Top 10 Philadelphia Gardens and Arboretums to Explore

The Greater Philadelphia/South Jersey area boasts some of the nation’s oldest and most stunning botanical gardens and arboretums. Therefore, travelers in the area can enjoy easy access to these beautiful green spaces.

Longwood Gardens

Longwood is a key attraction in the region and ranks as one of the world’s finest horticultural gardens. Nestled in Kennett Square, this sprawling garden encompasses 1,050 acres filled with woodlands, meadows, outdoor and indoor gardens, and stunning fountains. Notably, Longwood hosts various performing arts events, including concerts and musical theater, that draw in over 1.53 million visitors each year. Longwood is open daily, making it a perfect destination year-round.

Bartram’s Garden

Conveniently situated near the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Betsy Ross House, Bartram’s Garden is recognized as America’s oldest botanical garden. This pastoral 18th-century homestead offers a breath of fresh air amidst the urban landscape with its wildflower meadow, soaring trees, river trail, and scenic stone house overlooking the Schuylkill River.

Chanticleer: A Pleasure Garden

Located in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Chanticleer is a former residence turned into a picturesque pleasure garden that illustrates the artistry of horticulture. The garden features orchards of flowering trees, native wildflowers, a vegetable garden, cut-flower garden, and a woodland garden that leads to a tranquil water garden, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

The Morris Arboretum serves as an educational resource that fuses art, science, and the humanities amidst a lush display of thousands of unique woody plants. Set amidst a romantic Victorian landscape, visitors can explore winding paths, serene streams, and vibrant flower beds.

Shofuso, the Japanese House and Garden

The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden stands out as a unique attraction in Philadelphia. This house, constructed in a 16th-century style, is situated within the Horticultural Center in West Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. Within its exquisitely designed grounds, you will find a scenic ornamental garden and a picturesque pond, all showcasing traditional Japanese architecture.

Camden Children’s Garden

The Camden Children’s Garden is a vibrant space for children to explore nature. This four-acre interactive garden features an amphitheater, a butterfly garden, a carousel, a dinosaur garden, and even a maze. Located adjacent to the Adventure Aquarium on the Camden waterfront, it offers a delightful environment for discovery and fun.

Philadelphia Zoo, Fairmount Park

As America’s first zoo, located in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, offers both an exquisite collection of animals and a picturesque 42-acre Victorian garden. The garden hosts over 30,000 species of plants, with rare varieties including an English elm planted by John Penn in 1784 and endangered American chestnut trees, creating a unique educational environment.

Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College

Spanning over 300 acres of the Swarthmore College campus, the Scott Arboretum showcases more than 4,000 types of ornamental plants. The diverse collection highlights trees, shrubs, and perennials suitable for the regional climate, making it a fantastic resource for those interested in horticulture.

Tyler Arboretum

The Tyler Arboretum is among the oldest and largest arboretums in the Northeast, covering 650 acres of diverse horticultural collections. Visitors can explore historic buildings, ancient trees, extensive hiking trails, and highlights such as an 85-acre pinetum and the Stopford Family meadow maze, making it an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts.

Winterthur, An American Country Estate

Situated in the Brandywine Valley, Winterthur is a celebrated country estate founded by Henry Francis du Pont. With beautiful gardens blooming in the early spring, visitors can explore extensive grounds featuring rare azaleas, rhododendrons, and a charming three-acre children’s garden known as the Enchanted Woods, making it a must-see for families and garden lovers alike.