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Virginia’s public gardens and parks range from formal, cultivated landscapes to broad state parklands where the scenery is part of a longer walk, bike ride, or day outdoors. For a garden-focused visit, start with Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden or the State Arboretum of Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley; for trails, water, and larger natural landscapes, explore Virginia State Parks. Hours, admission, facilities, and trail conditions can change, so check each destination’s official visitor information before setting out.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.virginia.org/things-to-do/outdoors/parks-and-gardens/
|title=Scenic Parks and Gardens
|website=Virginia.org
|publisher=Virginia Tourism Corporation
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/?lv=true
|title=Virginia State Parks
|website=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref>
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== Gardens and arboretums ==
A botanical garden or arboretum makes a good choice when the plants and designed landscape are the main event. These destinations also offer seasonal color and paths for a slower visit; check their official sites for current opening arrangements, events, and admission details.

* '''[[Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden]]''' in the Richmond area combines established garden spaces with a recently expanded conservatory, a year-round butterfly exhibit, lakeside paths, and new gardens featuring native plants. Its grounds include themed plantings such as a rose garden, an Asian Valley, and a children’s garden.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/gardens/
|title=Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
|website=Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/gardens/garden-descriptions/
|title=Our Gardens
|website=Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref>
* '''[[State Arboretum of Virginia]]''' is part of the University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm near Boyce. The labelled collections include a large conifer collection, a boxwood garden, and a grove of ginkgo trees; walking trails and self-guided tours offer ways to explore the grounds. The arboretum is open from dawn to dusk, but confirm current visitor guidance before travelling.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/state-arboretum-virginia
|title=State Arboretum of Virginia
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/location-hours
|title=Location & Hours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref>
* '''[[Meadowlark Botanical Gardens]]''' in Vienna is another Northern Virginia option. Consult the operator’s current information for garden hours, admission, and visitor rules before planning a visit.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens
|title=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
|website=NOVA Parks
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref>

== Parks for trails and scenery ==
Virginia’s state parks span mountain, coastal, river, and lake settings. Choose a park by the kind of outing you want—such as a short walk, a longer hike, a rail trail, or time near the water—then use the official park pages and maps to check the available routes and facilities. The state’s park system provides trail guides and maps, with details varying by park.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-trail-maps
|title=Park trail maps
|website=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref>

* '''[[First Landing State Park]]''' offers a coastal woodland setting near Virginia Beach; it can pair well with time at the oceanfront.
* '''[[Grayson Highlands State Park]]''' is a mountain destination for visitors drawn to high-country scenery and trails.
* '''[[Shenandoah River State Park]]''' is a river-focused choice in the Shenandoah Valley.
* '''[[High Bridge Trail State Park]]''' and '''[[New River Trail State Park]]''' are options for visitors interested in exploring Virginia on rail trails.
* '''[[Westmoreland State Park]]''' and '''[[York River State Park]]''' offer different ways to explore the state’s Chesapeake Bay and tidal-river landscapes.

For more ideas, browse [[Virginia State Parks]] and the official park finder. Trail surfaces, distances, and accessibility features differ; review the relevant park’s trail guide and current notices rather than assuming all routes suit every visitor.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/trail-details
|title=More about trails
|website=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks//find-a-park
|title=Find a park
|website=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref>

== Picking the right visit ==
* '''For a garden-centered outing:''' Choose a botanical garden or arboretum, where named collections, designed spaces, and seasonal displays shape the experience.
* '''For a trail day:''' Select a park for its route type and length, then check the park trail guide and current conditions.
* '''For a family visit:''' Look up the facilities and activities at the specific site. Playgrounds and other amenities vary from park to park.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/playgrounds
|title=Playgrounds
|website=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
|publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
|access-date=2026-10-26
}}</ref>
* '''For a seasonal visit:''' Gardens, foliage, and special events change through the year. Check the destination’s calendar and visitor information close to your travel date.

== Planning your trip ==
Check the official site before you leave for hours, admission or reservation requirements, parking guidance, closures, and special-event arrangements. In state parks, consult the park’s trail map and notices for route details. At gardens and arboretums, review visitor guidelines and event schedules; some spaces may have different arrangements during special events. Conditions and access can vary by season and location.

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'''Related books:''' [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Virginia%20Scenic%20Parks%20and%20Gardens%20Virginia%20books%20history%20guide&tag=virginiawiki-20 Browse related Virginia books on Amazon]
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== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.virginia.org/things-to-do/outdoors/parks-and-gardens/ Scenic Parks and Gardens] — Virginia Tourism Corporation
* [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ Virginia State Parks] — Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
* [https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/planner/ Plan Your Visit] — Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
* [https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/location-hours Location & Hours] — Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia
* [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens Meadowlark Botanical Gardens] — NOVA Parks
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[[Category:Virginia guides]]
[[Category:Outdoor recreation in Virginia]]

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