Dallas Arboretum, Dallas

Spread across 66 acres on the shores of White Rock Lake, Dallas Arboretum's themed gardens showcase the broad biodiversity of Texas' unique climate. The gardens' lush plantings and eye-catching vistas have earned the arboretum numerous accolades, including a spot on Travel Channel's list of "Best Botanical Gardens in the US." The Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill includes a century-old Japanese maple. Landscaping work is showcased as well: A Woman's Garden has won national acclaim for its garden rooms, reflecting pool, and floral displays. The Arboretum has four major festivals a year: Dallas Blooms, which showcases more than 500,000 spring blooming bulbs, Summer Flower Village, Pumpkin Village, and The 12 Days of Christmas display. Their eight-acre Rory Meyer's Children's Adventure Garden opened in 2012.