6 Stunning Botanical Gardens In Pennsylvania That Are Worth Visiting
Pennsylvania is full of scenic beauty, but its botanical gardens offer a special kind of escape where nature and design come together in unforgettable ways.
These vibrant spaces showcase colorful seasonal blooms, peaceful walking paths, and thoughtfully curated plant collections that change throughout the year.
Some gardens highlight native plants and woodland landscapes, while others feature formal layouts, themed sections, and striking floral displays that capture attention in every season.
Visiting these gardens is more than a casual stroll, it is a chance to slow down, find inspiration, and enjoy the calming presence of nature in beautifully maintained surroundings.
Whether you love gardening, photography, or simply spending time outdoors, these destinations offer something memorable for every visitor.
From spring blossoms to autumn color, Pennsylvania’s botanical gardens provide relaxing views, fresh ideas, and a refreshing break from everyday routines in settings filled with natural charm and beauty.
1. Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square
Spread across more than 1,000 acres in Chester County, Longwood Gardens represents one of America’s premier horticultural destinations. The property features an incredible variety of gardens, woodlands, and meadows that transform dramatically throughout the year.
From spring tulips to summer roses and fall chrysanthemums, there’s always something spectacular blooming here.
The magnificent conservatories are particularly impressive, housing over 4 acres of indoor gardens under glass. These climate-controlled spaces allow tropical and subtropical plants to thrive year-round, creating a warm escape even during Pennsylvania’s coldest months.
You’ll discover everything from towering palms and cascading orchids to rare ferns and colorful bromeliads arranged in stunning displays.
What really sets Longwood apart is its famous fountain system, featuring computer-controlled water displays that dance to music during special evening performances. The Main Fountain Garden alone contains 1,719 jets that shoot water up to 175 feet high.
These spectacular shows combine water, light, and sound into unforgettable experiences. The garden also hosts incredible seasonal events that draw visitors from across the region.
The Chrysanthemum Festival showcases thousands of blooms in creative arrangements, while the holiday season brings twinkling lights and festive decorations throughout the conservatories.
Educational programs, workshops, and children’s activities make this destination perfect for families.
Located at 1001 Longwood Road in Kennett Square, this horticultural masterpiece continues Pierre du Pont’s vision of creating a beautiful public garden.
Whether you spend a few hours or an entire day exploring, Longwood Gardens offers inspiration and beauty that will stay with you long after your visit ends.
2. Phipps Conservatory And Botanical Gardens – Pittsburgh
Nestled in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory has been captivating visitors since 1893 with its stunning Victorian glasshouse architecture.
The historic building creates a magical atmosphere where sunlight filters through ornate glass panels, illuminating thousands of plants from around the world.
Walking through these halls feels like stepping into a tropical paradise, even when snow blankets the ground outside.
Inside, you’ll explore themed rooms showcasing different plant ecosystems and horticultural styles. The Palm Court features towering palms and exotic trees that reach toward the glass ceiling.
The Desert Room transports you to arid landscapes filled with fascinating cacti and succulents, while the Orchid Room displays delicate blooms in a rainbow of colors.
Phipps is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental education. The facility operates as one of the greenest public gardens in the world, using advanced technology to conserve energy and water.
Solar panels, geothermal systems, and rainwater collection demonstrate how gardens can lead the way in environmental stewardship.
Throughout the year, Phipps presents spectacular seasonal flower shows that transform the conservatory into living works of art.
Spring brings tulips and daffodils, summer showcases tropical blooms, fall features chrysanthemums and pumpkins, while winter sparkles with poinsettias and holiday decorations.
Each show is meticulously designed by talented horticulturists who create breathtaking displays.
Located at 1 Schenley Drive in Pittsburgh, this botanical treasure offers something special for every visitor.
Whether you’re interested in plant science, photography, or simply enjoying natural beauty, Phipps Conservatory provides an enriching experience that celebrates both horticultural excellence and environmental responsibility in equal measure.
3. Morris Arboretum & Gardens Of The University Of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia
Tucked away in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, Morris Arboretum serves as the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This 92-acre living museum features one of the finest tree collections in North America, with specimens from six continents.
The property combines Victorian garden design with modern horticultural science, creating spaces that educate while they inspire.
One of the most exciting features is the Out on a Limb canopy walk, where visitors can climb into the treetops for a bird’s-eye view of the garden.
This elevated walkway includes suspension bridges and a 50-foot-tall wire sculpture called the Giant’s Chair. Kids and adults alike love experiencing the garden from this unique perspective.
The historic gardens showcase diverse landscapes, from formal rose gardens to naturalistic woodland areas. The Swan Pond provides a peaceful spot for reflection, while the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden demonstrates traditional Asian garden design principles.
Each season brings different highlights, whether it’s spring magnolias, summer perennials, or brilliant fall foliage.
As a research institution affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, Morris Arboretum contributes valuable knowledge about tree care, plant conservation, and sustainable horticulture.
Scientists here study everything from native plant restoration to urban forestry, sharing their findings with professionals and home gardeners alike. Educational programs help visitors understand plant science in accessible, engaging ways.
You’ll find this horticultural gem at 100 East Northwestern Avenue in Philadelphia. The arboretum offers year-round beauty and learning opportunities, with special events, workshops, and guided tours that deepen your appreciation for trees and plants.
It’s a place where history, science, and natural beauty come together perfectly.
4. Hershey Gardens – Hershey
Created by chocolate magnate Milton Hershey in 1937, Hershey Gardens began as a simple rose garden and has blossomed into a 23-acre botanical wonderland. The garden reflects Hershey’s vision of creating beautiful spaces for the community to enjoy.
Today, it stands as a living tribute to his legacy, combining horticultural excellence with family-friendly attractions.
The rose garden remains the centerpiece, featuring over 5,500 roses representing hundreds of varieties. From classic hybrid teas to old-fashioned heirlooms and modern shrub roses, the collection showcases the incredible diversity of this beloved flower.
Peak bloom typically occurs in June, when the air fills with sweet fragrance and the garden explodes with color.
The Butterfly Atrium has become one of the garden’s most popular attractions, housing hundreds of butterflies from around the world in a tropical environment. Walking through this enclosed space, you’ll see colorful wings fluttering among exotic plants and flowers.
Educational displays help visitors understand butterfly life cycles and the importance of pollinators in our ecosystems.
Beyond roses and butterflies, Hershey Gardens features themed areas including a Japanese Garden with traditional elements, a Children’s Garden designed for young explorers, and seasonal display gardens that change throughout the year.
The Seasonal Display Garden presents spectacular combinations of annuals and perennials arranged in eye-catching designs.
Located at 170 Hotel Road in Hershey, the gardens provide a sweet escape for plant lovers of all ages. The combination of beautiful landscapes, educational opportunities, and family activities makes this destination perfect for day trips.
Whether you’re a rose enthusiast or simply enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces, Hershey Gardens delivers delightful experiences.
5. The Arboretum At Penn State – State College
Stretching across 370 acres on Penn State’s University Park campus, this arboretum serves as both a beautiful public garden and an outdoor classroom for students and researchers.
The collection includes over 9,000 woody plants representing more than 2,500 different species and cultivars.
Walking these grounds, you’ll encounter trees and shrubs from around the world, many carefully labeled for educational purposes.
The Children’s Garden offers interactive spaces where young visitors can learn about plants through hands-on activities.
Water features, musical instruments made from natural materials, and themed play areas make gardening fun and accessible for kids. It’s designed to spark curiosity about the natural world in creative, engaging ways.
Several specialty gardens focus on specific plant groups or themes. The Pollinator and Bird Garden demonstrates how to create wildlife-friendly landscapes using native plants.
The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens showcase ornamental plants suited to Pennsylvania’s climate, providing inspiration for home gardeners looking to beautify their own yards.
As a research facility, the arboretum plays an important role in studying plant adaptability, pest resistance, and sustainable landscaping practices. Scientists test new plant varieties and develop recommendations for Pennsylvania growers and gardeners.
This research helps ensure that future generations will have access to healthy, beautiful plants suited to our changing climate.
You’ll find the arboretum at E Park Ave &, Bigler Rd, State College, PA 16803, with the main entrance near the corner of Bigler Road and Curtin Road.
The grounds are open year-round and free to the public, making it easy to visit whenever you want to enjoy beautiful plants and peaceful outdoor spaces. Seasonal changes bring constant variety to this academic garden.
6. Chanticleer Garden – Wayne
Often called the most romantic and imaginative garden in America, Chanticleer occupies a 48-acre estate in Wayne that feels more like a living work of art than a traditional botanical garden.
The gardeners here approach their work as creative expression, combining plants in unexpected ways that challenge conventional gardening rules. Every corner reveals surprising combinations of colors, textures, and forms.
The property is divided into distinct garden rooms, each with its own personality and mood. The Gravel Garden features drought-tolerant plants arranged in artistic patterns among stones and pathways.
The Asian Woods creates a serene atmosphere with carefully placed rocks, water features, and shade-loving plants that evoke Japanese garden traditions without directly copying them.
What makes Chanticleer truly special is the freedom its gardeners have to experiment and take risks. Rather than following rigid plans, they respond to plants and seasons with creativity and intuition.
This approach results in constantly evolving displays that look different every time you visit. Bold color combinations and unusual plant pairings create visual excitement throughout the grounds.
The Ruin Garden demonstrates how gardeners can transform challenging spaces into beautiful features.
Built around the foundation of an old house, this area shows how plants and architecture can work together to create something more interesting than either would be alone. Vines climb crumbling walls while perennials spill between stones.
Located at 786 Church Road in Wayne, Chanticleer offers endless inspiration for gardeners who want to think beyond traditional approaches. The garden proves that rules can be broken beautifully when plants are combined with skill and artistic vision.
Whether you’re a serious gardener or simply appreciate creative outdoor spaces, this garden will change how you think about what’s possible. This beloved destination welcomes visitors again starting April 1st, 2026.
