From Eve
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Bellevue Botanical Garden: A Pacific Northwest Oasis
Discover a tranquil escape in the heart of Bellevue at this 53-acre botanical garden, featuring themed gardens, trails, and a stunning suspension bridge.
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a 53-acre urban oasis showcasing the diverse flora of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. With themed gardens, walking trails, and a stunning suspension bridge, it offers a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with nature in the heart of Bellevue [3, 4, 11].
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Bellevue Botanical Garden
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Discover more about Bellevue Botanical Garden
Nestled in the heart of Bellevue, Washington, the Bellevue Botanical Garden offers a serene escape into the natural world [4, 8]. This 53-acre garden, a partnership between the City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society, has become one of the most visited public gardens in the Pacific Northwest since its opening in 1992 [6, 7, 9].
The garden's history began in the early 1980s with a donation of land by the Shorts family and the vision of Bob and Iris Jewett [7, 11]. What started as a 7-acre gift has blossomed into a 53-acre haven featuring a variety of themed gardens, including the Yao Garden, a Japanese-themed garden with plants from the Pacific Rim, the Waterwise Garden, the Fuchsia Garden, and the Native Discovery Garden [4, 7, 11, 14].
Visitors can explore the Perennial Border, admire the vibrant colors of irises, peonies, and daylilies, or wander through the Yao Garden with its moon gate, tea house, and koi pond [4]. The garden is also dedicated to conservation, with the Waterwise Garden showcasing plants suited to the Pacific Northwest's dry summers [4]. A highlight is the ravine bridge, offering stunning views [3].
The Bellevue Botanical Garden provides seasonal events, educational programs, and guided tours [4]. The Visitor Center, renovated in 2011, includes a gift shop and classrooms [4, 9]. The garden is open from dawn to dusk daily, with free admission [5, 6, 12].
Explore places near Bellevue Botanical Garden
Getting There
Public Transport
From the Bellevue Transit Center, you have a couple of options to reach the Bellevue Botanical Garden. King County Metro offers a few routes. The shortest route involves taking bus #271 and alighting at 116th Ave SE & SE 1st St, which leaves you with a 1/2 mile uphill walk to the Garden. A recommended route is to take the RapidRide B Line and get off at NE 8th and 124th, from where it is a 3/4 mile walk with a small incline at the end [6, 12]. King County Metro bus fares for adults are typically $2.75 [18]. Alternatively, a day pass valid on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays costs $2.50 [16].
Walking
If you are in downtown Bellevue, for example, at Bellevue Square, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is approximately a 1.5-mile walk. Head east on Bellevue Way NE, then turn right onto NE 4th St. Turn right onto 120th Ave NE, then left onto Main St. The Garden will be on your right. There are no costs involved in walking.
Taxi/Ride-share
From the Bellevue Transit Center, a taxi or ride-share to the Bellevue Botanical Garden will be a short trip. The cost is estimated to be between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and the specific service [17, 20].
Driving
If driving from I-405, take exit 13A for NE 4th St and head east. Turn right onto 120th Avenue NE. Go south approximately 1/2 mile to the stoplight at Main St. Turn left onto Main St. The Garden entrance is about three blocks up Main Street on the right [6, 12]. Parking is free in the Garden's parking lot [3, 6, 10]. However, parking during major events may incur a charge [6, 12].
A brief summary to Bellevue Botanical Garden
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Auburn
Discover Auburn, Alabama: A vibrant city with rich history, beautiful parks, and Southern hospitality, perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and sports enthusiasts.
Tell me more about Auburn