Top 6 vacation destinations for the garden minded traveler
Gardens at Magnolia Market, Waco, TX
If you’re looking to get out of town this summer and want to visit some beautiful gardens for inspiration, keep reading for our six favorite garden destinations.
These are lovely places where flowers spill over stone paths, herbs scent the air, and every corner feels a little bit magical. Whether it’s a tucked-away ranch in California, a lush Southern farm, or a sun-soaked oasis in Cabo, each of these destinations invites you to slow down, wander, and soak up the beauty of thoughtfully tended landscapes.
San Ysidro Ranch (Santa Barbara, CA)
Tucked into the Montecito foothills, the gardens at San Ysidro Ranch are a dreamy blend of formal and wild beauty. Wander among blooming roses, salvias, and ancient olive trees and snap a picture under the evergreen arches. The lush landscaping creates a peaceful retreat that feels like stepping into a storybook. This is where John and Jackie Kennedy stayed during their honeymoon. Not able to stay the night? It’s worth visiting the property and eating lunch on the patio if you are in the Santa Barbara area.
San Ysidro Gardens, CA
Blackberry Farm (Walland, TN)
At Blackberry Farm, the gardens are the heart of the experience—nurtured by the Smoky Mountains and designed to feed both body and soul. Explore the farmstead’s heirloom vegetable plots, herb beds, and flower fields, all lovingly tended with sustainable practices. It’s a garden lover’s paradise with incredible views and serenity abound. You can also try outdoor activities, like fly fishing, archery, or hiking. And, the meal at the barn will probably be the best of your life.
Blackberry farm, TN
Flora Farms (San José del Cabo, Mexico)
Flora Farms is a vibrant, organic oasis nestled in the Baja desert, near Cabo San Lucas. The culinary gardens have a bohemian vibe and overflow with herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees that fuel the on-site restaurant. Strolling through the farm’s colorful rows, you’ll find it’s as much a celebration of nature as it is a foodie haven. Besides delicious meals, Flora Farms offers cooking classes and farm tours. You are in for a treat.
Flora Farms
Magnolia Market Gardens (Waco, TX)
The gardens at Magnolia Market are a cheerful, family-friendly destination filled with seasonal blooms, playful pathways, and charming raised beds. You can check out the flowers growing in the raised beds, shop for home goods, or linger on the expansive lawn. Whether you're admiring sunflowers in summer or tulips in spring, it’s an easygoing place that invites visitors to slow down. Make sure to buy a cupcake at the Silos while you are there.
Culinary Gardens (Napa Valley, CA)
Set amid world-class vineyards, Napa’s culinary gardens offer a delicious glimpse into farm-to-table living. These beautifully curated spaces showcase everything from heirloom tomatoes to fragrant herbs, providing fresh inspiration for both chefs and garden enthusiasts. It’s the perfect stop to reconnect with nature and see all that you can grow in the California climate.
Culinary gardens at Copia in Napa Valley
Reynolda Gardens (Winston-Salem, NC)
A hidden gem on a historic estate, Reynolda Gardens offers a peaceful blend of formal gardens and wild woodlands. Meander through the lush greenhouse, seasonal flower beds, and gently winding trails. It’s a botanical retreat where every path feels like a quiet invitation to pause and breathe.
Reynolda Gardens, NC
