Summary
Make the most of your day at the New York Botanical Garden
Address
2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458-5126, USA
Phone +1 718-817-8700
The 250-acre New York Botanical Garden is the largest in any city in the United States. It features 50 specialty gardens housing over one million plants, including a sustainable rose garden, a native plant garden showcasing North America’s rich plant diversity, and trees over 200 years old. Moreover, there’s an authentic Victorian-style greenhouse.
Visitors can enjoy a beautiful day wandering through the gardens, with many activities available for all ages, from a children’s adventure garden to fine dining options for adults. Activities include gardening classes, art exhibits, lectures, tours, live music, and festive parties.
With so much to explore, it can be overwhelming; however, this guide will help you maximize your day at one of America’s treasured gardens.
History & Background
In the late 19th century, distinguished Columbia University botanist Nathaniel Lord Britton and his wife, Elizabeth, were inspired by their visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens near London. They envisioned a natural oasis in New York City, which led to the establishment of the New York Botanical Garden in 1891.
Over the course of the next century, the garden expanded, amassing a wide variety of plant species from around the globe. A research library was established to curate information on these species, and the garden developed the second-largest research herbarium in the world, with over 7.8 million plant specimens. The Victorian-style glasshouse not only serves as a habitat for tropical species but has also become a historical landmark in New York City.
Today, millions of visitors each year benefit from the garden’s vast resources, affirming its status as a beloved institution among scientists, tourists, and locals alike.
Location
The New York Botanical Garden is conveniently located at 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458, which is in the northernmost borough of New York City. The easiest method to reach the garden is via public transportation; it is only a 20-minute train ride from Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal. Visitors can take the Metro-North Harlem line to Botanical Garden Station, followed by clear signs leading to the garden entrance.
Alternatively, visitors can take the subway, although this journey requires slightly more time. The B, D, or 4 train can be taken to Bedford Park Station, then transfer to the Bx26 bus heading east to the garden entrance.
For those choosing to drive, ample parking is available.
Price
The all-garden pass encompasses all current exhibitions, the conservatory, the rock garden, the native plant garden, the tram tour, garden grounds, and the art gallery. Weekend prices are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, $12 for children aged 2-12, while kids under 2 are free. Additionally, visiting on weekdays yields savings: Monday through Friday prices are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $10 for children aged 2-12, with children under 2 also free.
Discounted ticket prices are also available for New York residents, so remember to bring proof of residency.
When to Visit
The garden is open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday, operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., although these hours may change for special events.
While the gardens are typically closed on Mondays, exceptions include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Earth Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, the second Monday in October, and select Mondays in December when the Holiday Train Show is active.
While there are attractions available year-round, spring is notably one of the best seasons to visit. The weather is pleasantly warm and the garden begins to flourish after winter. A visit from March to May allows for witnessing the stunning blossoms of over 200 cherry trees. Furthermore, December features festive holiday decorations alongside the renowned train show.
Gardens and Exhibits
With 250 acres to explore, deciding where to go first can be a challenge. A great starting point is to check what is currently blooming during your visit. The website provides a regularly updated list of flowering plants and their locations within the garden. Additionally, a navigator tool allows visitors to look up plant locations by name, providing an efficient way to plan your adventure.
Among must-see highlights is the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, boasting over 650 varieties of roses that generally bloom from May to October, making this time ideal for visits. The climate-controlled greenhouse showcases lush tropical rainforest plants throughout the year and features water lilies in early summer and fall. Additionally, the azalea garden bursts into bloom with pink, white, coral, and purple flowers seasonally.
For visitors with children, the 12-acre children’s adventure garden is a magical experience. This area includes climbing platforms and a maze designed for kids to explore and engage with plants. Regular hands-on activities are available, enhancing the experience. A full schedule of activities can be found here.
A tram service is available to transport visitors between various attractions for those who prefer not to walk.
Special Events
The New York Botanical Garden is renowned for its diverse programming catering to visitors of all ages. The garden hosts special exhibits every few months, featuring themed evenings. For example, when showcasing Georgia O’Keeffe’s Hawaiian paintings, the garden organized Hawaiian-themed nights with special food, dance, and music.
Additionally, the garden conducts a series of lectures and classes aimed at both children and adults. More information on current offerings can be explored in the “What’s On” section of the website.
One of the largest holiday celebrations in New York City is the Train Show. This spectacular event features model trains navigating through hundreds of landmarks in New York, all created using plant materials. Naturalists and locals alike flock to experience this unique attraction each year.
Food & Drink
A variety of dining options are available during your visit to the New York Botanical Garden. The Pine Tree Cafe offers a casual atmosphere, serving pizza, salads, sandwiches, and desserts that can be enjoyed beneath unique pine trees—some of which reach heights of nearly 100 feet.
The Hudson Garden Grill provides a farm-to-table dining experience, utilizing locally sourced ingredients for its salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Constructed from reclaimed wood sourced from trees that fell during Hurricane Sandy, the restaurant offers bar service from 3 to 6 p.m. Keep in mind that this setting is a bit more upscale and may not be the most suitable environment for children.
Know Before You Go
- The garden is extensive; therefore, prepare for a significant amount of walking. Ensure to dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.
- Please note that selfie sticks, pets, and tripods are prohibited.
- Strollers are permitted throughout the gardens except in the Conservatory, Discovery Center, Ross Hall, and Art Gallery, where stroller checks are conducted.
- To conserve the garden grounds, walking on the grass, picking flowers, or touching any plant or tree is strictly forbidden.
