Sunken Gardens | St Petersburg

Sunken Gardens is one of the oldest living museums in Florida, located in St. Petersburg. It is a lush botanical garden with a unique history, thousands of tropical plants, exotic wildlife, and serene walking paths. The garden occupies a 4-acre site that was once a drained lakebed and now serves as a peaceful green space amid the city.

1. History

Sunken Gardens was established in 1903 by George Turner Sr., a plumber who purchased the land and began cultivating tropical plants as a hobby. He drained a shallow lake (about 10 feet deep), which created a natural “sunken” landscape with rich, fertile soil. By the 1920s, Turner opened the gardens to the public for a 25-cent admission. It quickly became one of Florida’s earliest roadside attractions, especially popular during the state’s tourism boom in the mid-20th century.

The site remained privately owned until 1999, when the City of St. Petersburg purchased it to preserve its historic and botanical value. It has since undergone restoration and remains a city-operated attraction.

2. Botanical Features

Sunken Gardens is home to over 50,000 tropical and subtropical plants, including:

Royal palms, many planted in the 1930s and now towering over the pathways.

Rainbow eucalyptus, known for its multicolored bark.

Bougainvillea, hibiscus, orchids, bromeliads, and flowering vines.

A Japanese garden with stone lanterns and koi ponds.

A cactus garden and butterfly garden designed to support pollinators.

Rare species of ferns, cycads, and crotons, many not commonly found outside botanical collections.

The lush plantings are arranged along winding brick pathways, bridges, waterfalls, and shaded grottos, offering a relaxing, immersive experience.

3. Wildlife

One of the signature features of Sunken Gardens is its collection of exotic birds and other wildlife, including:

Chilean flamingos: The gardens are famous for a small flock that has lived here since the 1950s. They are among the last of their kind in public Florida gardens.

Macaws, parrots, and cockatoos: Rescued birds are housed in outdoor aviaries throughout the gardens.

Turtles and koi: Found in the garden’s ponds and water features.

Occasional wild visitors: Such as squirrels, butterflies, and native songbirds.

The animals, while not the main focus, add to the tranquil, tropical ambiance and attract families and children.

4. Gardens Layout & Trails

The entire garden spans 4 acres, carefully landscaped with:

Meandering paths through sunken and elevated areas.

Bridges over koi ponds and small waterfalls.

Benches and shaded seating areas for relaxation and birdwatching.

A central lawn area often used for events and classes.

Because of the garden’s original lakebed origins, visitors descend into a lower basin as they explore, giving the park its “sunken” effect.

5. Educational Programs and Events

Sunken Gardens provides a range of educational and community programs:

Gardening and horticulture workshops for adults (e.g., orchid care, native plants, composting).

Children’s education programs, including storytime events and school field trips.

Nature-themed art workshops, yoga classes in the garden, and seasonal events.

Wedding and photography packages: The gardens are a popular location for small ceremonies and photo sessions.

A central event space is also used for community meetings and rentals.

6. Visitor Amenities

Restrooms are located near the entrance.

Gift shop with local crafts, books, and gardening items.

No café, but the gardens are within walking distance of restaurants and cafés on 4th Street N.

Picnic areas are available outside the entrance (food and drinks are not permitted inside the gardens themselves).

Parking is free and available on-site, with overflow parking nearby.

7. Accessibility

Most of the garden’s pathways are wheelchair accessible, though some may have slight grades due to the sunken terrain.

Visitors with mobility concerns should enter through the main gate, where the terrain is more manageable.

No strollers, bikes, or pets allowed inside (only ADA service animals).

8. Hours & Admission (as of 2025)

Open: Monday through Saturday, 10 AM – 4:30 PM; Sunday, 12 PM – 4:30 PM

Last admission sold at 4:00 PM

Admission fees:

Adults: $15

Seniors (62+): $12

Children (2–12): $6

Children under 2: Free

Annual passes are available for individuals and families.

9. Location & Contact

Address: 1825 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

Located close to downtown St. Pete, and within a short drive of other attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and Vinoy Park.

Phone: (727) 551-3102

Summary

Sunken Gardens is a beautifully preserved, tranquil botanical retreat in the heart of St. Petersburg. Its unique history, tropical flora, exotic birds, and peaceful trails make it an excellent stop for plant lovers, photographers, couples, and families alike. It's both a natural escape and a living link to Florida’s early tourism era.