Nestled within the urban area of Bellevue, Washington, this 54-acre garden is a great get-away from the busy downtown core. The well-maintained grounds provide ample opportunities for short hikes, small family picnics, or even an out-of-office lunch.

Parking and public transportation to the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Parking is free and the entrance is a one-way off of Main Street. If the main lot is full, visitors may park in the nearby Willburton Hill Park just east of the gardens. For public transit, visit King County Metro for current available routes.

Best and worst time to go to the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Weekday mornings are always the best times. However, because the garden is so expansive, even on a busy day you would have no problem enjoying the scenery. Consider going during the holiday season, from mid November through December, and enjoy the "Garden d'Lights" as you walk through the colorful light displays during the evening hours.

Admission to the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Admission is free to enter the park. While the park itself is open from dawn until dusk, the Visitor Center and the Shorts House hold separate hours. Check the Bellevue Botanical Garden's website for its current seasonal hours.

Must see/do at Bellevue Botanical Garden
Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a map of the gardens. If you don't have a lot of time to explore, at least take in the Yao Garden and the Ravine Experience. Take a peek inside the Shorts House and browse their gardening resource library. And then make a stop in the Trillium Store for some garden-inspired gifts.

Other places to visit near the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Because of its close proximity to Bellevue's downtown core, a short drive across the freeway will take you to the Bellevue Collection, downtown's shopping district which includes the popular Bellevue Square. Also in this area is the Bellevue Art Museum and Downtown Park, both great places to walk around and enjoy the scenery.

Insider tip for visitors to the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Expect to walk to gain the full benefit of the gardens. It is a wonderful place to get landscaping ideas, and "tap or scan" QR code stations are scattered throughout the grounds to help you identify the plants in the area. If you enjoy longer trail walks, the gardens connect to the Lake to Lake Trail system that spans about ten miles between Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington.

Author's bio: Jae Holt is a freelance writer and novelist, and an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy. When she isn't writing or reading, she is looking for fun things to do with her family.