Last Updated on August 6, 2025 by Wendy Sy
This post is all about the best Long Island gardens to visit and tips to plan ahead.
Growing up on Long Island, I couldn’t wait to move to New York City. But one of the things I always did love about living in the suburbs was exploring the beautiful gardens around.
Now that I live in NYC, it feels nostalgic every time I’m back to see my family on Long Island. The train ride back takes less than an hour, yet it feels like a world away. I have a greater appreciation these days for its slower pace and scenic space.
Over the years, it’s become a tradition to visit Long Island gardens for my birthday every year.
In this post, I’m sharing the most enchanting gardens that you need to see in person — truly, it’s so worth it!
Each of these feels like a fairytale backdrop filled with lush greenery, fresh flowers, walking paths, and historic buildings.
Read on for your go-to guide to visiting these Long Island gardens: Old Westbury Gardens, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium, and the Nassau County Museum of Art.
4 Must-See Long Island Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens is a 20th century American country estate is often referenced as one of the inspirations for the Buchanan mansion in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
In pictures and videos, it’s gorgeous. But in real life? Even more breathtaking.
I’ve been to this spot so many times throughout the years, and am still in awe of its charm and character.
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is walk through the dreamy rose garden.
The magnificent Charles II-style mansion, formerly home to John S. Phipps, Margarita Phipps, and their four children, is tucked within 200 acres of formal gardens, nature trails, woodlands, ponds, and lakes.
You can take a self-guided tour with an admission ticket or contact them to request a group tour.
Tip: Before visiting, check their website to see what’s on their calendar. There are often host fun events, such as tai chi, yoga, and music. The site also lists which flowers are currently in bloom.
Old Westbury Gardens offers educational programs for all ages, including summer camp sessions and school group programs. It’s also a popular venue for weddings and has appeared in numerous films.
Tickets: $18 for Adults General Admission, $15 for ages 62+, $15 for full-time students with ID, $8 for children ages 7-17, free for children under 6
Open Between: April 2 – October 31, 2025
Hours: 10AM – 6PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Address: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
I discovered Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay just last year, and I can’t believe I didn’t find out about this beautiful place sooner. It’s a hidden gem!
As one of the former Gold Coast estates, it celebrates of art, architecture, landscape, and the people who once lived there.
This historic estate was gifted by the Coe family and designed by the Olmstead Brothers. It encompasses 409 acres, which include two greenhouses: the Main Greenhouse and the Camellia Greenhouse.
When I went last summer, there were so many bright blue hydrangeas and roses in bloom. It was magical and one of the most picturesque New York state parks I’ve ever been to.
Tip: Admission is free, but if you’d like to see inside the Main House, be sure to book a self-guided tour online in advance.
Tickets: Entrance is free, Parking is $8, Self-Guided Tour of the Main House is $15 (check site for list of entry fees for seniors, students, and children)
Open: Daily
Hours: 9AM – 5PM
Closed: Tuesdays and on December 25, Christmas Day
Address: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, 11771
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum Museum & Reichert Planetarium
Visiting Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport on Long Island feels like being transported to Europe.
I celebrated my mom’s birthday there a couple of years ago, and I still dream over that space — it’s one of the prettiest Long Island gardens I’ve seen!
During my visit, we walked around the outdoor spaces which are simply breathtaking.
There’s an arch leading to a scenic waterfront view that you may have seen all over Instagram.
This 43-acre estate includes a Spanish revival mansion that once belonged to William K. Vanderbilt. Guided tours are available if you want a closer look into the interiors and decorative arts.
One of the reasons I love this place is the planetarium, which gives you a magical perspective of the world. It’s a great spot to enjoy with friends and family of all ages.
There’s also a gift shop with lots of little souvenirs and celestial-themed items.
Tickets: $14 for Adults General Admission, $10 for Seniors, $10 for Students (with ID), $8 for Children under 12, free for children under 2
Open: Tuesday through Sunday
Hours: 10AM – 5PM
Closed: Mondays
Address: 180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721
Nassau County Museum of Art
I visited the Nassau County Museum of Art this summer and the first I noticed was the sculpture garden, filled with unique art all around.
Wandering through acres of fields felt so nice to connect with the natural world. It was the perfect day, I just wish I brought a sunhat with me — it was so hot out!
This is a great place to come and appreciate art, showcasing historic paintings, garments, sculptures, and more.
Originally belonging to William Cullen Bryant, who was a longtime editor of the New York Evening Post, a poet, conservationist, and patron of the arts, the beautiful grounds now include a museum, sculpture garden, arboretum, nature trail, and an educational facility for art classes, workshops, and more.
Tickets: $15 for Adults General Admission, $10 for Seniors, $5 for Students (with ID), and $5 for Children
Open: Tuesday through Sunday
Hours: 11AM-4:45PM
Closed: Mondays
Address: One Museum Dr, Roslyn, NY 11576
Overall Thoughts: Best Long Island Gardens
Each of these Long Island gardens is a unique oasis of beauty, with landscape designs that are truly worth seeing in person.
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