Summer in the U.S. is the ideal time to explore the country’s best botanical gardens, which showcase an explosion of color, serene walking paths, and a peaceful alternative to crowded tourist spots like amusement parks. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a local getaway, or a quiet weekend retreat, these gardens offer a combination of beauty, history, and cultural depth, making them prime destinations during the warmer months.
Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, located just outside Philadelphia, spans over 1,000 acres filled with fountains, woodlands, and vibrant floral displays. The gardens come alive in summer with annuals, tropical plants, and a dazzling Festival of Fountains, which runs through September. The Main Fountain Garden shows, the Rose Garden, and the dramatic water lilies on the Large Lake are highlights not to be missed.
In the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden stands as the largest in the U.S., covering 250 acres and housing more than one million plants. Known for the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and the ongoing Van Gogh’s Flowers show, it also offers visitors the chance to explore the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden and the 50-acre old-growth forest. A visit here combines both leisure and learning, as it serves as a major research institution.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a 52-acre oasis in the heart of Brooklyn, transforms in summer with wildflower meadows and a fragrant Cranford Rose Garden. It’s home to one of the oldest Japanese gardens outside Japan, offering a serene space with koi ponds and shaded pathways. Early mornings offer the best light and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore the garden.
Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, New York, once a Gold Coast estate, is now a public garden that ranks among the most beautiful in New York. Visitors can wander through its formal Italianate gardens, admire roses and hydrangeas in full bloom, or explore tropical plants in the Main Greenhouse. The 409-acre garden is perfect for picnics and leisurely walks along its miles of trails.
In Glencoe, Illinois, the Chicago Botanic Garden spreads across nine islands, featuring 27 display gardens. Summer highlights include the English Walled Garden and the Fruit & Vegetable Garden, while the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden provides a tranquil lakeside spot for picnics. The garden also offers summer concerts and evening hours, making it a lively destination throughout the season.
For a cooler retreat, Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge, California, offers shaded pathways beneath ancient oak trees. Known for its California native plantings and a serene Japanese Garden, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing escape near Los Angeles.
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, also known as Shaw’s Garden, blends history and design across 79 acres. Its Seiwa-en Japanese Garden and Ottoman Garden are standout features, alongside outdoor pools filled with water lilies and lotus. The Climatron conservatory offers a lush tropical escape from the summer heat.
Portland’s Japanese Garden is often considered the most authentic outside Japan. Situated on 12 acres, the garden offers a tranquil retreat with traditional garden styles, including a sand and stone garden, a strolling pond garden, and a tea garden. Summer visitors can enjoy seasonal plantings such as irises, maples, and azaleas, with a postcard-perfect view of Mount Hood on clear days.
In Denver, the Botanic Gardens cater to a wide variety of plants, including alpine, xeric, and tropical species. The Romantic Gardens and Steppe Garden, along with the conservatory’s lush tropical plants, are key attractions. Summer concerts and outdoor movie nights make this a lively spot throughout the season.
The United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., founded in 1820, offers visitors a compact yet rich experience with indoor and outdoor plant collections. Highlights include the National Garden, which features native plants, a rose garden, and the First Ladies Water Garden. The Conservatory houses tropical species, orchids, and desert flora, providing a refreshing escape in the heart of the nation’s capital.
On the coast of Maine, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay spans 300 acres, making it the largest public garden in New England. Summer blooms, rhododendrons, and dramatic waterfront views await visitors, with the garden also offering whimsical giant troll sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo. It’s a favorite for families, with dedicated spaces like the Children’s Garden and native plant trails.
Finally, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Florida, is a tropical paradise home to rare palms, orchids, and fruit trees. With educational exhibits and seasonal events such as the annual Mango Festival, Fairchild provides an immersive experience in one of the country’s most diverse botanical environments.
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