13 Beautiful US Botanical Parks and Gardens to Explore This Summer

Summer is a great time to explore gardens filled with color and life. Across the United States, there are many beautiful spots that come alive during the warmer months. From quiet walking paths to wide open flower fields, each garden offers something special. These places are perfect for slow strolls, fresh air, and peaceful views. Whether you enjoy rare plants or scenic views, there is a garden worth visiting.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Longwood Gardens is filled with summer color, peaceful walkways, and impressive fountain displays. Themed gardens like the Rose Garden and Italian Water Garden create a beautiful, relaxing setting. The large conservatory adds a tropical touch with orchids and ferns. Seasonal performances and flower shows keep the garden lively.

Admission for adults is about $25 to $30. The garden is near the Brandywine River Museum and the small town of Kennett Square. Many visitors stay for evening fountain shows or summer concerts. It is a peaceful place for walking and enjoying flowers in full bloom.

Missouri Botanical Garden – St. Louis, Missouri

The Missouri Botanical Garden is known for its wide variety of plant collections and historic charm. The Japanese Garden, lily ponds, and Climatron dome make it a favorite in summer. Bright flowers and shaded paths create a calm atmosphere. It is a great place to slow down and enjoy natural beauty.

Admission usually costs between $14 and $16. Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Saint Louis Zoo are all nearby. Families and solo travelers often spend the day visiting both the garden and the surrounding attractions. It is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country.

Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix, Arizona

Desert Botanical Garden focuses on desert plants that thrive in dry heat. Summer brings bright desert blooms, towering cacti, and wide open trails. Visitors enjoy learning about how plants survive harsh climates. The desert backdrop adds to the garden’s unique beauty.

Tickets cost about $25 to $30 for adults. Nearby spots include Papago Park and the Phoenix Zoo. Visiting in the early morning or evening is ideal in warmer months. The garden often hosts seasonal events and walking tours.

Atlanta Botanical Garden – Atlanta, Georgia

This garden features a mix of tropical displays, flower beds, and art sculptures. Visitors enjoy walking the treetop Canopy Walk and seeing the large Earth Goddess sculpture covered in plants. Summer blooms and butterflies fill the air. The garden feels like a quiet escape from the city.

Entry is around $25 for adults. It is located next to Piedmont Park and near the High Museum of Art. The garden offers changing exhibits and evening events throughout the season. It is a favorite for both locals and tourists.

Chicago Botanic Garden – Glencoe, Illinois

Chicago Botanic Garden covers over 300 acres across several small islands. Popular areas include the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and English Walled Garden. Summer flowers and gentle breezes create a perfect setting for walking. Each section offers a new view or plant display.

There is no general admission fee, but parking costs about $25. The garden is close to the Skokie Lagoons and Ravinia Festival grounds. Many visitors bring a picnic or take part in weekend events. It is a relaxing spot for families, couples, and groups.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Brooklyn, New York

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a quiet retreat in the middle of a busy city. Visitors enjoy the Cranford Rose Garden, Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, and collections of lilies and lotuses. Summer brings a wide mix of colors and scents. The layout is easy to walk and full of shaded benches.

Adult tickets are usually around $18. It is located near Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum. Many people visit the garden as part of a full day of exploring. Seasonal plant shows and quiet paths make it worth the trip.

San Francisco Botanical Garden – San Francisco, California

This 55-acre garden holds over 8,000 plant types from across the world. The cool summer climate helps everything stay green and vibrant. Visitors enjoy wandering through themed areas like the California Garden and Redwood Grove. Birds and butterflies add to the peaceful setting.

Admission for non-residents is usually between $10 and $13. It is located in Golden Gate Park near the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences. The garden offers free guided walks and quiet spots to sit. It is a calm place for both locals and visitors.

Denver Botanic Gardens – Denver, Colorado

Denver Botanic Gardens offers a colorful mix of native plants, flowering beds, and art pieces. The Japanese Garden and lily-covered pools are summer favorites. Many trails are shaded and easy to follow. Art sculptures are placed throughout the grounds for added interest.

Entry costs about $15 to $17 for adults. The garden sits next to Cheesman Park and is close to downtown Denver. It hosts summer concerts and special exhibits. It is a pleasant place for walking and relaxing in the city.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – Richmond, Virginia

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden includes a domed conservatory, themed gardens, and open lawns. Visitors enjoy the Rose Garden, Asian Valley, and Butterfly House. In summer, the flower beds are full of bright colors. The garden is family-friendly and easy to explore.

Adult tickets are usually around $17. The location is close to the Science Museum of Virginia and other Richmond attractions. Summer events include storytime, garden walks, and plant sales. It is a quiet space that appeals to all ages.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – Coral Gables, Florida

Fairchild Garden focuses on tropical plants, flowering trees, and rare orchids. Palm-lined paths and sunny lawns make it feel like a resort. Birds and butterflies move through the gardens freely. Shady spots provide comfort during warmer days.

Admission is about $25 for adults. The garden is near Vizcaya Museum and Matheson Hammock Park. Summer brings events like plant fairs and early evening tours. It is a peaceful way to experience Florida’s plant life.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Phipps features both indoor and outdoor spaces filled with flowers, greenery, and seasonal displays. The glasshouse includes changing exhibits and tropical plants. Summer brings out bright blooms in the outdoor beds. The Victorian architecture adds charm to the garden.

Entry costs around $20 for adults. It is near Schenley Park and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Visitors often enjoy both the garden and nearby attractions in one trip. Phipps offers a calm and colorful experience year-round.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Boothbay, Maine

This garden covers 300 acres and includes forest trails, flower beds, and ocean views. Summer highlights include the children’s garden, fairy village, and wide lawns. The mix of wooded paths and open spaces makes it easy to enjoy. Cooler coastal temperatures are perfect for long walks.

Admission is usually about $22 for adults. The garden is near Boothbay Harbor and the Maine State Aquarium. It often holds seasonal festivals, guided tours, and art displays. It is a lovely escape for nature lovers.

United States Botanic Garden – Washington, D.C.

This garden features outdoor beds, a conservatory, and special plant collections from across the country. Summer flowers bloom around the paths and fountains. Inside, visitors find desert plants, orchids, and rainforest species. The location makes it a popular rest stop during city tours.

Admission is free to the public. It is located near the U.S. Capitol and many Smithsonian museums. Signs explain each plant, making it a great learning experience. The garden is quiet, informative, and easy to enjoy.

Visiting a garden in the summer is a peaceful way to enjoy nature and take in beautiful surroundings. Each of these gardens offers something unique, from rare plants to relaxing paths and scenic views. Whether you are planning a quick day trip or a quiet weekend escape, these spots are worth adding to your list. Please note that prices may vary based on special events, seasonal changes, or membership status. It is advisable to check each garden’s official website for the most current information before planning your visit.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.