Conservatory and Rose Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | Courtesy of Lew Ginter Botanical Garden, photo credit: Don Williamson

The Most Beautiful Public Gardens in the United States

Julia Goicochea

Updated: 11 September 2017

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Fortunately, for those not granted with a green thumb, many of the United States’ most beautiful gardens are open to the public. Explore larger-than-life flower fests, Victorian conservatories, and canopy walks at these 10 gorgeous gardens.

United States Botanic Garden

Botanical Garden

Courtesy of U.S. Botanic Garden

United States Botanic Garden

Established nearly two centuries ago in 1820, the United States Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country. Grounded in Washington, D.C., just a stone’s throw from the Capitol, the garden comprises roughly 65,000 plants, including species which date back to the 19th century. Happily, for history (and horticulture!) buffs, the garden boasts free admission.

United States Botanic Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C., +1 202 225 8333

Courtesy of U.S. Botanic Garden

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Mon - Sun:

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

100 Maryland Avenue Southwest, Southwest Washington, Washington, Washington, 20001, USA

+12022258333

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Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Lakeside Avenue | Courtesy of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, credit: Don Williamson

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Elegance abounds at this Richmond, Virginia garden, where Southern charm is always in bloom. Comprising a classical domed conservatory, more than a dozen themed gardens, and an annual wintertime display featuring over half a million lights, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden makes every day feel like a special occasion.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA, USA, +1 804 262 9887

Courtesy of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, credit: Don Williamson | Courtesy of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, credit: Don Williamson

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Sun:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Mon:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tue:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wed:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thu:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sat:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, 23228, USA

+18042629887

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New York Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

New York Botanical Garden

Amongst New York City’s iconic skyscrapers and urban scenes lies the 250-acre oasis, New York Botanical Garden. A National Historic Landmark, the garden boasts a 1902-era conservatory and century-old conifers in addition to timeless touches, such as a winter train show and a rose garden featuring more than 650 rose varieties.

New York Botanical Garden, NYBG Main Entrance, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, USA, +1 718 817 8700

Courtesy of New York Botanical Garden

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Tue - Sun:

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

2900 Southern Boulevard , Bronx, Bronx Bronx, New York, 10458, USA

+17188178700

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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Botanical Garden

Courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

It should come as no surprise that one of the most stunning gardens in North America lies in sultry South Florida. Making the most of its hot habitat, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables cultivates a year-round collection of outdoor offerings, including a butterfly conservatory featuring close to 3,000 exotic butterflies and an assortment of rare fruit species, such as mangosteens and cacao. Occupying 83 acres, Fairchild provides visitors with the sights of summer year-round.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL, USA, +1 305 667 1651

Courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

More Info

Sun:

9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Mon:

9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Tue:

9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Wed:

9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Thu:

9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Fri:

9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Sat:

9:30 am - 4:30 pm

10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Florida, 33156, USA

+13056671651

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Atlanta Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Home to the United States’ largest permanent display of orchid species, Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must-visit for fans of the famous flower. Offering plenty more to see, this Georgian gem boasts a 600-foot-long (182.8 meters) canopy walk, where horticulture enthusiasts are granted a bird’s-eye view of azaleas, hydrangeas, perennials, and more.

Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, USA, +1 404 876 5859

More Info

Sun:

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sun:

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Mon:

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Tue:

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Tue:

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Wed:

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wed:

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Thu:

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thu:

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Fri:

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Fri:

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Sat:

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sat:

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

1345 Piedmont Avenue Northeast, Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309, USA

+14048765859

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Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Courtesy of Dallas Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Working to promote the “enjoyment” of horticulture, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden certainly succeeds. Larger-than-life installations—it is Texas, after all—are the main attraction here, where flower fests (the Southwest’s biggest) feature over 500,000 blooms, and a seasonal pumpkin patch packs in more than 50,000 pumpkins and gourds.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX, USA, +1 214 515 6615

Courtesy of Dallas Arboretum

More Info

Sun:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Mon:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tue:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wed:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thu:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sat:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas, 75218, USA

+12145156615

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Lotusland

Botanical Garden

Courtesy of Lotusland

Lotusland

Founded by the Polish-born opera singer, socialite, and fine jewelry fan Ganna Walska, the 37-acre Lotusland brings a touch of magic to Montecito. Boasting a collection as multifaceted as its founder, Lotusland is home to more than 170 types of aloe, a “blue garden” showcasing only blue-gray foliage, a shady palm garden, and during the summer, a stunning selection of lotus flowers. Tip: be sure to call ahead when visiting this grand garden, which is open to the public by reservation only.

Lotusland, Cold Spring Rd, Montecito, CA, USA, +1 805 969 9990

Courtesy of Lotusland | Courtesy of Lotusland

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Cold Spring Road, Montecito, California, 93108, USA

+18059699990

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Desert Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden, credit: Adam Rodriguez

Desert Botanical Garden

Think gardens and deserts don’t mix? The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona boasts a collection so stunning that you won’t mind being proven wrong. Here, 145 acres are devoted solely to desert plants—over 50,000 of them, to be exact. An annual butterfly exhibit, wildflower blooms, and a curious cacti collection infuse arid Arizona with life.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ, USA, +1 480 941 1225

Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden, credit: Adam Rodriguez | Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden, credit: Adam Rodriguez

More Info

Sun:

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sun:

5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Mon:

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mon:

5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Tue:

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Tue:

5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Wed:

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wed:

5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Thu:

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thu:

5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Fri:

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Fri:

5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Sat:

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sat:

5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

1201 North Galvin Parkway, Camelback East Village, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008, USA

+14809411225

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The Topiary Park

Park

Courtesy of Friends of the Topiary Park

The Topiary Park

Why has one public park in Columbus, Ohio attracted visitors from around the country? Not your average city square, the Topiary Park boasts a garden so unique that it may very well be the only one of its kind. Modeled after Post-Impressionist painter Georges Seurat’s 1884 creation A Sunday on La Grand Jatte, the topiary garden is the world’s “only known topiary interpretation of a painting,” comprising 54 human figures, eight boats, and five animals, all made of yew.

The Topiary Park, 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH, USA, +1 614 645 0197

Courtesy of Friends of the Topiary Park | Courtesy of Friends of the Topiary Park

More Info

Sun:

7:00 am - 11:00 pm

Mon:

7:00 am - 11:00 pm

Tue:

7:00 am - 11:00 pm

Wed:

7:00 am - 11:00 pm

Thu:

7:00 am - 11:00 pm

Fri:

7:00 am - 11:00 pm

Sat:

7:00 am - 11:00 pm

480 East Town Street, Downtown, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, USA

+16146450197

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Portland Japanese Garden

Botanical Garden

Courtesy of Roman Johnston, Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Japanese Garden

Thanks to this Oregon garden, serenity seekers no longer have to travel to Asia to experience an authentic Japanese garden. At Portland Japanese Garden, Buddhist, Taoist, and Shinto philosophies are all evident in the harmonious stone, water, and plant paradise. Welcoming more than 350,000 guests each year, the garden, with its bridges, pavilion, and authentic teahouse, is one of Oregon’s top tourist destinations.

Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, USA, +1 503 223 1321