Pittsburgh botanical gardens guide

Steel City is full of character and culture, which becomes even more apparent when you learn that there's not just one, but two beautiful Pittsburgh botanical gardens within a short drive of downtown for both locals and visitors to enjoy.

Here's what you need to know about Pittsburgh's botanical gardens.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Open since 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers 15 acres of vibrant plant life only a few minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Guests can meander through the conservatory's 23 gardens, 14-room glass house and impressive orchid and bonsai collections. With commissioned and rotating exhibits plus seasonal floral shows, there's always something new to see.

Location and Hours: 

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is at 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh

Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Tip: Allot at least two hours to explore the entire facility.

Tickets:

Adults: $17.95
Seniors (62+) & Students: $16.95
Children (2-18): $11.95
Ages 2 & under: Free

Tours:

Phipps offers four types of tours to the public, including a Self-Guided Tour where guests can explore at their own leisure.

The Conservatory Tour, which costs an additional $2, lasts approximately one hour and focuses on the garden's plants and history of the current exhibits. 

The Production Greenhouse Tour is also about an hour long and will take guests behind-the-scenes of the Production Greenhouse to learn about how to care and grow for specialty plants from a staff member. (The Production Green House Tour is an extra $5).

The Center for Sustainable Landscapes Tour can last between 1-1/2 hours and focuses on the sustainable aspects of the conservatory's building and the new education and administrative facility that has been designed to be one of the greenest buildings around the world. Tour topics include renewable energy, rainwater harvesting and green roofs. (Center for Sustainable Landscapes Tour tickets are an extra $2).

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

The newer of the two Pittsburgh botanical gardens opened in 2015 and features 60 acres of woodlands to explore, as well as 3 miles of well-maintained trails that bypass flourishing gardens, large open meadows, an award-winning lotus pond and historic homesite. There are also special Exploration Stations around the garden that were designed with kids in mind and provide fun for all ages.

Location and Hours: 

Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens is conveniently located only 12 miles from downtown at 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale

Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tip: Allot approximately two hours to explore the garden and stroll the trails.

Tickets:

Adults: $9
Seniors & Students: $8
Children (3-18): $6
Ages 2 & under: Free

Tours:

Guided group tours are available, but must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. The tour typically lasts about 90 minutes and takes guests on a walking tour through the garden while covering the land's history and plans for the future.

Group tour rates:

1-15 people: $100
6-25 people: $200

Cox Media Group