The Dallas Arboretum, nestled along White Rock lake, is beautiful in every season. Spread over 66 scenic acres, these lovely outdoor spaces are sure to inspire. If you're looking for a peaceful addition to your Dallas area vacation, the gardens will nicely fit the bill.

If you're wondering when to go, it depends on what you want to see. The Dallas Botanical Gardens are open all year, with different blooms at different times. If you're a fan of tulips and hyacinths, you'll want to visit early in the spring before the azaleas take the spotlight. Summer brings an array of vibrant blooms, while the trees blaze bright in autumn. There's a surprising amount of life in winter, and in November and December, you can join in one of the most festive Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens events—Holiday at the Arboretum.

Whether Christmas is drawing near or its the height of summer, you'll find a lot to see at the Dallas Botanical Gardens. A beautiful mansion is located at the center of the gardens—as well as at the center of its history. The Spanish Colonial home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built for Edwin DeGoyler, a geologist who pioneered new methods for finding petroleum. By the 1970s, the estate was transformed into the Dallas Arboretum and a community gathering place. Today, the mansion is used for special events, tours, and administration.

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Since the gardens surrounding the mansion were planted in 1940, they've grown into a lovely and lush place to explore. You can wander through the McCasland Sunken Garden and admire the beauty Magnolia Allee. Covering more than two acres, the Lay Ornamental Garden is filled with perennials and bronze wildlife statues. A water curtain trickles across walls made out of native limestone.

As you stroll along the central walkway, the Lyda Bunker Hunt Paseo de Flores, you'll pass by the Fogelson Fountain and the Trammel Crow Visitor Education Pavilion. The central entry point to the gardens, with classrooms and an orientation theater, was built in 2003. Here, you'll have the chance to do some shopping while you're at the Dallas Botanical Gardens. Its gift shop is well stocked with items for the home, jewelry, and other souvenirs and related items. Plenty of books and DVDs are available, so you can learn new garden tips or find the perfect new coffee table book.

The Dallas Arboretum is home to some excellent dining experiences too. The garden cafe, a part of the DeGolyer Mansion, opens for lunch and some extended hours during Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens events. The menu features soups and desserts, along with a choice of hot dishes and tea sandwiches. While you're dining, you'll have the chance to soak in the views of the blooms and White Rock Lake. The terrace restaurant is perfect for a casual lunch and provides to-go service for garden picnics.

Throughout the year, the gardens and visitor amenities set the stage for Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens events. Afternoon teas, an elegant way to spend an afternoon, are especially popular with mothers, daughters, and grandmothers.

A holiday tea is part of the Christmastime celebration. During the month of December, the gardens are especially festive with special tours and live music. With extended evening hours, visitors can soak in the beauty of the gardens as they gather with family, friends, and others enjoying the 66 acres of beauty.