Top 12 Botanical Gardens in the United States
Discover Nature’s Masterpieces
Botanical gardens are more than just beautiful places—they’re sanctuaries of biodiversity, education, conservation, and design. Across the United States, these green spaces offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural world, from desert landscapes to tropical rainforests, heritage roses to native prairies. Whether you’re a plant lover, a photographer, or simply someone looking for peace and beauty, here are ten of the top botanical gardens in the U.S. that are well worth a visit.
Number 12
1400 Avalon Cyn Rd
Avalon, CA 90704
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden on Catalina Island is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
Wrigley Botanical Garden
Catalina Island, Califonia
Nestled on the enchanting Catalina Island, just a short ferry ride from the bustling shores of Southern California, lies a botanical paradise – the Wrigley Botanical Garden. This hidden gem, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, the Wrigley Memorial, offers an oasis of tranquility and horticultural wonder.
Number 11
13735 24th Ave S
SeaTac, WA 98168
Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is open from dawn to dusk everyday, excluding Federal Holidays.
Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
Seattle/Tacoma, Washington
Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is a lovely community garden located between Seattle and Tacoma in Washington State. It is always free and open daily from dawn to dusk. Born from the relocation of private gardens—including Elda Behm’s Paradise Garden, it now features nine distinct display gardens maintained by local horticultural clubs .
Number 10
100 Maryland Ave SW
Washington, DC 20001
Take a Virtual Tour
The Conservatory is typically open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
The gated outdoor gardens are open 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens are open from dawn to dusk, daily
U.S. Botanic Garden
Washington, DC
Located on the National Mall, this compact but vibrant garden was established by Congress in 1820. Its glass Conservatory houses tropical plants, rare orchids, and a primeval garden. Admission is free, making it a must-stop for tourists and locals alike.
Number 9
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
Tour Information
Wednesday through Monday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Huntington Botanical Gardens
San Marino, California
Part of The Huntington Library, this expansive 120-acre garden includes themed areas like the Desert Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, and a breathtaking rose garden. It’s a cultural and botanical treasure in Southern California.
Number 8
Old Cutler Rd
Coral Gables, FL 33156
Tour Information
Open Daily:
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Coral Gables, Florida
A paradise for tropical plant lovers, Fairchild is home to rare palms, cycads, orchids, and flowering trees. Located in South Florida, its lush landscapes also host art installations and serve as a conservation hub for endangered plant species.
Number 7
1201 N Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Tour Information
July – September
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, Arizona
A breathtaking tribute to desert beauty, this garden features more than 50,000 plants, including cacti, agave, and succulents native to arid regions around the world. Its trails highlight how desert ecosystems thrive with limited water.
Number 6
1007 York St
Denver, CO 80206
Tour Information
Hours:
9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver, Colorado
Blending native and international plantings, this 24-acre garden features a stunning rock alpine garden, a Japanese Garden, and drought-tolerant landscapes that reflect the regional climate. Its innovative science and art programming adds another layer of interest.
Number 5
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Tour Information
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is closed on Mondays
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta, Georgia
Located in Midtown Atlanta, this garden is known for its spectacular seasonal displays, an impressive canopy walk through a hardwood forest, and the Fuqua Orchid Center. Its whimsical topiary sculptures during the “Garden Lights” show are a fan favorite.
Number 4
1001 Longwood Rd
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Tour Information
Garden Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 am–10:00 pm
Tuesday: Closed
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Famous for its grand fountains, Longwood offers 1,077 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, and meadows. Visitors can enjoy indoor conservatories, a spectacular orchid collection, and a dazzling fountain show choreographed to music.
Number 3
Garden Hours:
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, Illinois
Located on nine islands across 385 acres, this spectacular garden features 27 themed gardens, including the serene Japanese Garden, the English Walled Garden, and the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden.
Number 2
4344 Shaw Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63110
Tour Information
The Missouri Botanical Garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis, Missouri
Founded in 1859, it’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country. The 79-acre garden includes a Japanese Garden, a tropical rainforest in the Climatron geodesic dome, and rare plant collections.
Number 1
2900 Southern Blvd
Bronx, NY 10458
Tour Information
The Garden is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, and select Monday holidays.
New York Botanical Garden
Bronx, New York
A 250-acre living museum in the heart of the Bronx, NYBG boasts over a million plants, a stunning glasshouse, and 50 specialty gardens and collections. Don’t miss the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory or the seasonal exhibitions like the Orchid Show and Holiday Train Show.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or looking for a local weekend getaway, these botanical gardens offer unforgettable encounters with nature’s diversity and creativity. Wander through a bamboo forest, breathe in the scent of blooming roses, or marvel at the resilience of desert flora—there’s something for everyone in America’s top gardens.
Pack your camera, bring your curiosity, and let these living landscapes inspire your next outdoor adventure.