Brooklyn Botanic Garden

New York is home to the Staten Island and Bronx Botanical Garden, but locals will tell you that the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the spot to be. 52-acres of greenery located adjacent to Prospect Park, the Garden was founded in 1910 and features a Japanese pond garden, an herb garden and a native flora garden. Closed on Mondays, the Garden is open until 4:30 PM every other day, and visitors should check the website for any special event notifications. Regulars say that the cherry blossom festival in mid-May is worth the trek from just about anywhere, but if you're unable to make it then, the garden is fully in bloom and wonderful for viewing through mid-fall.