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A botanical garden in New England just ranked among the best in America
It opens for the season on May 1.
The largest botanical garden in New England is also one of the best in the nation, according to USA Today readers.
The publication named the top 10 botanical gardens in America on Wednesday, part of its 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine ranked No. 7.
About the botanical gardens on its list, the publication wrote, “these standout destinations celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world.”
Here’s what USA Today wrote about Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens:
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is the largest botanical garden in New England, with over 325 acres of cultivated gardens, beautiful natural woods, and coastal waterfront. There is something for everyone to enjoy, such as a children’s garden inspired by children’s books by Maine authors, a five senses garden geared toward universal accessibility, a rhododendron and perennial garden with over 175 varieties of rhododendrons, and 5 miles of trails where giant trolls are waiting to be discovered.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens opens for the season on May 1 and will remain open through Oct. 19. Tickets cost $28 for adults, $24 for seniors and veterans, $19 for students, and $12 for children age 3 to 17. Children under the age of 3 are free.
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The No. 1 botanical garden in America is Ohio’s Cincinnatti Zoo & Botanical Garden.
For the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards lists, USA Today travel experts select 20 nominees in topics from food to lodging, destinations to things to do. Then the publication asks readers to cast votes to determine the top 10.
Boothbay Harbor was named among 26 places to go in New England in 2026 by regional travel experts. Looking for other activities to round out your weekend in Boothbay Harbor? Besides the botanical garden, the Maine Office of Tourism recommends travelers check out the Boothbay Harbor Region Sculpture Trail, a year-round, walkable public art exhibit, Cap’n Fish’s Cruises, and the annual Windjammer Days festival taking place this year June 21-27.
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