8 Beautiful Botanical Gardens Right in New York City and on Long Island
When you think of New York City, green spaces might not immediately come to mind—but the five boroughs and Long Island are home to a variety of beautiful botanical gardens that offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
These gardens not only provide a refreshing spot for you and your kids to enjoy some fresh air, but many also offer extensive family programs, giving you fun new ways to connect with nature.
Here are some of the top botanical gardens in New York City and Long Island to explore!
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Bronx
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
Did you know that the Bronx is the greenest borough in New York City? This is primarily because it’s home to the New York Botanical Garden, a sprawling 250-acre sanctuary that has been an integral part of the city’s heritage since 1891.
The garden is famous for its exceptional exhibitions, botanical displays, art, music, and spectacular events.
Whether you’re visiting for the iconic Holiday Train Show or Orchid Show, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in nature any time of year, the New York Botanical Garden is the ideal destination for a great day out.
Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center
4900 Independence Ave, Bronx, NY
Discover the beauty of Wave Hill’s 28 acres of both indoor and outdoor gardens. Wave Hill describes itself as a museum without walls, showcasing a living collection of over 4,000 trees, shrubs, vines, and plants.
If you’re seeking a peaceful escape, there’s no shortage of serene spots to explore. Not sure where to begin? Visit Wave Hill on a Sunday afternoon and join the weekly Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk for a guided experience of the garden’s best features.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre urban sanctuary nestled in the heart of Brooklyn. With plants in bloom year-round and a variety of events for kids and families, there’s always something to find and enjoy. One of the highlights is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, a breathtaking celebration of spring.
Join a seasonal highlights tour led by a knowledgeable Garden Guide, or explore the garden at your own pace. Be sure to check for special events and exhibitions happening throughout the year.
Queens
Queens Botanical Garden
43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY
Explore plants and cultures at the Queens Botanical Garden, a peaceful escape with beautiful gardens and fun educational programs for kids and families. Check out art workshops, bird walks, events, and more!
In 2020, the garden updated its master plan to highlight the connections between water, culture, and the environment. The new plan keeps this vision while adding more garden types, like Exhibition Gardens, Meadow and Wetland, and Education Gardens. This approach celebrates the garden’s unique landscape and its role as a place where people, plants, and cultures come together.
Staten Island
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY
There’s truly no place on Staten Island quite like Snug Harbor. Beyond its rich collection of museums, galleries, and historic buildings, Snug Harbor also boasts over 15 beautiful gardens, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers to explore and unwind.
Each garden offers something unique, with a diverse range of plants that will captivate visitors. Wander through the Rose Garden, home to over 100 varieties of roses, or take in the calming atmosphere of the Healing Garden, filled with lush trees and soothing greenery. Don’t miss the stunning cherry blossoms in the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, a serene spot that blends natural beauty with cultural significance. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Snug Harbor’s gardens provide the perfect escape into nature.
Long Island
Clark Botanic Garden
193 I U Willets Rd, Albertson, NY
Clark Botanic Garden is a 12-acre living museum and educational space where you can explore a wide variety of plants, from native spring wildflowers and roses to perennials, rock garden plants, and butterfly-friendly species. It’s a beautiful place to wander, and there’s always something new to discover as the seasons change. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful spot to relax, this garden has plenty to offer kids and adults.
Beyond the gardens, Clark Botanic Garden also has tons of fun programs for kids and families. These hands-on activities help children connect with nature in an exciting and educational way, making it a great spot for a family outing or an outdoor adventure with your little ones.
If you’ve ever thought about trying gardening yourself, Clark Botanic Garden is a great place to dive in. It’s a wonderful spot to relax, learn, and have fun with your family.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY
This National Register property covers over 400 acres of beautiful lawns, gardens, woodlands, and nature walks, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The greenhouses on-site are packed with amazing collections of hibiscuses, orchids, and succulents, and the Camellia Greenhouse is home to the largest collection of camellias in the Northeast, making it a must-see for flower enthusiasts.
From April to September, you can also take a guided tour of Coe Hall, the charming Tudor Revival home of the Coe family. It’s a fascinating look into the past, with its stunning architecture and rich history.
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury, NY
Many of the grounds and gardens at Old Westbury Gardens have been carefully preserved, keeping the same beauty and layout they had when the garden was first created over a century ago. Walking through the gardens feels like stepping back in time, with stunning landscapes that have stayed true to their original charm.
For plant lovers, Old Westbury Gardens is a real treat. You’ll find a variety of rare plants, like foxgloves and delphiniums, that aren’t commonly seen in most public gardens. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just enjoy being surrounded by beautiful plants, this garden offers a great chance to see unique species up close.
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