5 Beautiful Gardens Near Rochester

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.

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.

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.