Stroll sixty-six acres of designed gardens and living laboratories at the Dallas Arboretum with a private guide. Learn horticultural history, regional plant research, and the best seasonal viewpoints while enjoying paved paths and waterwise displays.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A morning at the Dallas Arboretum begins with the hush of magnolias and the soft spray of fountains, a gentle chorus that moves visitors from the city streets into sixty-six acres of cultivated landscape. The guided tour threads along the Paseo de Flores, past formal rose beds and the Lay Family Garden’s waterfalls, offering a measured walk through seasonal displays and water features that change with the calendar.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires steady walking and ability to navigate short stair sections.
Wildlife
History
The DeGolyer House and surrounding formal gardens date to 1940, with later expansions creating the current 66-acre public arboretum.
Conservation
The Arboretum runs trial gardens to test heat- and drought-tolerant plants and promotes waterwise landscaping suited to North Central Texas climates.
Reserve your spot on the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Timing for light and heat
Schedule morning or late-afternoon visits to avoid midday heat and get the best light for photos.
Hydration and sun protection
Carry a reusable water bottle and sunscreen—much of the campus is exposed during summer.
Comfortable footwear
Wear supportive walking shoes; most routes are paved but include steps and short slopes.
Plan for three hours
Allow about 2.5–3 hours to experience central gardens, the DeGolyer area, and a short stop at the Garden Shop.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated across the three-hour tour, especially in Texas heat.
summer
Sun hat and sunglasses
Protects against strong sun on open garden paths.
summer
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes smooth the paved paths and stairs through the grounds.
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Fast-moving showers are common in spring—pack a compact layer just in case.
spring