When thinking about beautiful places to visit in New Jersey, the state's lush gardens and parks are often overlooked in favor of its bustling boardwalks and cityscapes. But hidden within the Garden State are stunning botanical spaces, perfect for peaceful escapes or weekend strolls. Even better? Many of these spots are completely free to visit. Whether you’re a local or a visitor looking to explore New Jersey on a budget, these gardens provide a serene and beautiful retreat for everyone.

1. Rutgers Gardens – New Brunswick, New Jersey

Nestled within Rutgers University, Rutgers Gardens offers over 180 acres of diverse plant collections and scenic landscapes. Open year-round, visitors can wander through holly collections, bamboo forests, and seasonal flower beds. Whether you’re exploring on your own or taking part in their educational programs, this is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Open daily from dawn to dusk

• Offers a wide variety of ornamental trees and shrubs

• Free parking available onsite

• Website: Rutgers Gardens

2. Presby Memorial Iris Gardens – Upper Montclair, New Jersey

For flower lovers, Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is a dream destination. Famous for its spring iris bloom, the gardens showcase thousands of vibrant irises in mid-May through early June. It’s a picture-perfect spot for photography or a peaceful walk, with free admission all year.

Highlights:

• Known for stunning iris blooms in May and June

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

3. Frelinghuysen Arboretum – Morristown, New Jersey

At the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, you'll discover formal gardens, woodlands, and themed areas to explore. From cottage gardens to wooded paths, this 127-acre estate is the ideal setting for a relaxing day out.

Highlights:

• Open daily from 8 AM to dusk

• Guided tours available

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Frelinghuysen Arboretum

4. Branch Brook Park – Newark, New Jersey

Famous for its annual cherry blossom festival, Branch Brook Park offers more than 4,000 cherry trees that bloom in spring. Spanning nearly 360 acres, this park is a tranquil green space amidst the urban backdrop of Newark.

Highlights:

• Thousands of cherry blossom trees

• Free admission year-round

• Free parking available

• Website: Branch Brook Park

5. Van Vleck House & Gardens – Montclair, New Jersey

A former private estate, Van Vleck House & Gardens now welcomes visitors to explore its carefully designed gardens. With beautiful walking paths and a variety of seasonal blooms, this free garden is a serene escape.

Highlights:

• Open daily, 9 AM to 5 PM

• Donations appreciated

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Van Vleck House & Gardens

6. Sayen House & Gardens – Hamilton Township, New Jersey

This hidden gem in Hamilton Township is known for its azalea and rhododendron displays in spring. Free to the public, the 30-acre garden offers peaceful gazebos, winding pathways, and stunning floral arrangements.

Highlights:

• Open daily from dawn to dusk

• Home to over 1,000 azaleas and rhododendrons

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Sayen House & Gardens

7. Leonard J. Buck Garden – Far Hills, New Jersey

The Leonard J. Buck Garden is a 33-acre rock garden that features a stunning array of plants, meadows, and woodlands. The garden’s design integrates natural rock formations with curated plantings, offering a tranquil atmosphere perfect for a quiet stroll.

Highlights:

• Free admission

• Walking trails through gardens and woodlands

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Leonard J. Buck Garden

8. Deep Cut Gardens – Middletown, New Jersey

Deep Cut Gardens is the ideal destination for the home gardener, featuring 54 acres of gardens, including greenhouses and a koi pond. The rose garden alone boasts over 50 varieties of roses, providing a stunning view during the summer months.

Highlights:

• Free to visit, 8 AM to dusk daily

• Rose gardens and seasonal plantings

• Free parking onsite

•  Deep Cut Gardens

9. Reeves-Reed Arboretum – Summit, New Jersey

Located in Summit, the Reeves-Reed Arboretum offers a blend of formal gardens and informal woodland trails. The arboretum is especially beautiful in spring when thousands of daffodils bloom in its iconic daffodil bowl.

Highlights:

• Open daily from dawn to dusk

• Woodland walks, herb gardens, and daffodil gardens

• Free parking onsite

• Reeves-Reed Arboretum

10. Willowwood Arboretum – Chester, New Jersey

Willowwood Arboretum, with over 130 acres of landscaped gardens and meadows, is an enchanting place to explore for free. Visitors will find collections of rare plants and shrubs from around the world, set against picturesque backdrops.

Highlights:

• Free admission

• Scenic meadows and rare plant collections

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Willowwood Arboretum

11. Duke Farms – Hillsborough, New Jersey

One of the largest and most famous green spaces in New Jersey, Duke Farms is spread across 2,700 acres of rolling meadows, lakes, and sustainable gardens. Visitors can explore over 18 miles of walking and biking trails, and it’s also home to one of the largest orchid greenhouses in the U.S.

Highlights:

• Open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

• Bike rentals available

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Duke Farms

12. Peony’s Envy – Bernardsville, New Jersey

During the spring bloom season, Peony’s Envy is one of the most colorful and beautiful places in New Jersey. The garden is a unique blend of cultivated peonies, and while it’s primarily a nursery, they welcome visitors to admire the beauty for free.

Highlights:

• Open seasonally (April to June)

• Thousands of blooming peonies

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Peony's Envy

13. Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary – Short Hills, New Jersey

With its 16 acres of forest and educational programs, the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum is a great spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Its woodland trails provide a perfect setting for exploring native New Jersey wildlife.

Highlights:

• Free admission, open daily

• Woodland trails and bird watching

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Cora Hartshorn Arboretum

14. Laurelwood Arboretum – Wayne, New Jersey

This 30-acre arboretum is home to a variety of seasonal flowers, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and other native plants. The tranquil walking paths and scenic gardens make it a great spot for a peaceful afternoon.

Highlights:

• Open daily, 8 AM to sunset

• Rhododendron and azalea gardens

• Free parking onsite

• Website: Laurelwood Arboretum

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or just want to enjoy the natural beauty of the Garden State, these free gardens are perfect destinations. With a mix of formal landscapes, seasonal flowers, and woodland paths, they offer something for everyone. Plus, you can't beat the price!

Explore More Free and Beautiful Places in New Jersey

Looking for more budget-friendly ways to explore New Jersey? In addition to these stunning gardens, the state is home to beautiful parks, historical sites, and scenic spots perfect for a day trip. From the beaches of the Jersey Shore to the hiking trails of the Delaware Water Gap, there are endless opportunities to experience the beauty of New Jersey without breaking the bank.