While Pennsylvania is home to famous horticultural destinations like Longwood Gardens and Chanticleer, the real magic often lies off the beaten path. Across the state (and right here in Philadelphia) are lesser-known gardens that quietly offer beauty, history, and moments of peace. These hidden treasures are perfect for anyone hoping to uncover the most beautiful gardens in Pennsylvania beyond the usual tourist spots. 

From biblical botanical plots in Pittsburgh to pocket parks in the heart of Philly, this guide, brought to you in partnership with PA Tourism, highlights hidden gems across the Commonwealth, including some of PHS's most charming spaces. Whether you're planning a road trip or a staycation, these under-the-radar gardens deserve a spot on your must-see list. 

 

Perth and Addison Park – Society Hill, Philadelphia 

In the heart of Philadelphia, Perth and Addison Park offers a quiet, garden-like retreat amid the city’s bustle. Surrounded by historic homes and blooming trees, this intimate space is both a charming event venue and a peaceful spot to pause. Brick paths and tucked-away benches add to its hidden-gem feel, inviting visitors to linger. Whether you're attending a celebration or just passing through, it’s a graceful stop on any garden-inspired journey.   

Benjamin Rush Garden – Old City, Philadelphia 

Tucked just steps from Independence Hall, the Benjamin Rush Garden offers a peaceful retreat steeped in history and natural beauty. At its heart stands the Bicentennial Bell, a gift from Queen Elizabeth II to the United States in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence. Surrounded by native and historically significant plantings once exchanged between Britain and America, this new PHS garden has been beautifully planted and blends colonial heritage with modern charm. Stroll alongside majestic blooming dogwood trees, hydrangeas, and other perennials or take a seat on one the benches and admire the engraved bluestone circle honoring the 13 original colonies. Whether you're soaking in the soft lighting at dusk or enjoying the colorful annuals, the Benjamin Rush Garden is a must-visit oasis in the heart of historic Philadelphia. 

Delaware River Waterfront Gardens – Philadelphia 

Next, explore the revitalized Delaware River Waterfront, a perfect blend of historic city charm and nature. Start at Race Street Pier, a landscaped park with tiered seating, colorful flower beds, and stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Continue towards Spruce Street Harbor Park, where vibrant hammocks, floating gardens, and seasonal plantings create a festive atmosphere. Finally, visit Cherry Street Pier, a creative hub that PHS has transformed into a green oasis with container gardens and hanging plants, offering a cool, unique escape under the historic pier’s rooftop. 

PHS Meadowbrook Farm – Meadowbrook, Montgomery County 

For an enchanting escape just outside of downtown Philadelphia, visit PHS Meadowbrook Farm, a free public garden location in Meadowbrook, PA. This historic estate, gifted to PHS by renowned horticulturist J. Liddon Pennock Jr., offers a plant lover's paradise with unique garden rooms like the Herb Garden and Queen's Garden, each brimming with unique plants. Shady areas provide a cool retreat on warm days, and the farm also serves as a hub for horticultural education, with workshops and guided tours for both novice and experienced gardeners. It’s a magical spot to explore, relax, and learn. 

Malcolm Gross Rose Garden – Allentown 

The Malcolm Gross Rose Garden offers a peaceful burst of color in the heart of the Lehigh Valley. With roses in peak bloom from June to July, reflective ponds, sculptures, and winding paths, it’s a favorite for quiet walks, photo ops, and even weddings. The 1.3-mile walking loop—with a smaller circuit featuring wellness stations—makes it easy to stretch your legs while soaking in the floral views. Gazebos and pavilions add to the garden’s charm, making it a welcoming stop for both casual visitors and special celebrations. 

Conestoga House & Gardens – Lancaster 

Just outside downtown Lancaster, Conestoga House and Gardens offers a stately, flower-filled escape layered with history and charm. Once a tavern along the old Conestoga wagon route and later home to the Hershey family’s American patriarch, the estate blends centuries of legacy with botanical beauty. Visitors can wander through 7.8 acres of meticulously maintained grounds, featuring over 3,300 annuals, 400 tropical plants, and a stunning variety of roses and perennials. Open to the public for ticketed visits, the property retains a sense of intimacy and elegance that makes each visit feel like a personal discovery. 

Peace Garden at Memorial Park – Shippensburg 

Set within Shippensburg’s Memorial Park, the Peace Garden offers serene scenery for those exploring Pennsylvania’s more intimate green spaces. Born from the vision of peace advocate Polly Underwood and lovingly shaped over the years by dedicated volunteers, the garden features a guitar-shaped path, a multilingual Peace Pole, and a simple yet striking mix of seasonal blooms. From the soft hues of blooming cherry trees in spring to fiery autumn foliage, each season brings its own charm to this thoughtfully cultivated space. Beyond its beauty, the Peace Garden has become a backdrop for prom photos, proposals, and community connection, proof that even the smallest gardens can leave a lasting impact. 

Keithan’s Bluebird Gardens – Sunbury 

Along the riverside in Sunbury, Keithan’s Bluebird Gardens quietly flourishes as a refined part of Pennsylvania’s garden landscape. What began in the 1920s as Charles Keithan’s personal hobby has grown into a lush 1.5-acre park filled with azaleas, rhododendrons, and exotic trees from around the world. The garden, an hour north of Harrisburg, has weathered floods and time, revived by community care and now lovingly maintained by the city. 

Discovery Garden – Hollidaysburg 

Nestled 20 minutes outside of Altoona, Discovery Garden in Hollidaysburg offers a meaningful and beautifully inclusive space for those seeking nature off the beaten path. Created in memory of Courtney Leigh Claton, a beloved young woman known for her community spirit, the garden was designed to be accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. Nestled beside Kids’ Kingdom Play Park in Legion Memorial Park, it features eight themed gardens, a wisteria-covered arbor, and a 25-foot sundial. Since its dedication in 2000, it has quietly grown into a cherished community space, hosting educational programs, celebrations, and quiet moments of reflection. More than just a garden, it’s a living tribute to the joy of togetherness and the beauty of shared green spaces. 

Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden – Shadyside, Pittsburgh 

In Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood, a quiet garden tucked behind the Rodef Shalom Congregation transports visitors to the landscapes of ancient Israel. The Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden, open free to the public from now through late September, features more than 100 scripturally significant plants—figs, olives, pomegranates, and more—each labeled with its corresponding biblical verse. Visitors can explore the 0.3-acre garden at their own pace or schedule a docent-guided tour with at least two weeks’ notice. A symbolic Jordan River, desert, and waterfall enhance the immersive atmosphere, blending history, horticulture, and spirituality in this unexpected urban oasis. 

Goodell Gardens & Homestead – Edinboro 

In the rolling landscape of northwestern Pennsylvania, Goodell Gardens quietly showcases the power of plants to inspire, educate, and connect. From the rose- and herb-lined Welcome Garden to the vibrant Pollinator-Friendly Demonstration Garden, each space invites exploration. Visitors can admire rare and extirpated species, the Goodell sisters’ striking rhododendron collection, and the towering State Champion Paper Birch. With its thoughtful mix of native plants and educational design, Goodell offers a peaceful, enriching stop for garden lovers venturing to dig into Pennsylvania florals. 

Plan Your Hidden Garden Tour 

Pennsylvania’s secret gardens; whether tucked into quiet corners of a city block or sprawling across rural hills, offer so much more than just a pretty view. They provide moments of peace, connection, history, and discovery. 

Ready to dig deeper into the state’s green spaces? Check out PA Tourism’s Gardens and Arboretums Experience to plan your next nature-inspired getaway.