Longwood Gardens
One of America’s most celebrated horticultural gardens, with giant greenhouses, an Italian water garden, and a summer-night fountain show. A classic day trip from Philadelphia.
Built by the du Pont family, the gardens cover more than 400 hectares and host seasonal flower shows year-round. The main conservatory houses tropical plants and an orchid wall. The main fountain garden hosts a musical light-and-water fountain show on summer evenings, and the holiday light season in winter is very popular. Timed-entry tickets must be reserved on the official website, starting at about US$35. The gardens are about 50 km southwest of Philadelphia, roughly a one-hour drive, with no direct public transit.
Opening hours
10:00–18:00 (extended into evening during festival season)
Nearby sights
- Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Philadelphia Zoo
- Penn Museum
- Boathouse Row & Fairmount Park
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Mütter Museum
- The Franklin Institute
- Rittenhouse Square