I took my 88 yr old neighbor with me. We walked around the circle near the bell. Just so special and peaceful. read more

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Trails were inadequately marked and seemed to stop at seemingly random locations. Map was almost no help. Overall a waste of time.

Tucked away off the campus of Clemson on a vast plot of land is the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. Like some other college-affiliated gardens, this one is free of charge to all visitors. It's a bit tough to get your bearings at first since the property is really spread out, and requires quite a bit of driving to get from place to place, where first time visitors (like me) are sure to get lost along the way, even with a map of the property. I recommend starting your visit with the visitors center, carriage house, and geology museum, which are adjacent to the desert and Jurassic gardens. I tried to get intel on best places to see blooms at the visitors center, but staff weren't overly helpful in assisting where to explore, so I basically grabbed the map and drove off meandering around the back roads, winding up at the Hanover House (super friendly staff here) and the Caboose and President's gardens (some blooms in this area). Despite feeling a bit lost while exploring and encountering very few blooms, I did overall enjoy my visit to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. I would rate it as a 3.5 out of 5 experience overall, as much of the land on property seemed not to serve much of a purpose, and you really have to spend time exploring (and getting lost) to find interesting blooms. read more

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Beautiful grounds ! Plenty of pictures to be taken here. Unfortunately it was too hot to see it all here. But what we did see and people we encountered made our day trip memorable. read more

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We had nice afternoon stroll throughout the property. Trails are fairly well marked and maintained.

Total waste of time. Everything was dead or had been cut down...long ago. That Hardy Brazilian Orchid Tree? Not so hardy if it's cut down. The welcome center was filthy top to bottom...from outside it looked like the sort of building you would see mischievous teens sneak into at the beginning of a horror movie. The desert and Jurassic gardens were aptly named I suppose...everything died long ago. We drove all around and found nothing noteworthy at all, using the map. A leaf blower, a pressure washer and a couple live plants would do wonders for the joint. Don't waste your time, there is literally nothing worth seeing here. Very sad. This is my first and hopefully last one-star review. read more

South Carolina Botanical Garden - Seriously? - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

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The South Carolina gardens are kind of in the corner of the state, but they offer a magnificent representation of the state at large. No, there's no coastal marsh to be had here, but an uphill walk brings a variety of terrains representing the different regions. The trails are extensive and one can spend an hour or more circling the area. There is also a small geology museum with some interesting pieces surrounded by a recreated desert. There was no cost to enter and no gate preventing one from doing so, and it's open all day. I don't know that it had quite the wow factor of Georgia's state botanical garden (not that Georgia and South Carolina are particularly competitive or anything), but for the variety of plant life and other sights to be seen here it was a fantastic place and well worth a trip. read more

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We were visiting my sister in Easley over the last few days. We saw they had a botanical garden close by so we decided to go and check it out. Wow it was super nice! I'm surprised they don't charge for admission. We did give a donation at the visitors center. All the trails are super nice. Recommendation; use the "AllTrails app to help navigate the trails. It's so easy to get turned around and the app helped us. We definitely recommend you check this garden out. You won't be disappointed!!!! read more

We stopped here with the family when we were in town visiting our college student. We first stopped at the geology museum which had an impressive collection for its size. We then parked by the caboose at the front entrance to walk into the gardens. The grounds are very nice and we enjoyed exploring the area. Some of the areas could be better marked as we could never find the carnivorous plants (did you know Venus flytraps are native to SC and NC?). I would definitely come back in the spring to see how the gardens look with lots of blooms. Admission is free. read more

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I've been looking forward to exploring this botanical garden as they have so many places to explore within it. We came across this Jurassic park theme garden and a very beautiful garden that gave Bridgestone vibes. Gosh the trails here are endless and the children's garden is so beautiful! This is a must place to visit if a visitor like us. It's very close to the University which I thought was very neat. They have many different parking spots throughout the area to be able to explore all the sections they have. read more

This is a wonderful spot to visit if you're ever passing by Clemson! First off, the gardens are larger and more expansive than I would have ever thought. There are so many trails and different types of botanical life represented in this garden. We saw endemic South Carolina plants, cactuses, and flowers. It's a wonderful place to stroll, take some pictures, and admire nature. I really loved the duck pond pagoda. It's so serene and unique! There is plenty of parking by the caboose. There even other additional parking lots throughout if you'd like to park closer to certain features of the garden. read more

South Carolina Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

SC Botanicals have been on my bucket list for some yrs! I finally slowed down for a day trip to Clemson. Their opening times and basic info is on their website. Easy drive from Columbia/ Lexington area, a little bit over a 2hr drive. Good free parking. Walk ways are paved and signs are easy to follow. Once you arrive its self explanatory on how to navigate the gardens. Everything is pretty well taken care of, there were a few sections that needed some tender loving. I entered and went to the right and followed the the paved road, visitor center was closed during my visit. I still enjoyed my time at this beautiful place. So many flowers were in bloom, I'm sure I didn't even come close to capturing all of them. This is a great place to wander and enjoy nature. I believe its 29 acres, they do have some information flyers thru out the park. They do accept volunteers if anyone wants to volunteer some time. Make sure you take plenty of water, umbrella for the sun, and lots of energy. They do have a few benches as you walked thru to take a break. The picnic tables were closed off due to COVID. We walked for hours and still barely touched the surface. I highly recommend everyone visit, volunteer, and donate if you can. My day was well spent at the Gardens! Yes, I will be making this a yearly trip to Clemson to visit wander around. They have some other historic sites that I'm will visit also. read more

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Beautiful, peaceful, zen. Park like settings. A must visit. Many different types of plants. read more

South Carolina Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

We had fun doing the trail and just taking in all the beautiful flowers that were still blooming in this cold weather today. I can just imagine what the flowers and trees would look like when spring comes. Restrooms are kept clean. There's plenty of parking throughout the park. Even with the weather being cold, we passed by people enjoying a picnic, graduation picture taking, family photos and just people walking around and enjoying themselves. read more

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RUN...DON'T WALK if you're looking to book a wedding, no matter how small (ours was less than 20 people) it is. If you've got the BIG bucks to shell out-fine. But this place was robbing people blind years back when we tried to book a wedding there! Do yourself a favor...LOOK ELSEWHERE! read more

This is a great experience! Been going here since I was a kid. It's such a part of my childhood. The little red caboose was my favorite.

I love walking around the gardens! It's beautiful year round, but especially in the spring. Take a look in the geology museum when you go!

How can you critique Mother Nature??? The gardens are beautifully laid out and of course, the plants are all perfect! We love to wander here. read more

Favorite place to bring our children! If you go, be sure to visit the pond and feed the ducks, and also check out the pollinator garden. Kids love to use the water water canisters they provide to water the flowers. Many special memories here! Lots of picnic tables throughout to bring a picnic. read more

I came here with my family, it was beautiful. We saw many different trees, plants, flowers. What a great experience it was to walk the trails and to follow a map to find different places within garden. I was out with my kids for about 2 1/2 hours and they were exhausted. It's free to get in, I wouldn't recommend bringing a stroller, spray your self with bug spray so you won't get eaten alive by insects, wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, make sure you get a map from the main entrance, take pictures and enjoy! read more

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My wife and I were married here 32 years ago, so I am a fan of the Botanical Gardens. If you are passing through Clemson and have a little time, you might consider a stroll through these gardens as a unique diversion from the ordinary. There are lots of paths with tons of plant specimens, many labeled so you can tell what you are looking at. There are water features and a large pond with ducks and geese and turtles, etc. (the duck/goose population varies) There are a frontier house and building (replicas) and other structures. There is always something blooming in the gardens. This place is a work in progress...it always has been. There is always something new getting started...a new waterway, a new garden spot, a new structure, etc. It is worth your time to visit this most bountiful treasure...you might just walk away feeling better than when you came! read more

South Carolina Botanical Garden - Wedding venue - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

This place is cool if you go in the spring or summer when things are blooming, but it's only really cool then and after that it just seems like a one time thing read more

We love the scbg! It's always well maintained, peaceful, and gorgeous! A perfect place!

I LOVED THIS PLACE. Have you ever seen the movie The Secret Garden? This place is the EXACT replica.

A divine little oasis here in Clemson! One of my favorite places to escape to between or after classes.

It is great for locals and for visitors! So pretty and well maintained. Easy to get lost but because of its beauty you wouldn't mind! Restrooms are available and also has a souvenir house! read more

A beautiful spot with lots of walkable gardens, places to sit and rest and even have a picnic lunch. Well-cared for botanical gardens with free parking, free admission. Nice gift shop too. read more

South Carolina Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

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The South Carolina Botanical Gardens are definitely a great afternoon activity in the Clemson area. I brought some special treats on my visit down the Clemson and not too much was going on on Sunday afternoon so we ate them and headed over to the gardens. Pretty empty and spread out though I wouldn't call it big. I am a HUGE fan of the Arnold Arboretum so this pales in comparison but I still enjoyed it. Free parking and scattered art structures as well information plaques. It was nice to walk around and see the different sights, even with the underlying North Carolina fire haze that was passing through. Discovered the free archeology museum and it was still open we we arrived. We had a good time, weren't bothered and didn't have to pay for the entertainment which is always key. Worth the visit if you need to kill some time with fresh air in this rather desolate campus. read more

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A great place to enjoy nature close to the university and Clemson. You almost forget about the hustle and bustle of the traffic when walking through the gardens. They have built a beautiful gazebo over the pond. The butterfly garden is perfect for taking pictures. There are swings, a bell to ring and a train caboose. read more

There are so many trails here. I've been here many times and having explored the whole garden yet. There's a variety of activities including a geology museum which is great for any rock lovers. There's also a desert themed area. This garden is great year-round. read more

Beautiful gardens! Birds singing, people leisurely walking thru the park like setting. Free. Definitely on my must visit often list!

This is a wonderful place to go and take a walk. As a college student, I am always looking for more ways to get outside and experience nature, and this is one of the best ways to do that in Clemson. read more

Gorgeous!!!!! A can't miss location! Incredibly well laid out, with all the natural south carolina habitats. A ton of information. Very scenic. read more

Absolutely beautiful. Very well maintained. Great for either running or walking. Hats off to Clemson University for providing this excellent community resource. read more

Randomly visiting Clemson, SC for the first time and seeking something to do? Why not check out the huge botanical garden filled with beautiful walking trails, a butterfly and herb garden, Geology Museum, Art Gallery, all in 295 acres. It's actually quite impressive to walk around and see what the volunteers have created. There are several different areas set up to house (or I suppose grow) a subsection of plants- there's an herb garden, butterfly area, tons of unique plants (all with a nameplate so you know what it is!), the Fran Hanson Discovery Center (a huge historical house which is now the visitor's center) with art gallery, an Arboretum, Hanover House, Hunt Cabin, outdoor Amphitheater, and so much more. read more

This place is great even with the hot weather. The gardens are beautiful in the spring and even after the temperatures climb. Be sure and visit the meadow out the back. This is such a great place. Don't miss it if you are in the Clemson area. read more

I've visited the Botanical Gardens several times. It's a great place to get a nature walk in and see all of the different plant varieties and species. Clemson is known for their horticultural program and the keep the garden in good shape year round for a good day walking with friends. read more

The place is over the top beautiful and free!!! The paths are gorgeous, wide, well cared for and user friendly. The plant variety is delightful and many are labeled. There are surprise stone bridges, a stone amphitheater, streams, a stone plaza and many many outstanding photo ready back drops all tucked around the next corner. So many people have their weddings, or engagements here. We've been for an ice cream social and other events too. A great place for kids to run and/or to push a wheelchair along the paths, but warning...there are hills. read more