Top Virginia Spots to See and Pick Vibrant Spring Flowers in Bloom
Discover the vibrant renewal of spring in Virginia, where colorful blossoms transform the Commonwealth into a floral paradise. While wildflowers dot the landscape everywhere, these premier gardens and festivals offer curated displays of spring blooms across the state. Plan your visit to immerse yourself in nature's finest spectacles.
Note: Always check individual location websites for the latest hours, events, and visitation policies before your trip.
Historic Garden Week—Locations Throughout Virginia
Photo Credit: Matt Licari
Marking its 88th year, Virginia's Historic Garden Week is a premier event showcasing over 250 gardens statewide. Tour historic homes adorned with peak spring blooms, curated by the Garden Club of Virginia, for an unforgettable floral experience.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden—Richmond
Just minutes from downtown Richmond on a historic estate, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden spans 50 acres of themed displays. Highlights include a conservatory with hundreds of orchids, a children's garden with treehouses and adventure paths, and year-round beauty that's especially enchanting in spring—a must-visit Richmond attraction.
Maymont—Richmond
Gifted to Richmond by Major James and Mrs. Sallie Dooley, this 100-acre estate features themed gardens like the Italian Garden with geometric beds, sculptures, and fountains evoking Rome's Villa Torlonia. The Japanese Garden dazzles with cherry blossoms, water irises, and a cascading waterfall. Explore the Arboretum and specialty gardens for spring splendor.
Burnside Farms—Nokesville
At Burnside Farms in Nokesville, the annual Festival of Spring bursts with over one million blooms, including 50 tulip varieties. Pick daffodils (2 for $1) or tulips ($1 per stem), and take bulbs home for $1 more. Enjoy family-friendly games, live music, and vendors on weekends—perfect for photos and memories.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum & Botanical Gardens—Harrisonburg
On James Madison University's campus, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum & Botanical Gardens highlights Virginia natives along trails, landscaped beds, and picnic lawns. Year-round programs foster appreciation for environmental stewardship amid spring's lush beauty.
Colonial Williamsburg—Williamsburg
Photo Credit: Mark Atkinson, IG account: @me_atkinson
Step into history at Colonial Williamsburg, home to 90+ gardens across 100 acres of restored buildings. Join guided tours of Rockefeller's Bassett Garden or the "Meet the Gardener" program to learn colonial techniques. Wander the Governor's Palace ornamental garden or Duke of Gloucester Street vegetable plots.
Gloucester Daffodil Festival—Gloucester
A tradition since 1987, Gloucester's Daffodil Festival celebrates spring with parades, face painting, games, live music, a daffodil show, and tours of Brent and Becky's Bulbs farm. Brent Heath presents the History of Bulbs and Blooms—fun for all ages.
Norfolk Botanical Garden—Norfolk
Photo Credit: Norfolk Botanical Garden
Encircling Whitehurst Lake, the Norfolk Botanical Garden offers tours by foot, boat, or tram through 15 gardens, including Virginia natives and one of the East Coast's largest rose, azalea, and rhododendron collections—spring's diversity at its best.
Meadowlark Botanical Garden—Vienna
Photo Credit: Patrick Lennon
Explore 95 acres at Meadowlark Botanical Garden, featuring 20+ cherry blossom varieties, irises, peonies, tulips, and native perennials. Trails lead to shade gardens alive with birds, butterflies, and wildflowers. Workshops and tours educate on horticulture and conservation.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon—Mount Vernon
Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson, IG account: @cameron.davidson.usa
History buffs love George Washington’s Mount Vernon, with colonial buildings, a gristmill, distillery, and gardens originally designed by Washington. Hundreds of native plants and 12 surviving trees from his era bloom vibrantly in spring.
Netherlands Carillon—Arlington
Photo Credit: Tom Hamilton, IG account: @tomhamiltonphotography
Gifted by the Netherlands post-World War II, the Netherlands Carillon features 50 engraved bronze bells near the Iwo Jima Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Enjoy D.C. skyline views amid surrounding tulip fields in full spring bloom.
Monticello—Charlottesville
Photo Credit: Fred DeSousa
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello gardens, a botanical showcase, supplied the estate with food and featured over 105 herbaceous species. See the winding flower border, 20 oval beds, and grove of his 'pet trees' amid spring colors.
