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Peaceful Escapes: Public Gardens & Walkable Parks to Visit in Maryland
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items Looking for a serene spot to unwind, walk, or enjoy nature in Maryland? This curated list features some of the most peaceful public gardens, neighborhood green spaces, and scenic parks throughout the state. Whether you’re looking for a quick stroll, ...
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Botanical Gardens, Arboretums & Nature Centers
Scenic Parks & Peaceful Walking Trails
Historic Gardens & Heritage Landscapes
Botanical Gardens, Arboretums & Nature Centers
Perfect for plant lovers and nature learners alike, this section highlights Maryland’s educational gardens, curated collections, and peaceful nature retreats. Great for spotting native plants, wildlife, or attending seasonal events.
Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre public display garden located within Wheaton Regional Park. It features beautifully maintained landscapes, two conservatories, themed gardens including a rose garden, aquatic garden, butterfly garden (seasonal), and a f...
Brookside Gardens – Tranquil Public Display Garden
Ladew Topiary Gardens spans 22 acres and is best known for its whimsical topiary sculptures and themed garden “rooms.” This historic estate also includes a manor house museum, butterfly house (seasonal), and a one-mile nature walk. Recognized as one ...
Ladew Topiary Gardens – Artfully Sculpted & Histori
The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory features five distinct greenhouse rooms showcasing plants from around the world, including tropical, Mediterranean, and desert climates. Located in Druid Hill Park, the grounds also include themed outdoor garde...
Rawlings Conservatory – Historic Greenhouse & Seasonal Garden
McCrillis Gardens offers a quiet, wooded garden experience on five acres tucked away in a residential neighborhood. Managed by Montgomery Parks, it features shade-loving perennials, ornamental trees, and winding paths ideal for peaceful strolls. Thou...
McCrillis Gardens – Wooded Garden Escape
Cylburn Arboretum is a 200-acre park in northwest Baltimore featuring wooded trails, open lawns, flower beds, and tree collections. The Victorian-era Cylburn Mansion anchors the property and the grounds are filled with native plants, herb gardens, an...
Cylburn Arboretum – Urban Oasis with Historic Charm
This 5-acre garden highlights the natural beauty of Maryland with native trees, plants, and flowers representing the state’s coastal plains, forests, and wetlands. Located behind the Maryland Department of Natural Resources building, it features wind...
Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden – Native Maryland Landscapes in Bloom
Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre preserve and native garden dedicated to the flora of the Chesapeake Bay region. With over 5 miles of paths through meadows, forests, and wetlands, it’s both a botanical destination and an outdoor classroom. The site off...
Adkins Arboretum – Native Plant Paradise on the Eastern Shore
A quiet, volunteer-maintained green space with native plants, shaded trails, and a lovely spot to unwind in the heart of Baltimore.
Mt. Washington Arboretum – Peaceful Nature in the City
Scenic Parks & Peaceful Walking Trails
Explore Maryland’s most walkable parks and trails. These outdoor spaces are ideal for enjoying quiet walks, light hikes, and refreshing views—great for fitness, relaxation, or spending time with loved ones.
Features wooded trails, a scenic lake, and boardwalk paths—perfect for peaceful weekend strolls.
Lake Roland – Family-Friendly Nature Park in Towson
Great for both walkers and hikers, with paved and unpaved trails alongside the Patapsco River.
Patapsco Valley State Park – Hollofield Trails & Overlook
Loop around the lake with paved walking paths and spots to sit, watch birds, or just enjoy the calm.
Centennial Park – Lakeside Walking Loop
Serene trails through woods and waterfronts, ideal for quiet reflection or a light walk.
Quiet Waters Park – Gardens, Trails & Waterfront Views
A spacious community park centered around a scenic pond, offering paved walking trails, open green spaces, a playground, and seasonal events. Great for casual strolls, family outings, or just enjoying the peaceful water views in Bowie, MD.
Allen Pond Park – Lake, Trails & Family Fun in Bowie
A peaceful, tree-lined park tucked into Rockville neighborhoods—great for light hikes, quiet moments by the stream, and seasonal nature walks. Ideal if you’re looking for a nearby escape with trails and picnic spots.
Wootton’s Mill Park – Wooded Oasis in Rockville
Historic Gardens & Heritage Landscapes
Wander through gardens rich in history and beauty. These locations showcase preserved grounds, colonial-style layouts, and floral designs.
Nestled along the South River, Historic London Town features 23 acres of historic buildings, woodland and ornamental gardens, and scenic waterfront views. Visitors can explore colonial history while wandering through seasonal blooms, native plants, a...
Historic London Town & Gardens – Waterfront History Meets Horticulture
A beautifully restored 18th-century garden in Annapolis featuring formal parterres, native plants, and peaceful pathways behind the historic home of a Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independenc
William Paca Garden – 2-Acre Colonial Garden in Annapolis