Spring is here and even the hardiest of New Yorkers are surely craving time in the great outdoors. Whether you’ve lived in New York for years or are just visiting for a quick weekend, the city’s botanical gardens are an idyllic oasis to spend some time enjoying the warmer weather.

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1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, located in the easily accessible Park Slope neighborhood of the borough, is a 52-acre urban botanic garden that inspires both delight and appreciation of the natural environment for visitors. Open to the public since 1910, the massive Brooklyn Botanic Garden, known to insiders as the BBG, runs a number of hands-on educational programs aimed at understanding and conserving the regional plant-life of New York City.

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2. Central Park Conservatory Garden

The sprawling Central Park is an absolute must-see for visitors to the city, and while it’s easy enough to spend an entire weekend exploring the length of the park, one stretch of it that shouldn’t be missed is the 6-acre formal garden known as the Conservatory Garden. Broken down into three smaller gardens, each modeled in classic Italian, French, and English styles, the Conservatory Garden is an officially designated “quiet space” in the city – perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The Conservatory Garden is open from 8:00am to 8:00pm, May through August, and can be accessed via the Vanderbilt Gate on Fifth Ave between 104th and 105th Streets.

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3. New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden may be the city’s best known, and for good reason. Considered a living museum, educational institution, and renowned plant research and conservation organization, the NYBG was founded in 1891 and today remains the largest botanical garden in any city in the U.S. Located in the Bronx borough of the city, the garden oasis was inspired by a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens in southwest London and designed by the landscape architect behind Central Park. Many of the original design plans remain major features of the garden as it stands today.

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4. Fort Tryon Park Heather Garden

Fort Tryon Park is a gorgeous but often-overlooked park located 200 feet above the Hudson River, situated in the Hudson Heights and Inwood neighborhoods of Manhattan. A visit to this park will offer you both a stunning view of Palisades and unfettered access to more than 500 types of perennials and shrubs, including Spanish bluebell, Siberian iris, tulips, azaleas, and rhododendrons in the spring.

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5. Wave Hill Botanical Garden

Another important stop in the Bronx, Wave Hill is a 28 acre public garden and cultural center in the Northern borough. The site was originally built as a country home in 1843, marking Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain as residents of the home over the years. Wave Hill has a number of special gardens, including the Alpine House and Dry Garden, Perennial Flower Garden, the Wild Garden, and a beehive collection in the woodland area of the estate.

Want to see all of these gardens in a day or a weekend? Book a car with Luxor Limo to optimize your time and relax in the flora as much possible. Luxor will pick you up and take you wherever you need to go at your convenience.