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Bellingrath Gardens & Home: A Southern Oasis

Discover Southern charm at Bellingrath Gardens & Home: a historic estate with stunning gardens, year-round blooms, and captivating events.

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Bellingrath Gardens & Home, located in Theodore, Alabama, is a 65-acre estate featuring stunning botanical gardens and a historic home museum. Once a simple fishing camp, it was transformed by Walter and Bessie Bellingrath into a world-renowned attraction, offering year-round blooms and a glimpse into the Bellingrath's life.

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

  • Check the "What's in Bloom" page on the Bellingrath Gardens website to plan your visit around your favorite flowers.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 65-acre gardens.
  • Visit during the holiday season to experience the Magic Christmas in Lights, a spectacular display of millions of lights.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to stroll through the gardens, with an extra half-hour if you plan to tour the Bellingrath Home.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Bellingrath Gardens & Home is located at 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582. From downtown Mobile, take I-10 West to exit 15A (Highway 90/Theodore). Follow US-90 W/Spanish Trail for about 2.8 miles, then turn left onto Bellingrath Rd. Continue for 8 miles, then turn left onto CR 18/Bellingrath Gardens Rd. Signage will direct you to the parking area. Parking is free.

  • Ride-Sharing

    From downtown Mobile, a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to Bellingrath Gardens & Home will cost approximately $30-$45, depending on demand and traffic. The ride is about 20 miles and typically takes 30-40 minutes. Confirm the fare and route with your driver before departing. Free parking is available on-site.

Unlock the Best of Bellingrath Gardens & Home

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Discover more about Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Bellingrath Gardens & Home is a captivating destination that blends natural beauty with historical charm. What began in 1917 as a humble fishing camp on the Fowl River, purchased by Coca-Cola bottler Walter Bellingrath as a retreat, evolved into a magnificent garden estate thanks to his wife, Bessie. Bessie Bellingrath, with the help of architect George Bigelow Rogers, began developing the gardens in 1927, drawing inspiration from European gardens. The gardens first opened to the public in 1932, quickly gaining popularity and establishing themselves as a major attraction. Today, visitors can explore a variety of themed gardens, including the Asian Garden, Rose Garden, and Conservatory, each showcasing a diverse collection of plants and flowers. The estate offers blooms and beauty every day of the year. The Bellingrath Home, completed in 1935, is a 10,500-square-foot mansion designed in an "English Renaissance" style by George B. Rogers. The home is constructed with salvaged materials from historic Mobile buildings, including bricks from the birthplace of Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont and ironwork from the Southern Hotel. The home opened as a museum in 1956 and features the Bellingrath's original furnishings, offering a glimpse into their life and collections of art, silver, china, and crystal. Bellingrath Gardens & Home hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the popular Magic Christmas in Lights, which features millions of lights and festive displays. Other events include the Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival, floral showcases, and holiday celebrations. Visitors can also enjoy dining at the Magnolia Café and shopping at the gift shop. With its stunning gardens, historic home, and year-round events, Bellingrath Gardens & Home offers a memorable experience for all.

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