Exquisitely manicured gardens and conservatories surround Rochester. If you have not already, visit these five beautiful gardens within a two-hour drive—each offering a different way to experience plants, trees, and landscape design through the seasons. Many are free or require only a small donation or admission fee.
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George Eastman Museum
Rochester (East Ave)
Appreciate a range of color that begins with cascading purple wisteria in May and ends with bold yellow ginkgo leaves in November. While admission to the George Eastman Museum is required to explore the Italianate Terrace and Library Gardens, the West and Rock Gardens are open to the public year-round. Each February, the annual Dutch Connection fills the home with tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other fragrant blooms.
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Delaware Park Japanese Gardens
Buffalo
On the shore of Mirror Lake behind the Buffalo History Museum, the Japanese Garden offers one of Delaware Park’s most contemplative spaces. Curving paths lead past stone lanterns, sculptures, bridges, and three small islands, with more than 1,000 plantings reflected in the water. Inspired in part by Buffalo’s sister-city relationship with Kanazawa, Japan, the garden blends traditional Japanese design elements with the naturalistic landscape of this 350-acre park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. It is especially beautiful in spring during the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival, but just as rewarding in quieter moments—summer evenings, early fall, or in early November, when the Japanese maples reach peak color.
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Cornell Botanic Gardens
Ithaca
Cornell Botanic Gardens covers 4,000 acres and is open for exploration, offering many opportunities to learn about plant life and environmental conservation. Located on the Cornell University campus, this area includes 12 specialty gardens surrounding the Nevin Welcome Center, the 100-acre F.R. Newman Arboretum, and nearby natural areas. Trails connect the gardens to gorges, woodlands, and natural areas, making it easy to extend your visit beyond the cultivated spaces.
Sonnenberg Gardens
Canandaigua
Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion is a stunning late 19th-century Victorian estate, featuring a Queen Anne–style mansion and nine formal gardens spread across this 50-acre New York State Historic Park. Admire the Lord and Burnham–designed glass greenhouse conservatory.
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Lamberton Conservatory
Rochester (Highland Park)
Take a break and relax in Lamberton Conservatory‘s Lord and Burnham–designed glass greenhouse, filled with tropical, desert, and economic plants, including banana trees. Enjoy tropical temperatures and the calming sounds of flowing 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 each year, with the popular Holiday Show in December. During the Holiday Show, the conservatory is open on Friday and Sunday evenings to fully enjoy the festive lights.
Want to explore Highland Park more deeply?
Highland Park
by Debi Bower
Now available—just in time for spring in Highland Park. Explore Frederick Law Olmsted’s living landscape in Rochester, New York.
Seasonal-Access Gardens
Some of the region’s most memorable gardens are only open during select events or seasons.
Linwood Gardens
Linwood
Linwood Gardens offers many opportunities for exploration throughout the year on the private estate, including the annual Tree Peony Festival of Flowers, which occurs over several weekends from late May to early June. Visitors can join descendants of the original family on tours of the home and garden, where they share personal stories and provide insights into their horticultural history.
Ellwanger Estate Garden
Rochester
While Ellwanger Estate Garden is private, the Landmark Society of Western New York maintains it, and the garden is open for special events such as Lilac Weekends in May.
In addition to public gardens, look for house & garden tours throughout the year, including two with the Landmark Society of Western New York.
Explore More
Gardens & Arboretums
These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees.
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.
Parks and Preserves Around Rochester
Enjoy the beauty and wonders of the world by making the most of the varied memorable experiences offered by our parks, gardens, and farms.
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.