In New York City, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling traffic, life moves at a rapid pace. For those seeking a slower pace and a chance to witness the city in a more relaxed state, Central Park, spanning hundreds of acres in Manhattan, is a great place to visit. If you are looking for leisure time surrounded by greenery, the botanical gardens in the city’s other five boroughs are destinations that many people yearn for.
The New York Botanical Garden, covering 250 acres, boasts a history of over 130 years and is renowned for its vibrant exhibitions, art, and music events.
Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center is often referred to as a “museum without walls,” housing over 4,000 species of trees and plants.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers different scenic beauty throughout the seasons, with its famous “Cherry Blossom Festival” held every spring, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a romantic pink atmosphere.
Queens Botanical Garden not only features a diverse array of flowers and plants but also offers rich educational activities such as art workshops and bird-watching events.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden showcases 15 distinct gardens, including the “Rose Garden” with over 100 varieties of roses and the “Chinese Scholar’s Garden,” blending Eastern aesthetics with natural landscapes, making it a must-see attraction.
Clark Botanic Garden is not only ideal for visitors to stroll and enjoy the scenery but also provides a variety of family-friendly activities. The garden houses various native wildflowers, rock garden plants, and butterfly-friendly plants, offering different scenic beauty each season.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, a 400-acre national historic site, features vast lawns, forests, and trails, with spectacular displays of bougainvillea, orchids, and succulents in its greenhouse. Visitors can also explore the historic Coe Hall, showcasing the architectural style of the Tudor Revival period.
Old Westbury Gardens, with a century-old history, has preserved its original design almost entirely, giving visitors a sense of stepping into a time warp. The gardens are home to many rare flowers, making it a dream destination for plant enthusiasts.