A Beloved Local Attraction, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Remains a Hidden Gem Outside of Pennsylvania

One of the most beloved attractions in Pennsylvania, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has officially been declared one of The Gemmies in the United States by our team of local travel experts. The 2025 Gemmies are a collection of destinations that are a true representation of their state. To experience these gems is to know the heartbeat of their American locations and we think they are all worthy of a visit.

Welcoming our friends and loved ones from out of state inevitably means showing off what we love about Pennsylvania and sharing some of our most beloved traditions. Traditions, in our families and communities, run deep in Pennsylvania, whether we’re gathering to watch fireworks on a balmy Fourth of July evening or cheering on our favorite sports teams. One of those long-time traditions, going back to childhood for many of us, is an annual visit to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a gem of a destination in Pennsylvania.

A cold, steady rain fell as we looked for a parking space on the street near Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a beloved destination in the Pittsburgh suburb of Oakland since the 1890s. Finding an open spot usually means driving around at least a few times unless we use valet parking, but this time we slid right into a space just a short walk from the front door. A wide staircase leads down to the main entrance (an accessible entrance is also available), and that’s when the nostalgia sets in.

Childhood memories rushed back when my daughter and I stopped to snap photos, as rain pelted down, in front of the twinkling Christmas decorations right outside of the entrance. No one seemed to mind or be in a hurry, though, as those arriving and leaving stopped to wait for their turn to take photos. We were lucky to arrive at a quiet time, mid-afternoon on a Saturday, which is partially due to Phipps now requiring timed tickets for entrance. While you can purchase tickets at the entrance, your best bet is to buy online to ensure you get the time slot you want.

Grab a snack from the café if you’re hungry (they’ve got amazing soup and sandwiches) because you’re going to do a lot of walking. Benches are dotted throughout Phipps, though, so you can relax and appreciate the scenery. While an elevator was available to shuttle guests to the main floor, we took the stairs, opening the door to an enchanting experience. A unicorn, illuminated by white branches behind her, greeted us when we arrived in the first room and began our way along the winding paths, flanked by lush greenery, to the exhibits.  

Signs directed us along the one-way path, allowing for an easy flow of foot traffic. A Phipps staff member was stationed at many of the exhibits to answer questions and take photos when guests asked. We visited during the annual Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show and Light Garden, a tradition for many of us, so some of the rooms feature elaborately decorated Christmas trees, trees made of poinsettias, and lighted decorations.

Behind every door hid a surprise. One opened to a magical display, with shimmering Christmas trees, gnomes dressed in red and green, a cardinal peeking out from a hole in a tree, and glowing lanterns hanging near the door of a hobbit home. Take your time as you go through each room, or you might miss some of the little details like a rabbit hiding behind a tree.

A tall waterfall, tumbling down a brick wall, welcomed us when we entered the multi-level Tropical Forest of Hawaii; we breathed in the sweet aroma of the flowers in the Orchid Room, watched mini Hollywood scenes play out as trains chugged along the tracks in the Railroad Garden, and strolled under rope lights that dangled from the ceiling.

Phipps also has outdoor gardens, although we only had a brief chance to stroll outside, past bonsai trees, and over a footbridge in the Japanese Garden. Holiday Magic, which typically runs annually from mid-November through early January, features an indoor flower show and an outdoor winter light garden.

While visiting the conservatory and botanical gardens is a treasured tradition for many, Phipps has also become a premier spot for weddings and other special events. It hosts a variety of programs, including summer camps for kids, story time for little ones, and field trips for educators. Adults can sign up for culinary, art, and even floral design classes.

Buy tickets and find more information on the official website of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. See more photos on the Facebook page of this gem in Pennsylvania. Explore more of Pittsburgh by turning a visit to Phipps into a weekend getaway. Book a local Vrbo.

Have you experienced this gem of a destination yet? From Hawaii to Virginia, you’ll want to discover all of the incredible destinations featured in The Gemmies.