The Top 10 Botanical Gardens in the U.S. (According to USA Today!)
Spring is finally here.
The sun feels warmer. The flowers are starting to bloom. And the air smells fresh and sweet.
This is the season of new life—and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by visiting a beautiful botanical garden.
But with so many gardens across the country, it can be hard to know where to go first.
That’s why we’re sharing the Top 10 Best Botanical Gardens in the U.S., according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. These gardens were chosen by people who love nature, flowers, and peaceful places—just like you.
So grab your walking shoes. Let’s take a tour of the best gardens to visit this spring!
1. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – Richmond, Virginia
This garden is a true gem.
It covers more than 50 acres and has everything from rose gardens to wetlands. There’s a lovely conservatory filled with exotic plants. And a special Children’s Garden where kids can climb, explore, and dig in the dirt.
Spring is one of the best times to visit. The tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It’s like walking through a rainbow.
Bonus: There’s a cozy café with fresh, seasonal food.
2. Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
If you love big, bold displays, this one’s for you.
Longwood Gardens is huge—over 1,000 acres! You’ll find flower gardens, fountains, meadows, woodlands, and even treehouses.
But the star of the show is the Orchid House. It’s filled with hundreds of orchids in every shape and color. It smells amazing in there.
Spring tip: Don’t miss the Flower Garden Walk. It’s bursting with color this time of year.
3. Garvan Woodland Gardens – Hot Springs, Arkansas
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Garvan Woodland Gardens is peaceful and dreamy.
There are streams, waterfalls, and beautiful stone bridges. The tulips bloom by the thousands in spring. It’s truly picture-perfect.
One special highlight? The Anthony Chapel, a glass chapel surrounded by trees. It looks magical with the spring light streaming in.
Fun fact: The garden is part of the University of Arkansas and used for teaching, too!
4. Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix, Arizona
Want something different?
This garden shows the beauty of the desert. You’ll find towering cacti, flowering succulents, and desert wildflowers.
Spring is the best time to go. Why? Because many desert plants bloom then. It’s a surprise to see so much color in such a dry place!
There are also art installations, walking trails, and night tours with glowing lights.
Don’t forget: Wear sunscreen and bring water—this is the desert, after all.
5. Missouri Botanical Garden – St. Louis, Missouri
This garden is one of the oldest in the country. It opened in 1859!
It has a wide mix of plants from all over the world. The Japanese Garden is peaceful and calming. The Climatron (a giant glass dome) feels like a tropical rainforest.
And if you visit in April, you’ll see blooming cherry trees, magnolias, and tulips everywhere.
Best part: Admission is free for St. Louis residents on certain days.
6. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Cincinnati, Ohio
Yes, it’s a zoo—but it’s also a fantastic botanical garden.
The flower displays are stunning, especially in spring. Tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils fill the pathways with bright colors and sweet scents.
The garden works hand-in-hand with the zoo’s animals, creating habitats that feel natural and lush.
So you get the best of both worlds: beautiful plants and amazing animals!
Spring event: Don’t miss Zoo Blooms, one of the biggest tulip festivals in the Midwest.
7. Chicago Botanic Garden – Glencoe, Illinois
This garden is located just outside of Chicago, and it’s a peaceful escape from the busy city.
There are 27 different gardens spread across nine islands. You’ll see Japanese gardens, English-style gardens, and native prairie flowers.
In spring, the Garden Walk explodes with color. Cherry trees line the paths, and the tulip beds are breathtaking.
Cool detail: There’s a bonsai collection with tiny trees that look hundreds of years old.
8. Naples Botanical Garden – Naples, Florida
This garden celebrates plants from the tropics and subtropics.
You’ll find plants from Asia, the Caribbean, and of course, Florida itself. The water gardens and lily ponds are peaceful and pretty.
In spring, many tropical flowers are in full bloom. The colors are bright and bold—just like Florida!
Fun for kids: The children’s garden has waterfalls, musical instruments, and butterfly gardens.
9. Botanical Garden at the University of Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah
Also known as Red Butte Garden, this spot is great for plant lovers and hikers.
There are walking trails that take you through colorful wildflowers, blooming trees, and desert plants. In spring, you’ll see native Utah flowers bursting into life.
It’s set against the backdrop of the mountains, which makes the views extra special.
Spring bonus: Red Butte often hosts outdoor concerts and family events once the weather warms up.
10. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Boothbay, Maine
This one is a hidden treasure.
It opens in spring and closes in the fall, so you know it’s a seasonal treat. In May and June, the gardens come alive with tulips, rhododendrons, and early roses.
The Butterfly House is a favorite. So is the whimsical Fairy House Village, perfect for kids (and kids at heart).
And the views? Stunning. The gardens sit along the coast, so you get ocean views, too.
Why Botanical Gardens Make the Best Spring Day Trips
Here’s the truth:
Spring doesn’t last forever.
That’s what makes it so special.
Botanical gardens are the perfect way to soak it all in. They’re peaceful. Beautiful. And full of life.
You don’t have to be a plant expert. You just need to bring your curiosity—and maybe your camera!
Plus, most gardens offer:
- Guided tours
- Seasonal events
- Kids’ areas
- Tea rooms or cafes
- Places to sit, relax, and breathe
Whether you’re going solo, with a friend, or with your whole family, there’s something magical waiting for you.
A Few Tips Before You Go
- Check the bloom calendar. Each garden is different. Look online to see what’s blooming now.
- Buy tickets ahead of time. Spring is a popular season. Booking early helps you skip the lines.
- Bring comfy shoes. You’ll be walking a lot—and trust us, you won’t want to stop.
- Take photos, but also take your time. Let yourself slow down. Breathe in the flowers.
So, Where Will You Go First?
Maybe you’ll wander the sunny paths of Longwood Gardens. Or discover the desert blooms in Phoenix.
Wherever you go, one thing’s for sure:
You’ll leave feeling calm, happy, and connected to the beauty of spring.
Let us know which garden you’re most excited to visit! And if you’ve been to any on this list, we’d love to hear what you thought.
Happy exploring! 🌸🌿
Spring is finally here. The sun feels warmer. The flowers are starting to bloom. And the air smells fresh and sweet. This is the season of new life—and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by visiting a beautiful botanical garden. But with so many gardens across the country, it can be hard to…
Spring is finally here. The sun feels warmer. The flowers are starting to bloom. And the air smells fresh and sweet. This is the season of new life—and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by visiting a beautiful botanical garden. But with so many gardens across the country, it can be hard to…