The 50 Best Flower Gardens in the USA
Springing into Blooming Season
There’s no better way to get into the spirit of spring than by spending a sunny day bouncing around a botanical garden or frolicking amongst the petals at a fabulous local flower collection. Treasured in their communities, the best flower gardens and botanical gardens in the USA are often home to themed collections, conservatories, relaxing ponds and other soothing water features that make a day spent within their grounds both stimulating and refreshing. To say nothing of all the special events they host throughout the year.
The US is full of beautiful blooming places like these and the following 50 are all among the best flower gardens and botanical gardens in America.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
If you ever wondered what the landscapes of South Florida looked like before the high rises and glamorous Art Deco rolled into town, then a trip to this gorgeous garden in Coral Gables is a must. Highlights include the Geiger Tropical Flower Garden—featuring tropical blooms from around the globe—a flock of tropical birds and the Wings of the Tropics butterfly garden.
Highland Park Conservancy
Located in Rochester, New York, this space provides a refreshing look at horticulture and boasts a notable collection of lilac trees. That’s just the start of the beauty on display here, with a walk amongst the rhododendrons tucked into the rolling hills of the park being one of the region’s true highlights.
Desert Botanical Garden
If you thought the Southwest was devoid of vibrant plant life, then one trip to this magical place in Phoenix will set you straight. Take to the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail during the blooming season to see a riot of color alongside the other trails that are filled with a diverse selection of desert life.
Longwood Gardens
One of the loveliest reasons why Philadelphia is called “The Garden City”, Longwood is home to meticulously-landscaped gardens and several collections of flowers. Stroll the Flower Garden Walk, the Orangery or the Orchid House to be whisked away for the day.
Missouri Botanical Garden
The brainchild of Henry Shaw—and still affectionately called “Shaw’s Garden” by many in St. Louis—this stunning green space in the heart of the Gateway City offers up a breath of fresh air and plenty of opportunity for flower admiring. The star of the show here is the geodesic dome called the Climatron, which was the first of its kind in any American botanical garden and is always teeming with lush plant life.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
When the web address is “GardenByTheSea.com”, you know you’re in for a treat. Located directly on the Pacific Ocean, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens feature a varied collection of plant life including collections of rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, colorful heathers, succulents and even wild mushrooms & conifers.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Home to multiple nationally-accredited collections, this botanical garden is the beating green heart of Atlanta. Outdoors, you will find beauty ranging from carnivorous plants to hydrangeas, with the seasons bringing an ever-evolving collection of blooms. Indoors, the ABG is home to one of the largest orchid collections anywhere and an assortment of fascinating amphibians. In addition, you will find a range of artwork from Dale Chihuly and scenic walks to enjoy.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Head to Big D for a botanical garden and arboretum that is truly among one the best on the planet. Coming in at over 66 acres in size, you’ll find blooming bombshells around nearly every corner, with the Jonsson Color Garden being the place to go for vibrant and bold seasonal flowers. The plant life is just the start of the fun here though, as the garden is home to special events, concerts and even cooking classes.
The National Tropical Botanical Gardens
With four locations in Hawai’i and one in Florida, this unique collection of botanical gardens is dedicated to helping tropical plant life survive and thrive. A visit to Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden, which are both situated on the South Shore of Kaua’i, might just offer the best all-around experience as this twin wonderland features flowering trees and otherworldly flora that have appeared in big-budget films like Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Located in the up-and-coming hotspot of Richmond, Lewis Ginter is your go-to spot for botanical beauty in the region. Springtime sees A Million Blooms—their cherished rite of the season—while other flowery highlights are the Asian Valley, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden and the Grace Arents Garden—a Victorian-inspired space.
Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Surrounded by a plethora of piñon-juniper trees, this botanical garden mixes local plants and woodlands with wonderful flowers. Make for the Orchard Gardens to stop and smell the lavender and roses and admire a colorful border of perennials.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
As if you needed another reason to visit the cool college town of Gainsville, Florida, this oasis is a place to take a deep breath and simply stroll. Over two dozen collections are viewable from the garden’s walkway, with highlights including beautiful bamboos, giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums.
Magnolia Gardens
America’s last remaining large-scale Romantic garden, Magnolia has been welcoming guests through its doors for over 150 years. Uniquely, this Lowcountry garden near Charleston allows nature to blossom naturally, leading to serene and inspiring scenes you won’t find anywhere else.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Coming in at over 50 acres and home to thousands upon thousands of plants from all over the globe, you’ll feel like you’ve just gone “round the world” after an afternoon in Golden Gate Park. The magnolias are especially magnificent as are the high elevation palms and camellias.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
From a conservatory with over 400 species of plants—including a gorgeous Pacific Island Water Garden—to a dreamy Palm House, which is home to over 40 varieties of palms, this Columbus institution is one of the city’s crown jewels. Explore the “always-blooming” outdoor botanical gardens before circling back to the Palm House as the sun sets to admire a stellar lighting display that baths the historic building.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Renowned for its Japanese-themed garden—complete with pond and torii gate—and its annual cherry blossom display, this garden is also home to a collection of roses, a display showing native plants to New York and the Shakespeare Garden, which features over 80 plants that were mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare.
Waimea Valley Botanical Garden
Head to the North Shore of Oahu to admire over 50 themed gardens containing over 5,000 types of tropical or subtropical plants. Highlights include spider lilies, hibiscus hybrids, gingers, heliconia, bamboos and a collection of flowers used in lei making.
United States Botanic Garden
Home to a historic greenhouse and our National Garden, the United States Botanic Garden is a great place to grab a few minutes of rest in the nation’s capital. There’s always something in bloom inside the doors of the conservatory, which includes a collection of plants from Hawai’i and the Mediterranean (among other regions) and an impressive array of orchids. Outside, the National Garden showcases roses, pollinators and plants that are native to the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Huntington
A unique mix of the library, art gallery and botanical garden, there’s nowhere quite like San Marino, California’s The Huntington. Highlights of the botanical garden include an Australian Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and ponds overflowing with water lilies and flowering lotus. The gardens are also home to an excellent conservatory with 50 interactive exhibits spread across four galleries.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
There’s no doubt that the Dallas Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a stunner, but flower lovers will be richly rewarded by also making a trip to neighboring Fort Worth to visit the state’s oldest major botanic garden. Here, you will find a revered rose garden, a Japanese Garden, a garden full of perennials, and a boardwalk that shows off flora native to the Lone Star State.
International Rose Test Garden
The name says it all: this stunning place in Portland is the place to stop and smell the roses. There are over 10,000 individual rose bushes planted here and from May to October, visitors have the chance to walk amongst over 600 varieties of roses.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
One of the finest ways to spend a day in Hot Springs, Garvan Gardens is beloved by locals and tourists alike in Southwest Arkansas. Reflecting the enchanting beauty of the nearby Ouachita Mountains at every turn, you’ll find a striking display of tulips each spring and a rotating roster of special events throughout the year.
Bok Tower Gardens
An ever-evolving wonderland of relaxing walkways lined with lush palms and flowering foliage leading to the famous Singing Tower bell tower, Central Florida’s Bok Gardens are a one-of-a-kind place in the Sunshine State. The gardens have also been designated part of the Great Florida Birding Trail due to the diversity of the wildlife on display.
Garden of Eden
One of the highlights of any trip on the breathtaking Hana Highway, this roadside garden shows off the beauty of Maui. Walk amongst vibrant flowers, native trees and aromatic blossoms while enjoying sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Lotusland
Home to well over 3,000 types of plants spread over 37 acres in Montecito, California, Lotusland Gardens was the passion project of the late Madame Ganna Walska, and her unique personality and passion for plants can be found around every turn. Here, you’ll find everything from dragon trees, olive trees, ornamental flowers, succulents, and ferns to water gardens and orchards.
Chicago Botanic Gardens
Boasting nearly 30 gardens spread over 385 acres, this botanic garden is one of the most relaxing and romantic spaces in the Windy City. The Circle Garden is renowned for its vibrant seasonal shows, with the English Walled Garden, Rose Garden, Sensory Garden and Japanese Garden also being firm favorites of the garden’s guests.
The Biltmore Gardens
The world-famous Biltmore is so very much more than just America’s largest residential home as there are over a staggering 8,000 acres of grounds and gardens full of life waiting to be explored outdoors. From tulips in the spring to salvias and chrysanthemums in autumn, there’s always something flowering to fall in love with here.
Elizabeth Park
Home to the third-largest rose garden in the nation, graceful Elizabeth Park is a highlight of many trips to Hartford, Connecticut. Get there early to see the break of dawn at the Sunrise Overlook then head to the Tulip Garden and Perennial Garden (if you’re visiting in spring or early summer) before taking a look at the roses and the annuals.
Denver Botanic Gardens
A trip to the tranquil DBG offers up a true insight into the flora of the high altitude climate and geography of the West. There are 18 arid gardens that display this regional beauty here, in addition to a host of gardens inspired by international plants and flowers. Don’t leave without admiring the Four Towers Pool, which is adorned with a quartet of unique fountains.
The Bloedel Reserve
Located on beautiful Bainbridge Island—across Puget Sound from Seattle—the Bloedel Reserve offers serenity and Pacific Northwest splendor in spades. The reserve is home to several unique garden spaces, with some of the most loved being the Rhododendron Glen, the Japanese Garden unique Moss Garden and the Arrival Garden, the latter welcoming you to the reserve in style.
Des Moines Botanical Garden
Tropical plants and flowers are the highlights of the conservatory while the Rose Garden and Hillside Garden both grab high marks for their roses, daffodils, bluebells and lilacs. Don’t leave without checking out the walled garden, which features a celebration of the Midwest through its unique, ever-changing seasonal blooms.
Botanica
Wichita’s favorite gardens are a focal point for the community year-round, with events ranging from springtime soirees to light displays around Christmas time. Peruse the Wildflower Woodland, Four Season Perennial Garden and waterfall-kissed Garden on the Rocks before exploring the Children’s Garden and Butterfly House.
Maymont Gardens
When you need a place to rest and relax or are looking for a day filled with romance, nowhere in Richmond fits the bill like Maymont Gardens. Stroll through the beautiful spring blooms of the Italian Garden and flower-filled Butterfly Trail before admiring the Japanese Garden, pausing in front of the famous waterfall for a moment of quiet contemplation.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
This garden may only be open seasonally (May 1-October 23 in 2022), but it packs plenty of splendor into those five-plus months. The Dahlia Garden is always a favorite with visitors, as is the Garden of the Five Senses, the Rhododendron & Perennial Garden and the dramatic Hillside Garden.
Garden in the Woods
Located less than an hour from Boston, this extraordinary botanical garden showcases the finest selection of native New England plants and other beautiful selections from around the country. The best way to explore the gardens? By exploring the Garden in the Woods’ wide range of winding walking paths.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
New England’s largest glasshouse display garden, the Botanical Center has been impressing guests to Providence’s favorite park since it was constructed in 2007. Walk amongst tall palms, succulents and carnivorous plants before heading outdoors to see the splendid collection of roses and perennials.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
A tropical haven in the heart of Miami Beach, this botanical garden is famed for its collection of orchids, flowering trees and impressive water features. There is also a striking collection of palms and plants native to South Florida.
Tulsa Botanic Garden
From the three-quarter-mile-long Lakeside Promenade to the famous floral terraces—which are home to over 8,000 plants—the Tulsa Botanic Garden is the horticultural hub of the city. The gardens also play host to scores of seasonal events, ranging from a celebration of spring to concerts and festivals.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
The most gorgeous green space in Grand Rapids, this esteemed botanical garden is home to a plethora of beautiful plant life—both indoors and outside—and a remarkable set of sculptures and artwork. From the Japanese Garden and Woodland Shade Garden to the Tropical Conservatory, there’s always something remarkable abloom at Frederik Meijer.
The American Rose Center
Set over 118 acres of pine forest near Shreveport, Louisiana, this garden is the home of the American Rose Society and is the nation’s largest park dedicated solely to roses. The park is open year-round but truly comes to life in the spring and autumn. In addition to roses, you will find sculptures, fountains and a reflection pool.
Alcazar Garden
This formal garden inside San Diego’s beloved Balboa Park is home to striking boxwood hedges and over 7,000 annual flowers bringing vibrant color to the space all year-round. The space will transport you to Spain, as it has been designed to replicate the atmosphere of the gardens at the Alcazar Castle in Seville.
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
The crown jewel of Como Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, this conservatory has been opening its doors to the public since 1915. Inside, you will find an always-evolving sunken garden, Fern House and Palm Dome while outside there are several collections to enjoy, including a water garden with exotic lilies.
Portland Japanese Garden
A peaceful place in the heart of Portland, you’ll find multiple garden styles on display here alongside the babbling sound of an atmospheric stream and a dreamy view of Mt. Hood. The garden is also renowned for its Japanese Tea House, which offers imported tea and other culinary delights from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Lauritzen Gardens
No matter the season, you will find something blooming or bringing a splash of color to your life at this magnificent botanical garden in Omaha. Located near the riverfront hills, the garden is the perfect place to escape the hubbub of the city for a few hours.
New York Botanical Garden
An oasis of calm in the busy New York City borough of the Bronx, the NYBG is home to over 250 acres of expertly-manicured gardens and forested greenspaces. The gorgeous Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a must-visit, as inside this grand glasshouse, you’ll find a plethora of palm trees and vibrant tropical blooms.
Bartram’s Garden
Regarded as the nation’s oldest botanic garden, this 50-acre gem in Philadelphia has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Explore the historic Bartram House—built by the garden’s founder—before learning the fascinating story of the Franklinia Tree and touring the Medicinal Plant Garden and Historic Garden—the latter home to the oldest male Ginkgo Biloba tree in North America.
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
Set over 55 acres outside of Nashville, Cheekwood is home to multiple gardens set around one of the grandest country estates in the region. Highlights include the wildflowers of the Howe Garden, the kaleidoscopic Color Garden and the postcard-pretty Perennial Garden.
Shelburne Museum and Gardens
This whimsical place may be more well known for its museum, but the gardens are also something to behold. Highlights include the Welcome Garden—home to a colorful collection of annuals—the J. Watson Webb Jr. Memorial Peony Garden—boasting over 700 peonies and the Daylily Garden, which is home to over 1,700 daylilies.
South Carolina Botanical Garden
Explore hundreds of varieties of hollies, magnolias and camellias among scores of other native plants and striking seasonal blooms at this expansive garden in Clemson. The park comes in at over 300 acres, which makes it easy to find a slice of botanical paradise to call your own.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Start your visit to Madison’s favorite garden by strolling the gardens full of Midwest-hardy plants before heading inside to one of the region’s most spectacular conservatories. Inside the Bolz Conservatory, you’ll get the chance to gaze upon orchids & colorful plants from around the world, see exotic birds and stand in front of a soothing waterfall.