Travel Tips
Best Botanical Gardens in the US
Everyone loves a good urban adventure! But when you find yourself missing a little greenery, head straight for these botanical gardens and urban greenspaces. Peaceful, romantic, and educational, botanical gardens are perfect for everyone from solo travelers to honeymooners to families. The only question is, which place would you add to our list of the best botanical gardens in the US?
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh once had a reputation as an industrial, coal-clouded city, but its cleaned up its act in recent years. Consistently applauded for its increasing green initiatives, it should come as no surprise that you can find a beautiful botanical garden in the middle of the Steel City. The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, located in Schenley Park, features both indoor greenhouses and outdoor gardens so you can visit during any season!
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is a sprawling Southern concrete jungle. Take a break from the hubbub of metro Atlanta with a visit to one of the best botanical gardens in the US, Atlanta Botanical Garden. Enjoy the day wandering through gorgeous flower displays and sculpture gardens. Visit during the holiday season to experience the magic of their nighttime holiday light displays. When you’re finished up at the botanical garden, head to neighboring Piedmont Park for more greenspace and fantastic views of the Midtown Atlanta skyline.
United States National Arboretum
Washington, D.C.
There’s no shortage of incredible museum experiences in Washington, D.C., but make sure you don’t overlook the historic outdoor attractions, too. The National Arboretum is off the beaten path in the Northeast metro DC area, making it a real urban escape. The mission of the arboretum is to enhance the economic, environmental and aesthetic value of landscape and ornamental plants. Beautifully manicured gardens and sculpture installations await. Or, attend one of their events like beginner bonsai classes or the summer 5K race.
Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, AZ
If you’re looking for a desert oasis, look no further than Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. The lush vegetation of the botanical garden is a welcome sight in the arid desert climate. This is one of the best botanical gardens in the US because it perfectly blends refreshing greenery with native desert plants and cacti species. Browse their spectacular community events like professional dance and music concerts.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn, NY
As if Brooklyn wasn’t already one of the coolest places in New York City, the eclectic borough has a botanical garden, too! Established in 1910, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden covers roughly 52 acres. Considering kids under 12 get in for free and they offer senior, military and student discounts, this is also one of the more affordable things to do in New York.
Virginia Robinson Gardens
Los Angeles, CA
If you dream of playing house like a Hollywood celebrity, then you need to visit the Virginia Robinson Gardens in Los Angeles. This is one of the best botanical gardens in the US simply for the vibes. The mansion property and its gardens were one of the first built in Beverly Hills. Back in the day, the home was known for its lavish, star-studded soires. How Gatsby! Today, tours of the gardens are open to the public by appointment only.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Botanic Garden often plays second fiddle to its bigger, more popular neighbor in Dallas. Visitors should note, however, that this less-crowded botanical garden is one of the finest examples of Japanese landscaping in the United States. It’s also one of the best places to admire fall foliage in the region. Plus, at 120 acres, it’s one of the largest botanical gardens in the country. You know what they say—everything’s bigger in Texas!
