7 Completely Whimsical Places to See Azaleas in Maryland

azaleas in maryland

Azaleas are so gorgeous! Check out these places to see gorgeous azaleas in Maryland! Beautiful gardens and all very kid friendly!

Maryland really shines in March, April and May. Really, it outdoes itself, doesn’t it? Once the daffodils start popping up you know you are in for a treat. Daffodils, Magnolia blooms, Forsythia, Cherry Blossoms, Tulips, and then… Azaleas! 

There are quite a few lovely places to see azaleas in all their glory in Maryland. And one of the best things about these azaleas bushes is that if you time it right, you can catch the end of peak tulip bloom just as the azaleas are showing their glory! That is a truly spectacular sight!

Related: 100 Best Things to Do With Kids in Maryland

Brighton Dam Azalea Garden

22,000 Azalea bushes. That is the number of azaleas bushes that cover this 5-acre garden dedicated to azaleas. The Brighton Dam Azalea Garden is absolutely stunning in May when the azaleas are at peak bloom.

The small park is located on the banks of the Patapsco River at The Brighton Dam, which is at the Montgomery County end of the Tridelphia Reservoir.

brighton dam azaleas

The azaleas aren’t the only reason to visit though. The trees in this park are huge and many of them have cavities at the bottom that are perfect for kids to explore.

brighton dam big trees

Address: 2 Brighton Dam Rd, Brookeville, MD 20833 | Website

Related: Best Places to See Tulips in Maryland, DC, and Beyond

Sherwood Gardens

sherwood gardens tulips

Every fall, 80,000 tulip bulbs are planted in this small but lovely garden in the heart of Baltimore. Then, every spring, the garden overflows with the bright happy colors of both tulips and (if you time it right) azaleas! So, pack a picnic and come out to experience the loveliness that is Sherwood Gardens. You won’t regret it!

This lovely garden is a great place to go and have a picnic. It’s located inside a quiet neighborhood (so be aware this is a community garden) and there is street parking, but no dedicated parking area.

And really the gardens are very lovely. Definitely worth a visit!

Address: 4310 Underwood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21218 | Website

Related: Kid Friendly Guide to Longwood Gardens

Cylburn Arboretum

The Cylburn Arboretum off of Greenspring Avenue is just really fantastic. The grounds are sprawling and there is so much open space to run and play and enjoy seeing the trees and other plant life. There are over 20 individual gardens and some of the coolest old trees I have ever seen. The arboretum is a fantastic place to check out cherry blossoms, magnolias, and azaleas every spring!

Address: 4915 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209 | Website

Annmarie Sculpture Garden

annmarie sculpture garden

Ok, I am going to be completely honest with you for a second… the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is totally awesome! Yes, I am gushing… it is that great. I wish we lived closer to Lusby, MD so we could visit more often. And don’t let the fact that it is a ‘sculpture garden’ dissuade you. This lovely garden is full of fun, whimsical, and downright enchanting activities for kids. 

related: Kid Friendly Guide to Annmarie Sculpture Gardens

Late April and early May is the perfect time to visit! They have absolutely lovely azalea bushes throughout the garden. 

Address: 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD 20688 | Website

Ladew Topiary Gardens

ladew topiary gardens

Another super awesome garden that is totally worth a drive and fantastic from spring through fall is Ladew Topiary Gardens. This amazing garden in Monkton starts off with a wow factor Because… ummm.. topiaries!

ladew topiary gardens

But really the topiaries are just the tip of the iceberg. The gardens themselves are so lovely. There are actually multiple garden areas.. you will feel like you stumbled upon your secret garden.. cool fountains, bridges, koi ponds, and more!

And imho, early May is the absolute best time to visit? Why? Well… hello azaleas 🌺! I can’t even get over how glorious their azalea grove is… and seeing Adam and Eve in their splendor. Super wow factor!

The last time we visited there was a scavenger hunt for kids, but really your kids will love running around this garden.. it’s so kid friendly!!

Related: Kid Friendly Guide to Ladew Topiary Gardens

Brookside Gardens

azaleas at brookside gardens

Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County is such an amazing garden year round. In the spring, the tulips are very popular (and for good reason). But if you miss the tulips, the azaleas bloom just a week or two later!

These azaleas are fantastic and Brookside Gardens is great for a kid-friendly day trip any time of the year!

Address: 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902 | Website

Related: Brookside Gardens in Fantastic Year Round!

U.S. Arboretum

us arboretum azaleas

To anyone who has visited, clearly the U.S. National Arboretum is not exactly a hidden gem, but it is also not on the top 10 or 20 list for most families wanting to spend a day or two in DC. But it should be because it is really that awesome.

The U.S. National Arboretum is located on the edge of Washington D.C. on 446 acres of park land. You could spend a few hours or all day here. Come with your kids and let them run and run and run. Pack a picnic lunch and just enjoy being outside.

The arboretum is actually very easy to get to and it is free… so that is kind of no-brainer for family fun.

The National Capitol Columns, which have only been at the Arboretum for about 10 years, are probably the most recognizable feature of the expansive grounds.

Related: Check out this ultimate guide to the US Arboretum!

Every late April to early May (give or take), thousands of brightly colored azaleas are on full display on Mount Hamilton. The best concentration of azaleas is on the southern slope of Mount Hamilton in an area called the Glenn Dale Hillside. You will also want to visit the azaleas on the Henry Mitchell Walk and the Morrison Garden.

us arboretum bonsai

If you time it right, you can also see the bonsai trees bloom with azaleas too! That is truly spectacular!

Address: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | Website

Check out these ideas for Things to Do In Maryland too!

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