Are you a nature lover and a solo traveler? Look no further than the US botanical gardens. These magnificent oases are home to a diverse range of plants, rare and exotic species, and unique architectural structures that can take your breath away. If you enjoy the peace and serenity that come with being surrounded by plants, these gardens are perfect for you. With that said, here is a comprehensive guide for solo travelers interested in exploring the best botanical gardens within the United States.
Feast Your Eyes with the Best of Nature
The United States is home to some of the most beautiful botanical gardens globally, each with its unique display of both native and exotic plants. The Redwood National Park in California is one such site, showcasing a wide variety of towering trees that will make you feel dwarfed in comparison. On the other hand, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers colorful plant collections that are guaranteed to capture your attention. Whichever botanical garden you choose, you are assured a chance to relax and unwind as you feast your eyes on nature’s beauty.
Take a Stroll in the Heart of the City
One of the best things about botanical gardens is that they are often tucked between buildings sprawled in the heart of busy cities. The Chicago Botanic Garden is a perfect example of such gardens. This botanical garden is located only 30 minutes away from Chicago’s downtown, offering visitors a chance to step away from the fast-paced city life and enjoy the tranquility of a serene, lush environment. Moreover, with the garden spread across five islands and twenty-seven gardens, you have plenty of space to explore and discover nature.
Discover Rare and Exotic Plants
Botanical gardens are not only serene environments, but they also serve a critical educational role. They feature plants that are rare and endangered, with some of these plants available only in botanical gardens. Missouri Botanical Garden is one such site, boasting over seven thousand plant species. Across various exhibits, you will see new plant breeds that are yet to be made available to the general public.
Learn about the History of Botany
The US Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., houses over 65,000 plants, making it an essential research and study location for plant enthusiasts. In fact, the garden serves as an educational and research center, offering themed exhibits and educational programs that are designed to provide visitors with a chance to learn and appreciate the intricacies of plant science. As a solo traveler looking to learn, this garden is an excellent destination for an opportunity to educate yourself about the history of botany.
Capture Stunning Photographs
Botanical gardens are a heaven for photography enthusiasts, both amateur and professional. Each garden is unique in structure and design, with gardens featuring a wide range of plants that flourish in their natural environments. From vivid hues to unique displays, these gardens provide ample opportunities to hone your photography skills, capture stunning images and tell new stories through your pictures.
Relax and Unwind
Sometimes, visiting a botanical garden is less about learning and more about taking a moment to relax and unwind. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is an excellent destination for solo travelers looking to breathe fresh air and calm their minds as they surround themselves with the beauty of nature. The garden boasts 55 acres of lushness, providing visitors with a chance to wander freely and enjoy their own space.
Take Part in Seasonal Festivals and Events
Botanical gardens aren’t merely leafy wonderlands; they often host seasonal events throughout the year. For instance, The New York Botanical Garden hosts an annual Holiday Train Show, a unique event where various mini railroads race around scale models of prominent New York landmarks. As a solo traveler, attending such festivals will allow you to experience the different facets of the garden in the most fun and immersive way possible.
Explore Unique Architectural Structures
Botanical gardens often showcase unique architectural designs that complement the surrounding natural environment, making them just as interesting to explore as the gardens themselves. The Desert Botanical Garden located in Phoenix, Arizona, has an extensive collection of exquisite indoor and outdoor sculptures. From creative water features to modern architecture juxtaposed against the warm environs of the desert, this botanical garden is an excellent destination for appreciating the beauty of human ingenuity and creativity.
Connect with Like-Minded People
Botanical gardens offer opportunities for plant enthusiasts to connect with like-minded people, making them perfect for solo travelers. With forums like gardening groups, workshops, and events, visitors can engage in conversations about their favorite plants and plant-related topics with people who share their interests. These connections can often lead to life-long relationships and experiences that you will never forget.
Take Home Unique Souvenirs
Lastly, souvenir shopping is an essential part of every tourist attraction, and botanical gardens are no exception. Fortunately, these gardens offer unique, handmade products that represent the botanical theme that the visitors have come to experience. At the San Diego Botanical Garden, for example, visitors can buy handmade candles, soaps, and botanical prints. Such souvenirs serve as a great reminder of your solo travel adventure and the beauty of the botanical gardens.
You might also be interested in those articles related to solo traveling