Exquisitely manicured gardens and conservatories surround Rochester. If you haven’t already, visit these five beautiful gardens within a two-hour drive of Rochester. They offer visitors a variety of plants and trees to observe through the seasons. Many of these are free or require a small donation or admission fee.
Sonnenberg Gardens
Canandaigua
Explore a magnificent late 19th-century Victorian estate, complete with a Queen Anne–style mansion and nine formal gardens in this 50-acre New York State Historic Park. Marvel at the Lord and Burnham–designed glass greenhouse conservatory.
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Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion
Located in the City of Canandaigua, Sonnenberg Gardens is an exceptional example of the lavish wealth and philanthropy of the Gilded Age.
Lamberton Conservatory
Rochester
Take a break and unwind in the Lord and Burnham–designed glass greenhouse filled with exotic, desert, and economic plants, including banana trees. Enjoy tropical temperatures and the soothing sounds of running water. Find turtles lounging by indoor ponds, with tiny button quail and tortoises wandering around. The theme of the Seasonal Display Room changes five times throughout the year, with the beloved Holiday Show in December. During the Holiday Show, the conservatory is open on Friday and Sunday evenings to fully appreciate the beautiful festive lights.
George Eastman Museum
Rochester
The George Eastman Museum‘s grounds are free and open to the public. But do take time to go inside. The museum is a beautiful tribute to George Eastman’s life and legacy. It is the world’s oldest photography museum with one of the oldest film archives.
Ellwanger Estate Garden
Marcellus
Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscape of Sycamore Hill Gardens, featuring Asian and European statues, serene koi ponds, exquisite stonework, a charming formal garden, and a captivating hedge maze. The gardens also feature sprawling open spaces that offer panoramic views of the surrounding vistas. The creation and maintenance of these gardens are a labor of love for the Hanford family and head gardener Tina Wiers, who pour their hearts into every aspect of the estate. The admission fee covers one parking space and grants access to a passenger vehicle accommodating a maximum of eight individuals (including the driver.) sycamorehillgardens.com
Cornell Botanic Gardens
Ithaca
Cornell Botanic Gardens spans 4,000 acres open for exploration and offers numerous opportunities to learn about plant life and environmental conservation. Located on the campus of Cornell University, this area features 12 specialty gardens surrounding the Nevin Welcome Center, the 100-acre F.R. Newman Arboretum, and adjacent natural areas.
Limited Access Gardens
Linwood Gardens
Linwood
The private estate offers multiple opportunities for exploration throughout the year, such as the annual Tree Peony Festival of Flowers, held over several weekends from late May to early June. Join descendants of the original family on a tour of the home and garden, where they share personal stories and provide insight into their horticulture history. linwoodgardens.org
Ellwanger Estate Garden
Rochester
While the Ellwanger Estate is private, the Landmark Society of Western New York maintains the garden, which is open during special events like Lilac Weekends in May. landmarksociety.org
Ready to find some more beautiful gardens near Rochester?
In addition to public gardens, look for house & garden tours throughout the year, including two with the Landmark Society of Western New York.
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25 House & Garden Tours Around Rochester
Every year there are dozens of opportunities around Rochester to walk through grand and historic homes, and meticulously manicured gardens.
These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees.
Highland Park has been described as a museum of exotic trees, many of which are the tallest of their species in the state, though few are native.
Rochester in Bloom: Where and When to Experience The Flower City’s Seasonal Beauty
Rochester in Bloom is a comprehensive guide to Rochester’s bold botanicals, offering information on what blooms, when, and where to find them.
Webster Arboretum at Kent Park
Covering 32 acres, the arboretum boasts a pond, winding paths, various trees and shrubs, and formal gardens with over 200 daylily cultivars.
Sunken Garden at Warner Castle
In Highland Park, walk behind Warner Castle or up the hill from Highland Bowl, and there you will find the magnificent Sunken Garden.
Maplewood Park is a linear park that follows the river from Driving Park and the Lower Falls to just north of Route 104, ending at the pedestrian bridge over the Genesee.
The Flower City: Exploring Rochester’s Extraordinary Flowers and Trees
Rochester became a global center for flower and tree nurseries in the mid-1800s, fostering our identity as The Flower City.
The best thing you can do for your body and mind is simply take a walk. Enjoy our favorite places to meander, mosey, saunter or stroll.
Verdant Escapes: 36 Places to Surround Yourself with Soothing Green
I find green to be a soothing color, especially when surrounded by it. Here are some of my favorite places to go green!
50 Hidden Places Around Rochester
From secret gardens to enchanting waterfalls, exploring hidden places around the Rochester area is the ultimate way to add some spice to your travel experiences.
19 Historic Inns & Hotels Around Rochester
These historic inns will transport you back to when Rochester was a frontier town, only accessible by train, boat, or stagecoach.
Paved, Boardwalk, and Gravel Pathways for Easy Strolls
These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.
22 Fabulous Fall Hikes in Monroe County
My favorite fall hikes offer a variety of landscapes and scenic views, including rivers, forests, and peaceful surroundings.
Which are your favorite gardens and arboretums near Rochester?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
Webster Arboretum has nice gardens, is free and open to the public.