Rebecca DavisWhenever life gets a bit too hectic and I get stressed, my mom always hits me with the same advice: go connect with nature. Sounds simple, right?
But when you’re living in the middle of a busy city, it’s like, where exactly is this magical spot of nature supposed to be?
Luckily, Philly has some awesome botanical gardens my friends and I can visit every now and then. Not only does it calm us away from the honking cars and busy streets. Strolling through all the different plants and flowers makes us feel kind of smart, too.
So if you’ve been meaning to “touch some grass” but keep putting it off because of the city life, this is your sign. We’ve rounded up the best botanical gardens in Philly that’ll help you breathe a little deeper and chill a lot harder.
1. Bartram’s Garden
Media credits: bartramsgarden
Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Contact details: +1 215-729-5281
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Price: Free
Bartram’s Garden is nestled along the west bank of the Tidal Schuylkill River, which makes it more scenic. The paths, especially by the river, were well maintained and perfect for a slow walk or even a jog.
We also appreciated the balance between the manicured spaces, like the recreated kitchen garden and the overgrown trails. Along the way, we found a painting exhibit woven into the landscape. Some artworks were tied around massive tree trunks.
There are also a lot of historic trees here, including the oldest Ginkgo biloba in North America and the rare Franklin tree. They’re living links to botanical discoveries made almost 300 years ago. It was great to see them still thriving.
| Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle. There’s a handy water bottle filling station near the restrooms, so you can stay hydrated without needing to buy bottled water. |
2. Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania
Media credits: morrisarboretum
Address: 100 E Northwestern Ave
Contact details: +1 215-247-5777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Price: $$
The main gardens of the Morris Arboretum cover around 92 acres of the larger 166-acre property. A solid loop trail connects most of the features, with smaller paths branching off to some hidden spots. We were also handed maps at the welcome center.
The Fernery was one of the highlights for us. This octagonal glasshouse is the only remaining freestanding Victorian fernery in North America, which makes it even more special. The Japanese Hill and Water Garden was also peaceful and beautifully layered.
The miniature railway is so detailed that we couldn’t stop geeking out over the mini Air Force base. There are also many thoughtful touches here, like water fountains, whimsical sculptures (including dinosaurs), and educational spaces for students.
| Pro tip: Use the restrooms near the entrance. They’re the most convenient ones, and if you’re doing the full loop, it’s good to plan ahead. |
3. Awbury Arboretum
Media credits: awburyarboretum
Address: 1 Awbury Rd
Contact details: +1 215-849-2855
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Price: Free
During our visit to the Awbury Arboretum, we started near the Francis Cope House. We caught an art exhibit by a local artist inside, and we also strolled through the walled garden and open meadows.
The grounds follow an English landscape style with wildflowers, ponds, and quiet walking trails where we spotted some groundhogs. Over by the farm, we also got to look at the goats, chickens, and even some active beehives.
There’s a strong community focus here, from urban farming projects to workshops and seasonal events. However, the signage could definitely be improved since one of us accidentally wandered into a nearby private backyard while trying to follow a trail.
| Pro tip: Grab a map and pamphlet as soon as you arrive. The arboretum is beautiful but can be a bit of a maze, especially with the limited signage. The pamphlet also has a nice bit of history that adds context to your walk. |
4. James G. Kaskey Memorial Park
Media credits: upennbiopond
Address: Carolyn Lynch Laboratory, 433 S University Ave
Contact details: +1 215-898-7175
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 7 AM – 5 PM
Price: Free
The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park, better known as the “BioPond,” is located right in the middle of the University of Pennsylvania’s campus. It has been around since 1897 and was originally created for botanical research.
The detailed plant labels and signage really helped us learn as we walked around. We especially liked that it’s not overly manicured like some botanical gardens. There’s something really peaceful about its more natural, wild setup.
It’s full of native plants. We even saw squirrels chasing each other, a bunch of turtles sunbathing, and a few koi weaving through the water near the small waterfall. There are also wooden benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the space.
| Pro tip: We suggest you enter from Hamilton Walk. This entrance gives you a more scenic first impression and is also the easiest route if you’re already on campus. |
5. Centennial Arboretum
Media credits: treephilly
Address: Montgomery Dr
Contact details: +1 215-685-0096
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Price: Free
The timing of our visit to the Centennial Arboretum couldn’t have been better. It was peak cherry blossom season, and the entire place was vibrant and blossoming. The whole place is dog-friendly, so we saw plenty of pups enjoying the open space, too.
Some of the standout trees we saw were dawn redwoods, Japanese maples, and massive London plane trees. We also learned that some trees and shrubs were planted for the 1876 Centennial Exposition. It’s cool that they’re still well-maintained.
The nearby Shofuso Japanese House and Garden was another highlight since it added a cultural touch to our experience. The traditional design and koi pond really had us taking some great pictures.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for hidden art. Some of the sculptures are subtle and tucked into corners of the arboretum, so take your time and explore. You’ll find surprises that aren’t always marked on their maps. |
