St. Petersburg, FL is a bustling community with over a quarter million residents. Located on the Gulf Coast, close to Clearwater, St. Pete – as it’s familiarly referred to – has been called “The Sunshine City” within Florida, the Sunshine State of North America. It’s a curious name for a city named after St. Petersburg, Russia, one of the coldest cities in the world – see more on the origin of the name below.
These days, while the Gulf Coast of Florida is famous for the retirement communities in Clearwater, Naples and even St. Pete, what distinguishes the latter is its bustling art, culture, food and generally “hip” young scene. Downtown St. Pete, especially the EDGE district, is one of the epicenters, ideal for walks, biking and generally hanging out.
The Sunken Gardens, which are right in the middle of all this activity (barely five minutes from the central business district) can be a haven for tourists who want to break up their day with a back=to-nature stop – the serenity and beauty of this arboreal sanctuary will help you slow down and enjoy the activities around the stop you make.
The destination has become a world-famous botanical attraction. Let’s see why!
History
The community that St. Petersburg the city housed had been around since 1875. John C. Williams of Detroit had purchased the land which the city was incorporated in. The name St. Petersburg can be traced back to Peter Demens, a Russian expatriate who named the city after his own birthplace after he had built a railroad that reached the site in 1888.
The Sunken Garden was started over the period 1903-11 (historians differ as to the specific date that the idea took root) by a plumber by the name of George Turner, Sr., who bought a six-acre parcel of land from the city of St. Petersburg and drained a sinkhole lake on the property to create a sunken garden. What was left was nutrient rich soil, which helped him grow a luxuriant garden. By the 1920s, the site had become so popular that Mr. Turner was able to charge a nickel for neighbors and tourists wishing to walk through the garden.
The Sunken Garden started down the real path to becoming what it is today through the efforts of the other members of the Turner family. The matriarch, Eula Blanton, was an avid naturalist who nurtured and grew the gardens, turning them into a destination for tourists as well as a popular local events venue. Subsequent generations of the Turner family have continued to steward the garden, making them into what they are today – a world class destination of tranquility in the middle of a downtown district in modern day USA.
In 1999, the City of St. Pete bought the Sunken Garden property with the funds from a voter approved tax. They have since strived to maintain the rich heritage of botany, conservation and education that was critical to Turner and Blanton, but also made significant improvements to attract tourists to the area.
One of the major renovation efforts was focused on the main building at the gateway to the site. The building had been erected in 1926, then housed the Coca Cola Bottling Company in the 1940s and was purchased by the Turner family in 1967 – they built the King of Kings Wax Museum and the World’s Largest Gift Shop inside. The building had been shut down in 1995, but the City restored it to house several modern-day attractions – mainly a children’s science museum (Great Explorations), Carrabba’s Restaurant and Southern Bay Bakery.
What is a Sunken Garden?
The concept of a sunken garden originated in Victorian England. Victorians were known for their love of a formal garden space that was separated from their house. The garden area, though separated from the house, became an extension of the manor through the creation of open “rooms’. This was in contrast to the Edwardian notion of the garden being the “backyard” of a house.
Typically, a sunken garden was built on ground that was a foot or more below regular ground level (hence “sunken”). This often meant that the ground needed to be reclaimed by being drained of standing water. Areas of different flora and fauna were often separated by barriers that were set higher than would be usual in a normal garden, with the soil raised to create the impression of distinct “rooms”, as mentioned above. In fact, in modern times, one of the cautions for architects of sunken gardens to avoid picking spots that have high water tables, otherwise a sunken garden may end up being a shallow pool!
Sunken rose gardens were all the craze in Victorian England. In modern day USA, such creations typically involve gardens within metropolitan areas, featuring vegetation that may not be found elsewhere in the area. Nature walks, trails and arboretums are common, as are butterfly and bird habitats, and possibly ponds with colorful fish.
What is There to do at the Sunken Gardens?
The Sunken Gardens feature a dramatic natural getaway in downtown St. Petersburg, a lush tropical paradise that will transform your day. It’s a four-acre park that seems much bigger, with nooks and crannies to be explored, including ponds and waterfalls, nature walks to be taken, wildlife to view and so much more. There are some 500 species of tropical plants – more than 50,000 in number – that will stun you with their verdant tranquility. In addition, there is so much wild fauna to enjoy.
Rich Flora – A Botanist’s Dream
The botanical gardens are replete with species, both native and invasive, that are pleasing to the eyes and the senses. The croton gardens dazzle in the ever-present sunshine with fiery red, orange and yellow. Caladiums, white birds of paradise, Brazilian spider flowers, Cuban royal palms and some of the oldest Bougainvillea in the country grace the grounds. There are exotic species, such as the glorybower (which is native to Indonesia) and the blue ginger (which is neither blue nor a species of the ginger plant). And there are royal palm trees, of course – lots of them. If you are an amateur horticulturist, enroll in one of the programs offered here.
Types of Wildlife at the Sunken Gardens
The most visible wildlife at Sunken Gardens is the Flamingo Sanctuary, which is maintained by the Sunken Gardens Forever Committee, a non-profit organization that grew out of the efforts of theFlamingos Forever Committee, who greatly expanded the initial couple of Chilean flamingos on the premises. At present, there are several dozen flamingos that will greet you as you walk past their habitat.
In addition to the flamingos, there are a large number of exotic tropical birds, fishes – the ponds are full of water lilies, and large gold, orange and white koi fish that you are allowed to feed – tortoises, an alligator snapping turtle named Max, butterflies and lizards.
Nature Walks
The Sunken Gardens, though only 4 acres in total area, have been designed in a way so as to give you the impression of a tropical paradise, with paved pathways that make it easy to walk through, but also nature trails that let you get close to nature. Children can literally romp, getting close to nature and discovering plants, flowers, birds, fish and critters that they typically would not find outside of textbooks.
Japanese Garden, Wishing Well, Waterfall and Limestone Rock
There are many specialized areas where you can relax or that can be reserved for events, including the Wedding Lawn (described below) corporate events and meeting rooms. One of the premier attractions for those seeking to be Zen is the Japanese Garden area, which lies along a long, uphill path leading out of the Wedding Lawn, after you cross over a petite arched bridge and venture into a series of vista like points.
Besides that, visitors love sitting down on the Limestone Rock, visiting the Wishing Well, having lunch in the picnic area and posing for photos next to the waterfall.
How Long Will It Take to Go Through the Sunken Gardens?
A leisurely tour through the Sunken Gardens should take between 90 minutes and 2 hours. Some visitors may prefer to spend an extended period of time relaxing between strolls, taking time out for lunch or snacks, either at the on-site restaurant or bakery or in the picnic areas, visiting the Great Explorations museum, taking nature hikes and strolls away from the crowds or interacting with the staff about the flora and fauna on display at the Sunken Gardens.
Weddings at the Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Gardens have been a premier wedding site in St. Petersburg, Florida since 1935. There are a variety of sites that can be used for weddings, including the historic Wedding Lawn, North Lawn and Oak Lawn. The Garden Room in the historic main building is another venue for large receptions. Wedding parties of up to 200 guests can be accommodated. During the day time, specific areas must be adhered to, but evening ceremonies spread over the entire campus are possible. For more information on bookings and packages, consult the Wedding Brochure.
Are Dogs Allowed at the Sunken Gardens?
No Pets are allowed inside the Sunken Gardens.
Business Hours
Sunken Gardens is open during the following hours during normal business. The hours may change if there is inclement weather.
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 4:30 p.m.
The last admission is sold at 4 p.m. daily.
Sunken Gardens is open on most holidays – though the business office may be closed for the holiday – except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day when the attraction is closed.
For the most up-to-date city facility closures, view the City of St. Petersburg’s Holiday Facility Closing Schedule.
Ticket Prices and Membership Fees
As of February 1, 2020, daily admission rates and membership fees have been set as below:
Daily Admission
Adults: $12 per person
Seniors (62+): $10 per person
Children (2-17): $6 per person
Annual Membership Subscriptions
Individual Membership: $50 per year
Family Membership: $100 per year
Group Tours, Summer Field Trips
Group Tours are also available at the Sunken Gardens. A minimum of 10 people is required to book a group visit. A maximum of 80 visitors are recommended to be on School/Camp Tours for the best experience.
The following types of Group Tours can be booked:
Docent-led Tours (typically offered between October to May based on docent availability)
Adult Group Tours & School/Camp Tours
Self-Guided Tours
Adult Group Tours & School/Camp Tours
Summer Field Trips (typically offered between October to May based on docent availability)
More information on booking requirements, pricing, group size and deposit requirements is provided on the Sunken Garden website maintained by St. Pete.
Specific information pertaining to Summer Field Trips for students is available here.
Location and Direction
It is easy to get in and out of the Sunken Gardens. Located off Highway US-92. If you are from out of town (somewhere up North, presumably), I-75 S connects with I-275 S, which leads to Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg. Once inside, take Exit 24 for 22nd Avenue North. Keep left at the fork and follow the signs for Sunken Gardens/US-92. Once you hit 22nd Avenue N, turn left. In less than 1.5 miles, turn right onto 4th Street N, you can’t miss it from there.
The Sunken Gardens are right at the border of the downtown EDGE district.
Address: 1825 4th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33731
Phone Number: 727-551-3102
Website: www.sunkengardens.org
Local Restaurants near the Sunken Gardens in the St. Pete Area
There are 53 eateries within a 0.75 miles radius of Sunken Gardens, too many to list. There are multiple sites right there, include Carrabba’s and Southern Bay Bakery (located inside the main building), as well as Panera and Outback Steakhouse (within walking distance). Within driving and cab riding distance are a whole host of bars, coffee houses and culinary delights, including the likes of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (for fans of Randy Wayne White), Parkshore Grill, Rococo Steak, Marchand’s Bar & Grille and Jack’s London Grill. If the literary allusions in the names surprise you, get over it. St. Pete is that kind of place where culture and cuisine mix.
Summary
The descriptions above have hopefully convinced you to stop by this premier roadside attraction close to downtown St. Pete. Nestled in a bustling area, a stopover at the Sunken Gardens will be well worth your while. You can pair it with visits to the beach or a host of nearby attractions, including but not limited to the Dali Museum, Weedon Island Preserve or the Chihuly museum. If you are a foodie, combine a trip to the Sunken Gardens with a food tour, such as the Food Tour St. Pete … it’s an experience you will never forget.