Plan your visit to the New York Botanical Garden

Planning a visit to the New York Botanical Garden? You’re in for a delight! With towering old‑growth forests, world‑class seasonal exhibitions, hands‑on discovery stations, and gentle tram rides weaving through 250 acres of lush landscapes, the Garden is tailor‑made for creating magical moments. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Timings

  • Open hours: The Garden is open 10 am-6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and on federal holidays that fall on Mondays.
  • Closed: It is closed on all other Mondays, as well as Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Best time to visit

  • Spring (April-June): See cherry blossoms burst into bloom and the annual Orchid Show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
  • Summer (July-August): Enjoy verdant lawns, shaded woodlands, and outdoor family programming.
  • Fall (late September-mid November): Wander among fiery maples and the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden’s final blooms.
  • Winter (late November-January): Experience the enchanting Holiday Train Show winding through miniature New York landmarks.

Location of the New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden sits at 2900 Southern Boulevard (at Bedford Park Boulevard) in Bronx Park, the Bronx, New York 10458, across from the Bronx Zoo on a 250‑acre campus of living collections and woodlands.

Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458, United States | Find on Maps

Closest landmark: Bronx Zoo (1.1 miles)

How to get there

By public transport

  • Metro‑North railroad: Harlem Line to Botanical Garden Station, directly opposite the Garden’s Mosholu Entrance 

  • Subway: B or D trains to Bedford Park Boulevard, then the Bx26 bus; or 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd-Lehman College.

  • Bus: New York City Bus routes Bx9, Bx12, and Bee‑Line Bus 60, 61, 62 serve Southern Boulevard.

By car/taxi

By car

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan (via Bronx River Parkway).

Routes: Take the Bronx River Parkway north to Mosholu Parkway eastbound; exit at Southern Boulevard and follow signs to New York Botanical Garden’s Main Parking Lot at 2900 Southern Boulevard.

Parking: On-site garage available; follow signs to New York Botanical Garden Parking garage off Southern Boulevard.

By taxi

Travel Time: Approximately 25 minutes from Midtown Manhattan (varies with traffic).

A taxi offers door‑to‑door convenience; ideal if you’re tight on time or carrying bulky items. Tell your driver to take the parkways up to Southern Boulevard, where you’ll be let out at the visitor drop‑off. If you’re returning late, rideshares and yellow‑cab pick‑up zones by the Main Gate ensure you won’t have to walk far after your visit.

Know before you go

  • Leon Levy Visitor Center houses first aid, information desks, and an on‑site gift shop.
  • Accessible restrooms and private‑use, all‑gender facilities with baby‑changing stations are located at the Visitor Center, Haupt Conservatory, Watson Building Lobby, and Everett Garden Gate.
  • Refill your water bottle at hydration stations throughout the grounds; free Wi‑Fi is available in the Visitor Center and select indoor spaces.
  • Borrow a manual wheelchair or stroller free on a first‑come basis at the Visitor Center.
  • Children under 2 enter free.
  • The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden offers hands‑on exhibits and nature play for ages 5+.
  • Welcome everywhere; please fold strollers before using elevators.
  • Supervision: Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • No pets (service animals only)
  • Smoking, vaping, and e‑cigarettes are prohibited
  • No drones, bicycles, or scooters inside the gardens
  • Outside food permitted only in designated picnic pavilions near Everett Garden Gate; please leave no trace.
  • Grab‑and‑go pastries, sandwiches, coffee at Pine Tree Café; open daily from 10am-6pm.
  • Seasonal farm‑to‑table fare in a glass pavilion at Hudson Garden Grill; reservations recommended.
  • Ice cream, snacks, cold drinks (seasonal carts) appear on popular warm‑weather weekends.
  • Bronx Zoo: One of the world’s largest urban zoos, home to thousands of animals across 265 acres of naturalistic habitats. | Find on Maps
  • Edgar Allan Poe Cottage: The 19th-century home where Edgar Allan Poe spent his final years, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. | Find on Maps
  • Van Cortlandt Park: A 1,146-acre park offering hiking trails, golf courses, and the historic Van Cortlandt House Museum. | Find on Maps

Visitor tips

  • No bag or coat‑check facilities; carry only essentials.
  • Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter.
  • Use the online accessibility guide before you go, or pick one up at any entry gate.
  • Wear sturdy, flat‑soled shoes and bring water; restrooms and refill stations are scattered throughout.
  • Purchase All‑Garden Passes online in advance to skip the lines.

Frequently asked questions about visiting New York Botanical Garden

Is personal photography allowed?

Feel free to snap pics on the grounds for your own fun. Just leave the tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, drones, and extra lighting at home unless you’ve arranged a permit through NYBG’s Photography & Film Office.

Can I bring my own food?

You can bring snacks or a picnic, but only in the Clay Family Picnic Pavilion near the Everett Garden entrance. Outside food isn’t allowed in the Conservatory or dining venues, so stick to the pavilion and use the nearby bins when you’re done.

Are there coat-check or luggage storage facilities?

No, NYBG doesn’t offer coat checks or luggage storage, so it’s best to travel light and carry only what you need for the day.

Are guided tours or audio guides available?

Guided tram tours, walking tours led by Garden educators, and seasonal audio tours can be reserved online. They’re a great way to dive deeper into the collections, history, and hidden gems of the Garden.

What if I lose something?

Swing by the Visitor Center or any admissions gate and ask staff to check the Lost & Found. You can also call 718-817-8617 or 718-817-8714 after your visit to see if your item turned up.

More reads

Holiday train show

Orchid show

Directions

Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

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