Nestled on the University of Virginia’s North Grounds at the Darden School of Business, the Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens offer one of Charlottesville’s newest and most beautiful outdoor destinations. Officially opened in 2023, the 10.66-acre landscape was designed to inspire learning, wellness, and environmental stewardship through a network of walking trails, outdoor gathering spaces, a peaceful pond, restored stream, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying a quiet moment in nature, or exploring UVA’s North Grounds, the arboretum provides a welcoming retreat for visitors year-round.

Designed by Waterstreet Studio, the arboretum is a living botanical collection featuring more than 114,000 plants, including over 8,250 trees and shrubs representing 200 distinct species. Throughout the gardens, visitors will discover Honor Trees recognizing the contributions of Darden faculty, alumni, and supporters, while interpretive landscapes showcase sustainable design practices, native plant communities, and innovative stormwater management that recycles rainwater collected on-site. The gardens reflect Darden’s commitment to biodiversity, sustainability, and responsible leadership.

The Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens are free and open to the public. Visitor parking is available in the nearby Darden School Parking Garage (D10), located adjacent to Saunders Hall. Parking is paid through ParkMobile (Zone 5516) and is available on an hourly basis. From the garage, a short walk leads directly into the gardens and connects visitors to the Darden Grounds, The Forum Hotel, and other North Grounds destinations.