH194 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
Ok. It was a bit misleading as a 'park', but you need to pay to enter and it is stated on their website. $15 per adult and $8 per child is really steep to essentially go on some walking paths with native flowers, etc. We did not notice any 'displays' or procured areas that were noteworthy or unique. We would do another free activity in nature instead of going back.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Houston_Eriol
Houston399 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
Stopped by during spring break (March 2021). It was early for flowers but the blue bonnets were out and of course due to the pandemic the buildings were closed (but the cafe was open). Therefore it was mostly just walking around the trails, of which there are a lot. Very pleasant place to walk though must me nicer when more is in bloom.
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

missinglynx1955
Wyoming79 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Lady Bird Johnson has been on the top of my Favorite People list since I was ten years old and found out she wanted to plant wildflowers along all Texas roadways. This garden named for her is a beautiful place, and if I lived closer, I'd go back once a week all year long. The variety of plants and microenvironments is superb, and this botanist loved the walkways and swings and fountains as well. There are also facilities for food and drink, and of course the LBJWC version of the ubiquitous gift shop. The only caveat I'd add is for people who are traveling with dogs: Thou Art Forbidden to Have Canines, even in the parking lot.
Written January 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Deborah D
Chapel Hill78 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
We were disappointed in our visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. It was expensive and there weren't many flowers. This was surprising because we visited Austin in April and there were lots of wildflowers in bloom, especially bluebonnets, throughout the city. We have visited many gardens and this one was underwhelming.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your visit! Bloom times vary depending on rainfall, so if you decide to come again, please give us a call ahead of time. We'd love the opportunity to give you a real time report on what's happening in the gardens.
Written October 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

NancyMays
Dallas, TX29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Solo
I live in Dallas and take an occasional job assignment in Horseshoe Bay. I’ve gotten into the habit of finding botanical gardens anywhere I travel and I read somewhere about this wildflower center, decided to check it out.

Some of the reviewers said you could take it all in in an hour or two. To each their own of course, but as for me, I literally didn’t want to leave. I found this place to be one of THE most relaxing, zen, peaceful places I’ve ever been to. I’m a walker, and the paths are just sublime. The garden areas are laid out and labeled so nicely, with some descriptions that elaborate in more detail than the usual, and I always appreciate the educational facts. It could be that it was a quieter day than their normal weekday, but I couldn’t get enough of the tranquility offered there. I’m not a fan of crowds so it could be that it was a tad warm, or that it was a weekday, but it was blissfully quiet and not overly crowded.

And then there’s the cafe. I got a chicken salad sandwich that was so packed that I could hardly eat it all. I think I drank 4 cups of their yummy and refreshing hibiscus mint tea. In fact, I went to another place I wanted to check out, then went BACK to the wildflower cafe to get another sandwich to go for dinner! It was turkey/havarti/arugula & fig jam and just as filling and delicious.

The only downside is that now I’m sad that I live too far away to come here every week. If my description sounds like nirvana to you, do NOT miss an opportunity to visit this place. You won’t regret it!
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 1,098
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center


Restaurants near Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: View all restaurants near Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on Tripadvisor