Exquisitely manicured gardens and conservatories surround Rochester. If you haven’t already, start with a visit to these five beautiful gardens near Rochester. They offer visitors a variety of plants and trees to observe through the seasons. Many of these are either free or require a small donation or admission fee.
Sonnenberg Gardens
City of Canandaigua
Some of the places you can explore throughout the grounds of Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, like the Tea Garden and the Rock Garden, are accessed by windy, uneven footpaths. There are also trams available that can take you anywhere in the park, but are especially useful getting from the entrance to the mansion and back. The drivers are excited to share details and stories as you drive along.
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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
City of Rochester
Located in Highland Park, Lamberton Conservatory is the perfect place to spend inside on a gray day. Many folks visit to seek a calm, colorful space warmed to tropical temperatures, filled with the sound of running water and the scent of fragrant flowers. Each December, the Holiday Show welcomes you with holiday lights, greens, and poinsettias. The Spring Show opens around the 1st weekend of spring through the Lilac Festival in mid-May.
George Eastman Museum
City of 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
City of Rochester
While the Ellwanger Estate is private, the garden is maintained by the Landmark Society and is periodically open to the public for special events.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
City of Ithaca
Cornell Botanic Gardens spans 4,000 acres that are open for exploration and offer 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, as well as the 100-acre F.R. Newman Arboretum and adjacent natural areas.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Our Favorite Places to Take a Walk
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.
36 Places to Immerse Yourself in Green
I find green to be a soothing color, especially when surrounded by it. Here are some of my favorite places to go green!
24 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?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
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People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
Webster Arboretum has nice gardens, is free and open to the public.