The Countryside of Philadelphia is nestled between New York City and Washington D.C.; lush landscapes greet visitors minutes outside of Philadelphia. Revel in revolutionary history, stroll the gardens of America’s Garden Capital, and discover unique Countryside charms. 

The Countryside of Philadelphia is the heart of America’s Garden Capital, home to the highest concentration of the 35 public gardens in 30 miles of Greater Philadelphia. From meticulously curated displays of ornamental blooms to sprawling, naturalistic landscapes dedicated to native plant conservation, The Countryside is always in bloom. World-renowned Longwood Gardens features acres of outdoor gardens, breathtaking seasonal displays in two indoor conservatories, and the most significant collection of fountains in North America.

Longwood Reimagined, a stunning 17-acre expansion, welcomed breathtaking new spaces in 2024: the 32,000 square foot West Conservatory, a crystal palace seemingly floating on water; 1906, a fine dining restaurant overlooking the Main Fountain Garden; a relocated, glass-enclosed Cascade Garden; and an outdoor Bonsai Courtyard.

Longwood’s summer Festival of Fountains is a captivating experience, featuring iconic performances in the Main Fountain Garden: 1,719 glowing jets soar up to 175 feet and dance in time to beloved musical themes, from ABBA to Disney tracks. On the National Register of Historic Places, Morris Arboretum boasts an enchanting collection of over 12,000 plants — some the largest of their kind in North America, and others exceedingly rare. The du Pont family shared a passion for horticulture, preservation and architecture, survived by grandiose mansions and magnificent gardens throughout The Countryside. The former 175-room estate of Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library features the most significant collection of American artefacts, surrounded by 1,000 acres of rolling hills, streams, meadows and forests. A.I. du Pont’s Nemours Estate features some of the finest examples of French-inspired formal gardens in the United States; the mansion is furnished with timeless treasures, just as it was when he lived there.

In contrast, the natural beauty of The Countryside is celebrated in tranquil, tree-tunnelled arboretums and naturalistic gardens. Chanticleer: A Pleasure Garden invites visitors to wander 48 acres of imaginative landscapes, while Jenkins Arboretum is renowned for its vibrant azaleas that colour winding paths each spring. Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden spans 42 acres of towering trees, serene woodlands, and tranquil garden beds. Natural trails and expansive preserves define The Countryside’s landscape. The 18,000-square-foot John James Audubon Center, the historic home of America’s most celebrated ornithologist, honours birds and natural preservation. Visitors can explore 175 acres of outdoor trails, meandering through forests, meadows, and wetlands while observing wildlife and learning about conservation at the visitor centre.