The Best Botanical Garden In America In 2025 Is A Breathtaking Pennsylvania Oasis

It's official: the impressive Longwood Gardens — tucked away in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania — has earned the coveted title of the best botanical garden in the U.S. in 2025, according to USA Today. The perfect stop for nature enthusiasts on an East Coast road trip, this 1,100-acre wonderland draws in 1.5 million annual visitors. More than a century old, the property began its transformation from a tree farm into a colorful attraction around 1907, when businessman and philanthropist Pierre S. du Pont laid out the foundation of what would become Longwood Gardens: a 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk, which is still standing today.

Today, the gardens are home to roughly 10,000 plant species across 200 different families. Plus, the space also features everything from open meadows to winding woodland paths, impressive conservatories, and a beautiful open-air theater that hosts concerts and performances throughout the year.

Outside of being a must-see visual feast for flower and gardening fanatics, Longwood Gardens also serves as an education hub, with programs and classes available for all ages. From residential fellowships to internships, horticulture and photography lessons, online landscaping classes, and community youth programs, they offer learning opportunities for pretty much anyone hoping to grow their knowledge of plants and gardening. As for families, their child-friendly curriculum helps connect curious kids with nature through hands-on activities.

Once at the gardens, visitors can explore six districts spread out across 200 acres — each one designed to offer a different type of experience. These areas are split into the Chimes Tower District, the Conservatory District, the House & Theater District, Lakes District, House & Theater District, Main Fountain Garden District, and the Meadow & Forest District.

If you've only got time for a quick visit, we recommend you stop by the garden's signature Main Fountain Garden District first. Hailed as one of Longwood Gardens' most impressive features — and inspired by du Pont's European travels — the space combines a classic garden design with a whopping 1,719 water jets and fountains that have been winning over visitors for decades.

Beyond that, the picturesque Conservatory District also stands out as a can't-miss destination within the gardens. Featuring a 19th-century glass structure, the massive greenhouse is home to a year-round flower show with some pretty unique and spectacular displays that change throughout the seasons. Open to the public since 1921, the conservatory is split into different rooms — from tropical oases to bonsai galleries and an orchid house — that guests can weave in and out of. Finally, if you've still got the time and energy for more, other must-see spots include the Meadow & Forest District, dedicated to restoration and conservation efforts; the Lakes District, with walking paths and water features; the House & Theater District, where the first Flower Walk was planted; and the Chimes Tower District, home to rare plants and a towering 50-foot waterfall.

One of the best parts about Longwood Gardens is that there's something to see and do no matter the season. From January through March, the winter months welcome visitors hoping to shake off the cold with a visit to warm conservatories bursting with colorful tropical plants and flowing water features. In the spring and summer, millions of new bulbs create sweeping displays of color that mark the beginning of warmer, longer days. Plus, during this time, the gardens are also one of the best places in the U.S. to see cherry blossoms without battling it out with large crowds. As a pro tip, we suggest that you try and plan your visit sometime between May and October, when you can enjoy daily fountain performances set to music and lights as part of the gardens' Festival of Fountains.

Come fall, the gardens' meadows shed their green leaves and bright blooms, giving way to a landscape of golden, red, and orange hues that transform the entire property. To wrap it all up, Longwood Gardens' Christmas celebration rounds out the year with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays.

Ready to start planning your visit? We thought you'd say that! Eager travelers will be happy to hear that Longwood Gardens is open from Wednesday to Monday (the gardens are closed on Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended evening hours during special events. Price-wise, admission will set you back starting from $25 for adults and $13 for children between 5 and 18 years old, with advanced online reservations highly recommended — especially during peak seasons.