Visit Itinerary: Garden Lover’s Guide to Biltmore

Whether you’re visiting for a day or you’re a Biltmore Annual Passholder, this guide to exploring Biltmore Estate’s historic 75 acres of gardens is an excellent way to experience Olmsted’s genius first-hand.

Seasoned horticulturalists, nature enthusiasts, and garden lovers of all types are promised unforgettable memories that will linger long after you’ve left the estate.

Grab your water bottle and get your cameras ready—picturesque moments are just around the bend!

The Pergola offers shade in the summertime, delicate Wisteria blooms in the spring, and a peaceful respite location all year long.

Library Terrace, South Terrace, and Pergola

Begin your stroll at the Library Terrace, where century-old wisteria and vibrant trumpet creeper flowers adorn the surroundings. Breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains enhance the serenity of Biltmore’s terraced gardens, offering a bird’s-eye view of the estate’s expansive 8,000 acres.

Down the stairs to the left of the South Terrace is the Pergola, once favored by Edith and Cornelia Vanderbilt after a day of fun on the Tennis Lawn. Now you can enjoy a retreat from the sun beneath the wisteria canopy during its blooming season.

Each pool is strategically planned and includes several varieties of night-blooming lilies, hardy lilies, and various banana trees and shrubs that bring the scene to life.

Italian Garden

Recently restored to its former glory, the Italian Garden embodies elegance and symmetry. Filled with numerous varieties of exotic water lilies, tropical bananas, papyrus, and koi fish during the summer, it serves as an introduction to aquatic gardening for many guests.

The gently rolling pathways through the Shrub Garden offer sights to behold around every bend.

Shrub Garden & Spring Garden

Spanning approximately 10 acres, the Shrub Garden’s paved paths invite you to explore at your leisure. Within its borders, over 500 plant varieties thrive, including the majestic golden rain tree and the North Carolina State champion river birch. Fragrant viburnums scent the air, while Japanese maples offer shade on summer days.

As you wander, the paved paths of the Shrub Garden gradually turn to the gravel and chipped paths of the Spring Garden. Spring is alive in this secluded valley, where forsythia and spirea burst forth amid towering white pines and hemlocks.

Vivid blossoms cascade throughout the Azalea Garden during peak bloom each spring.

Azalea Garden

Winding paths take you through 15 acres of native azaleas and majestic dawn redwoods. Home to over 20,000 plants, the Azalea Garden, once known as the Glen, pays respect to Chauncey Beadle and “The Azalea Hunters,” who curated this garden starting in 1930.

Full of color combinations and groupings year-round, the Walled Garden will leave your head swimming with ideas for your own home garden beds.

Walled Garden

The Walled Garden is perhaps our most well-known garden with geometric beds of ever-changing colors and textures to reflect the seasons. Spring blooms with vibrant tulips and seasonal flowers carpeting the beds. Summer dazzles with roses, dahlias, sunflowers, and cascading petunias. In the fall, chrysanthemums, asters, and ornamental grasses paint the landscape in rich hues of gold, orange, and deep purple.

Roses and Biltmore share a 120-year history. Beloved by the Vanderbilts, the Rose Garden has doubled in size since its inception.

Rose Garden & Butterfly Garden

The lower half of the Walled Garden features heirloom varieties beloved by the Vanderbilts, alongside 250 modern blooms in shades from blush pink to deep crimson.

Just below the Rose Garden and before the Conservatory, the semi-circle Butterfly Garden invites you to marvel at delicate pollinators fluttering amidst nectar-rich blossoms, sheltered from the wind by the surrounding walls.

A tropical escape during any season, the Conservatory is a welcomed reprieve from the frigid winds of winter.

Conservatory

Stepping into the Conservatory feels like being transported to a tropical oasis. Exotic orchids, vibrant ferns, and towering palms fill every nook and cranny. Our diverse collection of blooms changes with the seasons: spring’s azaleas and rhododendrons, summer’s tropical hibiscus and bougainvillea, fall’s chrysanthemums, and winter’s poinsettias and amaryllis. No two visits will ever be the same.

The Bass Pond is a beautiful spot for seasonal color and birdwatching.

Bass Pond

Though slightly off the beaten path, save your energy for the final spot on your garden tour. If you’re already tuckered out, you can drive and park roadside to end your adventure relaxing by the water’s edge. Keep an eye out for Canada geese and ducks enjoying a dip—you won’t have to search far! The view from the rustic Boat House at Bass Pond is worth the trek.

Itching for more of Biltmore’s beauty? There are over 22 miles of trails to explore on the estate!

Garland, ribbons, and bows decorate the Winter Garden during Biltmore’s most magical time of year!

Around the Estate

Inside Biltmore House, the Winter Garden was utilized as an intimate space to welcome guests after their long journeys and was filled with exotic palms that reached up toward the glass ceiling. Nowadays, this green oasis continues to showcase exotic plants and palms year-round.

While you’re in Antler Hill Village or at The Inn in Biltmore Estate, be sure to keep an eye out for all the charming garden beds that feature seasonal blooms!

Tip: Our Bloom Report and Fall Color Report are excellent sources for pre-planning your garden-focused visit or reliving the beauty of your favorite seasons.

Plan your self-guided garden tour by utilizing our Gardens and Trails Map! (Included in Estate Guide’s available at any Guest Services location upon arrival.)

Additional Visit-Planning Tips

Below are a few additional tips for your self-guided garden visit. For even more helpful information to help you prepare for your Biltmore Estate visit, we recommend exploring our Visitor Information site section.

Plan Ahead: Our Gardens & Grounds are pet-friendly, meticulously maintained, and exclusively accessible to Biltmore Annual Passholders, lodging guests, and ticketed visitors.

Getting Around the Estate: Many guests underestimate the vast size of Biltmore Estate. With miles between points of interest, we recommend allowing your party at least 30-45 minutes for travel and parking between estate locations.

Garden Accessibility: Many of our historic garden pathways are inclined, include stairs, and have mixed surfaces of pavement, gravel, or wood chips. For helpful guidance on estate accessibility for guests with limited mobility, wheelchair users, and guests with strollers or baby carriers, please explore our Help Center.

Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers appropriate for the season and the types of activities you plan to do during your visit.

Watch the Weather: The weather in our region can change quickly, which may result in unexpected temporary closures of our gardens and grounds or outdoor activities during severe weather. We appreciate your understanding!

Find More Tips: For even more guidance on what activities you might want to consider during your Biltmore visit for family fun, outdoor activities, or food and wine after a long day adventuring, be sure to check out our other visit planning blogs.