Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Reviews

Covid-19 has made some changes necessary to the garden, the first being you must reserve an entry time beforehand, even if you are a member. And some of the spaces that are most appealing to younger children like the playhouse and the story barn are closed. But the flowers are lovely as always and there are woodlands and other areas to explore. This remains one of my favorite area attractions!

Gorgeous gardens. It was fun to find the trolls. There are shuttles to take you to different parts of the garden.

TIP: There seem to be a limited number of admissions per day, so it is possible that they can run out--reserve ahead of time so you don't drive a long distance to get turned away! (When we arrived at 2:30 on a summer weekday, they supposedly had only 5 tickets left for the day.)

This place is amazing! So many different themed areas. It was absolutely beautiful! It offers a cafe with assorted beers and wines as well. The gift shop has a wide variety of souvenirs. I loved the troll t-shirts! This is an absolute must if you are visiting the Boothbay area!

Just visited for the first time and really had a great time. The various gardens are gorgeous, the paths are easy to traverse, the children's garden is amazing, and the giant trolls are exceptional. Highly recommended!

We were here off-season, so we enjoyed the Christmas lights tour. It was absolutely beautiful! I would love to come back in the summer and tour the gardens.

Someone put a lot of thought into the layout of this place. Beautifully sculpted grounds, an impressive diversity of flora and hiking trails make it a great way to spend half a day.

The winter light show is spectacular. Walkways are lit with festive led lights, and two Gnomes are featured. A must see spectacular. For us (4) it was worth the total four hour drive to get there and back
Spent 1 1/2 hour walking through the displays.

Everything positive you have read about the gardens is true and more! This place is beautiful. The trolls are interesting and such a great addition to the facility.

Do: Get tickets in advance online
Wear a hat, comfortable shoes, sun screen
Bring water

Leave yourself plenty of time and do not rush!

Enjoy!!

An amazing "garden" you should not miss if anywhere near Boothbay Maine. In fact, go out of your way to get here. In season, I imagine you need to buy tickets well in advance. A product of visionary volunteers and donors make this an amazing place to spend a few hours or all day.
The Lerner Garden of the Five Senses in a small way reminded us of Monet's Pond in Giverny.
Maybe a coincidence...in addition there are five trolls here, created by Thomas Dambo. They are just plain cool. To see five of his creations in one place is pretty special. And in a perfect setting. What a great discovery for us two left coasters.

We loved the beautiful gardens! We went on an insulator hot and muggy day, so we didn’t get the full experience, but it was still great!!the kids loved to look at the flowers and play in the kid area! It was a good day for both kids and adults!

I went in the late afternoon on a cooler, windy day, so could spend only a couple of hours. I LOVED it, and did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Even though there were not a lot of flowers in bloom (dahlias mainly) at this time of year, the trails, variety of spaces, (especially for kids) and overall tranquility made it delightful. There is an Enchanted Forest, Tranquility Garden and trails near the river. I can only imagine how wonderful the gardens must be when more things are in bloom. It is a MUST see.

We were there just ahead of the spring bloom but had a great time. The trolls were an awesome sight to see, our kids loved them.

Beautiful gardens, great walking trails through the woods, and the giant wooden trolls were a bonus surprise.

My husband and I visited the gardens while on our first trip to Maine. The grounds were absolutely beautiful. We enjoyed seeing the 5 trolls. Each has a story! Our pictures really captured a memorable experience never to forget🩷

This was the most well-designed, beautiful botanical garden Ive ever seen. It was immaculate and so obviously well cared for. Color combinations were dynamic and vibrant. Cant wait to go there again!

Absolutely gorgeous grounds and foliage. The sights and smells will remain in my memory! There was also a wonderfully fun section for children to explore and create. Fairy houses were one of the favorites. Can’t wait to bring my granddaughters one day!

A large exceptionally funded and maintained garden. Flowers, trees, bees and butterflies. And oh yes, many trolls scattered about. A don’t miss.

I had fun meandering and spotting all the trolls. It’s easy to walk and really well set up so even someone with mobility issues can get around because they have a trolly doing stops

Just go. Incredible plants, trails, and of course the trolls! We had a fantastic haunt around the trails and wish we could have spent more time.

Very pretty gardens! Lots to see. Mostly outside- dress appropriately- can get hot in the sun. Lots of walking- map wasn't always easy to follow. The trolls were fun to look at. Restroom and cafe on the grounds. Helpful staff along the way.

If you have the time, this was a quirky, fun stop. The trolls weren’t even our favorite part, but they certainly were the reason we went! I loved the gardens. Very varied and interesting. Did you know there is an herb called mint chocolate? Trolls neat to see, but not as exciting the more you saw. Decent amount of walking, but the had golf carts to take people around some of it if needed. Butterfly garden neat. The only reason I gave 4/5 is it would be on the list of a fun stop if you have time, not a MUST SEE, like the Portland lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth.

The gardens are very nice. So many flowers (pink and yellow gladioli!) and trees (conifers), ponds, stones, trails, bridges, vegetables, butterfly house, colibry near cardinal flowers...

The Gardens are worth the trip! The grounds are beautiful and the staff are very knowledgeable. You have to find all of the trolls, for sure! Wear comfortable shoes and take the walking trails further out.....you won't be disappointed! One word of advice...if mosquitos enjoy snacking on you, spray with insect repellent before going into woodsy areas.

This is a magical and beautiful place. We have visited many gorgeous gardens over the years and I would call this the most educational and glorious. I dont have the words to describe this place.

Outstanding experience. Went there just thinking it would be your "run of the mill" botanical garden tour but instead found several interesting things. First was the butterfly enclosure. The real highlight was an exhibit of "huge" wooden Trolls that were placed around the paths of the botanical garden. They were each different and gave clues to the location of the "golden seeds". This was definitely a "must see" if in the area.

This never showed up when we researched things to do in Boothsbay Harbor Maine but it was the best thing to visit. This is a really special
place for families with small kids or couples looking to spend time in nature. Forget about the shopping and focus on nature for 2-3 hours and you’ll walk away amazed by the story behind this garden and the beautiful landscaping. It is the only Botanical garden in Maine but it might be the best garden we have visited across the globe. Open most of the year, it is a must see!!!

Been to many botanical gardens in many states and this one is by far the best we have been to. Last minute change of plans allowed us some time so we were able to get tickets. Wish we had all day to spend here. the gardens are beautifully done, the childrens area is outstanding. Of course the trolls were awesome. Great staff. Prepare to walk/hike to see them but so worth it.

Great gardens and the trolls just enhance the experience. They have a free trolly for those who get tried of walking. Lots of information about Maine plant life. Excellent!

This was the highlight of our trip to Maine. Beautiful gardens and the plants are well marked. Many docents to answer questions and give tours. The trolls are much bigger than I expected! There were many people as we were there on a Sunday but it didn’t feel crowded.

This is a wonderful botanical garden which shouldn’t be missed by anyone visiting the Boothbay area. Just remember to buy your tickets before you go.

What a great trip through the gardens! There was 8 of us and we all had a fantastic time!! The Wooden Trolls were very cool and fun to see and take photos with!
The beauty of the gardens was amazing!! It's a big garden of fun, plan to spend some time here!
I had a great time with my camera!! A lot of amazing photos!!
Look forward to visiting again on my next trip to Boothbay!!

So much beauty in one place! The grounds are meticulously kept - so colorful and thriving! The lupine garden was my favorite feature! The calming meditation area overlooking the river is also a treasure!

An aesthetically pleasing and educational experience at the same time. Wander through different types of gardens throughout the property, which spreads down a wooded hillside and along the river. Enjoy walking around a stone-studded labyrinth, following a man-made stream and exploring the 5 senses garden.

An exciting adventure for all ages! You can spend a whole day here and then return a month later to find completely different flowers in bloom as the season evolves.

This place was outstanding ! Enormous place with tons of trails, beautiful trees, flowers and water features. Five trolls made of wood to find (these things are a work of art). A peaceful place to spend a day but bring comfy walking shoes. Reasonably priced at $22 a person. Wonderful gift shop with items for all ages. We didn’t use this but they also had a tram service available. Great for couples, friends and families. Highly recommend!

Went to see the trolls and the botanical garden. It was a great day the trolls are great and I enjoyed the treasure map and the secret spot to find deep off the trail. I love how all the flowers and plants are labeled so I could save them in my phone. Busy but not overcrowded. Lots of activities for kids. Grabbed a quick bite to eat at the cafe.

Exceeded expectations. We visited at the end of the season but it was still beautiful. So many trails to hike. I especially enjoyed hiking through the trees. We do not have kids, but the children's area was so cute! We were there about 2 hours and loved every minute.

Worth going and simply enjoy this gem of a sweet place. Great for all ages and all your senses will totally thank you. Pleasing and pleasant - will lift your spirits!

This was one of the most unique places we been to in New England. The gardens are very well kept up and the staff were very friendly. There was something for everyone in a party as the children's section had games and activities, exploring to find the Trolls, and just walking in the gardens. This was a great activity either with sunny or rainy weather. We would love to come back again!

An amazing place. So beautiful and relax. Awesome. I went with my family recently and everyone was so excited. Easy to get there.

We arrived on the day of our reservation, checked in and then were stopped at the door of the garden and told we were unable to enter because a storm would be passing. I understand it was for our own safety but I wish they would not have taken my money and had given the option of returning at a later date. We waited for an hour inside until the storm passed and were allowed into the Garden. We headed straight to the butterfly exhibit which was closed and remained closed the rest of the day. We then went in search of the trolls which was a really neat exhibit and fun for the whole family. We did a lot of hiking to find the trolls and sneakers would be recommended. There was a lot of greenery and shrubs, but not a whole lot of flowers. Perhaps it was the time of year we went. Overall we are glad we visited and had a good time and seeing the trolls made it a worthwhile experience

Very expensive, and difficult to find in the dark due to poor signage. We visited on the 27th, and we were literally yelled at by the lady at the front gate. If we hadn't driven 90 minutes already to see the show, we would have just left. We hope next year some changes can be made to help visitors, and maybe make all who visit feel welcome.

Beautiful coastal garden with creative formal gardens and well groomed woodland and coastal trails. The Trolls were an unexpected and delightful incentive to explore “just a little bit” farther. We enjoyed it so much we were late for a wedding rehearsal we were a part of!

The gardens were so very beautiful. There are plenty of paved walking trails to see the flowers. Also, finding the newer additions of the trolls were fun too. If you get tired,there are seats to take a break along the way. Hope to get back soon.

We just had a completely magical experience at the gardens a glow show at the Maine Botanical Gardens. I can't even begin to explain how beautiful it was even though it was raining. The dedication that goes into setting up all the light displays truly is a thing of inspiration. It was myself a 61-year-old woman along with my two grandchildren ages 11 and 8 and we all had an amazing time. Every corner has a new little Adventure, the trolls were amazing there were snacks along the way and places to sit and rest if you needed to. I would highly recommend it. There are also Wheelchairs and scooters available for those who might need it although there are a couple of locations you couldn't get to in them, but by and large you can see the whole thing

I was pleasantly surprised at how amazing this place is, I was thinking small town, tourists area, how good can it be?, well in my opinion, it should be on every top 10 list for Maine, or maybe even New England. It has everything one could want in a Botanical Garden, area's for the kids, many easy to traverse paths, so those with mobility concerns will enjoy, some far more adventurous trails for hiking, frogs, butterflies and monster sized trolls, simplywonderful.

The place is large, most probably wont see it all in one day, but the do offer shuttle services to help folks get around.

Walking through the lush, meticulously landscaped gardens is like stepping into a fairytale. The variety of plants and flowers on display is mind-boggling, and the way they blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings is pure magic. The highlights for me were the breathtaking views of the sea and the imaginative sculptures scattered throughout. Plus, the fact that it's not overly crowded like some other touristy spots made it even more enjoyable. Whether you're a garden enthusiast or just someone looking for a serene escape, this place is an absolute must-visit in Maine. It's a little slice of botanical paradise that leaves you with a sense of wonder and tranquility.

Looking for a magical adventure during the holidays and the pandemic too we promised that this would be the year to see Lights AGlow . What an amazing display . Pure magic . The fee of $ 40 for our car was well worth it as was our hour and a half drive to get there . Mark it down for next holiday season. It’s a must.

My friend was visiting the East coast from CO and knew all about the trolls, because of this we included a day trip to check it all out during her visit. I'm so thrilled she turned me onto the trolls at Boothbay! What a stunning piece of property. It is really a special place. There was so much to see. Staff was friendly and helpful. We enjoyed finding all of the trolls and strolling through the woods and by the water. Truly a beautiful outing. We were there for about 2-3 hours. It was very hot, so those who struggle with heat may want to plan their visit during cooler months. Wear a hat and put on the sunscreen! Some areas are hilly. Definitely want to wear the right footwear. We stopped in the cafe and I had the best salmon salad with potato chips. Beers were nice and cold, too! Stopped in the gift shop and grabbed a few things. Plenty of parking in the parking lots. The entire facility is just really set up so nicely.

The shop is better than ever! Lots of books and activities for kids, pretty cloth napkins, jewelry (specially earrings), and other temptations. They used to carry a wonderful selection of paper cocktail napkins and I was sorry they stop stocking them.

My husband, our nearly 5-year-old son, and I visited Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Thursday, July 9, 2020. My husband and I last visited well before having had a child, and good heavens, has this place grown since then! The grounds were as immaculate as we remembered. We were there for about two hours and barely scratched the surface. All of the staff and volunteers were engaging and helpful. Our son got a big kick out of the children's map with the living creature and sculpture scavenger hunts. The paths are wide and easily navigable, and the grounds map is easy to follow. There are ample opportunties to get a bit of shade and/or to sit for a spell. The gift shop has a great selection and reasonable prices. The lavender rosemary lemonade is one of the most delicious things we've ever had to drink.

COVID-19 precautions were thorough and thoughtful. Social distancing was easily accomplished.

A friend and I enjoyed the drive thru of at least a billion lights throughout the garden. An awesome display; we learned that volunteers put up all the lights and they deserve a medal, not to mention a huge bonus! Can't wait to tour the Gardens in Summer.

Absolutely beautiful! We went in September and were surprised to see there were still several lovely flowers in bloom! The trolls are a must see! We took the free hop on hop off trolley to the furthest one, Gro, jumped off and worked our way to the front. That way we saved a lot of walking and still were able to enjoy the entire garden.

A “must-see” stop on the drive from bar harbor to Portland. Delightful place I am very glad we found on our drive back to Portland from Acadia.

We were in Maine for a week over Christmas, and on our way home from the Acadia area we had tix for Gardens Aglow at the Botanical Gardens. I knew, from photos, that it was going to be a wonderful experience but nothing prepared us for how amazing it was! We'd been one other time to see the five Dambo trolls that are scattered amongst the trails, and we eager to see the two trolls that were included in the lights and 'Glow'. Parking was efficient despite the crowds, and they do offer a shuttle. We were staying at a B&B only a mile away, so it made sense for us to just drive. We had a pricey dinner in the cafe, but food was good. It's the lights that are the main attraction and CMBG workers certainly know how to put on a show.

Go early when it opens as it gets quite crowded.

Make a point to see each troll as they are all different.

There is a senior discount.

Touring plan:

Go see all the gardens on the left side as you walk in- butterfly house, Lerner Garden, cleaver garden, resiser woodlands, & Arbor Garden.

If you aren’t too tired by this, continue down hill on the twisty road at Haney Hillside. It’s a steep road so I would recommend you come up an easier path like landing Trail.

Go see the Vavy mediation garden which was beautiful.

From the mediation garden, walk right on the straight easy path toward landing Road. Head uphill here or wait for the bus. I would recommend going uphill on the Landing trail as we were told this was less steep & there’s a troll there.

I would highly recommend seeing the rhododendron gardens if they are in bloom. They were in late May when we were there & they were outstanding.
Wait for the bus from here or walk back to the main entrance from here. It’s only slight uphill & an easy walk.

Wear lots of bug spray & have suntan lotion.

If having trouble walking back up, note the shuttle points in the map & wait for it.

Be forewarned that the shuttle fills up fast so don’t count on it unless you wait to wait awhile for the next one. There were lots of seniors they day we were there.

Bring lots of water & a picnic lunch. There is no water on the trails & it’s a long walk back to café to get water.

Bathrooms at the café, main entrance, education center & one port a potty on the trail so plan accordingly.

We were there for 5.5 hours & wish we had our lunch with us.

Note on the map where all the trolls are.

We highly recommend these beautiful gardens. The gardens are worth the visit.

If you like my review, I hope you'll click the 'helpful' button; those of us who write reviews live for those and it motivates us to do more.

We went during Garden Aglow. The lights were nice to see but access to the gardens is limited to only a mile loop of the gardens. As an example, only two of the five trolls were incorporated into the tour area.

Although relatively new, these gardens already seem well-established. The care that has gone into the layout of the gardens is amazing. The planners took full advantage of the natural landscape offered by the over-300 acres of meadow and woodland. There are acres of semi-formal gardens and yet other acres of gentle paths meandering through natural Maine woodlands. The variety of habitats (marches, ponds, riverfront woods, open meadows) provide locations for an astonishing variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. A bonus this year is the new arrival of the tree trolls. These 5 massive, imaginative sculptures are scattered around the property and will delight both children and adults. They add a bit of artistic flair and family fun to the gardens. Note that the gardens are so extensive that multiple visits are required to take it all in. If you have time for only one visit, spend a few minutes talking with one of the volunteer guides in order to plan the best visit for your personal enjoyment.

This is our third visit over many years. The first time was when the Garden was fairly new. It has grown and filled in over the years. The structures are built very well and the plants are amazing. The staff works very hard and it shows. One of the top three Botanical gardens I have visited in the world.

Trolls in the garden! The gardens were beautiful and we enjoyed the butterfly exhibit. The trolls were really cool and even our 16 yr old liked the adventure of finding them. He was not excited about going to a garden but commented it was much better than he expected. There is a wide variety of plants and things to see for all age groups. Highly recommend!

If you like gardens, this is not to be missed! We drove up from Portland (about an hour's ride) and spent a good chunk of the day there. We were surprised at how much was still blooming in late September. The dahlia gardens in particular were gorgeous. In addition to the garden trails, there are woodland trails where you will see the five gigantic trolls by artist Thomas Dambo. There is a lot of walking involved, but there is also a shuttle. We ate at the garden cafe, it's not a restaurant, you purchase pre-made sandwiches, drinks, and snacks at a counter, but I will say the sandwiches were very good. I highly recommend these gardens.

This place is awesome! The Guardians of the Seeds is a must. Word of advice to those looking for the best photo opportunity GO EARLY! We were there, right at 9:00 am, it took us about 2 and a half hours to do the guardians and the seeds and on out way out it was packed! This place is 100 percent worth the trip.

Wonderful So very glad we made time to stop here on our way to Boothbay Harbor. Beautiful - even in September -- and very accessible. Nice trails, gardens, and lots to see and do. Dahlia garden and 5 senses gardens were awesome, but the trails through the woods and along the water were just as enjoyable. Lots for kids to do too. Bonus, the cafe there has affordable, healthy snacks and drinks - even offered kombucha! Nice gift shop too.

Beautiful flowers everywhere - loved seeing the huge Trolls on display....well maintained gardens, good markers.

We visited the Botanical Gardens and marveled at the diversity of each flower garden and the caring attention applied to each plant. Healthy, colorful and vibrant !

It was fun to visit each of The Troll Sculptures too !

We enjoyed the AC’d Cafeteria too !

The staff is friendly, helpful and fun !

Lots of space, great variety, amazing wooden trolls. We spent 3 hours. Very impressive. The flower gardens were diverse and extensive. We also hiked through the woods near the river. Many well maintained trails.

Buy tickets on-line (very easy) for the time to visit. They try to stagger the visiting time. Everyone was so helpful. The gardens which may cover 20 or more acres are great with beautifully flowers, bushes, trees and butterflies in landscaped areas. Bring good walking shoes because you're walking up and down hills (not bad but still hills). There is a nice air-conditioned Cafe in the middle of the Botanical Gardens where you can stop for a sandwich and drink or something. If you do get worn-out with the walking, there a golf cart buses to take you back. Will definitely return

We stopped here to see the trolls but fell in love with the whole gardens. The rolls are amazing but the kids also love the caterpillar exhibit and children's garden area.

Gorgeous! Stunning gardens, ponds, sculptures, fairy gardens, and 5 trolls! Benches places strategically throughout the 150+ acres, lovely forested areas, well manicured trails loaded with pollinator gardens and magical arbors.

We toured the gardens on a rainy Monday in June. We stumbled upon a tour outside the cafe at 11:00am. It was just us and two ladies from Ohio. Our docent was so wonderful to take us around even during the rain. I would highly recommend going on this tour and learning the history of the gardens. After, that we explored on our own the trails that are not manicured and found all the trolls. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and recommend to all ages.

This place is worth visiting for sure. My family didn’t have enough of time to explore it better, i think we would easily spend there more than just 2 hours. It has so many interesting plants both trees, bushes and flowers. And giant trolls are obviously amazing!

This is a great garden, and we have been to many gardens around the world. It is incredibly well-planned, with barely a weed seen any place in it. It was clean and colorful. The kids garden area was especially nice. Very impressed with it.

We loved it all! Such a beautiful and peaceful place. There is so much to see and discover. We were there three hours and still didn’t see everything. So many flowers and plants want you to go home and plant in your own garden. It’s a lot of walking and if you have trouble perhaps you can notify them at entry and they can take you around in the cart. Also note that you can bring in your own drinks and food. Stay hydrated. There are places to sit in garden and there is shade. We were there in June and there were some tiny black flies but only in the woods and not enough to ruin the day. Children will love it and there’s an area where they can play and another area where they can splash around and get wet. This is a beautiful garden I don’t understand some negative reviews. There are workers all around working on plants. They thought of everything and anyone can enjoy this.

We spent about two hours today at the Gardens and we truly enjoyed our visit. This place is spectacular. If you are traveling near Boothbay, you need to set time aside to visit!

I have been to many botanical gardens in large cities (Atlanta, San Francisco, D.C.) but none have compared to this one. I couldn't believe how wonderful it was for such a tiny town. It was so beautiful and so peaceful. I would highly recommend this garden to everyone who is traveling through Boothbay! Being there during prime Dahlia time was an added bonus.

Absolutely breathtaking. The show must go on...this year a drive through only, but still incredibly wonderful to witness. We could have gone through it a couple more times with so much to see. Thank you.

It was hot still, but the forest is cool. The main draw for me was the photos the Gardens have on it's website of the large trolls. There are several there, a very smart marketing idea, a good photo-op. I forgot the most important part. The gardens, they were beautiful despite all the construction

These gardens are a must see in Maine! There is something for everyone. There are hiking trails in the woods. There are pathways with interesting flowers, plants, fountains and pools. There is even a Children's Garden! Plan to spend at least 3 hours here (we spent 4 and could have gone another hour except they were closing). There is walking involved, but they also have a shuttle that comes often at marked locations along the way. The trolls are a lot of fun too! Do yourself a favor, if you are in the mid-coast of Maine, go see these gardens. Just a great day!!

My wife, adult daughter, and I had a lovely time touring the grounds of the Gardens. Admittedly, we were “troll hunting” but the beauty and serenity of this place cannot be overstated. With fall colors creating a wonderful backdrop it was a lovely walk and fabulous couple of hours spent on the grounds. Certainly, those with greener thumbs than us could likely enjoy an entire day here. We saw photographers and charcoal artists during our stroll who took inspiration from the beauty.

Even though its at the end of the season,the gardens were beautiful. Was peaceful there and happy for the paved walking trails. Glad to see numerous restrooms and sanitizing stations and all were clean.

Really enjoyed our visit here. Buy tickets in advance online as numbers are limited but we booked on the day with no trouble. Beautiful gardens and woodland trails, a really great mixture of both and lots of spaces to keep out of the sun. So many different things to look at and gorgeous small details everywhere. Lots for kids to play with. The trolls are fun! Great, air-conditioned cafe and shop. Really nice day out. Highly recommend.

We finally made it to Gardens Aglow! It was wonderful! The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. There were so many lights. The walking trail took around an hour. We stopped and took pictures, just took in the sights. We could have stayed so much longer. There were vendors with food. The trail is marked well. I’m so glad we made the trip to see this event. We will definitely be back.

Overcast day, but we didn't care. What an amazingly beautiful place. Met some super nice folks, the owner of Coastal Maine Popcorn Co, folks from Oregon. Great experience. Too early for the butterflies but would be well worth a return trip!

These gardens are a gem. Do not miss them if you are in the area. Breathtaking exhibits, amazing attention to detail, and about as much as I can say. Do not miss these incredible gardens!

I have visited botanical gardens in many parts of the world, and although some other gardens, might be more famous for their history in plant development, none are as much fun to visit as the gardens in Maine. There is something for everyone, from young kids to older folks. The mix of animals, plants, and sculptures makes every section of the garden a fun and surprising experience. The layout allows everyone to find a walking plan to match their ability, and they even provide a cart service in case you overtax yourself. Don't visit anywhere near Boothbay without taking a day for the gardens.

What an unexpected delight on a cloudy vacation afternoon! We decided to go on the spur of the moment, and it was a highlight of our week in Maine. We spent 3 1/2 hours enjoying the beauty and serenity of the gardens, every single one of the trails on the perimeter of the gardens, and the absolutely charming trolls! The trolls were the icing on the cake...the story behind them and the incredible workmanship, as well as the meaning of each troll, is a delight for children, but also for adults. Don't miss this treat!

This is a must see for the whole family, The gardens are spectacular, so well maintained. Ware your walking shoes there is a lot of ground to cover. Due to the Covid19 you must reserve a time slot, but they have made the grounds so safe to walk through.

My husband and I visited mid-May before summery blooms, but daffodils were everywhere. Virginia bluebells and flowering trees added color. Paths were well-kept and delightful. Although we didn't have kids with us, we were so impressed with the kids' areas, especially the connection between children's books and flowers and the play opportunities, including pulling up lobster traps from a rowboat. And the giant trolls in various places were such fun!

I took so many pictures here. It was raining off and on while we were there but that didn't matter. It was so pretty here. And peaceful. If it were closer to my home, I would go all the time and walk and sit and read and take it all in. We saw all the trolls also.

We visited here last year during the holiday lights celebration. It was fantastic. The gardens are very big and the lights were spectacular. If you missed it last year, it’s a must-see in 2023.

Haven't been there yet but the pictures look absolutely phenomenal and the flowers are so beautiful. I can't wait to go there finally.

We throughly enjoy coming to walk these gardens and the pathways along the coastal waters. The gardens are meticulously maintained. We will certainly visit again.

Our family of 13 went to the Lights Aglow and it was fabulous! The hot blueberry cobbler was amazing.

We were looking for something different to do on our last day in Boothbay, hoping to find a leisurely activity we could do in a half day before we headed back down to Boston. When researching options, I came across all the positive reviews for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, but I was hesitant to book the tickets since I've been to other gardens before (it's not like they are rare to find) and they all seem to be roughly the same experience. But WOW, this one is completely different and a very unique gem! Visiting it was one of the highlights of our summer vacation, and looking back, we would have regretted not going. It was hands-down one of the prettiest floral gardens we have ever seen before. There are miles of walking trails that go throughout serene, wooded wilderness areas. Whomever had the idea of incorporating the large wooden trolls and corresponding scavenger hunt is a genius! It kept every kid in the park engaged and you could tell all of them were having a blast...and equally as important, so were the parents and adults even without kids. Having the trolls as an additional attraction brought out the inner kid in everyone! I can't rate this place high enough. If you haven't gone here before, do yourself a favor and go without hesitation!

The coastal Maine botanical gardens are a must do if you are staying in the Boothbay Harbor area. Great for families, couples, or seniors. Everything is walkable. We spent several hours on an early September morning with many plantings still in bloom and the staff/volunteers were very friendly. Make sure to check out the gift shop which had a wide variety if items for young and old alike.

Wonderful walking tours for all ages with shuttle services available to various areas of the multiples gardens.

This was the highlight of our entire visit to Boothbay.

Easy to find with so much to see.

Need advanced reservations.

Go early since it closes at 5 PM.

The Trolls are the Stars!

Covid-19 has made some changes necessary to the garden, the first being you must reserve an entry time beforehand, even if you are a member. And some of the activity that are most appealing to younger children like the water pump have been removed. But the flowers are lovely as always and there are woodlands and other areas to explore. This remains one of my favorite area attractions! We have visited now 3 times, twice with guests or grandchildren and once by ourselves. This year's new attraction are giant trolls made out of wood!

An incredible place with more trails to offer than I expected. Another surprise: giant wooden elf/troll-like sculptures that were really cool.

What a wonderful surprise! Our Colorado crew that included 5 kids, 4-10, came specifically to see the Trolls. We are in Breckenridge often and see the brother Troll there. Seeing all 5 trolls was our goal. We registered online to get a tour time, which was a very convenient and easy process. We arrived at 1:00, ate at the cafe and headed out to see the Trolls. The trails were well maintained. Even the ones that indicate they are more rugged were accessible and maintained. We saw all 5 Trolls, the kids got a prize and some excellent exercise. We love the outdoors and these Botanical Gardens did not disappoint. They truly are a place to spend a day wondering. Having a goal was a good plan as the chlidrens garden was a huge hit and we visited both before our Troll Hunt and after to better interact with the pond life exhibits. Well worth the time spent!!

My wife and I were told by the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport that this place was worth a ride, especially on a nice Fall day. They were correct! From a COVID perspective, you need to make reservations ahead of time; however, being a weekday and not knowing our schedule, we were lucky to do a walk in but, if you have a schedule, DO make reservations! While late in the season, some things have hit/passed their peak while others were still very hearty. Grounds and facility are in good repair. Nice way to pass a Fall afternoon. We plan on coming back next year at a different season to see the differences!

Beautiful gardens, immaculately kept. Lots of maps and information available. I can't imagine how they manage to keep such a large site so well. The trolls are fun, facilities good, staff friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.

The choice was Gardens or train museum--we picked the gardens for the troll sculptures. The Gardens are beautifully cared for, with many picturesque areas and photo opportunities. The trolls are stunning and well-integrated with their surroundings. So gorgeous and fun to see everyone taking pictures of themselves with them.

This place continues to amaze me. The Winter Light Show and Trolls are incredible. So well laid out. Perfectly planned beautiful place.. Surely one of Maine’s premier attractions, all year round.

Beautiful place to explore! Giant trolls are a must see! Easy to follow illustrated maps are provided to assist you in exploring various trails. Check out the exquisite details in the fairy garden. Would love to return to see more…

My recent visit to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens was a study in rest and relaxation and a tonic to ease the stress of our troubled world. My previous visit was in 2013 and I found today's gardens much more mature and totally enjoyable.

An added feature of the gardens these days are Troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo made from recycled materials...great fun...and worth visiting the gardens if you see nothing else.

There are so many trails that it would be difficult to see everything during one visit. I spent time in the area around the Great Lawn...then down the Birch Trail to the Shoreline Trail and back up by the Slater Forest pond and the Cleaver Lawn to the main area of the gardens. My favorite area was the Slater Forest pond which is complete with a babbling brook...totally restful.

The gardens are sensational and the staff warm and very friendly. Thanks for making my visit so special.

Enjoy!

Wow - I did not know much about this place before going except that it was recommended, and I was blown away! There is so much to do and so much for everyone. If you are a big plant-lover, you will be met with an abundance of diverse flora to identify and observe from flowers to trees to fruit and vegetable crops. If you like to hike, there are several in-the-woods trails to hike throughout the gardens. There are educational program, children's areas, and so much more. In addition, searching for the trolls in the current Guardians exhibit was so fun. I cannot wait to go back!

my wife and I have been to gardens around the world and this competes with any of them. we were is September and the flowers were abundant

Gorgeous grounds! So worth a couple hours to explore the various gardens and walking paths. The trolls were an added bonus! So much fun--I loved the whimsy, size, and arrangement of the sculptures in nature. I took so many pictures of flowers in bloom. My favorite area was the five senses garden. Note: if you have a membership to your local arboretum or gardens, you may get complimentary admission.

We went for the trolls (10' trolls made from reclaimed wood with a whimsical environmental message) but loved the gardens even more. This is a large area with well maintained paths through the woods to see the five trolls and other paved paths to see the wide variety of gardens, all in full flower. Such a relaxing place to come into nature after all the time hiding from covid! It was very busy, but there was so much room to spread people out.

This botanical garden is amazing. There are acres of flowers and walking trails which my family enjoyed. We had a teenager with us who really enjoyed the fairy garden.

I saw on IG that the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has an exhibit from Thomas Dambo and I knew I had to visit. Tickets are required but not hard to secure. The 5 trolls were incredible. They are placed throughout the gardens and it is so much fun to find them. I also love the fairy garden. Kids are able to make fairy houses that remain at the Botanical Gardens. The trolls are a MUST SEE!!

I took two of my grandchildren to Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It’s beautiful! Very festive! Parking was well managed and there were areas to warm up with hot cocoa or a snack. It was well mapped out and although busy, the crowds were limited by design. You really needed to buy tickets ahead. The staff were all great. From the parking attendants to the reception/ticket takers to the cafe staff, everyone was friendly and professional. I’d highly recommend it!

My wife and I travel the world and have visited hundreds of gardens, but this garden is near the top of our list! So much to see and do, 10,000 steps is easy, plus the trolls makes it fun. It is one of the neatest and cleanest botanical gardens I have seen. Lots of trials to get lost on, different themed gardens to find, just a great place to spend a couple of days, hard to do all in one day. Cafe on site, but we didn't eat there. Artwork scattered all though the property. The kids loved the Fairy Village.

What an amazing place! The endless trails, the flowers and grounds are so beautiful and peaceful. The troll trail was a lot of fun! The fairy garden and zen garden WOW! Just such a beautiful place to be. We cannot wait to go back this winter for Christmas.

The gardens have plenty to enjoy for adults and children. Give yourself at least a few hours to see it all. They also have shuttles constantly covering the park if the walk is too much. The shuttle drivers are excellent tour guides and everyone there seems to have a vested interest in the gardens and ensuring you have a great visit.

The place is beautiful. Went with my husband. Love walking around there as I love flowers and gardening. So many varieties of flowers to see. There is a great lawn sitting area as well. They have really cool sculptures that you can find along the way. Lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes. Definitely recommend.

My son and I traveled here after hearing about the Giant Trolls. It did not disappoint! We ordered our tickets online the morning we visited. The entrance process really couldn't have been easier. I showed the receipt on my phone and we walked right in! We were greeted warmly by every staff member, every volunteer, and at every exhibit we had our questions answered. We spent about two hours exploring and searching for the hidden trolls. My son was completely engaged for the entire visit. We used an app on our phone to identify unknown plants and flowers, but there were labels everywhere. It rained on and off throughout our visit but this didn't bother us at all. The trails were pretty and maintained. My son and I loved this place, and we will return for sure!

Gotta give a shoutout to Bob who checked us in and gave us suggestions on how to go around the garden. Wonderful hike, beautiful flowers, and information about the animals that live in it. The best part was the scavenger hunt. We two completed it in 90 mins, but if you're traveling with a family/small children, it'll take about 4.

Beautiful well maintained gardens. Lots of walking but well worth it. Plenty of rest stops along the trails. Excellent signage for all the types of shrubs and flowers. The Trolls are amazing ! Great for all ages. Volunteers are very helpful. The onsite buildings for gifts, eats and information were beautiful!!

We have been visiting Maine for years and we frequently stay at the Ocean Point Inn in East Boothbay for a while on each trip. One day on our way to our INN, we saw a sign for "Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens." Since we are both gardening fans, we followed the signs into the Botanical Gardens. WOW ! we were surprised at the stunning gardens in this area. After the first surprise visit, we stopped by each year. Each year the gardens got bigger and better. Now, the gardens are in the big league of gardens.

The Web site for the gardens has a large volume of photos. I have attached a couple to show the quality of the photos.

There are beautiful hiking trails that run through the woods. I am not that great of a hiker, but the set up includes a golf cart type of vehicle. So, I can walk one way out to a point and wait for the cart to stop by and pick me up for the return to the center area.

This is a beautiful place. If you like gardens and/or hiking trails, you will become an annual visitor.

We've only been once before in the winter for the "Gardens Aglow" event. Going in the summer, this place is so much more! Beyond the actual gardens with flowers, there are trails through woods that also peek out to the ocean. If you are expecting just flowers, then be surprised!

Ok I have to be real I wasn't that psyched about the botanical garden, but it's a beautiful place, lovely gardens and exhibits, and some really lovely trails. Also some great sculpture along the trails. My teen boys liked it as well. If you're in the area highly recommend.

I'm not sure if people who rave about the Gardens Aglow have never left Maine or seen a truly immersive and expansive light show but this was not it. We drove over an hour from SoPo because so many raved and it took a whopping four minutes to drive through. That's $10 per minute. To say that the family was disappointed is an understatement. We won't be returning.

Really lovely spot!

There are beautiful display gardens of several types, and many things for children especially. There are trails through the uplands, down to the river bank, a few spots with views of the river and shore, and special spots like the meditation garden.

There are also massive wooden troll sculptures, built on site and fitted in around the trees. They are really worth visiting- we saw them all, which required a lot of walking. Most of the walking was on well groomed gravel or wood chip paths, but there was some rougher going, around tree roots.

We were there for about three hours total, including grabbing pre-made sandwiches at their takeout cafe - the sit-down part is closed. The food was ok, but oddly they sold boxed entrees with no microwave for heating them. This was the reason for four stars instead of five.

Hundreds of acres that encompass a wide variety of plantings. There are manicured flower gardens with beautiful and unusual flowers, woodland gardens with native plants, multiple ponds, undeveloped hiking paths, and a whole section of amusements for kids - playhouses, percussion instruments, a book reading area, spurting fountains, and a giant treehouse. Most amazing of all are the five enormous troll sculptures placed around the park. You can devote an hour to the central section of the park, or spend half a day wandering the many trails. There were a great number of flowers that I’d never seen before, so I appreciated the many plant labels. At the end of June I could see that some flowers had already passed, and many more that had not yet bloomed. It would definitely be worth visiting multiple times over the summer to see the evolution of plants in flower.

The vast majority of paths were smooth and easily traversed by people of all ages, but some paths were marked as inaccessible to wheelchairs, and I assume that strollers would be equally difficult. The map also shows which trails are steep, but none could be objectively described as steep. They merely had some slope.

The gardens have a gift shop worth visiting. The cafeteria has mostly pre-packaged food; you might want to pack a picnic lunch.

This was the highlight of our trip to Boothbay Harbor. If you’re in the area, do not miss it.

Stunning! We got there a little early in the blooming season but it was still phenomenal. I love how there are different areas so you aren't just going in a loop and that's it. Water features, sculptures, artists working, childrens' areas, something to see at every turn! And the trolls are absolutely amazing, cool details and HUGE. As adults was fun to search them all out.

My wife and I went here one morning to check it out. The place was much larger than we anticipated. The garden area itself was fairly large, but then there is quite a bit of hiking trails as well. You could probably spend all day there if you did some of those trails in addition to the garden. As it was for us, we spent 2 1/2 hours there before we knew it.
They have a very nice parking area. The facilities were very well maintained. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The garden area was very well done, well maintained, and very informative. Beautiful as well!
If you are in the area, it is worth the visit.

The gardens are amazing. We didn't expect such a large property of hundreds of acres. They layouts of the gardens are very pleasing. They are artistic and allow for various perspectives. We enjoyed the structural elements as well as the incredible flowers. The wide range of colors and patterns is impressive. The array of dahlias and zinnias is staggering. While being calming and relaxing, the gardens have a certain 'wow' factor to them. Our visit was in September and we agreed we needed to visit during many other months of the year. CMBG is a place not to be missed.

We were nearing the end of our week long trip to Maine. We didn’t know if we were going to stop at the botanical gardens, but we are sure glad we did! It was simply beautiful! It didn’t take but a couple of hours to go through the gardens and everything was blooming perfectly.

Visited with my wife for the trolls exhibit.
Worth every penny. I’ll admit I haven’t been to many botanical gardens but I was tremendously impressed. Grounds are breathtaking with many so different ares and the trolls were a plus.
But what really impressed me was the staff and volunteers. They were SO friendly and helpful. That was what really impressed me!
Definitely recommend

Beautifully landscape gardens. Between the butterfly house, fairy garden, and of course the trolls these alone are worth coming but the grounds offer hidden gems and one of the most kid friendly and interactive botanical gardens I've ever been to. It was a genuine joy to see the children light up and discover the gardens around them.

Amazing botanical gardens. The trolls are an amazing addition. The tulip gardens were simply gorgeous and this entire botanical garden is something to marvel. The kids had a great time visiting well worth the drive from CT!

Really beautiful botanical gardens in Maine.
Went in Oct and some flowers were still bloomed.
Took the path to find all the trolls which was fun.
Definitely would love to come back in the winter for their Christmas lights

Magical! Well worth a visit to see this thoughtfully designed garden. Art installations along the nature walkways. Educational signs placed amongst most plants. Beautiful Dahlia garden! Interactive children’s garden and five senses garden. I visited in fall on a light rainy day. They provided umbrellas for our visit. It was still beautiful and interesting with a variety of plants in bloom. I would love to see it again!

We came here with three kids and explored the gardens. We found all five trolls throughout the woodland trails which run along Back River, some memories of boating there in the past. The gardens are huge and welcoming, the only issue is that the butterfly gardens were closed. They said they had all migrated, but when you walk along the outside, you see tons of milkweed and also tons of monarch caterpillars which have clearly not migrated yet. They should do some research before closing it. Still a nice visit and we celebrated a birthday here before getting kicked out by security personnel closing the gate for the night.

Must see in Boothbay! Property is stunning, featuring themed gardens, hiking trails, butterfly house, fairy house, children's garden and six giant trolls spread throughout the property. Great for families with children, couples or solo travelers. Docent tour of garden was informative and interesting. Great variety of flowers, trees and plants. Gorgeous, spacious visitor's center and restaurant. We'll return whenever we're in the area.

Visited in mid September. There were still flowers in bloom but nothing spectactular. What is spectactular about this collection of garden spaces is the artistic landscaping and architectural features, each space offering a different perspective and mood. Wear comfortable shoes -- there's a lot of walking!

Took a day trip to Boothbay to visit the botanical gardens and it was well worth it! The gardens are immaculate and the staff are friendly. I even did a troll hunt and hiked through the woods. Don't miss this place if you are in the area.

The light show was absolutely breath taking and a huge thank you to the amazing staff and especially Rachel for your wonderful hospitality ! it made the experience 10 times more magical and I highly recommend coming here !

Interesting to see that there are still lots of flowers in bloom. Gardens are well laid out and descriptions and maps helpful. We especially liked the dahlia garden and the troll sculptures. Paths lead to the river and afford nice views. The visitor center has a food stand which serves well-prepared, delicious sandwiches. A must visit.

Our daughters gave my wife the birthday present of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens at night with all the lights. It's a very popular attraction, and we had a great time wandering the grounds and seeing all the trees light, and bushes, etc. that were shaped like birds, animals, and reptiles all light up. Motorized wheelchairs were present, but not the best conditions for handicap use. Tickets required in advance. Beverages and some food available, plus a gift shop. Expect cars and lines, but they move along. Plenty of photo opps. Paths were muddy and had shallow puddles. Great for all ages.

We went for the first time and saw Gardens Aglow. Because of the pandemic it had to be a drive through. You need to buy tickets and reserve a time slot ahead of time. Great staff, everything went very smoothly. Fantastic displays. The drive takes about fifteen minutes. We stayed at a nearby B&B, walked around some state parks and beaches and made a mini vacation of it.

These gardens are enormous and fun for the whole family. I was impressed at how intentional they were to create activities that appeal to children throughout the gardens: a scavenger hunt involving giant trolls, butterfly house, bee exhibit, and fairy house village. I especially loved the dahlia garden, with the variety of different colors. All who travel between Portland and Bar Harbor need to make this stop.

Lots of beautiful flowers and fall foliage while we were here. Very nice walking paths, and a lot of them were handicap accessible. Paths that are accessible are clearly marked. The volunteers are excited to help and can be a little overbearing but mean well overall. It was a little expensive to get in but was totally worth it. Be sure to check out the troll sculptures in the garden! They are amazing!

Excellent botanical garden. Superb displays, all built into their Maine woods location. many water features. Lots of kid-friendly features built into the displays and pathways. This place is a must-see if you are passing by, perfect for children/families, even if you are not a gardener.

First time here. I was surprised at the variety of plants and flowers, and that so much was blooming in the fall.

The children's garden was fun and just a really happy spot.

The trolls were truly interesting and very much hand crafted art.

Trolley's available within the gardens at designated stops.

Lots of parking and the facilities were clean. Plan for at minimum 3 hours to see the highlights.

I've traveled to see the gardens four times in summer and twice for Gardens Aglow. It's a beautiful, peaceful place but I've noticed an increase in crowds at both times of year. That's understandable though, with the addition of the trolls, and with people still feeling stir crazy.

Gardens Aglow 2022 was breathtaking but like I said, crowded. Pre-pandemic, you wandered at will. This year, staff routed you through in one direction, creating uncomfortable bottlenecks. There was also a person at the end who said good-bye to everyone, even though I don't think there were rules about needing to leave.

One other odd thing—there was no holiday music. It felt as though the exhibit could have been held any time of year. I loved it, but it didn't feel particularly like "holiday" lights to me.

We were very impressed with the gardens. You could spend an entire day here if you wanted to see everything. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and bring water.

Thus was one 1st stop when we got to Boothbay and we enjoyed it throughly. Beautiful place and easy for someone who is not in the best physical condition do to injury

A wonderful oasis on the Maine coastline. Went there on my birthday and it couldn't have been a better gift. Beautiful gardens, trails, butterfly house, cafe. Timed entry ensures there won't be crowds. Indoor areas not accessible (other than restrooms) but you can grab lunch and sit outdoors under an umbrella.

If you love beauty, serenity and nature, this is a must-see! A truly beautiful place that I plan to visit again!

Wow what a great spot! Boothbay Harbor was one of my favorite towns on the coast and this was definitely a highlight of my trip! The title of my review says it all and I just loved my time there. It’s very diverse and the art installations are great little surprises as you walk along. The trolls were really fun but tough to get pictures since everyone wanted a picture of the troll with them in it!! The map is helpful since the place is large. Definitely check it all out and give yourself a couple hours. Great for kids and adults. They required advanced reservations.

Went to gardens aglow , absolutely beautiful and worth the trip. They were very accommodating for ada parking , etc, they had extra wheelchairs and scooters.

Hunting for Trolls while enjoying the color and fragrances be along the various trails. Should have brought a picnic lunch.

This was our third visit to this location as it changes with every season. They have added more pathways to stroll and 20 foot high wooden Trolls to seek out in hidden areas throughout the gardens.
A great time to visit is in the winter for their Christmas light display which has thousands of lights along the walkways. Allow a full day to see everything and they do have a cafeteria to take a lunch break.

I think these are the first botanical gardens I’ve visited that were entirely volunteer-driven—from conception, financing, etc. It is absolutely lovely! The grounds are gorgeous and so well-maintained. I would caution that it’s not a great place for people who have mobility issues. We came to Maine to see lighthouses, but the Gardens are going to be one of the highlights of our trip to Maine.

We have visited a number of times and it is a new experience each time. Gardens Aglowis a great start to the holiday season. This summer the Trolls are an amazing addition. The craftsmanship is remarkable. We will come back again.

When my wife and I were thinking of going to Maine for a short getaway from New York City, this botanical garden was our #1 planned visit -- we'd been here before, years ago. We spent over three hours being amazed at the flowers and other plantings, and thankful for the plentiful seating everywhere.

Beautiful garden. Definitely one of the top botanical gardens we have visited in the USA and at present, our top pick. The area is expansive and full of garden delights. We made our visit the first week of June and rhododendron and azaleas were both in full bloom. The experience was beautiful, fragrant, and uplifting. We spent 3 hours at the gardens and walked it in full. I highly recommend you make time on your calendar to visit the Garden. Spectacular experience. Although we had no children with us, there are several areas of interest specifically designed with children in mind. The children we saw were having a wonderful experience. Be certain to stop at the gift shop. Several tantalizing items to browse.

We made a trip to Woolwich and were looking for something additional to add to our day. I found the Gardens via TripAdvisor and were glad we made the trip. We purchased our tickets online and were pleased to see the safety precautions in place to keep everyone safe. We took the recommendation of the volunteer at the bridge and headed right down to the Meditation Garden. Since we arrived in the afternoon, we wanted to make sure we had plenty of time to see the musts. We went from the Meditation Garden along the river on the Shoreland Trail into a nicely wooded area with the Fairy House Village and worked our way back to the main gardens. The dahlias were one of my favorite areas. I would love to return and spend the day so we can walk the extensive trail system. The gift shop was full of great gifts for all ages and works by local artisans. Would definitely recommend a trip to the Gardens for all ages. 

We spent a great day here. We love going to botanical gardens and have been to some of the world best - Including NYBG in the Bronx, Brooklyn Botanical, Longwood Gardens, Royal Gardens in Scotland and Dublin and a few more ... and Maine is right up there if not the best.

The diverse layout and flow is outstanding - well done flowering plants leading to forests. The details are well thought out and this place is a pleasure to tour.

Attended Gardens Aglow, their holiday light display. It was beautiful and creative, a good, family atmosphere. My one complaint was the pop music playing over the outdoor sound system. I visited 3 days after Christmas Day but it is still the Christmas season and the pop music seemed out of place. Otherwise, a delightful way to spend a December evening in Maine.

A great day out, over 300 acres of garden to explore. The themed gardens are beautifully kept. Large troll sculptures are dotted around the gardens and there are talks throughout the day, ours was on bee keeping! Highly recommended!

My parents and I enjoyed walking around the grounds.

There’s a lot of walking involved to get the full experience so I’m not sure how the gardens can accommodate for anyone who can’t walk long distances/hills.

It was a great botanical gardens, not the best I’ve ever been to, but it was enjoyable and interactive!

Outstanding display of beautifully maintained gardens. Loved the Garden of the Five Senses and the Children’s Garden is fabulous. Truly loved it all. The Giant trolls are incredible and not to be missed.
We did bring our lunch and drinks, but there is a market where you can purchase items.
Having been to numerous botanical gardens, this is one to be sure you see.

A visit to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a must for anyone visiting the Maine coast. The gardens are well-maintained, and the flowers are beautiful. Walking through the different landscaped areas, and wooded trails along the water is lovely.
Seeing the giant trolls throughout the area is a bonus. The lupines blooming in June were spectacular!

I'll start with saying that the place is wonderful for a walk in the woods. The 5 trolls were very cool. We walked along the water, made houses in the Fairy Garden, and enjoyed all that.

This was in spite of the groups of middle and high school kids running around like idiots, making all sorts of noise, cutting in front of people taking pictures with the trolls, and basically being little a******s to everyone there. The supervision/chaperones that were with the kids were a complete joke. They didn't care what these kids were doing. I was so mad at these two that walked in front of us 3 groups waiting patiently for pictures (there was an elderly group) that I went off on them. The mouthy little s***s cowered and ran off, completely oblivious to what they were doing and had no idea why they were getting yelled at. I was even thanked by the group of ladies in front of me.

Control your "guests".

Acres upon acres of beauty! They have a number of trolls for you to find while walking the grounds. They have a butterfly den, vegetable garden and more. Great day getting back to nature. For those who can't walk they offer shuttles and private shuttles.

There are not enough superlatives for this place.
Worth every penny of the admission cost.
Absolutely stunning themed gardens which are immaculately cared for.
The design and implementation of the entire place is simply wonderful.
We have been to many Botanical gardens and Arboretums and this is up there with the best of them.

A beautiful place with so much to explore. The gardens were gorgeous and the woman who greeted us explained the map and pointed out the riverside hiking trail. It was lovely and serene. Highly recommend. COVID forced the closure of some exhibits but still very much a worthwhile place to visit.

My wife and I were touring Maine and the internet said Boothbay Harbor was a place to see. Well, we went there and found nothing that was really special. So, we went to the botanical gardens instead. It was nice, as far as these things go. Very pretty flowers and plants. I also liked the "trolls".

What I thought would be a couple hour activity turned out to be an entire full day adventure. This botanical garden has something for everyone. We really had fun searching out all the giant trolls. They have fun interactive areas for kids that I thought was a nice touch. The garden areas are beyond beautiful, we were lucky to see the Dahlias in full bloom (September). I never knew a flower could be so perfect. They also had more remote trails out in the woods that I found extremely fun. To sum it up, I really liked this botanical garden because it was not just about looking but also about exploring.

This was my second trip to see the botanical gardens all lit in colorful lights. They do such a wonderful job. It’s so popular that pre-purchased tickets are required for 3 or 4 time slots. There is a fabulous gift store with so many cool things. It was a cold clear night when I went. I really enjoyed the gardens, but holy smokes there were SO MANY people. At times it felt like we were cattle being moved through the maze of trails. Everyone was happy and snapping pictures at every turn. I didn’t try it, but they sold warm blueberry cobbler and Kettle Corn. Since I’ve only visited during Christmas time, my next trip will be spring or summer. A great activity for all ages.

Absolutely beautiful! We thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this tour and left inspired. Highly recommend this for folks of all ages regardless of your gardening interest. Mother Nature with lots of staff efforts at their best!

Just lovely! Very well maintained and the rhododendron bushes in bloom were beautiful. Plenty of space to walk and for kids to run. Had lunch in the cafe which was pricey but standard for most gardens/museums. We had a reciprocal membership through the American Horticulture Society which is the way to go. Get a membership to somewhere local for yourself and then use it when you travel. We have seen some really beautiful gardens in this way. Would highly recommend this location if you are in Boothbay.

The flowers and gardens were amazing. Everything was beautiful and they even had a butterfly house you could go in. There were troll sculptures at least when we went that were huge, and each one represented a different part of the tree. The kids loved it! Definitely plan on spending the day here. The only things that I wish was better was the shuttle service. It is a large place, and they offer shuttle stops, but they were always full by the time they made it to us it seemed regardless of which stop we were waiting at. With small children, this was difficult as they definitely got tired from walking for so long, especially on a warm day.

We were amazed by all the light displays at the Gardens Aglow event! It was a wonderful way to start the holiday season! I would highly recommend it for everyone!

Loved this experience—gorgeous gardens, especially 5 Senses and Children’s Gardens. Finding the trolls was fun. Highly recommend!

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a place not to miss. It is worth a drive to Bootbay just to walk around the lovely landscaped gardens and see the gorgeous flowers.
Every inch is carefully maintained throughout the gardens. The trails are fun to walk with amazing giant wooden trolls on display. This is a definite must see!

Our family visited to see the trolls. The garden is very nice and well designed. Staff was friendly. Very nice gift shop. We do not recommend the cafe. Very limited selection. We also were told the location for the “seeds” that go along with the trolls three different locations from three different employees.

THE BEST! One of the most delightful experiences ever! The glorious flowers, trees, paths, butterflies and ESPECIALLY the Trolls were beyond our wildest expectations! Kudos t the staff -- simply stellar in every way possible! There is also the Cafe on site! If you do nothing else, DO THIS!!

This place is well-kept and maintained. Plants are labeled and identified pretty well. There is something for everyone here, at any age. The Trolls were fun to find and are amazing works of art as well as educational and informative. We found it fairly easy to navigate the trails and walkways. There are shuttles as well, although we only saw one and it was full. Word of caution: there is nothing they can do about the black flies in May, so bring bug spray and enjoy yourself!

We visited on Tuesday in early July with family including seniors for my Dad's 80th birthday. It was easy to social distance there. The gardens are beautiful and well cared for. The best part however is the staff. Extremely helpful and friendly and the gardens are so well cared for. We were worried about bringing seniors due to the pandemic but everyone had masks and staff cleaned the scooters for us and kindly brought them out to car at the drop off area. Plenty of room to stay distanced and some areas one way with reminder signs. Wonderful place can't wait to return.

We went to the gardens one afternoon on our way to Boothbay Harbor. It was a great spot to walk around different trails - some geared to younger kids. They had beautiful views of the coast along with some shady trails as well.

These gardens were absolutely beautiful! The flowers and grasses were stunning. The paths are winding throughout the gardens and there are several hiking/walking paths outside of the planned gardens. There is a sensory garden that is unique. There was a special caterpillar exhibit when we were visiting and the docents were helpful in explaining the exhibit.

Beautiful scenery and great weather made this a perfect stop for us on our way from
Portland to Bar Harbor. Although there are 5 trolls scattered throughout the gardens, we only found 3. The flowering plants are stunning, they had a nice area for kids to play and their onsite cafe had good lunch options.

Many special places for young and old here. Caterpillar exhibit was very interesting, dahlia garden was a favorite and enjoyed to water features throughout.

Such a great day at the gardens. Brought my mom and two nieces (8 and 13). We went to see the trolls, we found all 5 and hiked out to the seeds. It took us 3.5 hours. Hiking out to the seeds is on uneven, narrow, trails with lots of roots and incline. It was a blast! We made such great memories. The gardens are beautiful. My husband and I got married there 8 years ago and today was my first time back since our wedding and they've really expanded!

Joined last summer and visited then. Just got back from their Gardens Aglow light show. It was fantastic!!!

We are members and have visited Gardens Aglow several times before. I was a bit apprehensive about how it would be in times of Covid but was really wowed by the experience. You need to get tickets in advance. One per car. Give the ticket to the nice person at check in (wear your mask) then drive through spectacularly lit gardens. No need to get out of your car or have your experience affected by crowds of visitors. Just a peaceful drive and truly beautiful lights. I was surprised by the beauty and the sense of peace we felt- just right for the season, especially in 2020. Don’t miss it!!

It’s been quite a few years since I’d visited and the grounds are even more amazing. There are a couple new garden areas, new pathways, and the trolls! Our August visit had everything lush and vivid with blooms. The woman who checked us in told us the dahlias had the best display they’d ever had so we were sure to check them out.

Favorites from our visit were the trolls, the Vayo Meditation Garden, the waterfall, the fairy garden with all the kids intently creating their own fairy houses, the hillside garden, the five senses garden and the arbor area. But seriously, it was all spectacular!

I highly recommend wearing great walking shoes - we did do some backtracking and visited each garden and each troll. With that said, my watch logged 5.7 miles while there. We each took a water bottle but wished we’d taken several. You could refill your bottles at the cafe and at the visitor center but we were seldom near either. I’d also recommend putting on bug spray or using wipes in the parking lot. The number of people spraying near blooming plants and bees was crazy!

One of the best botanical gardens out there! Well organized mix of nature paths or hiking along with beautifully sculpted gardens. A must see when traveling along the coast. Interesting “troll” statues of interest- a unique work of art that captures the attention of young and old.

Some local folks suggested this annual winter lights display and we made plans back in September. Wow! Just incredible and magical wandering the lit gardens at night. Plenty of friendly staff to guide parking and navigate the gardens.

Phenomenal place to visit. Not only are the gardens beautiful, the volunteers are knowledgeable and helpful. The trails are well ket and the Trolls are exceptional.

Wonderful...the sights and smells. Quite hilly paths, but a shuttle is available. There are plenty of stone and wooden benches to rest along all the trails. I was beyond amazed to learn that this beautiful habitat was started as a grass roots movement in 1991. All areas are exceptionally well maintained which reflects on the love and dedication of many, many volunteers. The Gardens is a not-to-be-missed experience.

This is a place not to be missed if you are in this area. A very large venue which people of all ages will love. It is a true Gem. Very large. Time to see just most of it can be over 3 hours. Tip. I did not do it and so I missed a lot. They rent electric driven scooters. If you are older or have a problem walking rent one. The are cheap and worth every penny. I think when you order your tickets you can reserve one.
If you do not you will wish you did. Bring water if it is a warm day. Bring sandwiches for the kids. The price in the park will kill you .average sandwich aprox. 12.00 ea..
But the park itself is well worth it.Outstanding is the best word. Good parking and wear good walking shoes. Great places for the kids inside the park. A few benches along the way. This place is a true Gem.

Just our luck, the afternoon that we planned our visit to the Gardens it rained. Umbrellas in hand we spent a wonderful afternoon walking through beautiful and incredibly well maintained landscapes. Definitely one of the highlights of our Boothbay Harbor vacation!

In planning your visit there are a few things to know:
- The gardens are huge and there are some of the trails are hilly and uneven. If you are concerned about getting around there are shuttles, motorized carts for rent, and special tours
- There is a lot to see so decide on your priorities and don't try to cover it all in one visit. Or plan to spend the day, the cafe is lovely and picnics are also allowed.
- This is a fabulous place for children. There is a butterfly house, huge children's garden, backwoods with a tree fort and musical instruments, and of course the Trolls.

Although I loved the Trolls, my favorite spots were the Garden of the Five Senses, Haney Hillside Garden and Fairy House Village - you can build your own or admire the work of others.

We have been looking at pictures from friends for years and finally made the journey this year! Amazing place to visit and just has a magical feel the moment you start to cross the bridge. The temperature was above normal and the spots for snacks and warm drinks were hand and appreciated. We will make this a yearly ritual for both summer and winter! Highly recommended. I would rate this a 10 if able!

Enjoyed the lovely grounds and the accessible cart tour, which we reserved in advance. There are many accessible trails, though, and so many beautiful curated beds and wild areas. The giant trolls were a surprise and a great bonus!

This magical location is not to miss and worth the detour if you are in the Bath, Maine area. The gardens are expansive including many different exhibits for both children and adults alike with the highlight being the Troll exhibit (Guardians of the Seeds by Thomas Dambo) made out of recycled wood, assembled on site by 5 teams over around 5 weeks, and includes wood that the botanical garden staff found on the property and the artist incorporated into the beards and hair of these expressive and in-action-posture trolls. We only had an hour to spare, but could have spent 3 or 4 hours enjoying the gardens. It was around 20 minutes off of Route one from Wiscosset, north of Bath. The flowers were, of course, on point, in full bloom with tons of pollinators. The paths through the gardens include some trails that make it feel like you are being embraced by the wonders of the woods and can feel the magic enveloping you. It is complete with a real life fairy garden, rock water feature that could be a mini splash pad, butterfly gardens, musical instruments for the kids to play, a tree house and so much more. There is a gift shop there, but we did not go in due to time constraints. The staff was very knowledgable and personable. The cost is somewhat expensive (probably on par for botanical gardens), but they have a family rate that we used to save some money and you can also purchase tickets online for additional savings. Let your imagination and creativity blossom as you enjoy this mystical experience!

We took a day trip north of Portland during our recent visit to Maine. The Botanical Gardens has been recommended by several friends. It was not exactly what we expected, but it was awesome. At home (DC), the Botanical Gardens are compact (and mostly indoors). For whatever reason, that is what I expected, but NO, it was outdoors with a lot of walking (wear your walking shoes). This is not an issue for us, and even for folks with mobility issues, they run golf cart shuttles around the property :).

The Trolls were as good as advertised. What a fun thing to add to the gardens.

We are really glad we went to visit.

What a wonderful place to explore and enjoy nature. Has so much hands on experiences for all ages to enjoy. Finding all the trolls were wonderful. The gift shop was phenomenal. Had items for all ages

These botanical gardens seem to have something for all ages. The trolls do not disappoint, and I think they attracted a lot of families with little kids. The facility is new and nice and has plenty of restrooms. Once out on the trails we did come across some porta-potties. We took some of the inner paths that were labled as "unimproved" and "steep". If you have hiked any trail in the woods or mountains, these paths were similar. Only about one person wide. Very nice and tranqui in the woods. If you are not up for those there is a much wider groomed path, and there is even a shuttle that runs on that so you can take the shuttle if walking far distances is a problem for you. There are other features beyond the trolls for kids....there is a fairy house village where the kids can build their own fairy houses in the woods (with natural materials), and there is a delightful children's garden. I think a lot of the adults were having just as much fun, if not more, than the children themselves. For the serious (or amateur) gardner the gardens themselves are amazing. All species are well-labeled. My husband and I were there with our daughters (early twenties) and I think we all were pleasantly surprised by the experience...beyond our expectations. The only thing that seemed to disappoint some people was that the cafe has only pre-made sandwiches, chips, and a few snacks (mostly sweet) and since you are pretty much held captive while you are there it is disappointing to not have some more varied food options. Picky eaters beware! I think you would have no problem to carry in a few sandwiches in your bag, however, and saw many people who seemed to have brought their own food and snacks. They don't seem to encourage that, but also don't seem to discourage it either. I was happy enough to buy the food in the cafe and support their efforts, but it might be beyond a family budget. They also have a delightful gift shop and if we hadn't worn ourselves out on the hot day walking all the trails I think we would have wanted to give that some more of our own time. There are some delightful seed packets with great graphics and some nice gardening tools. The shirts with the trolls on them are very cute as well. Wish we had a bit more time to poke around in there and a bit more money to spend, as there were some unique items at fair prices.

Before you go, be sure to check their website for tips for planning your trip. DEFINITELY bring water while walking on the trails. GOOD SHOES for hiking-walking. Sunscreen. CAMERA!! They recommend bug spray, but in early August when we were there we didn't run into any annoying bugs....just lots of beautiful butterflies. Their website says to see all 5 trolls (without seeing the "seeds") you should plan on 2 1/2 -3 hours. I think that for the average family that is a big overestimate. Perhaps with tiny, tiny kids it would take that long. For us, all adults, we were there for 3 hours which included us sitting down for lunch, and exploring the children's garden and other gardens, besides the walk around to find all 5 trolls. And we really did not rush at all, we really took our time. My daughter said her Fit Bit indicated we had walked 3 miles. Not sure if that was right, it felt more like maybe 4, but in any event I think their website wisely overestimates the time it will take you, but that might deter some people who think it is longer or more of a hike than they feel like doing. If you are able to walk at a regular pace, it likely won't take as much time as they say on the website and if you only have a couple of hours to spend there it would be well worth it. All in all, we drove 5 hours roundtrip for this event and everyone in my family felt it was worth the trip!

My review is for the light display in November and December. This is the third year I've gone, this time a drive-through courtesy of COVID. It was every bit as amazing as it ever is. My only disappointment was not being able to linger to take it all in, but that's petty. They have outdone themselves again this year, and deserve all the praise I can give them. Thank you, Garden staff and volunteers, for making another holiday a bright one! For everyone else, go if you possibly can -- it is SO worth it!

Such a wonderful garden- sun, shade, swamp, butterflies, pumpkins,. art, hummingbirds...even the animals know a good thing when they find it. Morning was cool, the heat really built before we left in the afternoon. Every season must have beauty here- the seed heads in Fall must be great. The timed pre-purchased ticket was no problem though we traveled from out of state- check the ten day forecast.

We have gotten to know these gardens pretty well as we visit more than once a year. Yet every time we come we find new combinations of color and texture. They do a great job labeling material which I have found to be very helpful. It gives me ideas of what to shop for later as well as helping me ID a plant at home where the tag got lost.

See your favorite plants done well and learn the names and habits of new ones. Take million pictures or just take it all in. Explore the trails in the woods or well designed gardens and appreciate the color combinations. Great stone work is almost everywhere.

We arrived early in the morning on a weekday and felt like we had the place to ourselves for a while. They did a lot of planning to help visitors social distance and some paths are one way, but you still get to see everything.

The restaurant is not serving but we had some great fresh salads from the snack bar. The gift shop has some wonderful selections of specialized books, tools, artwork and clothing.

Much larger than I was expecting. You could easily spend a day here. Paths are plentiful and easy to navigate. Lots to see and do. We were late in the season but there were still many flowers. This is a beautiful park, so well done.
Tickets must be purchased before visit!

The garden to set up for you to walk through at your own leisurely pace and explore beautiful plants in a natural setting.

Perfect bright sunny day, warm but not hot! Not at all crowded and I spent about 2.5 hours exploring the grounds. Some mosquitoes in wooded areas. Still early for many blooms, but the rhododendrons were flowering. Loved seeing all the trolls! The shuttle was very convenient for getting around and the driver was quite friendly and knowledgeable. The Cafe had a nice variety of food at very reasonable prices. I found friendly staff and a nice selection of gift items in the Gardenshop. This was my 2nd time visiting the Botanical Gardens and I will come back!

The holiday light display was beautiful. We came with a large group of adults at around 6:30 PM and stayed for about an hour and a half. No dancing Santas - just beautiful lights of the grounds, trees, animals, and shrubs. Really pretty and festive. Just remember to dress warmly and wear boots as the paths were quite muddy. The cafe inside is a great place to finish the tour with hot beverages and food.

Had a lovely visit and walk through Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. What a wonderful place to visit. The gardens, flowers and property are beautiful. Around every twist and turn there were more flowers, trees, shrubs, rock formations and surprises. We walked around for about 3 hours and enjoyed every minute of it. It was a hot day, but there were plenty of shady places to rest.

Highly recommend if you like gardening, flowers and natural beauty. Just a delightful place to visit. We want to go back to see it when it is decorated with the Christmas lights.

My husband and I always make it a point to come here when we visit Maine, and it is always a delightful experience! This year we spent six hours meandering around the grounds, and we only saw about half of what there is to see. One of my favorite parts was sitting by one of the hidden lily ponds eating our lunch. The hike by the river, walking on soft pine needles, makes one feel like they are walking on clouds. This is definitely a destination to see!!! My highest recommendation!

Have been to botanical gardens in multiple states. This site ranks as one of the best if not the best. Well organized /laid out with helpful info on all the plant species. Be prepared to sent a minimum of 2.5 hours to appreciate what the garden has to offer. Only drawback - this site is not handicap friendly because of the sheer size of the grounds

With miles of trails and located on the water, the gardens offer a variety of scenery and activities for all ages.

It should definitely be a stop while visiting Maine.

A must visit in Boothbay. This did not disappoint. It is very accessible for all. Well maintained by friendly staff. The cafe is a perfect pit stop and the trolls are extraordinary.

We went on an overcast day in September. The gardens were still beautiful with most flowers still in bloom. The layout of the gardens was carefully designed to enhance the experience, The five trolls were amazing art pieces. We did the trail to the pond which was very serene. The children’s garden looked like fun for children. We spent 3 hours here and on a nicer day would have spent even more time. Tickets need to be purchased in advance.

One spectacular botanical garden! The trails are well adorned with such beauty it’s hard not to be amazed. The staff were friendly and informative. There isn’t water fountains except in the snack shop and entrance, so I would recommend bringing water. The trolls are really a sight to see, so worth the trip.

Coastal Maine Gardens have done a beautiful job of paying homage to the glorious plants and flowers of the region. The different garden layouts offered a variety of styles. Especially fun was Mr. McGregor's garden with Peter Rabbit's jacket hanging on a pole. I was thoroughly delighted with my visit and look forward to going again someday.

Had a wonderful time at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Got there early, before the crowds, and found all five Trolls. What a beautiful setting with diverse gardens. Can't wait to take the grandchildren here.

Walking the trail able to see
Beautiful gardens and scenery
Able to take beautiful pictures
People are very friendly and helpful

This place is a bit off the beaten path. However, if you are going to Bath, you should visit. They had a few blueberry bushes and I was able to pick some berries.

I would rate this 10 stars if allowed! We had three mobility challenged friends so we took a private golf cart tour of the gardens. The volunteer guide was so kind and incredibly knowledgeable. The gardens were beyond amazing, as was the visitor center. Parking was plentiful and an easy walk to the entrance. I can not wait to return with grandchildren to let them experience the children’s gardens.

So, this is more of my thing than my husband’s. It was the one thing I really wanted to see on our trip. I read about the trolls with my students and wanted pictures to take back to school.

We both ended up really enjoying it. I love to photograph flowers and butterflies. Unfortunately, it was a little too early in the year for Maine butterflies. There was still plenty in bloom. I especially loved the peonies. The hot and humid zone of 10a where I live doesn’t support the same plants.

Anyway I loved it.

Exceeded expectations! From the parking lot, through the gardens every step is breathtaking. Staff and docents are kind and knowledgeable. Excited to come back for each season.

I was pleasantly surprised at how I enjoyed this place! I guess I'm getting older! But it was unique with the Trolls and a pleasant place to stroll and look at pretty plants. Kinda pricey but if you look you'll find a deal!

Wonderful trip spent exploring the beautiful flowers, the trolls, and the butterflies. This is a hidden gem in Maine!

I love gardens! My husband and I have been going to gardens for almost 40 years. This one captured our hearts. The hydrangeas alone are worth the trip. But there is to much more! Go!

Very impressive thought-out gardens made to be inclusive for everyone. The entire garden is a photographer’s/Instagram worthy dream. This is the most beautiful, interactive, engaging botanical garden I have ever seen. It is definitely a MUST VISIT if you are in the Maine/New Hampshire area.

If you want to relax, contemplate or just enjoy nature, the gardens are spread out into different sections and there are a number of benches strategically placed to relax and admire the view or enjoy solitude. There are also water features throughout. I was also very impressed with the mediation garden and five senses garden.

One of the most memorable and consistently photographed items in the gardens now are the five newer giant garden troll sculptures from a Danish artist spread throughout the gardens. They tie into the garden theme as “Guardians of the Seeds”. Each troll area provides some background for the purpose providing a fun educational aspect and they are amazing to see.

Really noteworthy is that if you have children, there is a children’s garden with a number of fun, interactive things to do (think mini tree/ropes course, musical, playhouse, water features, pull up lobster trap areas). Other item to note is that dogs (other than service dogs) are not allowed.

The gardens are beautiful, interactive, and educational and have surprises throughout – sculptures, carvings, and features which continually add surprises as you walk through the gardens. They have a Calendar of Events of available educational opportunities. One unique item on the calendar is a bee keeping demo.

Excellent experience!

I’m not a huge botanical garden person, but this place was excellent. It was much larger than I expected and very well-maintained. It is large enough that it provided a great 4 mile hike for us.

This was our second time visiting the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and we absolutely love it! We wished we lived closer so that we could visit more often. The gardens never disappoint, they are immaculately well kept, beautiful, and there is always something in season! We walked around the gardens, and then we took one of the trails next to the water, which was beautiful and helped us stretch our legs before we headed to the airport. I would highly recommend this to anyone, and know that you would enjoy the beauty! We love the trolls hidden in the gardens, and this is an excellent place to visit with children as they have so much to do!

I've been to the Botanical Gardens during the summer and had wanted to see their holiday light displays so my friend and I finally made it toward the end of their season. The tickets sell out really fast, especially on weekends. Times are staggered but I'm honestly not sure how they know when one group leaves and another is still there. We spent just over an hour but if you have children or a larger group then I could see you staying for two hours or longer. We went on a Sunday evening and the only stressful part was parking. There was a long line of cars to get in and it was hard to find a space but once we parked, the walk toward the building was magical with all the light displays on the route. Tickets for non-member adults were $21 which I found to be a very fair price.
The light displays were enchanting. Magical. Beautiful. There really aren't a lot of words because it's something you need to see and experience. They had many displays set up with flowers, animals, (my favorite) a lighthouse next to a lobster reflecting on a pond and two of their Danish trolls were all decked out in lights. I wish we'd been able to take a photo with either of the trolls but while it didn't feel crowded as you walked around in between the displays when you got to the more popular ones there was definitely more of a crowd and a line (wait times seemed to be about 15 minutes to get a photo with one of the trolls). There are plenty of things to see and it's all amazing so you won't be disappointed if you walk around the grounds.
We didn't visit the gift shop as it was super crowded, but there is a cafe and food stations were set up around the grounds. Hot chocolate would be perfect on a cold Maine night. My other piece of advice is to wear layers because it gets pretty chilly in December on the coast of Maine and even though you're walking around, I didn't notice any external heat like heating lamps set up so depending on the weather, it could probably get very cold.
I'm super thrilled I went and my might make it a yearly holiday adventure. The coastal route up is also charming and downtown Boothbay offers a host of restaurants and cute stores so if anyone is planning a day trip, it's a great area to visit any time of year.

The botanical gardens ended up being one of our favorite places on the trip! The Coastal Botanical Gardens is one of the recipricol places for an Arboretum we have at home. It is a MUST do if you're in the area. We saw such a variety of flowers, trees, and plants that were all in bloom, it was beautiful to see. The butterfly garden was open and it was cool to have someone in the room to explain all about the different kinds and their migration patterns. Even though we didn't travel with any children, there was SO much for kids to do including a music area, tree house ropes course and GIANT trolls. The giant trolls were enjoyed by all, and it was really cool to explore to find them all.

We have been to many botanical gardens around the world- but this one was really different. The acres of land with woods and view of the sheepscot river- the giant troll wood statues- the children's area were a highlight.

Awesome! Clean, well kept, modern, educational, fun. Even if you don't give a rats about flowers, gardens or anything related, give this place a shot. Beautiful and relaxing.

This place exceeded our expectations. The variety of plants and trees, as well as the design of their placement, is wonderful. For me, though, the various emplacements of stone, boulders, paving & stone structures was the high point — they accentuated the terrain beautifully. The four Troll installations were a delightful bonus! So glad we went…

Very nice way to spend a few hours. For walk challenged individuals, there are scooters to rent. My only criticism, I wish more plants were marked.

If ever there was a truly magical place, it's here! Stunning gardens with something for everyone. So many vibrant flower beds, (one of them shaped like a butterfly if you can find it), a children's garden, a fairy village, many walking trails, a plethora of relaxing areas to sit and chill, a learning center, a cafe, and the trolls! The children's garden was full of whimsy. I FELT like a kid again wandering through it, marveling at the growing things, the quaint workshop, the pond, the book themed areas, and so much more! I walked 23,000 steps in these gardens, but if you have mobility issues or tend toward lazy, there is a free shuttle that is always on the go. I had a marvelous time hunting down the trolls, they are quite a sight to see. I had a preconceived notion of what the fairy village would be, which was nothing like what it actually was, but the interactive nature (pun intended) of it was satisfying. The cafe was nice, although I wish they had more variety of hot meals to choose from. The heirloom tomato sandwich I tried was quite good. The gift shop is fantastic! Beautiful items, many from local artists, along with a great selection of shirts and books. You can see it all in a couple hours, although I would dedicate at least 4 to really immerse yourself in it and not have to rush. It was more than worth the price of admission. A wonderfully soul nurturing experience.

I didn't realize how huge this place was. We couldn't get through the whole thing in my flip flops and dress. Wish there was more signage, the map wasn't too helpful to get out. Say hi to the river otter for me

What a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. The flowers are gorgeous and the garden is immaculately maintained. Winding paths take you from one garden to the next and well maintained paths take you through the woods to other interesting areas if you’re up for a longer hike. A must see if you’re in Boothbay!

It had been 10 years since last visiting. They have greatly increased the size and very nice. A little pricy but regardless, beautiful

Delightful gardens with lots of flowers, water features, a see through bee hive, windmill, adorable statues, natural areas, and the Atlantic Ocean all come together for an enchanting experience. Very nice gift shop too.

On the list of top things to do in Maine, this MUST be in your top 10. It isn't just a garden. It isn't just an open space. It isn't just the home of 5 giant trolls (oh yes, they are as amazing as you see in the photos). This botanical garden has a very long, rich history. It has a cafe and educational resources. It has over 3 miles of walking paths and trails ranging from manicured garden to wetland to coastal to dense forest. And it has giant Trolls! There is a fee to enter, but expect to get more back than you spend. I would plan on at least 3 hours, bring water/hydration, and expect to be captivated by MUCH more than just flowers.

Don’t miss free tour. Ron Ross was our tour guide today. So interesting and informative. Although it is the end of September there were still flowers and pretty gardens. We spent an hour on the tour and had turkey wraps at the food truck (cafe is under construction). Unfortunately we had to leave but there was lots more to see. We will go back next time we are in the area.

We weren't sure the gardens would be very good in September, but they were glorious! The landscaping of the gardens would be interesting any time of year and plantings are clearly done with all seasons in mind. Many gorgeous blooms, interesting trees and shrubs. This is not an exclusively "native" garden and the climate allows many non-Maine species to grow. Though we saw lots of monarch butterflies out and about, the enclosed butterfly garden was closed for the season. We found the docent led introductory tour very interesting and helpful. The gardens are huge. - We just scratched the surface. Many trails for all abilities. Great place!

I saw the Guardians of the Seed troll exhibit online and knew I had to go. I couldn't believe they still have them displayed and was ecstatic to see them in person. They are wonderful. The grounds were well maintained and all of the staff we dealt with were friendly. Unfortunately the Butterfly exhibit was closed. Hope to visit again in 2022.

You will get sensory overload from all the beautiful flowers and plants. Everything is well maintained and labeled so you know exactly what you are seeing. Lots of walking to see everything. The wooden trolls are supersized and vey cute. Highly recommend.

I was amazed by the 'TROLLS' that are placed in the garden, The flowers are gorgeous. It was very hot that day so I was not able to see everything, but I did see the 5 trolls. They are the guardian of the seeds. Very unique!

We were excited to visit these botanical gardens but honestly, we LOVED this one!

The gardens were pretty (dahlias were in bloom) and the trails were right up our alley. We loved finding the 5 giant trolls throughout the property - what a fun addition to the park! We will be looking for the others across the US now!!

The children’s garden was really cute, as was the fairy garden on the trail by the river.

If you are into hiking, definitely take the trails instead of the paved walkway. There are some hills, but not terribly long or steep.

We didn’t try the cafe, but it liked good.
Free on-site parking.

Well done, Coastal Maine Botantical Gardens - so glad we stopped!

We have been to Boothbay many times and had never been to the gardens. So glad that we finally did! Lovely pace with a great children’s garden area. It is quite an expansive property with lots of hills so dress comfortably and wear good shoes for walking.

Great place to visit while in Boothbay. I would say this is more of an outside botanical/ hiking / natural area than what some would call a botanical garden. The troll hiking trails were awesome for kids and made it a great day trip to visit. It was 92 degrees the day we were there and I would say that walking the trails was challenging considering the heat but were still worth it

Wonderful day! Beautiful new visitors center and gift shop area. Walkway and trails marker very helpful. Staff pleasant. Enough room to wander on your own or take a guided tour at scheduled times with a local volunteer. Make timed reservation ahead of your visit.

A truly amazing experience! So many wonderful displays and plantings. I wish we had more time as it would be easy to spend an entire day here. Perfect for the whole family as there is so much for children to enjoy as well as adults. Everything is done so nicely and there are acres of beautiful plantings and gardens to enjoy.

The gardens and walking paths are beautifully manicured. This was our second visit to the gardens and this time they had added Trolls along the trails! Optional shuttle service is offered for some of the remote trails. Definitely something for all ages to enjoy!

The most beautiful coastal Maine botanical gardens is a must for any visitor in Maine. miles of trails short and long forest or gardens all extrimly brautiful.

These gardens are a MUST see if you are in Booth Bay and plan for at least 2-3 hours. Due to COVID 19 the children's gardens are not open right now but will be in the future. However there are so many places that kids will enjoy at the Botanical Gardens.
There are numerous walking trails that take you down to the river and you need to plan more time to do these trails.
Don't miss the Garden's AGLOW in November and December when they have over 650,000 lights throughout the gardens it is spectacular.

If you are looking for peace in a beautiful setting this is it. We spent hours here and could have spent more time. I feel like around every turn there was something new to explore. And it was such a peaceful place. Beautiful flowers, beautiful grounds and the joy of discovering huge trolls! We are planning another stay in Maine just so we can go here again. Absolute perfection!

Gardens were extensive with many plants and flowers and other interesting displays. Plan for several hour to really enjoy this beautiful place. Well maintained and worth the entrance fee. They have shuttles if you get to the far end of the garden and decide you need to ride back. I'm glad I put it on my list.

More than you can take in in a day. Giant trolls, mazes, astonishing plantings, treehouses, fairy cottages. Worth every minute.

My mom had discovered this garden online so we drove six hours to see it. The gardens were beyond my expectations and filled with beautiful displays of incredible floral combinations that were genuinely unique and masterful. Children squealed with delight upon finding the Giant Trolls and I too felt like a child. Make sure you walk along the water and through the forest to experience this amazing place. Can’t wait to go back again!

Went here two days ago and was quite impressed with the changes in the last few years. One of the best botanical gardens anywhere.

This was an excellent way to spend around 3 hours touring through the Maine Botanical Gardens. Very unique 'trolls' throughout the trails each had a separate story to tell.

I had low expectations for this place. We had kids ranging from 17-24 and I thought they'd be bored. They really enjoyed it. There is a scavenger hunt where you have to find the trolls and then they lead you to a part of the woods and you find a clue to solve the riddle, which earns you some seeds. The kids went off separate from the adults and did that, and had a ton of fun. And for younger kids there is a play structure and a children's garden. And of course there are beautiful gardens for adults. So I was very pleasantly surprised.

Incredible botanical gardens! So much to see! Huge place—never felt crowded. Every turn on the paths was a feast for your eyes! So many flowers in bloom! All of the plants have signs with common and scientific names. Trails are well marked and worth exploring. There’s a spacious cafe and ample restrooms—impeccably clean. Thought we’d spend an hour or so here—we were there almost 3 hours and loved every minute! Tip: save time and money by getting your tickets online.

An amazing place to visit! Had expected to spend an hour or two but spent 4 hours! The gardens are spectacular - so many plant, so many blooms. It is arranged so well - with thought for plant enthusiasts, families, and hikers. We loved taking pics of the blooms, the signage so we could try to find those same plants at home.
The trolls add a special treat and a little bit of a scavenger hunt feel! We tried to traverse the other side of the trails - non troll side - but the paths weren’t as well marked so we headed back after we got to the water.
So glad we made the trip from where we were staying in Wells to spend time. Simply lovely!

A great place to spend a few hours. There are many trails that you can take and also be sure to find all of the trolls. This place is a great place for families or just by yourself. I highly recommend checking it out.

Their holiday light show was nice but it was very odd that there was no Christmas music. No music at all anywhere on the site.

Wow! This place is incredible! It is by far the most beautiful and largest Botanical Garden I’ve ever been to in the US. We spent 3 hours here and could have easily spent 3 more if they had food onsite. All that was open was a grab and go cooler with drinks.

Very clean and well laid out. It was still spring in Maine while we were there so these gardens will just keep getting prettier and prettier! The trolls were done but s wee bit creepy.

Even better than expected! Great children’s and sensory gardens. The 5 trolls from Denmark were so cool and provided incentive to go deep into the property. Highly recommend for families and people of all ages

An amazing adventure for all ages. Loved the gardens and especially the Trolls. What talent from the artist to create such lifelike creatures. Staff were lovely and helpful. Accessibility was pretty good with trolleys available to take those less able to see them. Great fun for the kids and learning through doing. Loved loved loved it!

The Gardens are gorgeous, but for me, the draw was the trolls. So while my three companions were in awe of the gardens, I went immediately in search of trolls. They are amazing and huge and beautiful and striking. I love everything about them and encourage everyone to go see them.

What a treasure! For adults or kids, the gardens are such a unique experience. The trolls are a sight to see and unlike anything I've experienced. Walking through the gardens and woods – including the fairy woods! – was so calming and exactly what you want in a trip to Maine. We were able to find all the trolls (and the secrets that come with finding them) in about two hours, but we were determined. A trip here would make a wonderful adventure for a morning or afternoon.

-Need to reserve entry ahead of time, no walk up. Limited capacity
- very large and manicured presentation.
- wear comfortable shoes
- Was expecting much more flowers mostly green garden lots of various trees bushes plants
- we went late July so if you can go in Spring ...more blooming

We are garden connoisseurs, and this is one of the top gardens we have visited. Everything was top notch! The gardens are well planned out, and well taken care of. Good signage throughout. And the Dambo trolls were a fun surprise!

A beautifully landscaped park. Everything to cope with even with small children. (My kids are 2 and 5 years old )

An absolute highlight are the 5 large wooden trolls.

Whoever is vacationing near Portland Maine should take the 1 hour drive.

We visited the Christmas lights the first year they did them, but finally had the opportunity to return during garden season. What an amazing place. The gardens are huge, the grounds are so well kept, and the buildings are immaculate. The staff is well versed in current safety measures, and it was easy to social distance here. The timed entrance tickets are smart for spreading out crowds. They've also done a nice job with signage about social distancing and appropriate places to wear masks. We had a great experience here and felt very safe. We will return!

Absolutely beautiful. Excellent maps and signage throughout. There were several areas with interesting musical instrument exhibits that you could play (fun for kids and adults). It was so much more than "just plants" - something for everyone. We could have spent more time there but it was a very hot and humid day!

Great Place wish it was more Handicap accessible, Can see the First two Guardians, with scooter, But the Next three are Harder, Yes can take a Shuttle to see two more of them, One Easy the Other you need to walk uphill, for the Final Guardian, You have to walk . ( Scooters are not allowed for last Three) And if you TRY to go to Find the "HIDDEN Seed" it's a 2 hour hike no access for shuttle or scooter. But Beautiful place

We planned a trip to the Botanical garden for 2 reasons: To se the flowers etc - and to see the 5 Thomas Dambo trolls.
As my husband needs a wheel chair, I looked at the web page and saw that it was possible to have a golf cart tour for about one hour,
Unfortunately this wasn’t possible on a Sunday.
In stead one of the volunteers, Rachel, saves our day and helped us to see the trolls. A Big thank you to Rachel.
The garden is beautiful with lots to see - beautiful flowers and trees, and too the 5 trolls made by a Danish artist, Thomas Dambo. Excellent.
Even though a lot of people chose to visit the garden today, it didn’t feel crowded.
We highly recommend a visit.

We were expecting a small botanical garden with beautiful flowers. Silly us. The Coastal Maine Botanical Garden is one of the most interesting and well curated places in Maine. The botanical garden is 248 acres, involves lots of walking, great interactive activities for kids, impeccably beautiful grounds. They have put 1,000s of hours into creating, planting, and maintaining the grounds. There are multiple explanations which teach you about how to keep your land from runoff damage, which plants to plant to retain water (ferns, sedges), and the butterfly house, bee exhibit with a live hive, and so much more.

Certainly one of the top gardens in America. AMUST SEE in our opinion We have been to the top ranked gardens all over the world-Versailles, Powerscourt, Boboli, Generalife at the Alhambra, Longwood N.Y. Botanical, etc and this ranks right up there.
Over 200 acres developed with more to come Wonderful juxtoposition of Forest, Formal, and beautiful hardscape.
The huge wooden Trolls are incredible. Haven't seen anything like them anywhere. Plan for 4-5 hours if you want to see most of the gardens
Wonderful cafe for lunch or a snack. We'd love to go back again at a different time of year.

This is a must see if you are traveling though Maine. My husband and I had such a great time. Walking though and seeing all the flowers. The whole landscape was breath taking.

We loved this place! The gardens are beautiful and well maintained. The paths were easy to follow for us, although a little bit of work for wheelchairs. Oh, and those trolls! They are truly works of art!

I haven't been for a few years and it is better than ever. Plenty of paking and we used a reciprical membership entry from our local garden. Lots of color and variety of plants. Lots of water areas. Has a childrens garden with many attractions and activities.

The weather was rainy at times but managed to fit in many fun activities in the area. Coastal botanical garden and grand opening of OystHERS oyster bar and fresh oyster harvesting right from the estuary.

While we got in without reservations - they really wanted you to have them . Some trails are nice woodsy hikes and others are gardener's paths with lots of labels on plants. Children's garden is pretty cute and pre teens seem to really like it.

My wife and I recently visited the Botanical Gardens. To maintain COVID Safety, walk-up admissions are not allowed and tickets have to be pre-purchased for a specific arrival time. Even though it's all outdoors, it made us start off with a safe feeling.
As we entered the garden area, we noticed that the staff had set up barriers and signs to establish a specific traffic flow. It not only helped us stay socially distant , it also created a very useful traffic pattern to maximize our exposure to the many botanical varieties that are being presented. We walked for a few hours enjoying a relaxed and informative morning.
We enjoyed the fall day but could also see how visits in other seasons would be just as rewarding.

We visited the park to see the five Thomas Dambo trolls. The gardens are beautiful, staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful. The trolls are amazing!

Absolutely stunning place with nature trolls you get to search for. They had a nice little children’s section where they provide story time and feeding of chickens. There is a neat area to build your own fairy house. All staff were kind from calling for technical issues to checking in.

What a spectacular place! We’ve been doing a girls trip to Maine every year for well over a decade and somehow we’ve never made it to the gardens before. What a mistake! The place was perfection! From the live presentations to the gardens to the troll hunts, we enjoyed every second of our day here. Highly recommended!

Gorgeous gardens and beautiful hiking trails combined into one. We loved all the different gardens you could visit -- the Garden of the Five Senses, the Fairy Garden, the Butterfly House. The Meditation Garden was my favorite. There's a lovely walk right by the Back River on the way to the Fairy Garden.

Even on a cloudy day, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens were absolutely worth the visit! Each area had its own unique design, blending natural elements with beautiful flowers. The giant trolls made from wooden pallets were creative and massive—such a fun surprise.

The walking trails were easy to navigate with the clear map provided. We also had a delicious lunch at the café, which was clean and inviting.

My favorite spot was the Meditation Garden. The water feature, carved from Ellsworth schist, was incredibly soothing and added to the peaceful atmosphere. A wonderful experience all around!

Wonderful day of mild walking and hiking surrounded by beautiful gardens, statuary, trees, and nature. We were fortunate enough to visit while they had the Trolls displayed i'd post a pic of them but don't want to spoil the surprise for others. So fun!

We went to the Botanical Gardens on the recommendation of our host at the B&B we were lodged at. It was not on our radar at all given the vast amount of options for things to see and do in this part of Maine. We went with a party of 5 that included our 5 year old grandson. First thing to note is that they have free parking, which is a far cry from every where else in Boothbay (just saying). When we went in we were asked if we had "reservations", which we did not because quite frankly I had never heard of making a reservation for visiting a garden before. It seems they try to limit the number of people they allow into their 323 acres. They managed to let us in even without the reservation, cost for a party of 4 adults and 1 child was $98. The grounds immediately behind the entrance hall are classic Botanical Gardens, filled to the brim with all manner of beautiful gardens and landscaped areas, each was stunning in it's design and it's execution. They also had a small Butterfly House, which regrettably in early June when we ere there had few actual Butterflies active in it (that's a timing thing, wrong part of the season for us). The garden areas also contain an exhibit on Bees with a huge hive to be examined, and of course since we did have a 5 year old with us, we also explored the play ground area which is built like a lovely Tree House, and the Sound Garden also where he could explore various percussion methods of making sound. We also got to check out the bathrooms....because 5 year olds...lol....and I'm happy to report they were spotless and well maintained. The best part of the visit however are the recently installed Troll Art. "hidden" within the forest are 5 huge wooden trolls sculptures designed by a Scandinavian Artist who apparently has done such art work in many places around the world. The "hunt" for the trolls was a joy for our grandson, and thoroughly enjoyable for us as well, as we are avid hikers and covering several miles hiking through the woods to find the Trolls (stopping off for 30-40 minutes at the Fairy Village I might add) was great fun for young and old. Once you've located all of the Trolls and have the clues you need to seek out one last treasure in the forest, which I will not spoil for those wishing to make the trek. Before departing we checked out the Snack Bar, which had good quality snacks at reasonable prices, and of course the Gift Shop. Unless you are a true fan of Gardening I'm not sure you need a yearly membership of the place, but anyone who likes being out of doors in nature will find joy and wonder both in the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Fabulous botanical gardens wonderful Woodland trails to the back river loved the wooden sculptures. Don’t miss it. It’s worth it.

We visited here this Sunday afternoon using the $18 each senior timed ticket bought online. We wanted to hunt for the 5 Thomas Dambo's trolls that are hidden throughout the 300 acre garden that took 2 months and 150 volunteers to build. We followed the map along the paved paths through the flower gardens, then dirt and mulched trails that wound through the woods. It was great exercise, with stops for water and restrooms at the central cafe, likely covering 3 miles. We saw a 10 person shuttle on a long dirt lane, a tree house for kids to climb, a Meditation Garden for us and a mile of bay frontage.
Fun for all ages with lots of room to spread out.

We stopped here on our way to Bar Harbor. Wow! The gardens are wonderful! We could not believe how many plants were blooming at the end of September. The trolls were an added bonus. The staff was friendly and helpful. One of the best gardens we have been to.

This is an excellent place. My wife loves plants. It was a nice place to explore, and they made it enjoyable, given you needed to visit the five trolls spread throughout the gardens. It was a nice place and well-maintained. The staff was friendly, and it was not too crowded. Well worth the time!

If you are anywhere in Maine make sure you visit here. Acres and acres of beautifully landscaped property along with wooded trails and surprises. For the gardener, there is idea after idea for improving your gardens. Ponds and trolls to keep the kids occupied, beautiful specialized areas such as the rhodies which were blooming when we were there. There is a tram that stops at various spots if your feet give out. There is a market to grab a cold drink and tables outside to enjoy a snack. We were there for hours, would and will go back.

I will preface my review by saying that the Coastal Maine Botanical gardens was on my to do list on my first visit to Maine and it did not disappoint. We spent 4 hours meandering through the many gardens and wooded paths. The children that were there seemed to be having a wonderful time, expecially at the Alfond Children's garden, Fairy House Village, and the areas where the Giant carved wooden trolls were. The stonework and landscape in these gardens were awe inspiring. We took a walk through the maine woods trail and vernal pool trail to get some time out of the sun and fully immerse in a forested area. The park offers large golf cart trolley service around the park which we utilized at the end of our journey. Cafe was bright clean and offered numerous selections, including gluten free. Water fountain with refillable bottled water available so bring your bottled water container. Coastal shoreline trail near the fairy house village and Vayo Meditation garden was beautiful. The effort of the workers (both paid and volunteer) was remarkable as this is indeed a state treasure. People working there were upbeat and helpful. Treat your senses, find your zen, and enjoy a beautiful experience at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

We were in Freeport and saw the advertisement for the trolls at the botanical garden. So we drove to see it. The garden was beautiful. We were able to see all the trolls and other parts of the garden. It was drizzling when we arrived, but we stayed for a little over 2 hours. We were surprised on how much there is to see and do and could have stayed longer.

I have never been to Gardens Aglow. I liked the idea of a drive thru instead of being out in the cold. The lights were beautiful but I was very disappointed that for $40 the whole thing was over in 12 minutes and 50 seconds. My husband also tried to drive slower than the 5 miles per hour so we could try to take it all in. The guy behind us was ready to run us over which didnt help our feeling of not really being able to enjoy the show. I do appreciate all the volunteers' hard work making everything beautiful. we will go back again when you can walk thru no matter how cold it is.

World class gardens in a terrific location in Midcoast Maine. The Trolls are huge and fun and the kids (and adults) loved them. The butterfly house is lovely and the food options are very nice onsite. Ample parking. Be sure to buy tix ahead of time - timed entry.