Queens Botanical Garden

The basics

Travel independently to Queens Botanical Garden, pay the admission, and explore as you wish. Follow the picturesque trails to the fragrant Herb Garden, Bee Garden, Woodland Garden, and through the Arboretum; linger on an outdoor bench in the vibrant Rose Garden, a popular spot for photographers; admire the springtime blossoms of Cherry Circle, filled with cherry trees; and finish by stocking up with gifts at the Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) store, located in the grounds. The garden also hosts regular events such as seasonal tours, workshops, and birdwatching walks.

Things to know before you go

• Queens Botanical Garden will delight garden and nature enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the city.
• Plan to spend 1–2 hours here.
• The gardens are mostly wheelchair-accessible, although some trails are unpaved. Wheelchairs are available to rent.
• Visitors can bring their own refreshments or buy them at the QBG shop; there are designated areas for eating.
• Facilities include restrooms and payable parking .

How to get there

The Queens Botanical Garden sits on Main Street in Flushing, Queens, about a 30-minute drive from Manhattan. The nearest subway station is Flushing-Main Street, located roughly a 15-minute walk away, which is served by the 7 line or Long Island Rail Road. Q44-SBS and Q20 A/B buses run to the garden from the station. Paid parking is available on Crommelin Street during the garden’s opening hours.

When to get there

The garden is open Tuesday to Sunday, with slightly reduced hours from November to March. Free admission is available on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings. The garden’s seasonal displays and events make it worth cherry-picking your visiting time: come for the spring blossoms, summertime blooms, fall foliage, or events like Halloween displays. The garden is generally quiet, but visitors increase during summer, weekends, and the free-entry periods.

Where to eat near Queens Botanical Garden

After exploring Queens Botanical Garden, head for Flushing Chinatown and its low-cost Chinese eateries located a stone’s throw away along Main Street. Here, scores of counters and kitchens serve everything from soft dumplings to spicy noodles. Popular spots include Joe’s Steam Rice Rolls in Landmark Quest Mall, which specializes in rolls filled with soft meat or vegetables; or White Bear on Roosevelt Avenue, famous for its scrummy wontons.