Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
5
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
About
Open for the regular season May 1-October 20. Gardens Aglow runs Thursday-Sundays, November 16-December 31. The Gardens is 323 acres, 19 of which are ornamental and themed gardens featuring native plants of Maine and others suited to northern coastal conditions. Trails and points of interest extend over 150 acres of mature forest, wetlands, and a mile of tidal shoreline. Advance tickets are required for admission; visit MaineGardens.org. The campus includes innovative landscape designs, impressive stonework, unique sculpture, and scenic views inviting visitors of all ages and abilities to explore nature’s connections at their leisure. Hailed as one of Maine's top attractions, a visit to the Gardens is a memorable experience, no matter the season.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Stock Sniper4 contributionsAn absolute hidden treasure!Walking through the lush, meticulously landscaped gardens is like stepping into a fairytale. The variety of plants and flowers on display is mind-boggling, and the way they blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings is pure magic. The highlights for me were the breathtaking views of the sea and the imaginative sculptures scattered throughout. Plus, the fact that it's not overly crowded like some other touristy spots made it even more enjoyable. Whether you're a garden enthusiast or just someone looking for a serene escape, this place is an absolute must-visit in Maine. It's a little slice of botanical paradise that leaves you with a sense of wonder and tranquility.Visited November 2022Traveled with familyWritten October 10, 2023
- Stephanie C8 contributionsBeautifulThe place is beautiful. Went with my husband. Love walking around there as I love flowers and gardening. So many varieties of flowers to see. There is a great lawn sitting area as well. They have really cool sculptures that you can find along the way. Lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes. Definitely recommend.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 14, 2023
- YotaPowerGuilford, Maine993 contributionsWhat an amazing adventure for the gardens aglow!We have been looking at pictures from friends for years and finally made the journey this year! Amazing place to visit and just has a magical feel the moment you start to cross the bridge. The temperature was above normal and the spots for snacks and warm drinks were hand and appreciated. We will make this a yearly ritual for both summer and winter! Highly recommended. I would rate this a 10 if able!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 17, 2023
- Peas&CarrotsDundee, New York57 contributionsGuardians of the SeedsThis place is awesome! The Guardians of the Seeds is a must. Word of advice to those looking for the best photo opportunity GO EARLY! We were there, right at 9:00 am, it took us about 2 and a half hours to do the guardians and the seeds and on out way out it was packed! This place is 100 percent worth the trip.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 5, 2024
- James S10 contributionsMust see garden.I haven't been for a few years and it is better than ever. Plenty of paking and we used a reciprical membership entry from our local garden. Lots of color and variety of plants. Lots of water areas. Has a childrens garden with many attractions and activities.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 20, 2024
- Tom O69 contributionsSuperb Botanical garden. Must see.Excellent botanical garden. Superb displays, all built into their Maine woods location. many water features. Lots of kid-friendly features built into the displays and pathways. This place is a must-see if you are passing by, perfect for children/families, even if you are not a gardener.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 21, 2024
- Jen MCasco, Maine109 contributionsMore than just flowers!We've only been once before in the winter for the "Gardens Aglow" event. Going in the summer, this place is so much more! Beyond the actual gardens with flowers, there are trails through woods that also peek out to the ocean. If you are expecting just flowers, then be surprised!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 26, 2024
- Roy PTampa, Florida464 contributionsTaking in Boothbay HarborMy wife and I went here one morning to check it out. The place was much larger than we anticipated. The garden area itself was fairly large, but then there is quite a bit of hiking trails as well. You could probably spend all day there if you did some of those trails in addition to the garden. As it was for us, we spent 2 1/2 hours there before we knew it. They have a very nice parking area. The facilities were very well maintained. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The garden area was very well done, well maintained, and very informative. Beautiful as well! If you are in the area, it is worth the visit.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,067 reviews
Excellent
1,820
Very good
197
Average
40
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Steven L
Syracuse, NY862 contributions
Sep 2020
My wife and I recently visited the Botanical Gardens. To maintain COVID Safety, walk-up admissions are not allowed and tickets have to be pre-purchased for a specific arrival time. Even though it's all outdoors, it made us start off with a safe feeling.
As we entered the garden area, we noticed that the staff had set up barriers and signs to establish a specific traffic flow. It not only helped us stay socially distant , it also created a very useful traffic pattern to maximize our exposure to the many botanical varieties that are being presented. We walked for a few hours enjoying a relaxed and informative morning.
We enjoyed the fall day but could also see how visits in other seasons would be just as rewarding.
As we entered the garden area, we noticed that the staff had set up barriers and signs to establish a specific traffic flow. It not only helped us stay socially distant , it also created a very useful traffic pattern to maximize our exposure to the many botanical varieties that are being presented. We walked for a few hours enjoying a relaxed and informative morning.
We enjoyed the fall day but could also see how visits in other seasons would be just as rewarding.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra E
Maine4 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
Very expensive, and difficult to find in the dark due to poor signage. We visited on the 27th, and we were literally yelled at by the lady at the front gate. If we hadn't driven 90 minutes already to see the show, we would have just left. We hope next year some changes can be made to help visitors, and maybe make all who visit feel welcome.
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niwotois
Saco, ME373 contributions
Dec 2019
This place (and we've been going since it first opened) just gets better and better. Visiting from Colorado, a whole bunch of family went back for the Lights Aglow after about a three year absence and, like everything else, it just gets better. Obviously they have put a ton of money into improvements. There now is loads of paved parking. The walkways are paved in places and what is not paved is so well constructed with good draining materials that you really didn't get muddy feet despite the thousands of boots preceding yours! The variety of lights is amazing and, most impressively, the way they ponds were lit was remarkable. The display is even more extensive then before - and probably has about maxed out in terms of scale. We spent the better part of two hours rambling around and didn't backtrack once.
The people are friendly and the facility is first rate. The gift shop, which is stocked with wonderful things, could be a bit larger and roomier. That's about the harshest criticism I can come up with, which speaks volumes about what a great place this is. Don't miss these gardens in any season.
The people are friendly and the facility is first rate. The gift shop, which is stocked with wonderful things, could be a bit larger and roomier. That's about the harshest criticism I can come up with, which speaks volumes about what a great place this is. Don't miss these gardens in any season.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NatureLoverMass
Salisbury, CT146 contributions
Jun 2021
Although relatively new, these gardens already seem well-established. The care that has gone into the layout of the gardens is amazing. The planners took full advantage of the natural landscape offered by the over-300 acres of meadow and woodland. There are acres of semi-formal gardens and yet other acres of gentle paths meandering through natural Maine woodlands. The variety of habitats (marches, ponds, riverfront woods, open meadows) provide locations for an astonishing variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. A bonus this year is the new arrival of the tree trolls. These 5 massive, imaginative sculptures are scattered around the property and will delight both children and adults. They add a bit of artistic flair and family fun to the gardens. Note that the gardens are so extensive that multiple visits are required to take it all in. If you have time for only one visit, spend a few minutes talking with one of the volunteer guides in order to plan the best visit for your personal enjoyment.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveling_with_kathy
Lake Stevens, WA1,615 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
This was my second trip to see the botanical gardens all lit in colorful lights. They do such a wonderful job. It’s so popular that pre-purchased tickets are required for 3 or 4 time slots. There is a fabulous gift store with so many cool things. It was a cold clear night when I went. I really enjoyed the gardens, but holy smokes there were SO MANY people. At times it felt like we were cattle being moved through the maze of trails. Everyone was happy and snapping pictures at every turn. I didn’t try it, but they sold warm blueberry cobbler and Kettle Corn. Since I’ve only visited during Christmas time, my next trip will be spring or summer. A great activity for all ages.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerSHL
79 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
These gardens were absolutely beautiful! The flowers and grasses were stunning. The paths are winding throughout the gardens and there are several hiking/walking paths outside of the planned gardens. There is a sensory garden that is unique. There was a special caterpillar exhibit when we were visiting and the docents were helpful in explaining the exhibit.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Questovia
Wells, ME1,130 contributions
Jul 2020
Coastal Maine Gardens have done a beautiful job of paying homage to the glorious plants and flowers of the region. The different garden layouts offered a variety of styles. Especially fun was Mr. McGregor's garden with Peter Rabbit's jacket hanging on a pole. I was thoroughly delighted with my visit and look forward to going again someday.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MomHecate
Bow, NH37 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Visited in mid September. There were still flowers in bloom but nothing spectactular. What is spectactular about this collection of garden spaces is the artistic landscaping and architectural features, each space offering a different perspective and mood. Wear comfortable shoes -- there's a lot of walking!
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hoorayvacation
Newburyport, MA16 contributions
Jul 2020
We visited on Tuesday in early July with family including seniors for my Dad's 80th birthday. It was easy to social distance there. The gardens are beautiful and well cared for. The best part however is the staff. Extremely helpful and friendly and the gardens are so well cared for. We were worried about bringing seniors due to the pandemic but everyone had masks and staff cleaned the scooters for us and kindly brought them out to car at the drop off area. Plenty of room to stay distanced and some areas one way with reminder signs. Wonderful place can't wait to return.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle S
Boston, MA24 contributions
Jun 2021
My son and I traveled here after hearing about the Giant Trolls. It did not disappoint! We ordered our tickets online the morning we visited. The entrance process really couldn't have been easier. I showed the receipt on my phone and we walked right in! We were greeted warmly by every staff member, every volunteer, and at every exhibit we had our questions answered. We spent about two hours exploring and searching for the hidden trolls. My son was completely engaged for the entire visit. We used an app on our phone to identify unknown plants and flowers, but there were labels everywhere. It rained on and off throughout our visit but this didn't bother us at all. The trails were pretty and maintained. My son and I loved this place, and we will return for sure!
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just wondering are small dogs on a leash allowed in the gardens
Written May 7, 2024
Website is best resource because special events happen all the time. On the day we went, my wife paid the normal senior rate while mine was free because of father’s day.
Written July 22, 2023
Looks wonderful. Will a visit the last week of September be disappointing? Trolls will be fun but I suspect most of the color from flowering plants will be past. Guess my timing, as usual, is bad. Will shuttles and guides be available? My wife has mobility issues and I am worried some of the more interesting parts might be difficult for her to see? Also it said tickets need to be bought in advance? Is this a left over COVID restriction or to prevent over crowding? Is one day enough in advance since our schedule will need to be be flexible. Thanks
Written August 10, 2022
I think the shuttles etc will still be running but I am not sure about the flowers. The foliage should be beautiful
Written August 30, 2022
Anyone have issues with brown tail moth caterpillar hairs at the park? I want to go but hear that the hairs are highly poisonous and last fir up to three years!
Written July 19, 2021
Has anyone seen the trolls with little ones? If so, can we seen them in about 2 hours? I’ll have a two year old and a 12 year old with me. I’m debating if we can squeeze this in during our road trip from Boston to Bar Harbor. It’s an estimated 6 hour drive which means longer with kids but this seems so amazing. Trying to figure out if the longer day is doable and worth it.
Written July 19, 2021
We did it with a 5 year old, but to do it in 2 hours you’d have to be hustling. The Trolls are scattered throughout the Gardens, and the parts they’re in are wooded so it’s more like hiking than a garden stroll. Two hours would be tough.
Written July 21, 2021
Is Gardens Aglow a rain or shine event?
Written December 10, 2019
Yes we are open, rain or snow. If extreme weather doesn’t allow us to open we will post notices in the local news, on Facebook and on our website. Gardens Aglow is actually really spectacular in the rain.
Written December 10, 2019
Hello! Is there a tour/transportation service that goes from Portland to The Gardens, possibly September 9th or 10th? Thank you for any help you can offer.
Written June 18, 2019
I don't think there is. You could take an uber to there and for the return trip the local taxi service. Or the Amtrak to Brunswick than a taxi backend there . Good Luck and enjoy
Written June 18, 2019
Hello! Is there a tour/transportation service that goes from Portland to The Gardens, possibly September 9th or 10th? Thank you for any help you can offer.
Written June 18, 2019
I am not aware of such a servce. It's about a 90 minute drive without traffic. I suggest renting a car for the day. There are many scenic sites to enjoy on the way, in that Boothbay area and on the way back. Enjoy your visit!
Written June 20, 2019
What are the hours during the summer? TripAdvisor has different hours listed than website.
Written May 30, 2019
Go with what the Gardens' website says. They may change hours due to events/seasons, but are pretty good about updating their website regularly. It says 9am-5pm through June, and open until 6pm in the months of July and August.
Written June 4, 2019
Hi I will be staying in Portland by the airport in about a week. On my bucket list I want to
Also see some flowers in a botanical setting
. Does anyone know of a place closer to the airport or Old Port , if not , maybe the closes way to get to these botanical gardens with a Uber from the airport . Thank you
Written May 5, 2019
Thanks for asking this question. We have quite a bit blooming right. We are about about an hour and twenty minutes from the Portland Jetport. There is no public transportation that would take you all the way here so an Uber would be your best bet if you didn’t want to rent a car.
I’m not sure what’s in bloom elsewhere but Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth is a lovely little spot near the Portland Head Lighthouse. It’s about 20 minutes from the jetport.
I hope you enjoy your visit to Maine.
Written May 6, 2019
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