The colors are gorgeous.
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Elizabeth Park

4.7
·5k reviews·West Hartford, United States

A historic gem featuring one of the largest and oldest rose gardens in the US, offering free, year-round beauty and tranquility.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-June to early July

Peak rose bloom

CrowdHigh
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The colors are gorgeous.

Elizabeth Park

Best Time

Mid-June to early July

Peak rose bloom

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic gem featuring one of the largest and oldest rose gardens in the US, offering free, year-round beauty and tranquility.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"This over 100 acre park with its stunning rose garden is a wonderful way to spend the day."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Best Rose Viewing

Visit mid-June to early July for the most spectacular rose blooms!

📸 Photo Opportunities

The rustic gazebo and rose garden offer stunning backdrops for family photos.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

Main garden area

One of the largest and oldest rose gardens in the US, boasting over 15,000 roses and 800 varieties.

Perennial Garden & Greenhouses

Perennial Garden & Greenhouses

Near Asylum Street entrance

Explore a vibrant array of seasonal flowers and discover the lush greenery within the park's historic greenhouses.

Pond and Gazebo

Pond and Gazebo

Central pond area

A picturesque pond with a charming bridge and a rustic gazebo, perfect for serene walks and memorable photos.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Roses

Elizabeth Park's famous rose garden is at its peak from mid-June to early July. Visiting outside this window means fewer blooms, but the park's beauty extends year-round with other gardens and peaceful trails. Consider early autumn for mums!

Free Entry, Endless Beauty

Enjoy Elizabeth Park's stunning landscapes, including its renowned rose garden, greenhouses, and walking trails, all completely free! It's open 365 days a year, making it an accessible escape for everyone.

Best Times

When
Mid-June to early July
Why
Peak rose bloom
Crowd
High
When
Early autumn
Why
Stunning mums
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter
Why
Peaceful, serene walks
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We’re here in Elizabeth Park doing some renovations. Stay tuned to watch the full video.😉. . . . . . For more info, contact: 📧terry.ramsay@yahoo.com 📞+1(246)826-3579 . . . #construction #building #projectsourceinc #jamaica #barbados #projectsource #project #residential #pool
projectsourceinc
34 likes • 894 views

🎯 Best Rose Viewing

Visit mid-June to early July for the most spectacular rose blooms! InstagramReddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The rustic gazebo and rose garden offer stunning backdrops for family photos. InstagramReddit

🌹 ¿Sabías que uno de los jardines de rosas más grandes y antiguos de Estados Unidos está aquí mismo en Connecticut? @elizabeth.park.pics Visitamos Elizabeth Park, ubicado entre Hartford y West Hartford, ¡y es un sueño floral hecho realidad! Tiene más de 15,000 rosales y 800 variedades, senderos preciosos, espacios para picnic, un café con snacks y helados, y lo mejor… ¡la entrada es completament...
explorandoconhijos
4K likes • 116.5K views
Always been beautiful 🌹 definitely a Must visit ✨ if you haven’t been 📍 ✍🏾 #rosesgarden #elizabethpark #elizabethparkrosegarden @hoverair_global
jimyofficial
1.6K likes • 34.6K views

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Explore paved trails and extensive gardens; comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

🌳 Nature Exploration

Enjoy peaceful walks, identify trees, and relax in the abundant green spaces. Reddit

The Annual Pack Walk at Elizabeth Park was everything today — legacy, loyalty, and just enough chaos to keep it fun 🖤🐾 Zarrah’s babies showed up in force: ✨ Hazel (1.5 yrs) ✨ Eowyn (11 mo) ✨ Finn (1.5 yrs) ✨ Winter (11 mo) Ember’s legacy walked right beside them: 🔥 Sergeant (2.5 yrs) 🔥 Gus (2.5 yrs) 🔥 Pandora (1.5 yrs) 🔥 Little Remi (15 weeks and holding her own 👀) Pepper, the timeless queen, m...
campbells_family_dobermans
19 likes • 493 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Best Rose Viewing

Visit mid-June to early July for the most spectacular rose blooms! InstagramReddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The rustic gazebo and rose garden offer stunning backdrops for family photos. InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Explore paved trails and extensive gardens; comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

🌳 Nature Exploration

Enjoy peaceful walks, identify trees, and relax in the abundant green spaces. Reddit

🌸 Beyond the Roses

Don't miss the vibrant mums in autumn or the tranquil winter scenery. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Elizabeth Park for its stunning, free-access rose garden, calling it a 'dream place' and a 'wonderful way to spend the day.' The park's beauty extends beyond roses, with well-maintained perennial gardens, a picturesque pond, and peaceful walking trails. Many highlight the gazebo as a great photo spot and appreciate the year-round accessibility.

"This over 100 acre park with its stunning rose garden is a wonderful way to spend the day. Entrance is free and it is opened 365 days!
We visited on a Sunday afternoon in early autumn 2025 and were pleased to see some roses still in bloom.
There are over 800 varieties of old and new roses. The best time to see them in full bloom is mid June to early July.
The rustic gazebo is stunning and makes for great photo opportunities.
The are paved, level walking and biking trails all around and trees throughout are identified.
There is plenty of green space to relax and enjoy the peacefulness.
The Asylum Street entrance brings you to the to the rose garden, pond, bridges, perennial garden and greenhouses.
Beautifully clean and well maintained park for all to enjoy."

Denise A.

"Very beautiful and delicate place - has a pond with bridge, a lovely rose garden (probably two, if includes the old one - also greenhouses), and a lot of (mostly native) beautiful trees that may or may not be commonly seen. It is a very peaceful walk during winter time, and I cannot imagine when all the flowers bloom and trees are turning green!"

Wanyu Huang

"We love this Rose garden. My mother was so happy to be here. She loves the flower so much and put a lot of effort into gardening and to her this place was a dream place to be. The kids enjoyed it as well. We had a relaxing time. The best time to visit is mid June I would say. You will get a splendid family pics here."

prasenjeet kumar

What People Like

Stunning rose garden
Free admission
Beautifully maintained

What People Dislike

Fewer blooms off-season

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Elizabeth Park is located between Hartford and West Hartford, Connecticut. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the park. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at Elizabeth Park. The Asylum Street entrance typically leads to parking areas near the rose garden and greenhouses. Reddit

Elizabeth Park has paved walking and biking trails throughout, making it a great destination for cyclists. You can ride your bike within the park or use it as a route to get there. Reddit

The park features paved, level walking trails, which generally makes it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Reddit

Elizabeth Park is open 365 days a year, offering access to its beautiful grounds at any time. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entrance to Elizabeth Park is completely free! You can enjoy the rose garden, perennial gardens, and walking trails without any admission cost. Reddit

The rose garden is most spectacular from mid-June to early July when the majority of the over 800 varieties are in full bloom. InstagramReddit

While specific pet policies can change, many parks allow leashed dogs. It's always best to check the official park website or signage upon arrival for the most current rules regarding pets. Instagram (Note: This reel shows a pack walk, implying dogs are permitted).

Yes, guided tours are sometimes available and highly recommended. Guides like David have been praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge of the park's history. Reddit

Elizabeth Park is beautiful year-round. You can still enjoy the perennial gardens, greenhouses, peaceful walking trails, and the pond, especially the vibrant mums in autumn. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rose garden itself, the rustic gazebo, the pond with its bridge, and the greenhouses all offer stunning photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The beautiful gardens and scenic spots make it an ideal location for family portraits, especially during peak bloom season. InstagramReddit

Drone usage in public parks is often restricted or prohibited to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's advisable to check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation. TikTok (Note: This reel mentions renovations, not drone use).

Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, commercial photography or large-scale event photography might require permits. Always check with park management if you have specific commercial photography needs. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing glow, especially in the rose garden. Instagram

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy leisurely walks, admire the diverse gardens, have a picnic, relax by the pond, and explore the greenhouses. The park also has tennis courts. Reddit

While there isn't a full-service restaurant, there's a cafe with snacks, and plenty of green space is perfect for picnics. InstagramReddit

Established around 1904, Elizabeth Park is home to one of the oldest and most extensive rose gardens in the United States, a testament to its historical significance. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available within large public parks like Elizabeth Park. Look for signage upon arrival. Reddit

Besides the renowned rose garden, the park features a beautiful perennial garden and greenhouses, offering a variety of floral displays throughout the seasons. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Elizabeth Park is a fantastic destination for families. The free admission and open grounds make it an easy and affordable outing. Kids can enjoy running around the open green spaces, exploring the different garden areas, and marveling at the colorful flowers. InstagramReddit The paved trails are great for strollers, and the pond area offers a scenic spot for a family picnic. Reddit Visiting during peak bloom season ensures a visually stimulating experience for children, making it a memorable day out.

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

For photographers, Elizabeth Park is a dream. The iconic rose garden provides endless opportunities for stunning floral shots, especially during its peak bloom. Instagram+1 The gazebo and pond offer classic, picturesque scenes, perfect for portraits or landscape photography. Reddit Even the greenhouses and perennial gardens present unique visual elements. Visiting during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon will enhance your photos with beautiful light. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Nature Lovers & Garden Enthusiasts

Elizabeth Park is a haven for those who appreciate nature and horticulture. The extensive rose collection is a must-see, with its vast array of varieties and colors. Instagram Beyond the roses, the perennial gardens and identified trees offer continuous interest throughout the seasons. Reddit The park's commitment to maintenance ensures a beautiful and peaceful environment for leisurely walks and quiet contemplation. Reddit It's an ideal spot for anyone seeking a serene escape into a well-curated natural setting.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Crown Jewel: Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

Elizabeth Park is most celebrated for its magnificent Rose Garden, established in 1904. It's one of the oldest and largest in the United States, featuring over 15,000 rose bushes representing more than 800 varieties. Instagram Visitors can wander through the meticulously maintained beds, admiring the incredible diversity of colors, shapes, and fragrances. The garden's peak bloom is typically from mid-June to early July, transforming the park into a breathtaking floral spectacle. Reddit Even outside of peak season, the garden offers a serene and beautiful experience, with different blooms and the underlying structure of the garden providing visual interest. The rustic gazebo within the garden is a popular spot for photos and quiet contemplation. Reddit

Beyond the roses, the park boasts a Perennial Garden and Greenhouses that add to its horticultural charm. These areas showcase a variety of seasonal flowers and offer a glimpse into plant cultivation. Reddit The paved walking and biking trails that meander through the park's 100+ acres provide opportunities for exercise and exploration, with many of the trees identified for educational value. Reddit Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the rose garden and its surrounding landscapes offer a truly memorable experience. Instagram

Planning Your Visit: Beyond the Blooms

While the rose garden is the star attraction, Elizabeth Park offers a well-rounded experience for all visitors. The park is open 365 days a year and entry is free, making it an accessible destination for everyone. Reddit This means you can enjoy its beauty regardless of the season. For those looking to capture memories, the park provides numerous photographic opportunities, from the vibrant rose beds to the picturesque pond and gazebo. Instagram Families often find it a delightful place for outings, with ample green space for children to play and explore. InstagramReddit

When planning your visit, consider the best time to see the roses in full glory, which is typically mid-June to early July. Reddit However, early autumn is also a highlight, with stunning displays of chrysanthemums (mums) that have become a secondary attraction for many. Reddit Even in winter, the park offers a peaceful retreat with its bare trees and serene atmosphere. Reddit The park is well-maintained, clean, and offers a tranquil environment for relaxation and enjoyment. Reddit

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