The Best Gardens on Long Island’s North Shore

Where to wander, unwind, and enjoy the everyday beauty around you

\When people think about life on Long Island, they tend to focus on beaches. But ask locals where they actually go to reset, especially in the spring and early summer, and you’ll hear a different answer: the gardens.

Across Nassau County’s North Shore, historic estates, Gilded Age gardens, arboretums, and smaller hidden spaces offer something that’s harder to find in the city: room to slow down. Here are some of the standout Long Island North Shore gardens and what makes each one feel like an escape from it all.

Old Westbury Gardens (Old Westbury) 

If you want something that feels cinematic, this is it. Old Westbury Gardens is built around a 1906 Charles II–style mansion, but what keeps people coming back are the grounds. The property stretches across 200 acres, with distinct sections that feel like completely different experiences – the Rose Garden, the Walled Garden, even a tucked-away Chinese Temple Garden, for starters. 

You can spend an hour here or an entire afternoon and still not cover everything. In the spring and summer, the gardens host concerts, art shows, and seasonal events, which give it more of a social feel than you’d expect.

Planting Fields Arboretum (Oyster Bay)

Planting Fields feels less like a garden and more like a full landscape. The property spans more than 400 acres, anchored by Coe Hall, a Tudor-style mansion that gives the entire space a sense of history. But what makes it stand out is the variety – formal Italian gardens, open lawns, wooded trails, and greenhouses, including one of the largest camellia collections in the Northeast. 

Clark Botanic Garden (Albertson)

Clark Botanical Garden is smaller, but that’s part of the appeal. At just 12 acres, it’s easy to navigate, making it ideal for a quick visit, especially with younger kids. But within that footprint, there’s a surprising amount of variety, from wildflowers and butterfly gardens to one of the few designated daylily gardens in the country. It feels more like a “living classroom” than a destination (in a good way!). 

Bailey Arboretum (Locust Valley)

Bailey is quieter and more tucked away than some of the others. The property is known for its Dawn Redwoods, including one of the largest specimens of its kind, along with walking paths that feel more natural and less manicured than some of the larger estates. There’s also a strong family component here, with a children’s habitat, bird garden, and interactive spaces that make it feel less formal.

Cedarmere (Roslyn Harbor)

Once the home of poet William Cullen Bryant, Cedarmere blends gardens with views of Hempstead Harbor, creating a space that feels both historic and personal. Walking paths wind through the grounds, and the water is always within view. It’s a place people tend to come when they want something quieter, less structured, and more reflective.

Eisenhower Park Rose Garden (East Meadow)

The Rose Garden at Eisenhower Park focuses on one thing and does it well: rows of roses in full bloom, especially in late spring and early summer. It’s not an all-day destination, but it’s perfect for a quick visit, a walk, or even just a place to stop and take it in.

Japanese Stroll Garden (Locust Valley)

This is one of the most distinct garden experiences on the North Shore. Designed using traditional Japanese landscaping, the space includes koi ponds, bridges, stepping stone paths, and a tea house, creating a completely different visual and sensory experience. It’s smaller than some of the other estates, but much more immersive. 

Why These Gardens Matter More Than You’d Think 

What surprises many families after moving to Long Island is how often they use these spaces. They’re not “special occasion” destinations. They become part of everyday life – a walk after a long week, an easy spot to bring the kids, and a spot to take a breath and take it all in, without having to plan ahead.  And over time, they start to define what living here actually feels like.

For more insights, visit Suburban Jungle’s New York City suburbs section and the New York City blog page on our website.

Curious what everyday life looks like on Long Island’s North Shore? From gardens and parks to downtowns and beaches, every town has its own rhythm. Schedule a free strategy call with Suburban Jungle and we’ll help you find a community that fits your lifestyle.