First‑Time Visitor’s Guide to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Nestled along White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden spans 66 acres and ranks among the world’s premier arboreta.
For first‑time visitors, here are essential highlights to help you make the most of your visit.
The Gardens
While locals and repeat visitors have their favorite locations within the arboretum, these are a few gardens that you simply must see.
Crape Myrtle Allee – At the main entrance, the Crape Myrtle Allee greets visitors with a canopy of fragrant trees that create a natural arch over the pathway, stunning in every season.
McCasland Sunken Garden – The McCasland Sunken Garden offers a serene escape, featuring a tranquil fountain, verdant lawn, and a central aisle lined with Italian jardinières.
Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden – Spanning 6.5 acres, the Color Garden showcases over 2,000 azaleas alongside daffodils, tulips, and pansies, blooming vibrantly in spring and summer but enchanting year‑round.
Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill – The Red Maple Rill invites contemplative strolls, where gentle waterfalls mingle with more than 80 varieties of Japanese maples, fostering a peaceful ambiance.
Rose Garden – The Rose Garden, home to over 200 Hybrid Tea roses across 16 varieties, is a fragrant and visually stunning centerpiece, especially in October when the blooms flourish.
Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden – The Adventure Garden offers an interactive learning playground that connects kids with nature and earth sciences.
A Tasteful Place – The newest 3.5‑acre addition blends garden, pavilion, and kitchen to cultivate and serve fresh, locally grown produce, offering free tastings three times daily.
For a full list of the Arboretum’s gardens, check here.
Dining in the Arboretum
Visitors may bring their own food and beverages to enjoy a relaxed picnic in any of the arboretum’s scenic gardens.
Those preferring on‑site dining can choose from several thoughtfully curated venues.
DeGolyer Tea Room – The DeGolyer Tea Room offers refined seasonal tea service, with a three‑course menu that includes soups, sandwiches, and desserts.
Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace – The Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace serves quick, convenient soups, salads, and sandwiches—ideal for guests on the move.
Café on the Green – The Café on the Green provides casual outdoor dining complemented by live or curated music that reflects the season or current festival.
Grilled Cheese Kiosk – During mild spring and fall weather, the Grilled Cheese Kiosk serves comforting grilled cheese sandwiches and refreshing elote.
Restaurant DeGolyer – Housed in the historic DeGolyer House, Restaurant DeGolyer offers daily lunch service and Sunday brunch.
Since times and availability may vary, please check here for individual restaurant hours and other information.
Seasonal Events
The Arboretum celebrates each season with exclusive festivals and events that occur only once a year.
- Dallas Blooms, the Southwest’s largest annual floral festival, showcases over 500,000 spring‑blooming bulbs each spring.
- Summer Concert Series features live local music at the arboretum’s sole lakeside venue.
- Autumn at the Arboretum transforms the grounds into a pumpkin patch, with more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash crafted into houses and a maze.
- Holiday at the Arboretum illuminates the grounds with over one million lights, elaborate decorations, and a visit from Santa Claus during the 12 Days of Christmas.
For a full list of events and activities, check here.
Arboretum Tips, Guidelines and Etiquette
To ensure a memorable first visit, keep the following tips, guidelines, and etiquette in mind.
Outside food and beverages are welcome, allowing guests to enjoy picnics in the arboretum’s gardens.
Photography is encouraged, but please refrain from stepping into garden beds, water features, or climbing any trees, shrubs, rocks, or sculptures.
Wheeled vehicles—including skateboards, scooters, and bicycles—are not permitted within the gardens.
Pets are not allowed except for licensed assistance animals.
The Dallas Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $17 for adults (13‑64), $14 for seniors (65+), and $12 for children (2‑12). Admission to the Children’s Adventure Garden is $3 per person. Parking is $15, but only $10 if you purchase it online. For a list of discounted ticket dates, check here.
