Longwood Gardens

This idyllic Brandywine Valley institution is one of the best places in Pennsylvania for a breath of fresh air. Admission tickets, which can be booked in advance, are timed to ensure that the garden doesn’t get too crowded. Take a guided Longwood Gardens tour for insight into the flora, or hire a private driver to check out attractions such as Brandywine Museum and the home of Andrew Wyeth as well.

• Tickets often sell out, especially during spring and summer weekends, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Allow 3-4 hours to fully explore all areas of the garden.

• The gardens are wheelchair-accessible, and the garden map includes a suggested wheelchair route.

• Don’t forget to bring sun protection, water, and insect repellent, and check for ticks before leaving the garden.

Longwood Gardens is on US Route 1 just northeast of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Philadelphia. The garden offers free parking in an on-site lot, as well as an overflow off-site lot during peak visitation times. There are two charging stations for electric vehicles.

Mother Nature puts on a show at Longwood Gardens throughout the year; the garden website keeps visitors updated with what’s in bloom. The gardens are open daily, but hours vary by season.

Longwood Gardens is well known for its excellent lineup of events, including seasonal highlights such as Spring Blooms, Fall Colors, and Orchid Extravaganza. Perhaps the most popular event is the annual Longwood Christmas; during the holiday season, the greenhouses and grounds are decked out in more than half a million twinkling lights, making the gardens even more magical.

Longwood Gardens has something to offer at every time of the year, but spring (March–May) is a great season to visit as ranks of brilliant tulips blaze into bloom and wisteria and cherry blossoms flower. From late April, the garden fountains begin to play and the open-air theater comes to life.

Longwood Gardens has almost 200 acres (80 hectares) open to the public, with literally miles of trails, from woodland strolls and meadow paths through to manicured promenades. The 2-mile (3-kilometer) walk around the perimeter takes most travelers 40 minutes excluding photo stops; allow 3–4 hours to fully explore the gardens.

Yes. Longwood Gardens has multiple parking lots, including overflow parking for busy days, and all of it is free. On very busy days, parking is at remote lots, with free transportation to the gardens. Longwood Gardens also has three free electric car charging stations plus accessible parking for travelers with disabilities.

What to wear for Longwood Gardens depends on the season and what you plan to do: A summer Instagram stroll requires a very different look than a Christmas hike. During the summer, bring water, bug spray, a hat, and sunscreen; and whatever the time of year, wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in.

Yes. If you’re going for a show in the open-air theater or during the Christmas season, buying Longwood Gardens tickets in advance is a must as they often sell out. Purchasing in advance is wise during summer weekends and on public holidays, and it can save time all year round.

Technically yes, although there is no luggage check at Longwood Gardens, so bringing large backpacks or other luggage is not recommended. Plenty of visitors use small daypacks to hold water, sunscreen, and bug spray, although food and beverages are generally only allowed in the picnic area, which is outside the main gardens.