Last updated on 04 March 13

Bellingrath Gardens

4.6/5 (5 ratings)

Photograph © Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Photograph © Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Photograph © Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Photograph © Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Photograph © Karl Gercens
Photograph © Karl Gercens
Photograph © Karl Gercens
Photograph © Karl Gercens

Gardenvisit Editorial

Founded by Mobile's first Coca-Cola bottler, Bellingrath Gardens and Home preserves the legacy of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. The property was originally a fishing camp for Mr. Bellingrath and was transformed in the late 1920s into a spectacular Garden estate. The Gardens first opened to the public in April 1932 for a day to commemorate a national garden club meeting being held in Mobile. The Gardens boast seasonal blooms throughout the year including azaleas, roses, camellias and chrysanthemums. Tours of the originally furnished Bellingrath Museum Home and the Fowl River are also available.

History

Bellingrath Gardens and Home was the creation of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath. The Gardens first opened to the public in 1932 while a national garden club meeting was taking place in Mobile. Mr. Bellingrath placed an ad in the Mobile paper, announcing that anyone who would like to see the spring garden could do so free of charge. After an overwhelming response, the couple decided to keep the gardens open year-round, beginning in 1934.

Plants of Note

Throughout the year, this 65 acre Garden Estate is in full bloom with camellias in the winter, azaleas in the spring, roses in the summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and Magic Christmas in Lights during the holiday season.

Address - 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, Alabama, USA, AL 36582
Opening times - Open daily year-round. Closed on Christmas Day. Open 8am to 5pm (extended hours until 9pm during Magic Christmas in Lights - the day after Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve).
Website - Visit the Bellingrath Gardens website

Local Hotels

Hotels within 30km as the crow flies from this garden.

Hampton Inn Mobile-I-10/Bellingrath Gardens (16km away)
From $84.15 to $129.00
Hampton Inn Fairhope (23km away)
From $79.20 to $2500.00
Hilton Garden Inn Mobile West I-65 Airport Boulevard (26km away)
From $101.00 to $169.00
Residence Inn Mobile (26km away)
From $119.00 to $159.00
TownePlace Suites Mobile (26km away)
From $104.00 to $129.00
Fairfield Inn and Suites Mobile (26km away)
From $99.00 to $119.00
Courtyard Mobile (26km away)
From $109.00 to $139.00
Hampton Inn & Suites Mobile I-65@ Airport Boulevard (27km away)
From $92.65 to $149.00

Nearby Gardens

Gardens within 30km as the crow flies from this garden.

Mobile Botanical Gardens (29km away)
(3.0/5)

Reviews and Comments

Have you visited this garden?

about 1 month ago kittens2211 said
I have been in the gardens numerous times, but each time things have grown, developed or been added..like the Rose garden and the butterfly garden.
I hope every one will make a plan to stop by..it is worth going out of your way. You will not regret.

(5.0/5)
3 months ago Anonymous said
Regardless of the season, Bellingrath is beautiful

(5.0/5)
over 1 year ago Anonymous said
This is such a wonderful place to walk the gardens and relax. Any time of year is great, but Fall is my favorite. The hanging mums are unlike anything I have seen in any other garden. Just fantastic.

(5.0/5)
about 2 years ago Patrick Garrett said
I know GOD has blessed this place and it has touched so many souls. All should visit this place. A Beautiful place to enjoy.

(5.0/5)
over 5 years ago 99Bill said
Good for Walter and Bessie. Bellingrath has some of the best planting in all Alabama.

(3.0/5)

See all the reviews of Bellingrath Gardens

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