Longwood Gardens
Today it's a public garden with an international reputation for its immaculate, colorful gardens and conservatories full of plants from around the world, but the Longwood Gardens story began in 1906, when Pierre S. du Pont (1870–1945) bought part of a Quaker farm and turned it into his home and the ultimate early-20th-century estate garden, complete with magnificent fountains. Seasonal attractions on the nearly 400 acres of the 1,100-acre property open to the public include tulips and azaleas in spring; floral borders in summer; chrysanthemums in fall; and extremely popular decorated spaces and light displays in the winter holiday season. Late spring through fall, illuminated evening fountain shows (some with fireworks, requiring a separate ticket) in the 1,719-jet main fountain garden are a highlight. Bad weather is no problem, as cacti, orchids, and floral displays fill acres of heated conservatories. The outdoor Waterlily Court has undergone a major expansion (completed in 2025), and a new West Conservatory dedicated to Mediterranean-type landscapes, a Cascade Garden in a new glasshouse, and an outdoor Bonsai Courtyard opened in 2024. Besides children's gardens outside and in the conservatories, kids can explore three tree houses on the grounds. Concerts and other performances (some requiring separate tickets) take place year-round. There's a cafeteria, and the seasonal Beer Garden is a fun dining option. The elegant 1906 restaurant (reservations recommended) serves sophisticated modern American fare in a room that overlooks the main fountain garden. A new Gardens by Day & Night Ticket (allowing one readmission certain summer days for an extra $6 per ticket) and a Two-Day Pass (10% discount off price of two tickets) are special ticket options with limited quantities available.
