Botanical Gardens to Visit on a Romantic Weekend Getaway

Location:

St. Louis, Missouri

Highlights:

Looking for a place where history, nature, and tranquility bloom together? Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest in the nation—and one of the most beautiful. Founded in 1859, it’s a living museum of plants and design that inspires and relaxes in every season.

We Recommend This For:

Garden lovers, history enthusiasts, photographers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor escape with year-round beauty.

What We Love:

The 14-acre Japanese Garden, the tropical Climatron, Victorian-era grounds, and rare orchid collections—all set in a 79-acre oasis of color and culture.

• Explore the Climatron conservatory for a taste of the tropics, or visit the Temperate House for Mediterranean vibes.
• Stroll through a 14-acre Japanese Garden, an English Woodland Garden, and the Victorian District near Henry Shaw’s original 1850s estate home.
• See one of the best rare orchid collections in the world among 79 acres of stunning floral landscapes.
• Relax with a bite at Sassafras, Café Flora, or Terrace Café, and browse the garden’s charming vintage-themed gift shops.
• Visit year-round—each season brings a new atmosphere, from spring blossoms to summer shade to fall foliage and winter lights.

Address:

Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: 314-577-5100

Location:

North Hampton, New Hampshire

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a tranquil escape with beautiful floral displays, Fuller Gardens is a hidden seaside gem, offering lush greenery and vibrant blooms just a stone’s throw from the New Hampshire coast.

We Recommend This For:

Garden lovers, photographers, couples, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

What We Love:

The historic charm of a turn-of-the-century estate, the incredible rose collection, and the serenity of the koi pond and Japanese Garden.

• Explore over 2,000 roses and seasonal annual blooms, as well as stunning perennials in formal English borders.
• Discover a tropical conservatory, Japanese Garden, and a tranquil koi pond to relax in.
• Admire the Dahlia Display, a must-see for visitors in the summer and fall.
• Stroll through the Front Garden or explore the propagation house and conservatory to see plants in their early stages.
• Shop at the Garden Shop for a unique memento to remember your visit.

Address:

Fuller Gardens, 10 Willow Avenue, North Hampton, NH 03862
Phone: 603-964-5414

Location:

Boylston, Massachusetts

Highlights:

Located in the scenic hills of Boylston, Massachusetts, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a year-round haven for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views of Mount Wachusett and the Wachusett Reservoir.

We Recommend This For:

Garden enthusiasts, families, photography lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into nature with educational and visually stunning displays.

What We Love:

The rich plant collections, stunning garden designs, and the tranquil beauty of spaces like the Secret Garden and the 18th-century style orangerie.

• Explore a variety of garden experiences, including the Frank L. Harrington Sr. Orchard with ancient apple varieties, and the Secret Garden featuring fountains, statuary, and a romantic atmosphere.
• Admire the 18th-century style orangerie, which showcases exquisite blooming bulbs and sub-tropical plants in a stunning wintertime display.
• Discover the Systematic Garden, an Italianate-style garden dedicated to educating visitors about plant evolution.
• Relax at the Stoddard Education and Visitors Center, which includes a theater, horticultural library, and the Twigs Café for refreshments.
• Shop at the Gift Shop for unique garden-themed items to take home.

Address:

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505
Phone: 508-869-6111

Location:

Willoughby, Ohio

Highlights:

Nature lovers and garden enthusiasts will find a peaceful paradise at The Holden Arboretum, the largest arboretum in the U.S. With 3,600 acres and over 120,000 plants, it's a vibrant destination for hiking, learning, and reconnecting with the natural world.

We Recommend This For:

Garden lovers, hikers, couples seeking scenic walks, nature photographers, and families looking for outdoor exploration.

What We Love:

The butterfly and wildflower gardens, scenic hiking trails, tranquil picnic spots, and a top-notch visitor center with educational resources.

• Explore themed plant collections featuring woody trees and shrubs tailored to Northern Ohio’s climate, along with groundcovers and perennials.
• Visit the Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Butterfly Garden for a colorful, flutter-filled experience and the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden for seasonal blooms.
• Hike the peaceful Pierson Creek trails or explore the wooded beauty of the Old Valley.
• Relax at the modern visitor’s center, browse the reference library, or enjoy a romantic meal at the picnic area.
• Experience the arboretum’s rotating seasonal activities that connect visitors to nature year-round.

Address:

The Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094
Phone: 440-946-4400

Fun Botanical Gardens:

Location:

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Highlights:

Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of the Southwestern landscape at Santa Fe Botanical Garden, located on the picturesque Museum Hill. This 12-acre garden showcases the stunning biodiversity of New Mexico's natural terrain.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who appreciates the unique flora of the Southwestern U.S.

What We Love:

The breathtaking mountain views, the thoughtful garden collections, and the opportunity to connect with local experts on a guided tour of the gardens.

• Explore themed gardens, including the Orchard Gardens, with rows of fruit trees and a lush meadow garden, and the Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands garden featuring the century-old Kearny’s Gap Bridge.
• Experience the garden’s natural beauty and biodiversity on a free guided tour led by knowledgeable local experts.
• Relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the Temporary Visitor’s Center or browse the Garden Shop for unique garden-related items.
• Admire the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains, making the garden an excellent spot for peaceful reflection and photography.

Address:

Santa Fe Botanical Garden, 725 Camino Lejo Suite E, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: 505-471-9103

Location:

Ketchum, Idaho

Highlights:

Set against the backdrop of Idaho’s stunning mountains, the Sawtooth Botanical Garden is home to an impressive collection of native plants that thrive in the high-altitude environment. It offers visitors a peaceful, educational experience focused on the region’s natural beauty.

We Recommend This For:

Nature enthusiasts, photographers, botanists, families, and anyone looking for an educational and scenic experience in Idaho's breathtaking Sawtooth Mountains.

What We Love:

The expansive plant collections, the zen-like tranquility of the alpine garden, and the innovative water-conserving xeriscape garden.

• Explore diverse garden areas, including the ornamental garden, xeriscape garden for water conservation, and the stream-side garden.
• Discover the large greenhouse, home to flowering perennials, herbs, and vines.
• Visit the Garden of Infinite Compassion, an alpine garden designed by a Zen Buddhist monk, complete with waterfalls, reflecting ponds, rock art, and a Tibetan Prayer Wheel turned by a bubbling brook.
• Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, blessed by the 14th Dalai Lama during his visit.
• Learn about the area’s plant life and conservation efforts through the garden's educational programs.

Address:

Sawtooth Botanical Garden, 11 Gimlet Rd, Ketchum, ID 83340
Phone: 208-726-9358

Location:

Wilmington, Delaware

Highlights:

For those interested in American history and decorative arts, Winterthur is a must-visit destination. Set on 60 acres of stunning natural gardens, this museum offers a glimpse into centuries of American craftsmanship and design.

We Recommend This For:

Art and history enthusiasts, families, photographers, and anyone interested in beautiful gardens and exquisite decorative arts.

What We Love:

The museum’s extensive period-room displays, the natural beauty of the gardens, and the opportunity to explore an outstanding library dedicated to American decorative arts.

• Explore over 175 period-room displays showcasing more than two centuries of American decorative arts.
• Visit the Winterthur Library for a wealth of literature on American history, architecture, and decorative arts.
• Wander through the estate's stunning natural landscape, with meadows, hills, forests, and winding streams teeming with both exotic and indigenous flora and fauna.
• Stroll the gardens, which feature crisscrossed walking paths and are home to seasonal exhibitions and gallery displays.
• Dine at the on-site restaurant and browse the gift shop for unique keepsakes.

Address:

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19735
Phone: 800-448-3883

Location:

Palm Beach, Florida

Highlights:

Located in the heart of Palm Beach, The Four Arts Gardens is a beautiful demonstration garden showcasing the diversity of tropical plants in the region, interspersed with artistic sculptures and statues that enhance its serene atmosphere.

We Recommend This For:

Garden lovers, art enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to explore a peaceful oasis in Palm Beach.

What We Love:

The stunning collection of local flora, the charming sculptures, and the unique cultural programming offered by the Four Arts Society.

• Explore the Chinese Garden with its winding pathways, beautiful Spanish façade, and decorative well.
• Admire the moon gate and statues that make for picturesque photography spots.
• Visit the Madonna Garden with its magnificent fountain and shady paths.
• Attend a variety of cultural events, including concerts, films, art exhibitions, and educational programs.
• Relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll or quiet reflection.

Address:

The Four Arts Gardens, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Phone: 561-655-7227

Location:

Atlanta, Georgia

Highlights:

Spanning over 30 acres, Atlanta Botanical Garden is an urban oasis in Midtown, adjacent to Piedmont Park, offering breathtaking landscapes, fascinating plant collections, and must-see attractions like the Kendeda Canopy Walk.

We Recommend This For:

Garden lovers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape within the city.

What We Love:

The variety of exhibits, from rare orchids to honeybees, and the chance to stroll through the treetops on the Kendeda Canopy Walk.

• Explore the Fuqua Orchid Center, home to rare high-altitude orchids.
• Walk the 600-foot Kendeda Canopy Walk, winding through the treetops of Storza Woods.
• Relax by the Sunflower Fountain and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Discover the Soggy Bog, home to fascinating Venus flytraps.
• Learn about honeybees at the Natural Observation Hive.
• Enjoy seasonal edibles at the Edible Garden, perfect for home-cooked meals.

Address:

1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309, Phone: 404-876-5859

Location:

Anchorage, Alaska

Highlights:

Located in the heart of Anchorage, Anchorage Botanical Garden is a serene arboretum showcasing the diverse local flora of the region, with thoughtfully designed sections that allow visitors to explore the plants and landscapes of Alaska.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, botanists, families, and anyone looking to explore Alaskan wildlife and plants in a peaceful setting.

What We Love:

The network of trails that guide you through the garden’s diverse plant collections, the beautiful wildflowers, and the chance to watch salmon spawning in the natural setting of Campbell Creek.

• Explore the Lower Perennial Garden and Herb Garden, a haven of culinary and medicinal herbs.
• Discover the Rock Garden, home to over 350 species of alpine plants from around the world.
• Walk the Wildflower Trail, a romantic pathway with an exquisite array of Alaskan wildflowers.
• Visit the Lowenfels Family Nature Trail, where you can watch salmon spawning and enjoy wildlife viewing along Campbell Creek.
• Shop for plants and souvenirs at the on-site nursery and gift shop.

Address:

4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, Phone: 907-770-3692