CityBuddy
Highland Park
Best time to visit
Mid-May during peak lilac bloom for the fullest color and fragrance; visit early morning on weekdays to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos.
Budget tips
Park grounds are free year-round; check the conservatory's site for occasional small admissions or donations during special events. Use public transit or bike to avoid paid or crowded event parking, and bring a picnic to save on food costs.
Recommended for
Garden lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Families, Walkers and joggers
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: More than 1,200 lilac bushes from over 500 named varieties perfume the hills each spring, creating waves of purple, white, and pink that you can smell before you see. A ten-day annual festival draws over 100,000 people, with live music, plant sales, and a community parade winding along the terraced walkways.
Highlights: At dusk the terraces fill with lantern light and the sharp, spicy scent of varieties like 'Sensation' and 'Mme. Lemoine', a floral fog that seems to slow footsteps and make conversations softer. Under a glass palm house banana leaves and orchids thrive at about 70°F, and when the morning humidity rises the air turns honey-sweet with hints of citrus.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for slopes and uneven paths, and bring a light jacket for shady spots.
- Photograph the lilac beds near the Lamberton Conservatory at sunrise for soft light and fewer people.
- Avoid the Lilac Festival weekend for a quieter visit; if attending the festival arrive before 9am to beat the largest crowds and parking shortages.
- Take the bus or bike when possible, parking fills quickly during peak season and special events.
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