From clipped hedges to wildflower chaos, America’s most stunning gardens are more than just pretty places — they’re full-blown adventures. Whether you’re chasing camellia season, ogling fountains, or just vibing under a 300-year-old oak tree, these green escapes will give your camera roll (and your soul) something to swoon over.
Middleton Place – Charleston, South Carolina
Straight-up Southern royalty. Middleton Place is the oldest landscaped garden in the U.S., and it shows up in style — draped in Spanish moss, strutted on by peacocks, and blooming with camellias that look like they belong in a Bridgerton episode. Wander under live oaks that look like they’ve seen centuries of history, chill by shimmering butterfly lakes, and explore the House Museum for a time-travel moment. Bonus? You can actually sleep here. The on-site Inn is all modern comfort wrapped in historic charm.
Dumbarton Oaks – Washington, D.C.
Tucked away in Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks is your garden-party-meets-secret-hideaway dream. It’s got a little of everything: winding stone paths, terraced gardens bursting with old-world flair, and surprise sculptures that pop out like Easter eggs. The ivy walls? Insta-gold. The Orangery? Straight-up aesthetic goals. And when spring hits, the wisteria brings the purple passion to the historic mansion grounds.
Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
If Willy Wonka designed botanical gardens, it’d look like this. Longwood is massive (we’re talking 1,000+ acres) and totally over-the-top — in the best way. Think fountains that dance, greenhouses big enough to get lost in, and a Conservatory packed with everything from orchids to silver gardens. It’s got palm trees, lily ponds, and seasonal shows that turn florals into theater. Basically, it’s a bloom-fueled fever dream — and you’re invited.
Biltmore Estate Gardens – Asheville, North Carolina
The Biltmore mansion gets all the hype, but let’s talk about those gardens. Designed by the legend Frederick Law Olmsted (yes, the Central Park guy), this 8,000-acre paradise is a masterclass in landscape design. Spring? Wisteria vibes. Summer? Bold blooms everywhere. Fall? Golden hour all day long. Duck into the Conservatory to catch orchids showing off like they know they’re fabulous. Every path here feels like a royal procession, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – Miami, Florida
Welcome to Versailles-by-the-sea. Vizcaya is a full-on fantasy, blending Mediterranean villa glam with tropical Miami energy. Think secret stone staircases, fountains that sparkle in the sun, and banyan trees that look like portals to another dimension. Oh, and there’s an Italian-inspired pool with a ceiling mural that’ll have you asking, “Why don’t all pools have artwork?” After exploring the gardens, step into the waterfront mansion to time-travel through centuries of art and opulence.
Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales, Florida
This garden literally sings. At the heart of Bok Tower Gardens is a 205-foot carillon tower that fills the air with dreamy bell music — perfect soundtrack for wandering through oak-shaded trails and azalea wonderlands. There’s a kid-friendly zone with climbing tunnels and a giant spiderweb (yes, really), and trails that wind through old-growth pines. It’s peaceful, magical, and just the right amount of weird.
Filoli – Woodside, California
Just outside San Francisco, Filoli is where fairytales meet Bay Area chill. Walk through manicured gardens straight out of a Jane Austen movie, then veer into wildflower meadows that feel totally untouched. You might spot deer. You might spot turkeys. You’ll definitely spot magic. Whether you’re chasing spring daffodils or fall foliage, this 650-acre gem is always serving up seasonal drama — and zero stress.
Old Westbury Gardens – Old Westbury, New York
If Gatsby had a garden party, this would be the spot. Old Westbury serves Gilded Age grandeur with sweeping lawns, pastel-packed flowerbeds, and a stately mansion that looks ready for a cinematic moment. Roam past lily-covered ponds, down brick paths, and into rose gardens that smell like a perfume ad. It’s giving English countryside energy — without the transatlantic flight.
Oatlands Historic House and Gardens – Leesburg, Virginia
Oatlands is where American history and botanical beauty hold hands. The garden paths are lined with storybook boxwoods, and each “room” is a little world of blooms and calm. Want more action? Hit the eight miles of scenic trails or join a history tour led by passionate guides who spill the tea on the estate’s fascinating past. And yes, pups are totally welcome (except for the walled garden).
