Best Botanical Garden
If you need a break from the noise of social media or the craziness of work, there's nothing more relaxing and uplifting than a quiet walk through nature. From preserved forests in the heart of big cities to carefully cultivated jewels high in the mountains, we've assembled a list of the top botanical gardens across the U.S. to help you find your zen—and a blossoming passion for all things green.
These 10 botanical gardens were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens | Pittsburgh, PA
Inspiring nature talks, behind-the-scenes events and outdoor art tours make Phipps more than just a popular green space beautifully enclosed in glass. But if you're here only for the plants, you'll find plenty: award-winning orchids, the Fern Room with its prehistoric feel and the fragrant Tropical Fruit and Spice Room. Cap your visit with an eco-friendly find at the gift shop to support one of the nation's best sustainable gardens.
2. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Cincinnati, OH
Home to Fiona the world-famous hippo as well as a massive spring tulip display, after-hour parties and tropical habitats designed for Midwest temperatures, this blend of zoo and garden near downtown Cincinnati is one of the most popular attractions in the U.S., drawing nearly two million visitors annually. You can peruse the butterfly garden before taking the Sustainability Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation's greenest operations.
3. Norfolk Botanical Garden | Norfolk, VA
Virginia's largest botanical garden has something for everyone, from 60 formal and wild gardens to boat tours and dog-friendly days. Lion fountains watch over the reflection pools in the Renaissance Garden, and dynamic sculptures—some from the 1800s—grace the landscape throughout. Kids love the children's garden, where they can dig in the Dirt Factory, cool off at the splash pad and veg out with the veggies growing at the Plant Safari.
4. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden | Portland, OR
This botanical gem in the Pacific Northwest has been cultivating rare species of azaleas, rhododendrons and trees for over 70 years. You'll feel like an explorer as you spot blue herons, bald eagles and dozens of other bird species soaring over the spring-fed lake and waterfalls. It's best to visit between April and June, when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom.
5. The North Carolina Arboretum | Asheville, NC
Ten miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails allow you to take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the North Carolina Arboretum. When you're finished romping through the woods, head to the arboretum's world-renowned bonsai garden or to the delightful mountain spaces found in the Stream Garden, Forest Meadow and Quilt Garden. Love the plants on display? The arboretum gladly shares its local nursery suppliers, ideal for buying your own leafy souvenir.
6. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden | Oakdale, PA
In the Allegheny Mountains lies this woodland retreat, where you can wander forest trails, watch fish ripple through the lotus pond and take in hundreds of flowering dogwood trees in the meadow. Step into the lives—and gardens—of 18th-century settlers at Heritage Homestead, or let your kids' creativity blossom with the garden's art classes. You can join a yoga class or sound bath session to fully immerse yourself in nature.
7. San Francisco Botanical Garden | San Francisco, CA
Part of Golden Gate Park, this 55-acre green escape by the Bay is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country. Enjoy the serenity of the Moon Viewing Garden, imagine dinosaurs roaming the earth in the Ancient Plants Garden and follow your nose to the Garden of Fragrance. You can upgrade your ticket to explore the neighboring Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory of Flowers, both spectacular gardens.
8. Chicago Botanic Garden | Glencoe, IL
See what's blooming at this 385-acre garden north of the Windy City. When you're not meandering through the English walled garden, the tranquil trails of the McDonald Woods, or the tasty fruit and vegetable garden, you can visit the Garden Shop to pick up sturdy gloves or unique jewelry and the Plant Science Center to check out the experimental rooftop garden. Then enjoy garden-to-table dining at The Garden Vine.
9. Desert Botanical Garden | Phoenix, AZ
Botanical gardens aren't just for green, humid regions—discover a world of unique flora perfectly suited to the dry life in Phoenix. The garden's Sonoran Desert Nature Trail winds past prickly succulents, agaves and mesquite trees, where you might get to see rare and endangered species that the garden protects. With concerts, dog-friendly days and a fresh rotation of exhibits, the garden always has something to keep you coming back.
10. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | San Marino | San Marino, CA
Creatively themed gardens—from the literature-inspired Shakespeare Garden to the koala-approved Australian Garden—grace the grounds of The Huntington in the hills of Los Angeles. Because conservation is foremost here, you'll find rare species, including the wildly popular (and smelly) corpse flower. Dream of a Bridgerton-style garden party? The Rose Garden Tea Room, which overlooks the Rose, Herb and Shakespeare gardens, offers an elegant tea service with marmalade from the garden's oranges.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Anda Galffy is an award-winning travel writer, destination marketer and influencer from Southern California. She is also the editor of Travel Notes & Beyond, a collection of destination guides and itinerary ideas designed to encourage independent travel at any age.
Mira Temkin has been an intrepid travel writer for more than 25 years. Her adventures have taken her all over the world, both in the US and globally. From destinations to tours to cruises and luxury resorts, her stories cover North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Central and South America and the Middle East. Her stories can be found in SheBuysTravel, Travel Awaits, UrbanMatter, Orbitz, Travelocity and Splash Magazines Worldwide. Her work has also appeared in Experience First Tours Chicago, East-West News Service, Sophisticated Living (Columbus), Up Portland, Food/Wine/Travel, DeSoto Magazine, Boomer Magazine, Highland Park Landmark, JUF News, Modern Jewish Experience, Senior Skiing, Travel Ticket and more. Listen to her podcasts on "We Travel There." Learn more at miratemkintravel.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Pamela Baker is a freelance food, wine and travel writer living in Northern California. She has been published in regional, national and international publications, including WineTraveler, Best Wineries, Rovology, Wander with Wonder, LuxeBeat, Porthole Cruise, Northwest Travel and Life, and Washington Tasting Room. Pam is the former editor of Sacramento Lifestyle Magazine and writes a wine column for Food Wine Travel Magazine. Follow her adventures at pamandgarybaker.com.
Judy Karnia currently enjoys living in the desert of Scottsdale, AZ. She grew up in Chicago and practiced veterinary medicine for 28 years. She has traveled throughout the United States and several foreign countries and enjoys exploring cities and natural areas. She is a freelance travel writer and certified nature therapy guide.
Kurt Jacobson is a freelance food and travel writer from Baltimore, Maryland. He loves taking his dog Sophie along to test pet-friendly lodging, restaurants, and activities. His favorite destinations are Kennett Square, PA; Maryland's Eastern Shore; Colorado; New Zealand; Japan and Alaska. Kurt's 600+ articles appear in many websites and magazines. Read about his adventures at http://www.tasteoftravel2.com.
Julie Dee Suman is a Maryland-based freelance travel writer and photographer. She has traveled extensively over 46 countries across six continents. In addition to featuring the Mid-Atlantic Region, Julie enjoys destination travel with a focus on nature and wildlife excursions. She is a member of the Travel Writers Café, and the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). She's a regulator contributor at Wander with Wonder. Follow her @seebyjuliedee.
Barbara Redding is a Texas-based freelance travel writer and photographer who brings a fresh perspective and storytelling style to her work. Her enthusiasm for exploring new destinations is matched only by her delight in revisiting familiar haunts. An award-winning journalist, Barbara writes about a diverse range of experiences, from adventure travel to luxury resorts and food and wine venues. She's crafted stories about truffle hunting in Croatia, camel riding in the Sahara and celebrating the Day of the Dead in Mexico. Her travel portfolio includes articles published in Travel Weekly TravelWeekly.com; SheBuysTravel; GoNOMAD; Food, Wine, Travel Magazine and other publications.
A travel writer with a passion for gardens, Barbara Radcliffe Rogers is the author of The Encyclopedia of Everlastings and was editor of The Dictionary of Horticulture. She writes about gardens in locations ranging from her native New England to Europe and South Africa and is a regular contributor to Global Traveler Magazine, WhereverFamily and PlanetWare. Learn more about her travels at https://worldbite.wordpress.com.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.