
Brookside Gardens Wheaton Maryland
A 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton, Maryland, offering stunning gardens, conservatories, and seasonal displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tulips and other blooms are vibrant

Brookside Gardens Wheaton Maryland
Best Time
Tulips and other blooms are vibrant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton, Maryland, offering stunning gardens, conservatories, and seasonal displays.
"Absolutely stunning garden with great animal sightings, and sculptures. The staff was so helpful, and kind."

🎟️ Book Garden of Lights Early
Tickets for the popular 'Garden of Lights' sell out fast. Book online a few days in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 50 acres.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Conservatory
Main Conservatory
A lush indoor oasis showcasing seasonal blooms and a delightful butterfly exhibit.

Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
Serene ponds, charming bridges, and tranquil pavilions offer a peaceful escape.

Rose Garden
Rose Garden
A fragrant paradise bursting with a colorful array of roses in bloom.

Garden of Lights
Throughout the Gardens
A dazzling winter wonderland with over a million twinkling lights and unique displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Blooms & Lights
Free Admission, But Parking Fills Fast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Garden of Lights Early
Tickets for the popular 'Garden of Lights' sell out fast. Book online a few days in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 50 acres.
📸 Bring Your Camera
This place is a photographer's dream with beautiful backdrops for any occasion.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons and events.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Garden of Lights Early
Tickets for the popular 'Garden of Lights' sell out fast. Book online a few days in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 50 acres.
📸 Bring Your Camera
This place is a photographer's dream with beautiful backdrops for any occasion.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons and events.
🦋 Butterfly Exhibit Fun
Don't miss the indoor butterfly experience in the Conservatory!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Brookside Gardens for its stunning beauty, diverse seasonal displays, and peaceful atmosphere. Many highlight the free admission and the extensive grounds perfect for walking and photography. While the 'Garden of Lights' is a major draw, it can get crowded and requires advance ticket purchase. Some find parking challenging during peak times.
"Absolutely stunning views especially in the fall. Great day spent enjoying nature with the kids. Highly recommended way to spend a day when you just want to chill and get some steps in! Also caught a glimpse of a beautiful bride and groom!"
Colleen W-K
"This garden is so beautiful. I love the mile+ trail that surrounds it. There are many beautiful trees, flowers and statues that adorn it. There are benches perfectly positioned so you can take a break to practice mindfulness and express gratitude. Soak in all the beauty and thank God for his creation. Everyone says to go in every season so you can see how it changes.
This place is a beautiful backdrop for photographs before quincenera, wedding, prom or birthday pics. You will get hooked the first time you go. Have your camera storage ready.
If you are looking to enjoy some peace, this might be a good start. Enjoy
Side note: the pics are from August."
Simone Howard
"Absolutely stunning garden with great animal Sightings, and sculptures. The staff was so helpful, and kind. We spent the entire day and could have spent another day to see even more. I can only imagine the nighttime Christmas display. This place is stunning!"
Wendy Hille
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902. It's accessible by car, and there's also public transportation options via Montgomery County's Ride On bus service.
Yes, there is parking available on-site, but it tends to fill up quickly, especially during popular times like spring blooms or the 'Garden of Lights' event. Consider arriving early or looking for street parking nearby.
Absolutely! Services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or worry about parking. The address is 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902.
The gardens are spread across 50 acres, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. You can explore the paved paths and trails at your own pace. Maps are usually available at the entrance.
While there aren't many dining options directly within the gardens, the surrounding Wheaton area has several restaurants. Reddit users have mentioned Portuguese restaurants like Nova as possibilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The great news is that general admission to Brookside Gardens is FREE! This makes it an accessible and wonderful place to visit for everyone.
Yes, tickets are required for the 'Garden of Lights' holiday event, which runs from mid-November through early January. It's highly recommended to purchase these online in advance, as they often sell out.
The gardens are generally open daily from dawn to dusk. However, specific hours can vary, especially for special events like the 'Garden of Lights.' It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Typically, pets are not allowed in the gardens to protect the delicate plant life and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Please check their official policy before visiting with animals.
The gardens feature paved paths and many areas are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, allowing most visitors to enjoy the beauty. Some natural trails might be less accessible.
📸 📸 Photography
Brookside Gardens is a photographer's paradise! Popular spots include the Japanese Garden with its bridges and pagodas, the Conservatory for vibrant blooms and butterflies, and any of the seasonal flower beds. The 'Garden of Lights' is also a spectacular nighttime photo opportunity.
Yes, Brookside Gardens is a popular location for professional photoshoots like weddings, Quinceañeras, and portraits. However, it's advisable to check their specific policies regarding permits or reservations for commercial or large-scale photo sessions.
For natural light photography, early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions, minimizing harsh shadows. During the 'Garden of Lights,' evenings are obviously the prime time for capturing the illuminated displays.
Generally, personal photography is welcomed. However, for professional equipment like tripods or large lighting setups, it's always a good idea to inquire with the garden administration to ensure compliance with their guidelines.
Nature photography, landscape shots, macro photography of flowers and insects, and portrait photography are all very popular here. The changing seasons offer a constant variety of subjects.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Brookside Gardens offers a diverse range of attractions, including themed gardens like the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden, the Conservatory with its butterfly exhibit, walking trails, and seasonal displays. It's a place to wander, relax, and appreciate nature.
Many visitors find they can spend several hours, even a full day, exploring the 50 acres. You could easily walk 3 miles and still discover new areas.
Yes, Brookside Gardens is very family-friendly! Kids will enjoy the butterfly exhibit, the open spaces to explore, and the visual wonders of the gardens. The 'Garden of Lights' is also a hit with families.
The gardens feature various sculptures and art installations integrated into the landscape, adding an artistic dimension to the natural beauty. These often complement the seasonal themes.
While there are benches for resting, dedicated picnic areas might be limited. It's best to check the garden's specific rules regarding food and picnicking to ensure you comply.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks (check garden policies on picnicking) and plan for a leisurely stroll. The diverse gardens, sculptures, and open lawns provide endless visual stimulation. During the holidays, the 'Garden of Lights' is a must-do, transforming the gardens into a dazzling wonderland that children will adore.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the Conservatory for close-ups of exotic plants and the captivating butterfly exhibit. The gardens are also a popular spot for portrait photography, with numerous beautiful backdrops for weddings, engagements, and family photos. Visiting during different seasons will offer a constantly changing palette of colors and subjects.
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Walkers
It's a perfect place for mindfulness and relaxation, with benches strategically placed for quiet contemplation. The gardens are beautifully maintained, showcasing the best of horticultural design throughout the seasons.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of 'Garden of Lights'
It's a popular attraction for families and couples alike, offering a festive way to experience the holiday season. Due to its immense popularity, booking tickets online in advance is crucial, as they often sell out. Arriving early for your timed entry slot is also recommended to ensure a smooth experience and to secure parking, which can be challenging during this event.
The half-mile trail is designed to be a self-guided journey, allowing visitors to linger at displays they particularly enjoy. The creative use of lights to highlight the natural beauty of the gardens, from illuminated flowerbeds to sparkling trees, makes it a truly memorable experience.
Seasonal Splendor: Blooms and Beyond
Autumn brings a different kind of beauty, with the foliage changing to warm hues of red, orange, and yellow, creating a picturesque landscape. The gardens are meticulously maintained, ensuring that each season offers a unique and captivating visual feast.
Beyond the flowers, the gardens feature diverse areas like the tranquil Japanese Garden with its serene ponds and bridges, and the Conservatory, which houses a delightful butterfly exhibit and various indoor plant collections. This variety ensures that there's always something new to discover, no matter when you visit.
Photography Paradise
Many visitors highlight the gardens as an ideal backdrop for portraits, including engagement photos, wedding shots, and Quinceañera celebrations. The changing seasons provide a dynamic canvas, from the bright colors of spring blooms to the rich tones of autumn leaves. Even during the winter, the 'Garden of Lights' event offers a unique opportunity for creative nighttime photography.
To make the most of your photography experience, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – for the most flattering natural light. Remember to bring extra memory cards and fully charged batteries, as you'll likely be taking many photos!

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit