Best time to travel to Pittsburgh, PA

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA 2023-2024

Have yourself a top-notch garden experience in the green heart of Pittsburgh

Best time: all year round (best in late March–August | late November–early January)

The lush oasis of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of Pittsburghers' most cherished places. The park is famous for its superb flower shows, continually changing throughout the seasons inside the huge historical 14-room glasshouse. Explore the park's 15 ac (6 ha) to discover all of its treasures, including 23 gardens, orchid and bonsai exhibits, exclusive collections, and special events. The gardens are located in Schenley Park, Oakland neighborhood, just a few miles east of downtown Pittsburgh.

Hours of operation

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens welcome visitors daily from 9:30 am through 8 pm. (For your notice, some parts of public gardens might get closed due to private events.) The only non-operational days are Thanksgiving and Christmas (closed from 5 pm on December 24 through 9:30 am on December 26).

Find more info on hours and admission in the "External Resources" section below.

Best time to visit

Even though there's no bad time to be at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens with year-round flower shows and themed events, some seasons win the affection of many. One of the most popular times is the vibrant Spring Flower Show that starts around late March and continues through late April. However, nature over abounds through the end of summer, making it an extended favorite season among the visitors.

Another longed-for season coincides with the Winter Flower Show and Light Garden event usually scheduled from late November through early January. During that period of time, the conservatory puts on some magical holiday aura, so appealing that once you see it, you'll want to return to the Phipps during the holiday season once again.

Lastly, if you can't make it during the trendy seasons, surely come any other time. On the bright side, you'll explore the conservatory and the gardens without crowds in the off-season. There're always some wonders of nature to see.