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Bellingrath Gardens & Home: A Southern Masterpiece

Experience Southern charm at Bellingrath Gardens & Home: 65 acres of floral beauty and historic elegance on Alabama's Gulf Coast.

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Bellingrath Gardens & Home, located in Theodore, Alabama, is a stunning 65-acre estate featuring meticulously landscaped gardens and a historic home museum. Originally a fishing camp purchased by Coca-Cola bottler Walter Bellingrath in 1917, it was transformed into a public garden in 1932 thanks to the vision of his wife, Bessie. Today, it's a premier attraction showcasing Southern horticulture and history.

A brief summary to Bellingrath Gardens & Home

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during November through early April for the best weather and a diverse array of events and activities.
  • Check the Bellingrath Gardens website to see what's currently in bloom before planning your trip.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to walk through the gardens, with an extra half-hour if you plan to tour the Bellingrath Home.
  • Take advantage of the free 'pet motel' if you're traveling with pets, as they are not allowed in the gardens.
  • Consider visiting during the Christmas season to experience the Magic Christmas in Lights display.
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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). Travel west on US-90 for approximately 2 miles, then turn left onto Bellingrath Road. Continue south for 6 miles and turn left onto Bellingrath Gardens Road. Free on-site parking is available. Note: During special events, follow event-specific parking directions.

  • Public Transport

    From Mobile, you can take the Mobile Transit bus Route 14 towards Theodore. Get off at the stop closest to the intersection of US-43 and Bellingrath Gardens Road. From there, it's approximately a 1-mile walk to the gardens. The bus fare is approximately $1.50 each way. Check the Mobile Transit schedule for accurate timings.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    For a direct route, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) from downtown Mobile to Bellingrath Gardens & Home costs approximately $20-$30. Input the destination as 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582.

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Discover more about Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Bellingrath Gardens & Home invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the American South. What began as a humble fishing camp in 1917 evolved into a world-class garden, thanks to the vision of Bessie Bellingrath and her passion for European gardens. Her husband, Walter, dedicated himself to the gardens after her death. The gardens officially opened to the public in 1932 and have been captivating visitors ever since. The 65-acre estate boasts a diverse array of themed gardens, including a rose garden with over 2,000 roses, a serene Mirror Lake, and an Asian-American Garden. Seasonal blooms ensure year-round beauty, with azaleas and camellias taking center stage in the spring. In addition to the gardens, visitors can tour the Bellingrath Home, a 10,500-square-foot mansion completed in 1935. The home showcases original furnishings and architectural elements salvaged from historic Mobile buildings, offering a glimpse into the Bellingrath family's life in the 1930s. Bellingrath Gardens & Home offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year. From the dazzling Magic Christmas in Lights display to spring flower festivals, there's always something new to experience. Visitors can also enjoy lunch at the Magnolia Café, explore the gift shop, or take a Fowl River cruise. A cell phone audio tour provides interpretation of stops within the gardens. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and Southern charm, Bellingrath Gardens & Home is a must-see destination for garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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