Sunken Gardens – St. Pete’s tropical oasis

Bonnibelle ChukwunetaDecember 17, 2018

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I RECEIVE A COMMISSION FOR PURCHASES MADE THROUGH THESE LINKS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

Sunken Gardens is considered a hidden gem by locals and visitors alike, but it’s hardly hidden at all. Situated off of busy 4th Street N with a huge, retro sign on the sidewalk, it’s one of those attractions that’s nearby and driven past all the time, at least by me. Curiosity finally got this fast-paced millennial to slow down, pull over, and explore. I recently had a self-care day and decided to spend it with nature at the historical landmark.

Sunken Gardens – St. Pete’s Oldest Living Museum

Sunken Gardens is a botanical garden located in the heart of St. Pete. George Turner Sr., a plumber and gardening enthusiast, purchased the four-acre property in 1903 and drained a 15-feet deep lake (formerly a sinkhole). He planted exotic fruits and plants from around the world into the rich soil and nurtured the garden, which grew and became visible from the road and attracted paying visitors. Turner’s Sunken Gardens, as it was then known, officially opened in 1935.

Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay

The Gardens quickly grew in popularity, becoming one of Florida’s top ten commercial attractions between the 1950s and 1970s. In the 1950s, the botanical garden added exotic wildlife to the Gardens. Turner purchased a former Coca-Cola bottling plant and turned it into The World’s Largest Giftshop in 1967; it has since been restored as the entrance to Sunken Gardens. In 1998, the City of St. Petersburg designated Sunken Gardens as a local historic landmark, purchasing it the following year.

Over one hundred years of growth and restoration and Sunken Gardens is still a must-see in the city of St. Petersburg. Many of the original plants are still in the garden and provide an incredible sense of tranquility just yards away from bustling 4th Street. The exotic wildlife, koi ponds, birds, and waterfalls are magnificent and bring you close to nature, being some of the best features of the attraction.

Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay
Koi pond.

Exploring at The Gardens

I recently had the opportunity to spend a day at Sunken Gardens and got a pleasant surprise. Within minutes of entering, the 4th Street noise was pretty much gone. I had to constantly remind myself that there’s a major roadway just feet away. If you blindfolded me and dropped me in Sunken Gardens, I may have guessed that I’m in a South American rainforest. That’s what it feels like.

Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay
Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay
Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay

The exotic wildlife are an exciting part of Sunken Gardens. I thoroughly enjoyed it as it’s been years since I’ve visited a zoo or an aquarium. It was cool discovering that birds like the Australian kookaburra and cockatoo as well as majestic flamingos and chatty parrots are part of this unique experience. The cockatoo seemed to be a playful one.


One of my favorite features of the attraction is the growing stone. The growing stone is a limestone rock from the original sinkhole lake. Legend has it that anyone who sits upon the stone “shall be granted tranquility, inner harmony, and the talent to make things grow.” Best believe I sat on that rock for a good minute and did some meditating. I can use more tranquility. And talent.

Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay
The Growing Stone.
Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay
St. Pete sun keeping me bronze as I soak in some tranquility.

Plan a Visit to Sunken Gardens

Spending a day at the gardens is relaxing fun and I recommend it for locals and tourists alike. As a local, it’s a good way to get away from the city, slow down, and do something new or different. As for tourists, it’s a unique way to take in some of the city’s history and culture without the crowds and noise that may come with other attractions. Whichever one you fall under, your Sunken Gardens experience will be a memorable one.

Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay
Sunken Gardens’ famous Chilean flamingoes.

Sunken Gardens is open 10am4:30pm Monday through Saturday and Noon – 4:30pm Sunday throughout the year. Though you can visit any season, visiting when it’s not 95 degrees with maximum mugginess is ideal of course. Be sure to carry water and lather up with sunscreen and bug spray before entering just in case.

Adult admission to Sunken Gardens is $10 at the door, though you can get them on Groupon at 2 for $12.50. Senior admission is $8 and admission for children ages 2-11 is $4. Parking at Sunken Gardens is free.

Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay
Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg, FL.

Sunken Gardens
1825 4th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33704

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my mailing list and never miss a post!

Looking for more things to do in St. Pete? Check out my guide on the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market!

Pin it for later!

Bonnibelle Chukwuneta | Millennial Lifestyle By Design | Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (St. Pete), FL | Things to do in St. Pete | St. Pete Attractions | Tampa Bay Attractions | Things to do in Tampa Bay

Comments (17)

  • A.V. Chukwuneta

    December 18, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    That’s a well written article. Now I know when next I’m around, Sunken Gardens would be at the top of my bucket list.

    1. Bonnibelle Chukwuneta

      December 19, 2018 at 7:24 pm

      Yes dad. The nature buff in you would love it lol.

  • Cynthia

    December 18, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    So excited to try these!! Ray and I have been taking about it as one of the places we want to hit. Your tip about the Groupon special is perfect timing for us 🙂 thanks for the tips!!

    1. Bonnibelle Chukwuneta

      December 19, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      Glad you found it helpful! Make sure to take loads of pictures! The nature shots are pretty marvelous!

  • Tricia Snow

    December 19, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Wow, I did not know about these. I will have to add to my list. I love visiting gardens in FL.

    1. Bonnibelle Chukwuneta

      December 19, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      Definitely a must-see attraction!

  • Cynthia Mackintosh

    December 19, 2018 at 5:50 pm

    I’ve been to Sunken Gardens. I even remember going as a student in elementary school! It is a wonderful sanctuary to relax and get away from the everyday.

    1. Bonnibelle Chukwuneta

      December 19, 2018 at 7:26 pm

      That must’ve made an awesome school trip. And it sure is!

  • Lea Bella

    December 20, 2018 at 9:42 am

    Wow this looks amazing! Great pictures here too. Hidden gems like this are my favourite to explore 😀

    1. Bonnibelle Chukwuneta

      December 21, 2018 at 1:57 pm

      Thanks! And tell me about it. They’re the absolute best!

  • Marion

    December 27, 2018 at 9:54 am

    I love botanical gardens! They’re always such a great way to shelter yourself from the city and take some time away. Also, we forget too easily to pay attention to nature, especially when visiting a new city. This place looks delightful 🙂

    1. Bonnibelle Chukwuneta

      January 5, 2019 at 10:30 am

      I agree with everything you wrote! Make sure to give it a visit whenever you’re in St. Pete if you haven’t already! 😉

  • Cindy

    February 28, 2019 at 6:01 am

    I love your photos in this post! Florida celebaration has been near the top of my list to do for a long, long time

    1. Bonnibelle Chukwuneta

      March 9, 2019 at 7:58 pm

      Thank you! So much beauty at the Gardens. I hope you get to do it soon!

  • Bonnibelle Chukwuneta

    March 9, 2019 at 7:59 pm

    Thank you!

  • Karen Kempton

    December 31, 2019 at 10:08 am

    Is my dog permitted on a leash at the Sunken Gardens in St. Pete

    1. Bonnibelle Chukwuneta

      December 31, 2019 at 2:52 pm

      Hi Karen! My assumption would be that they’re not allowed because of the wildlife in the museum. You should call and confirm to be sure though.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Prev Post

Daytona Beach Shores: my oceanfront getaway

Next Post

The ultimate guide to St. Pete's Saturday Morning Market