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Bellingrath Gardens & Home: A Southern Masterpiece

Experience Southern charm at Bellingrath Gardens & Home, a 65-acre floral paradise and historic estate on Alabama's Gulf Coast.

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Bellingrath Gardens & Home, located in Theodore, Alabama, is a stunning 65-acre estate featuring floral gardens and a historic home museum. Once a simple fishing camp, it was transformed by Walter and Bessie Bellingrath into a world-renowned horticultural display, opening to the public in 1932.

A brief summary to Bellingrath Gardens & Home

  • Monday 8 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-9 pm
  • Friday 8 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during different seasons to witness the unique floral displays, such as the azaleas in spring or the Christmas lights in winter.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 65-acre gardens.
  • Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially during the warmer months, as shade can be limited.
  • Consider visiting the Magnolia Café for lunch or refreshments during your visit.
  • Check the 'What's in Bloom' page on the Bellingrath Gardens website to plan your visit around specific floral displays.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Bellingrath Gardens & Home is located southwest of Mobile. From downtown Mobile, take I-10 West to Exit 15A (Highway 90 West/Theodore). Follow US-90 West for approximately 2.8 miles, then turn left onto Bellingrath Road. Continue for 6 miles and turn left onto Bellingrath Gardens Road. Free parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to Bellingrath Gardens are limited, The Wave Transit System serves the Mobile area. From the GM&O Transit Center in Mobile, you can take a local route to a connecting point closer to Theodore. From there, a taxi or ride-sharing service would be required to complete the journey to Bellingrath Gardens, costing approximately $30-$40. Check The Wave Transit System's website for route details and schedules.

Unlock the Best of Bellingrath Gardens & Home

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Discover more about Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Bellingrath Gardens & Home offers a blend of natural beauty and historical charm on the Fowl River near Mobile Bay. What began in 1917 as a humble fishing camp owned by Coca-Cola bottler Walter Bellingrath and his wife Bessie, evolved into a spectacular garden estate. Bessie, with her passion for flowers, was the driving force behind the gardens' creation. The gardens officially opened to the public in 1932, quickly gaining popularity and drawing visitors from across the country. The 15-room home, completed in 1935, showcases a blend of European architectural styles and houses the Bellingraths' original antique furnishings and collections. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, including the Asian Garden, rose garden, and conservatory, each offering unique botanical displays throughout the year. Bellingrath Gardens is particularly known for its seasonal displays, such as the spring azalea bloom, summer roses, fall chrysanthemums, and the dazzling 'Magic Christmas in Lights' during the holiday season. The estate also features a bayou boardwalk, providing a glimpse into the natural landscape of the region. Today, Bellingrath Gardens and Home is operated by the Bellingrath Gardens and Home Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving this historic landmark.

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