It’s always spectacular to visit a botanic garden, regarding the carefully crafted flora and gorgeous walking paths curated for viewers. If you’re interested in heading to one of these locations to get outside, you might wonder – what are the best botanic gardens in the United States?
Botanic gardens are a wonderful place to visit and are accessible to people of all ages. Several stand out as the best in the country and are worth a trip if you live close enough. Read on to learn more about the best botanic gardens in the United States and why these natural wonderlands are a quality choice for an adventure.
The Best Botanic Gardens In the United States
There are hundreds of natural creations across the United States, making it tricky to narrow down the best botanical gardens in the country. However, several stand out as the best thanks to their careful curation of greenery and ample walking paths, fit for individuals from all walks of life.
Let’s dive into our top picks for botanic gardens in the United States. No matter what walk of life you are in, these botanic gardens will brighten your day. They offer unique amenities and sights you may need to enjoy on multiple visits for a complete picture.
1. Filoli
Filoli is located in Woodside, California, and perhaps has the catchiest name of those listed here. It’s laid out like a castle garden and has fourteen full-time horticulturists to keep the location in a fairytale state.
In Filoli, you will find:
- The Walled garden with ten-foot walls
- A working fruit and vegetable garden
- A pool pavilion
There’s plenty to see here.
On top of the gorgeous plants, there’s also a giant palace called The House, complete with a ballroom. It’s 554,256 square feet and holds 56 rooms. If you want to step into your favorite magical tale, Filoli is for you.
2. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Next on our list of the top botanical gardens in the U.S. is the Atlanta Botanical Garden, located in Atlanta, Georgia. This area is manicured and gorgeous, complete with impressive sculptures and features you won’t want to miss.
In the Atlanta Botanical Garden, you will find:
- Sculptures like the Earth Goddess
- Unique flora, such as carnivorous plants and orchids
- Year-round exhibitions
- Garden-inspired classes
There are extensive features to enjoy.
You will enjoy indoor and outdoor displays in the garden, along with more than 18,000 annuals and gorgeous foliage. It’s almost impossible to believe the care that goes into this garden every single day.
3. Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri, is a sight to behold. Created by Henry Shaw, this 75-acre garden is designed just like many found back in England. It’s all centered around Shaw’s old home.
In the Missouri Botanical Garden, you will find:
- A historic home and Victorian-era observatory
- One of the largest Japanese gardens in North America
- A fantastic Climatron where you can experience weather on all continents
- Blown-glass sculptures
- 6,800 species of plants
You can practically see the world in this botanic garden.
On top of all the lovely features, the Missouri Botanical Garden has a tram to drive you around the property if walking the paths is impossible. You can even walk for a little while and then catch the tram later if you change your mind.
4. New York Botanical Garden
New York is one of the best states to garden, so it makes sense they have one of the best botanic gardens in the United States. The New York Botanical Garden is located in The Bronx, New York, a gorgeous respite in the middle of the packed city.
At the New York Botanical Garden, you will find:
- The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the largest Victorian-era glasshouse
- Its own printing company
- Education for more than 98,000 students
- More than a million species of plants in 50 gardens
There’s plenty to enjoy in this location.
You can enjoy more than 250 acres in the garden, all nestled as an escape in the middle of the grand city. It even has 50 acres of preserved forest land, all designed to create a gorgeous haven where culture and the natural world can thrive.
5. United States Botanic Garden
Next up is the United States Botanic Garden, located in Washington D.C. The idea for the garden was brought up by Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and James Madison in the 1700s, but it wasn’t until 1820 that the location was created. It’s remained in the capital ever since.
At the United States Botanic Garden, you will find:
- A conservatory with desert and tropical environments
- A warm interior for growth during the colder months
- Several blocks of flora
It’s a gorgeous, quaint location.
The United States Botanic Garden isn’t very big, but it’s just enough to offer an outdoor experience by the U.S. Capitol. When the weather warms, visitors may also trek to the Anacostia production facility to see what goes into keeping the garden alive.
6. Washington Park Arboretum
Last on our list of the top botanical gardens in the U.S. is the Washington Park Arboretum, centered in Seattle, Washington. This location is 230 acres and filled with gorgeous trees that bloom and change color during certain times of the year.
At the Washington Park Arboretum, you will find:
- Wetlands and woodlands
- A scenic drive
- A massive Japanese garden
There’s so much to enjoy here.
Whether you can walk through the garden or only have the ability to enjoy the drive up, there is something here for you. It’s a beautifully crafted botanic garden with jewels everywhere you turn.
Why Visit A Botanic Garden?
There are many activities you can do in your free time, so why visit a botanic garden? As it turns out, they’re spectacular to look at and provide a host of benefits for the mind and body alike.
Let’s dive into a few of the best reasons to make a botanic garden your next place to explore. There are many excellent options around the country, and they are well worth a visit the next time you are in the general area.
Reduction of Stress and Anxiety
One study reported that visiting the natural world for just twenty minutes a day was proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It lowers levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, allowing stress overall to drop in the body and permitting the individuals in the study to relax.
Spending time in a botanic garden is an excellent way to take a weight off your shoulders and relax. Whether you visit and sit on a bench, marvel at the natural world, or take a stroll around the majesty of the garden, you will likely experience peace of mind as you connect with the glorious plants and even animals.
Stress and anxiety build up over time, often so much that we don’t even know what we’re experiencing. If you need to work on your mental satisfaction, a botanic garden is worth a visit.
Lower Blood Pressure
Heading to the great outdoors is also shown to lower blood pressure. One study reveals that randomized trials are associated with various health benefits for the body, including lower blood pressure and an improved mood. Most bodies do much better when they spend time in the natural world, and a botanic garden is the perfect place to enjoy the experience.
Botanic gardens offer ample walking paths, allowing you to easily reach a healthy number of steps for the day. Even if you can’t walk very well, being outside allows you to breathe fresh air and may even encourage a healthier day. If you have issues with blood pressure, it might be worth it to take a walk at the nearest botanical garden.
Improved Cognition
Finally, experiencing the outdoors may improve overall cognition. One study indicated that spending time in nature improved overall cognitive ability. If you spend time outdoors, there is a chance you will be able to listen better, have an ideal perception, and locate details around the world without struggling as much as before.
Time in the natural world will help you pay better attention to the big and small things in your life. It permits better focus and excellent use of cognitive function. If you need help centering yourself and looking at your life with a better focus, visiting a botanic garden is ideal for your free time.
Final Thoughts
Botanic gardens are gorgeous, and there are several excellent options to visit around the United States. Whether you’re looking at the millions of plants in the New York Botanical Garden or searching for the Japanese Garden at the Washington Park Arboretum, there is something for everyone.
If you have the chance, take a trip to visit a botanic garden. Most have discounts and various accommodations if you need something more to make your trip an enjoyable one. It’s worth it for your physical and mental well-being whether you’re an outdoor person or not.
Need some information about what to wear and bring to a botanical garden? Check out our article about Botanical Garden Etiquette to find out just what you should expect!
