Brookside Gardens
Sprawling 50-acre green space with conservatories, water elements, flowers & fruit trees.
Brookside Gardens is rated 4.8 / 5 from 6,256 Google reviews and sits about 1.3 km (16 min walk) from Glenmont station.
General overview
About Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens is a 30-acre public botanical garden in Wheaton Regional Park, Maryland, operated by Montgomery Parks. It features themed outdoor gardens, two conservatories, seasonal displays, educational programs, and special events. General admission to the gardens is typically free. None of the information below is live-verified; schedules, prices, and policies should be confirmed on the official website before visiting.
- 30 acres of landscaped gardens and plant collections
- Japanese, Rose, Aquatic, Fragrance, and other themed gardens
- Two conservatories with tropical, desert, and seasonal plant displays
- Seasonal events including Garden of Lights and Wings of Fancy butterfly exhibit
- Located within the larger Wheaton Regional Park, which offers additional recreational facilities
Things to do here
Outdoor themed gardens
Explore a series of formal and specialty gardens, including the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Aquatic Garden, Fragrance Garden, and Trial Garden.
Conservatories
Visit indoor plant displays featuring tropical plants, desert species, seasonal flowers, and changing horticultural exhibits.
Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly & Caterpillar Exhibit
A seasonal butterfly exhibit, traditionally held in spring and early summer, with free-flying butterflies and educational displays. Separate admission has generally applied.
Garden of Lights
A popular winter holiday light display held after dark, traditionally requiring timed admission and advance reservations.
Educational programs and tours
Brookside offers horticulture classes, family programs, lectures, demonstrations, and occasional guided tours.
Walking and photography
The grounds are well suited to leisurely walks, plant photography, birdwatching, and seasonal flower viewing.
Allow extra time to park and walk to the gardens, particularly during peak bloom periods and ticketed events. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Check the event-specific entrance instructions because special events may use different parking or entry procedures.
General garden visits usually do not require reservations. Book ahead for Garden of Lights, Wings of Fancy, classes, and other popular special events.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Brookside Gardens is about 1.3 km (~16 min walk) from Glenmont station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Stained Glass Pub - Glenmont
Restaurants · 3 min walk
★ 4.4
Iglesia Católica Misión San Andrés
Places to visit · 9 min walk
★ 4.9
Wheaton Regional Park
Places to visit · 18 min walk
★ 4.7
Brookside Nature Center
Places to visit · 22 min walk
★ 4.8
Westfield Wheaton
Restaurants · 35 min walk
★ 4.2
Juicy Seafood
Restaurants · 42 min walk
★ 4.8
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Brookside Gardens from Glenmont station?
Brookside Gardens is about 1258 m (roughly 16 min walk) from Glenmont station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Brookside Gardens rated?
Brookside Gardens has a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 6,256 reviews.
What's near Brookside Gardens?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Stained Glass Pub - Glenmont, Iglesia Católica Misión San Andrés, Wheaton Regional Park.
Is Brookside Gardens wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Brookside Gardens: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Brookside Gardens?
Google lists these parking options near Brookside Gardens: free parking lot, free street parking.
Is Brookside Gardens good for children?
Yes — Google lists Brookside Gardens as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Brookside Gardens?
Google does not list Brookside Gardens as allowing dogs.
Is Brookside Gardens free?
General admission to the gardens has traditionally been free. Seasonal exhibits, classes, and major events such as Garden of Lights may require separate tickets.
Do I need a reservation for a normal garden visit?
Usually not. Reservations are more commonly associated with special exhibits, classes, and ticketed events.
How long should I plan to spend there?
Plan about 1.5 to 3 hours for a relaxed visit to the principal outdoor gardens and conservatories. Add more time for a seasonal exhibit or event.
Is Brookside Gardens suitable for children?
Yes. The gardens are family-friendly, and seasonal exhibits and educational programs are particularly appealing to children.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are generally not permitted within the gardens, other than service animals. Confirm current rules before arrival.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Many primary routes and facilities are generally accessible, but terrain varies. Ask the garden directly about current route conditions, accessible parking, and restroom access.
What happens in bad weather?
Outdoor areas may close temporarily for severe weather, storms, ice, or unsafe conditions. Ticketed events may publish separate weather policies.
Are food and drinks available?
Availability is limited and may be seasonal or event-specific. Bringing water is advisable, subject to current site rules.
Can I take professional photographs?
Personal photography is generally allowed, but professional, commercial, or organized portrait photography may require prior permission or a permit.
Where is it located?
Brookside Gardens is at 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902, within Wheaton Regional Park.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.