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.

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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 within this 50-acre New York State Historic Park. Admire the Lord and Burnham–designed glass greenhouse conservatory.

Lamberton Conservatory

Rochester

Take a break and relax in Lamberton Conservatory‘s Lord and Burnham–designed glass greenhouse, filled with exotic, 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.

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.

Sycamore Hill Gardens

Marcellus

Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscape of Sycamore Hill Gardens, which features Asian and European statues, peaceful koi ponds, beautiful stonework, a charming formal garden, and an captivating hedge maze. The gardens also include wide open spaces that provide panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The creation and upkeep of these gardens are driven by the love and dedication of the Hanford family and head gardener Tina Wiers, who dedicate their hearts to every detail of the estate. The admission fee covers one parking spot and grants access to a passenger vehicle that can hold up to eight people (including the driver).

Cornell Botanic Gardens

Ithaca

Cornell Botanic Gardens covers 4,000 acres open for exploration and provides 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.

Limited Access Gardens

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.

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.