15 Breathtaking Public Gardens Across the U.S. to Explore for National Public Gardens Day
Celebrate National Public Gardens Day by exploring the most breathtaking gardens across the U.S. — living masterpieces where nature, art, and culture bloom in every corner.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
National Public Gardens Day is the ideal day to stroll through America’s most beautiful gardens, where landscapes explode with colors, history, and botanical magic. From peaceful Japanese gardens and tropical conservatories full of greenery to dynamic desert landscapes and stunning flower shows, these living museums promise unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts and curious seekers alike. Whether you want peace, beauty, or kids’ friendly exploration, these 15 gardens assure to captivate and surprise in every direction.
1. Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Image from TCLF
Formerly the estate of industrialist Pierre du Pont, Longwood Gardens today is a globally acclaimed horticultural display garden featuring over 1,000 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows. Its attractions are its breathtaking Conservatory, fountain displays, and seasonally rotating exhibits. It’s an otherworldly marriage of engineering, botany, and beauty.
2. Chicago Botanic Garden – Glencoe, Illinois
Image from Forest Preserves of Cook County
Located on 385 acres and featuring 27 separate gardens across nine islands, this living museum is a lesson in plant variety and design. The English Walled Garden and Japanese Garden are particularly enchanting. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s also a center for plant preservation and study.
3. Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens – San Marino, California
Image from huntington.org
Accommodating more than a dozen specialty gardens, the Huntington’s crown jewels include its Japanese Garden, Desert Garden, and the serene Chinese Garden. The extensive estate provides an immersive experience with the world’s horticultural cultures. Be sure to explore the rare plant collections and the rose garden in bloom.
4. Missouri Botanical Garden – St. Louis, Missouri
Image from Britannica
Established in 1859, it’s the oldest botanical garden still operating in the U.S. The Climatron, an architectural geodesic dome, contains a tropical rainforest that’s dense and lush. The Japanese Garden here is one of the largest outside Japan.
5. Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Brooklyn, New York
Image from NYC Tourism + Conventions
Located in the heart of Brooklyn, this garden is renowned for its Cherry Blossom Esplanade, particularly during Sakura Matsuri. Specialty gardens such as the Fragrance Garden and Native Flora Garden provide both urban peace and ecological diversity. It’s an oasis in the midst of the city’s chaos.
6. Atlanta Botanical Garden – Atlanta, Georgia
Image from Explore Georgia
Situated next to Piedmont Park, this colorful garden shines with its Earth Goddess topiary, tropical conservatory, and the Kendeda Canopy Walk among the treetops. Seasonal exhibits feature whimsical art installations such as giant plant sculptures. It’s an interactive, family-friendly experience that combines art and ecology.
7. Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix, Arizona
Image from Scottsdale, Arizona
This distinctive garden highlights the beauty and toughness of desert plants with more than 50,000 arid-land plants. Strolling along its serpentine paths uncovers dramatic cacti, agaves, and gorgeous desert flowers. It’s a living testament to how stunning water-wise landscapes can be.
8. Denver Botanic Gardens – Denver, Colorado
Image from www.botanicgardens.org
From alpine rock gardens to a tropical Tropical Conservatory, this 24-acre city oasis is as varied as Colorado itself. The Mordecai Children’s Garden and Japanese Garden are highlights in particular. Seasonal attractions such as the Blossoms of Light make it an all-year-round visit.
9. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – Coral Gables, Florida
Image from Miami Beach
Set amidst the green Miami landscape, Fairchild boasts exotic tropical flora, palms, and a remarkable orchid and cycad collection. Its butterfly conservatory and artworks make for an enchanting experience. It’s one of America’s most important tropical botanic gardens.
10. Portland Japanese Garden – Portland, Oregon
Image from Portland Japanese Garden
One of the most genuine Japanese gardens outside of Japan, it reflects harmony, serenity, and traditional artistry. The garden features tea houses, koi ponds, and moss-lined paths encouraging peaceful contemplation. Its mountaintop location provides stunning views of Mount Hood.
11. UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley – Berkeley, California
Image from Wikipedia
This botanical garden contains more than 10,000 plant species from almost all continents, and one of the largest collections of California native plants in the world. Hidden in the Berkeley Hills is a serene environment for discovery and education. The garden is also an ecological conservation living laboratory.
12. Ganna Walska Lotusland – Montecito, California
Image from Tripadvisor
Once the estate of opera singer and eccentric collector Ganna Walska, this 37-acre haven is most famous for its grand cactus garden, lotus ponds, and fanciful landscaping. It’s a surreal, artistic garden like no other. Visits must be prearranged, so it’s an infrequent gem to see.
13. Norfolk Botanical Garden – Norfolk, Virginia
Image from City of Norfolk
Located over 175 acres, this coastal garden features boat rides along flowering canals and pathways through rose gardens, butterfly houses, and wetlands. Spring is especially stunning, with flowering cherry trees, azaleas, and camellias. It fuses natural coastal scenery with horticulture.
14. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – Chaska, Minnesota
Image from Wikipedia
This 1,200-acre arboretum is a paradise for cold-hardy flora. It is home to more than 5,000 species of plants, rolling hills, and woodlands. Visitors can access themed gardens such as the Chinese Garden, Rose Walk, and Maze Garden. It’s a favorite among photographers and plant enthusiasts throughout the year.
15. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – Dallas, Texas
Image from Dallas Arboretum
Set on the shores of White Rock Lake, this 66-acre garden is famous for its seasonal floral festivals, particularly Dallas Blooms each spring. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden makes it an educational treat for families. Its scenic views and vibrant plantings are showstoppers in every season.