When it comes to America’s biggest cities, most people conjure up images of a concrete jungle — streets, buildings, infrastructure, cars, construction. While that’s true, what you might not know is that many of America’s most famous cities also have pockets of peace: Serene green spaces where flowers bloom and trees offer sweet shade.
We’ve found the best urban gardens in the concrete jungle. (Photo Credit: Shavonne Yu)
We’re talking about urban gardens — little slices of Eden in the big, bustling metropolises of America. Here are some of the most-loved urban gardens in the US.
Portland Japanese Garden — Portland, Oregon
Just minutes from downtown, this zen urban garden seems to transport you right to Japan. In fact, the Japanese ambassador to the US once described it as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside Japan.”
Looking for some peace and quiet? Head to the Portland Japanese Garden. (Photo Credit: Abhishek Jain)
Walk the meandering paths and forget that you are in the middle of a big city. (Photo Credit: Abhishek Jain)
It has five distinct sections designed to bring about peace and tranquility, so it’s the perfect place to stop and take a breather after a busy morning or afternoon. Stone, water (fountains, ponds, and waterfalls), and plants, many of which are native to Japan, contribute to the authentic feel of this garden.
Spring is a lovely time to visit because of all of the tree flowers blooming, but this garden is beautiful — and oh-so-peaceful — all year round.
Where to find it: Tucked inside the vast expanse of Washington Park.
Where to stay: Kimpton Riverplace Hotel or Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden — Miami, Florida
Tropical plants, modern art fixtures, vibrant colors, and rare plant species: Welcome to Miami. Just 8 miles from downtown in the Coral Gables area is where you will find the magnificent Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
Miami’s botanic garden is renowned for its exotic plants. (Photo Credit: Olena Shmahalo)
This urban garden welcomes roughly 350,000 visitors each year who are eager to see its ultra-unique flora like the famous cigar orchid, a delicate explosion of yellow and orange. When to visit? Any day of the year — there are cool plants in full bloom year-round.
Where to find it: Coral Gables, about 20 minutes from downtown Miami.
Where to stay: Kimpton EPIC Hotel, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, Kimpton Angler’s Hotel, or Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach
Fairmount Park Horticultural Center — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Whether you’re visiting beautiful Fairmount Park in Philly for a stroll among the trees, a visit to the Arboretum, to enjoy an afternoon picnic, or are looking for a great jogging path, make it a point to stop by the Horticulture Center, which houses both outdoor gardens and indoor display houses, green-house style.
In Philly, Fairmount Park is home to a particularly fabulous horticulture center. (Photo Credit: Silvia Fang)
The center also has its very own butterfly garden. (Photo Credit: Janica Sib)
The demonstration gardens display colorful flora and varying garden styles and are most colorful through the spring, summer, and fall. The park even has a butterfly garden filled with flowers and butterflies during the summer months.
The covered display houses feature tropical and succulent plants throughout the year, and it’s fun to admire the historic statues and fountains inside, too. A bonus: Outside the gardens, there’s a large, beautiful reflecting pool with fountains — the perfect place to post up and give your feet a rest.
Where to find it: Fairmount Park, a few minutes northwest of Center City.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia or Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
University of Washington Botanic Gardens — Seattle, Washington
If you’re the type of plant lover who likes to “nerd out” on horticulture, this is the place for you. Meticulously maintained by the University of Washington, you’ll find several thematic gardens within beautiful Washington Park Arboretum.
Washington Park is home to a number of urban gardens right in the heart of Seattle. (Photo Credit: Adarsh Chauhan)
Guests love strolling through the Pacific Connections garden, the Winter Garden, the Woodland Garden, Azalea Way, Rhododendron Glen, and the Japanese Garden, with plant species all organized by taxonomy. Even if you’re not trying to go deep on plant education, these gardens are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and free to visit.
Spring – Fall have the most blooms, but the dedicated Winter Garden is beautiful in the chillier months. In the summer months, all kinds of events are hosted here from outdoor wellness activities, to tours, to live music.
Where to find it: Tucked inside Washington Park, northeast of downtown Seattle.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle, Kimpton Palladian Hotel, or Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A green oasis in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens features colorful bursts of flowers and a truly stunning steel & glass Victorian-inspired greenhouse.
Welcome to the beauty of Phipps Conservatory. (Photo Credit: Gautam Krishnan)
Explore the beautiful exhibits that make up the botanical gardens. (Photo Credit: Gautam Krishnan)
The conservatory hosts seasonal flower shows and special exhibits year-round for horticulture enthusiasts (and, of course, for people who just love to look at pretty plants from time to time). They also have a thriving butterfly experience in the summer and a nationally-recognized orchid collection.
Where to find it: Schenley Park, located in the Oakland Square Historic District.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh
Atlanta Botanical Garden — Atlanta, Georgia
Thirty full acres of botanical beauty lie next to Atlanta’s famous Piedmont Park in Midtown. Dating back to 1976, the garden aims to use plants to educate, inspire, and contribute to conservation efforts — guests call the grounds a “lovely respite” and “great fun” for adults and kids alike.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is filled with wonder. (Photo Credit: Brice Cooper)
The garden offers a canopy walk under the shade of hundreds of trees, a world-class orchid collection (the best in the Southeast), kids activities, fountains, hundreds of plant species, and tons of seating for moments of solitude while breathing in the beautiful view.
The garden is open Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 8pm, and an early morning or golden hour stroll there feels extra special.
Where to find it: Inside Piedmont Park, west of Midtown.
Where to stay: Kimpton Shane Hotel or Kimpton Sylvan Hotel
