Spring in Boston and throughout Massachusetts is a magical time of year: animals come out of hibernation, birds return and tweet ‘hello spring’, and spring flowers in Massachusetts are beginning to awaken. The spectacular display of colorful flowers and lush greenery beckons you outside. We’ve rounded up a list of the most stunning spring flowers in Massachusetts, and where to find them!
From vibrant daffodils and romantic cherry blossoms to fragrant roses and colorful rhododendrons, Massachusetts’ gardens, historic estates, and scenic reservations are bursting with springtime beauty. Whether you’re planning a relaxing afternoon stroll or seeking the perfect spring day trip from Boston, here are some of the best places to visit in Massachusetts for breathtaking floral displays.
Photo courtesy of the Trustees of Reservations.
Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens
A beautiful and often overlooked hidden gem in Massachusetts, this Trustees of Reservations property in New Bedford was once owned by Allen C. Haskell. The Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens are named after the horticulturalist who was so successful in his craft that celebrities like Martha Stewart and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were fans of his work.
The carefully designed and meticulously landscaped gardens feature springtime favorites such as yellow and white daffodils and colorful tulips. Don’t miss stunning pink and white magnolia trees in April. As the season progresses into May, delicate cherry blossom trees add soft shades of pink to the gardens. Late spring (May – June) will add a splash of color when orange zinnias begin to bloom. Stroll through the gardens in late summer to find blooming purple European Michaelmas Daisies.
Crane Estate
Spanning over 2,100 acres with a historic mansion perched on a coastal bluff surrounded by perfectly manicured grounds and breathtaking gardens, this grand estate is a must-visit. With hundreds of different kinds of plants blooming, it is a top choice for a springtime day trip from Boston.
Sunny yellow daffodils can be found welcoming spring around the estate in early spring. The picturesque Italian Garden becomes colorful with perennial blooms throughout the spring and into the summer. The Italians Garden’s blooms include: phlox, lilies, purple coneflowers, echinops setifer, obedient plants, and more! Roses burst into bloom and fill the Rose Garden with color in late spring (May-June), offering a dreamy & romantic experience.
Crane Estate is the perfect day trip for those looking for beauty, adventure, and historical charm. Adventurers can sign up for a Guided Hike around the magnificent property – times, trails and sights seen vary with the seasons. For those interested in history, sign up for a Guided Tour inside of Castle Hill on the Crane Estate. Beauty can be found all around you at the Crane Estate. Keolis massAdventures organizes visits to this Trustees of Reservations property that include your ticket to a Guided Hike or Guided Tour inside Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, both of which include round-trip transportation from Boston plus time to take your time to explore the grounds and gardens on your own. We suggest packing a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens!
Hammond Castle
One of the most unique hidden gems in Massachusetts, this medieval-style castle in Gloucester overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and features lush gardens offering different kinds of blooms throughout the seasons!
The castle offers a stunning backdrop to the huge, blue-hued hydrangeas blooming from mid-spring to early fall. Late spring brings vibrant roses, adding pops of color to the castle’s walkways. Wildflowers bring a variety of colors to the grounds throughout the spring season. Summer will welcome the common hibiscus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, in delicate shades of purple. Orange lilies will welcome you into the front garden in mid-to-late summer. The castle gardens also feature a variety of colorful mixed perennials that bloom from spring through the fall.
You can easily visit Hammond Castle on a day trip from Boston with Keolis massAdventures. Sit back and relax as you are transported from the bustling city to the peaceful oasis that is Hammond Castle. With round-trip transportation included, the only thing you have to figure out is which part of the castle to explore first!
Naumkeag
This historic estate in Stockbridge, Massachusetts is one of the most breathtaking spots to see springtime blooms. Explore Naumkeag’s 8 acres of beautifully landscaped formal gardens, and over 48 acres of stunning property. Plan a day trip from Boston to visit for the famous Daffodil and Tulip Festival.
Early spring turns the grounds into a sea of yellow with over 60,000 daffodils blooming during the estate’s annual festival. The world-renowned gardens are curated with daffodils, tulips and other minor blooms presenting a stunning springtime showcase. This is a must-do in the spring in Massachusetts for flower lovers of all ages.
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Established in 1842, the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is another top place to visit in Massachusetts for those who love flowers. Featuring thousands of varieties of plants with year-round blooms, this is an anthomaniac’s dream destination. The 200 acre property welcomes visitors to explore at their own pace. Explore the 18 gardens, 2 conservatories, or walk the outdoor trails to find plants of all shapes and sizes.
Indoors, the month of March usually brings about the annual Orchid Exhibit. This show-stopping exhibit has over 2,000 orchids in 2025 within both conservatories. This year’s vibrant blooms are displayed in pixelated 8 and 16-bit graphics, for the nostalgic and retro video game theme.
Outside, early spring brings about small, resilient flowers that can withstand the still chilly weather in New England. These first signs of spring to be found include: crocus, glory of the snow, reticulated iris, snowdrops, and witch hazel. April flowers come in the form of larger, colorful blooms of hyacinth, magnolias, tine leaf, and daffodils. Whether you’re from Massachusetts or visiting, the New England Botanic Garden’s Field of Daffodils is a springtime must-see. The Field of Daffodils is an entire hillside of sunny flowers dancing in the wind, with over 25,000 blooming daffodils. It is truly a sight to behold. Late spring brings more color into the gardens, with iris’, lilac, rhododendrons, ornamental onions, and tulips of all colors blooming.
Plan Your Visit to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Explore the gardens and grounds at New England Botanic Garden with an easy day trip from Boston with Keolis massAdventures. Keolis massAdventures organizes your visit combining your New England Botanic Garden ticket with seamless round-trip transportation from Boston via Commuter Rail and private chartered transportation! All you have to do is book and before you know it you’ll be enjoying the mesmerizing gardens.
Ward’s Berry Farm
A local, family-owned farm and hidden gem in Massachusetts is Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon. Known locally for its seasonal produce, welcoming environment, and all-ages activities, this farm offers another great day trip option.
Unlike other recommendations, visits to Ward’s are not just for stunning views, but you can actually pick your own flowers! Fields of yellow daffodils bloom from mid-April to early May. Colorful tulips are ready to brighten up your home from late April to mid-May. Late spring and summer bring a vast variety of pick your own flowers! Some of these flowers include: snapdragons, cosmos, corncockles, marigolds, zinnias, and more!
World’s End
A breathtaking Massachusetts gem is World’s End; a coastal paradise of rolling hills, scenic trails and, of course, spring blooms! Great for those who want to explore nature but not go too far from the city, World’s End is just across the bay from Boston and offers the stunning city skyline views to prove it.
Plan your visit for early spring to see golden daffodils dotting the landscape. Trek along the well-maintained carriage paths and trails to find wildflowers blooming. For those looking for cherry blossoms, visit mid-spring to see the light pink trees create a picturesque landscape. Tall orange lilies can be found blooming from late spring into late summer.
Plan Your Perfect Spring Adventure
Whether you’re admiring fields of daffodils at New England Botanic Garden, watching tulips dance in the wind at Naumkeag, or strolling through the gardens of Crane Estate, spring flowers in Massachusetts offer endless beauty.
Looking for a spring day trip from Boston without the hassle of driving? Book a weekend adventure with Keolis massAdventures and let us take care of the transportation while you enjoy the vibrant colors of spring in Massachusetts!
