Being surrounded by greenery and flowers relaxes us and visiting a botanical garden on a trip provides a welcome change of pace from ticking off items on a to-do list. No matter where you are in the country, you're never far from a wonderful botanical garden and the following 50 are some of the finest in the nation.

This grand garden has been providing a big breath of fresh air to Birmingham residents and visitors alike for over 55 years. Here, you'll find over 30 themed gardens, with some featuring collections of one particular type of plant, others influenced by various aspects of design and culture. The gardens are open 365 days a year and also host scores of classes and events throughout the year.

Yes, they have botanical gardens this far north and it's an especially fetching one, too. The Alaska Botanical Garden in Anchorage is home to over 100 acres of forest with several acres of meticulously maintained gardens showing off native fauna and wonders from further afield.

What started as a simple slogan on a sign that said: "Save the Desert" has grown into a breathtaking place that shows off the remarkable plants that call the desert home. Rest assured, cacti and their prickly friends are only just the beginning of the beautiful wonders you'll see here.

Set in a serene woodland setting near Hot Springs, this oasis of flowers and other lovely plantlife soothes the soul and offers a feast for the eyes. Keep an eye out for the atmospheric bridges that span over a series of peaceful streams.

When it comes to botanical gardens, bigger isn't always better as this grand dame of the horticulture game is still the Golden State's most elegant place to stop and appreciate the greenery. Once you've fawned over flora, head next door to the San Diego Zoo to appreciate the world's diverse range of fauna.

Take in tranquil gardens that feature plants that thrive in Colorado's dry and elevated climate in addition to beauties from all across the world here. Denver Botanic Gardens is also well known for its shady gardens, water gardens (Four Towers Pool features a quartet of striking tower fountains) and intriguing art installations.

Learn about the wonder and allure of the natural world at Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, where many of their collections have been thriving for well over 50 years. You will find special gardens dedicated to flowers like magnolias and even one called the cottage garden which is inspired by British gardens. The most impressive though is surely the new Sensory Garden which will treat all of your senses.

Located a few miles outside of Wilmington but feeling a few worlds away, the Mt. Cuba Center is a tranquil escape full of Eastern Temperate Forest plant life, peaceful walkways, and eyecatching vistas. You'll leave smitten with a few new species and have a new appreciation for the role they play in our ecosystem.

Renowned all over the Sunshine State for its annual Spring Bloom-when a riot of color from blooming camellias, azaleas and annuals take over gardens-Bok Gardens in Lake Wales is a year-round oasis. Come to walk the quiet pathways (some showing off endangered flowers) and then enjoy some soothing music from their signature carillon tower.

Stroll through acres of tranquil woods, outdoor gardens and even get elevated on the unique canopy walk at Atlanta's green heart. Everywhere you turn, you'll be amazed at the beauty on display, especially the orchids, which are considered one of the best collections in the country.

Located across the gorgeous Waimea Bay, Waimea Valley is one part gorgeous garden, one part historical park. Stop by to tour dozens of gardens (don't worry, there will be plenty of hibiscuses), see a thundering waterfall and learn all about native Hawaiian culture.

A living museum dedicated to deepening all guests' appreciation for gardening in Boise, the Idaho Botanical Garden is home to multiple gardens, each with a special theme. From an English Garden to a collection of roses and even a garden that shows visitors what plants to grow in order to help repel wildfires, the garden is a wonderland of fascinating flora. Art lovers will enjoy the whimsical displays in the garden and social butterflies will love their special events.

Nearly 400 acres in size and home to over two million living organisms, the Chicago Botanic Garden is easily the Land of Lincoln's loveliest garden. Visit the relaxing Circle Garden first, then make for one of the over a dozen other themed gardens throughout the sprawling space. The garden is also well known for its geranium and spiraea collections.

The first place in the nation to be certified as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden, The Indianapolis Zoo's White River Gardens offers a link between animals, people and plants. The star of the show is the Hilbert Conservatory, whose tropical plants offer an escape to the equator in the heart of Indy.

Still sparkling from a recent renovation, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens are one of the best ways to spend a day in the state capital. Stroll among a collection of outdoor gardens that shows off the seasonal beauty of the Midwest and then head inside to the conservatory to be surrounded by a world of tropical plants and flowers.

One of Wichita's most cherished community spaces, Botanica is so much more than just a collection of gardens. In addition to the scores of themed gardens, ponds, walkways and water features, its central location in the city has made it a hub for social activities and a much-cherished Christmas light display.

Located on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, The Arboretum offers up an enthralling slice of Bluegrass State plant life. While this garden is over 100 acres large, the highlight is surely the Walk Across Kentucky, which is a paged path that shows off plants from the seven different geographic regions of the state.

Head to Shreveport and you'll find this shrine to the rose, which also doubles as the national headquarters of the American Rose Society. You'll see a spectrum of roses spread across scores of gardens here, all paired up with exquisite complimentary plants, fountains and sculptures.

The largest botanical garden in New England, Coastal Maine is home to over 300 acres of gardens, trails and ponds all set along the coast. Highlights include the Dahlia Garden, the Butterfly & Moth House and the Fairy House Village-a perennial favorite among the kids.

Over 50 acres of gorgeous flowers and serene spaces await at Brookside, which is located within Wheaton Regional Park just outside of the nation's capital. Explore the azalea & rose gardens before admiring the butterfly garden and being surrounded by calm at the Japanese-style garden, which comes complete with tea house.

True to its name, this natural escape west of Boston features an impressive collection of native plants and more wildflowers in one place than you ever could imagine. Simply pick one of the pathways that leads into the woodland and wander-it's the best way to experience this special place.

There's always something beautiful blooming and always something new to see or do at this gorgeous space in Grand Rapids. Here, interesting and thought-provoking sculptures combine with multiple indoor conservatories and relaxing gardens to create an experience unlike anything else in the state. There's also an amphitheater that hosts fun seasonal events.

One of the last remaining Victorian-era glass-domed gardens, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is the centerpiece of Como Park in St. Paul. While the conservatory and its romantic sunken garden get most of the attention, make sure to take in the impressive outdoor collections of plantlife collection as well.

One of the many jewels that makes Jackon such a great place to visit, Mynelle Gardens has grown from a personal collection to become a beloved attraction. Visit to tour seven acres of graceful pathways, ponds and exquisite plant displays.

The entirety of the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is a delight for the eyes and nose, but there's one star that rises above the rest: the Climatron. Truly one of the most unique conservatories in the nation, the Climatron is a geodesic dome with no internal support beams, thus allowing extra light to beam in and onto the plants.

Located in Jefferson City, this unique botanic garden features scores of specially-crafted themed gardens (think rose, wildflower, all-American and a butterfly & hummingbird-friendly space) all surrounded by the babbling of the Prickly Pear Creek, which flows directly through the gardens.

Step away from the busy streets of Omaha into a soothing space that will revitalize you the second you step foot inside. Lauritzen Gardens features four-season plants spread elegantly throughout the grounds and there are often special displays, events and exhibits on as well.

With every turn of the season, the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Garden inside the Bellagio evolves to reflect the wonder of nature and the fun that can be had when you get creative with horticulture. Stop by to see what the Conservatory has dreamed for you on your next trip as it's truly become a can't miss Vegas attraction.

View one of the finest displays of roses in New England at this turn-of-last-century estate garden near the Seacoast. In addition to the roses, you'll be impressed by the Japanese Garden and a display of colorful English perennials.

No matter the season, there's always something spectacular to be seen at the NJBG. Stop and smell the lilacs, peruse the perennial garden, get lost among the wildflowers or experience the "dolce vita" during a stroll through the Italianate garden.

Spread out over two sites and owning upwards of 50 acres, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden champions-and helps to conserve-the rich botanical story of this unique area of the country.

One of the most peaceful relaxing spots in the Big Apple, the NYBG is located in the Bronx and is home to over 250 acres of expertly landscaped grounds. Highlights include the collection of daffodils, azaleas, perennials and conifers, the latter staying lovely throughout the winter.

Placing a huge emphasis on showcasing native plants from the Southeast, this garden in Chapel Hill is a beloved day trip for locals and travelers alike. Admire the carnivorous plants and pretty flowers on display before contemplating the garden's sculptures and learning about our natural world at the certified sustainable green education center.

Spread out over six acres in Fargo, this botanical garden displays a wide array of plants that thrive in conditions as varied as cool woodlands and warm wetlands. In addition, the special Edible Forest teachers visitors all the wonders of local fruit-bearing trees.

Tour two historic indoor conservatories (the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse and the John F. Wolfe Palm house) set the tone for the grand collection of greenery in Columbus. Head inside the conservatories to see plants from all over the world, including fluttering butterflies each spring. There's plenty to see outside as well, including a vast array of plant life and a collection of Dale Chihuly glass artworks.

There's a lot to love about the Tulsa Botanic Garden, but hands down the most impressive feature of the garden is the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces. Here, you'll find over 8,000 gorgeous plants spread across multiple levels that include a water feature and views of downtown Tulsa from the top.

You'll find 20 unique specialty gardens at this space in Silverton with a special emphasis on showcasing the natural botanical diversity of the Pacific Northwest in general and the Willamette Valley in particular. Take a walk on one of the garden's winding paths before buying a plant at the shop to take home.

Regarded as the nation's very first botanic garden, Bartram's Garden can trace its roots back to the early 1700s when early American botanist John Bartram began collecting North American plants on his journeys across the continent. Walk along river trails past wetlands and by a dazzling display of wildflowers for an experience that is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Philadelphia.

The largest indoor display garden in New England, this botanical center sits at the heart of historic Roger Williams Park in Providence and is a veritable wonderland of water features, fruit trees and flowers from across the globe. Meander past the moon gate before heading outside and finding your way through the rose maze.

Located in Clemson, this garden is home to nearly 300 acres of trails, gardens and peaceful streams. Highlights of the flower collection include hundreds of varieties of camellias, hollies, magnolias and other native plants.

Located on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings, the gardens feature nearly 50 acres of trees, shrubs and flowers. Stop by in spring for an especially attractive collection of tulips.

The centerpiece of this garden is the colonial-revival mansion once owned by the Cheeks, an esteemed Nashville family. These days, the estate is more famous for its lovely gardens that feature a huge variety of plant life (a list that includes many Southern natives) in addition to sculptures and artwork.

Situated next to the scenic White Rock Lake, it's no exaggeration to call Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden a leading contender for the finest in the nation. Here, you'll find 66 acres and nearly a dozen display gardens that show off the finest plant life from around the nation and the world. Spring sees the gardens host the famous Dallas Blooms Spring festival.

Located at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Red Butte is one of the largest botanical gardens in the West. Visit for the nationally-recognized educational problems, the fun outdoor events and of course the blooms, which in spring number over 500,000.

It may be more well known for its impressive collection of historical buildings and offering fun insight into American culture, but the Shelburne Museum also is home to some seriously impressive gardens. You'll find over 20 gardens here with an especially impressive collection of peonies and lilacs.

In a class of its own in Old Dominion, Lewis Ginter is a place to fall head over heels with horticulture. There are over 50 acres of beauty on display at this botanical garden in Richmond, featuring a dozen themed collections and a historic domed conservatory.

A retreat from the city, Bellevue Botanical Garden offers guests the chance to explore over 50 acres of gardens while winding their way through wetlands and woodlands. Highlights include the Rhododendron Glen, Fuchsia Garden and Yao Garden-a contemplative space inspired by Japanese gardens.

One of the finest places to contemplate the underrated natural beauty of the Mountain State, this botanical garden is home to nine distinct gardens. The Eclectic Garden features a range of perennials and annuals; Yagle Garden is a fine example of a mixed garden and features new blooms seemingly every week; Hammock Haven, as the name would suggest, is just a great place to just hang around and admire your surrounds.

Outside, you'll find 16 acres of handsome Midwest-hardy plants at this botanical garden in Madison, while inside the Bolz Conservatory you will be surrounded by a waterfall, exotic plants from tropical latitudes and even birds flying overhead. While walking through the outdoor gardens keep an eye out for the authentic Thai pavilion, the only one of its kind in the United States.

Home to nine acres of annuals and perennials, a sparkling modern conservatory and a year-round vegetable patch, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens offer one of the best days out in the city. Highlights of the grounds include fine examples of cottage and woodland gardens in addition to a fun-for-the-whole-family garden labyrinth. Inside the conservatory, you will be surrounded by tropical plants including a 30-foot tall palm tree.