From the oldest garden in the country to the largest collection of tropical bonsai trees in the world, gardens on the East Coast of the United States are well worth exploring. Plan a weekend trip to one of these stunning gardens and relax surrounded by beautiful colors and unique landscaping with waterfalls, bridges and walking trails. Many of the gardens that made our list are spectacular year-round, while others are at their best in the spring, summer and fall.

Take in stunning ocean views from Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

© Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Explore the Children's Garden at the United States Botanic Garden, Washington D.C.

© United States Botanic Garden

Stroll through 50 acres at Mt. Cuba Center, Delaware

© Mt. Cuba Center

Admire Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Bayard Cutting Arboretum, New York

© Courtesy of Joseph - Fotolia.com

Visit Sailor’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, New York

© Snug Harbor

Admire tropical at Flamingo Gardens, Botanical Gardens and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, Florida

© Courtesy of Igor S. - Fotolia.com

Relax next to the lily pond at Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, Washington D.C.

© Image by Ron Blunt

Admire the rhododendrons at Heritage Museum & Gardens, Massachussetts

© Heritage Museum & Gardens, Massachussetts

See colorful displays at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, New York

© Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Take a guided tour of Mounts Botanical Gardens, Florida

© Mounts Botanical Gardens

Explore historic Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, Rhode Island

© Courtesy of david hughes - Fotolia.com

Visit the herb garden at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Virginia

© Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Learn about native animals at Tree Hill Nature Center, Florida

© Tree Hill Nature Center

Relax next to the scenic lakes in Airlie Gardens, North Carolina

© Airlie Gardens

See the lush flowerbeds at Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory, Maryland

© Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory

Visit Maymont Gardens, Virginia for free

© Tracey Crehan Gerlach / Maymont Gardens

Visit the lovely Southern Moore Farms Botanical Garden, South Carolina

© Moore Farms Botanical Garden

Learn about native plants at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Georgia

© Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

Admire the orchids at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, Washington D.C.

© Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

View the wildflowers at Rhododendron State Park, New Hampshire

© Courtesy of Sven Knie - Fotolia.com

Spend time at The Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, North Carolina

© Courtesy of kuarmungadd - Fotolia.com

Stroll through Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Florida

© Heathcote Botanical Gardens

Navigate Longwood Gardens, PA

© Lisa S. Engelbrecht Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

Explore Brooklyn Botanic Garden, NY

© rotem/stock.adobe.com

Admire 1 million plants at New York Botanical Garden, NY

© GufinnaBerg/stock.adobe.com

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