Let me share a little secret — hydrangeas are my favorite flower. They always have been. There’s just something about their big, cloud-like blooms. They feel soft, timeless, and comforting — like they’re gently cradling a piece of your heart.
In fact, hydrangeas have become part of our family’s story. When my first daughter got married, she chose blue hydrangeas for almost everything. They filled her bouquet, decorated every table, and peeked out from the corners of the ceremony like little puffs of joy. A few months later, my second daughter got engaged under an arch of — you guessed it — blue hydrangeas. 💙 And my sweet husband? He knows fresh hydrangeas on the kitchen counter are the fastest way to brighten my day.
So, yes. These flowers mean a lot to us.
Not long ago, I had the joy of visiting Nantucket. I was completely overwhelmed (in the best way!) by the abundance of hydrangeas. They spilled over white fences and surrounded every weathered cottage, creating a sea of pastel color. Now, I’m dreaming of exploring even more hydrangea-filled corners of New England.
If you’ve been wondering where to see hydrangeas in New England, I’ve got you covered. These five destinations are perfect for seaside strolls, garden tours, and yes — plenty of photo ops.
1. Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival – Massachusetts
Best time to visit: July 11–20, 2025
Where to stay: Frederick William House
The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival
Every July, Cape Cod turns into a flower lover’s dream. The annual Hydrangea Festival spans ten glorious days and features private garden tours across the Cape. You’ll walk through yards bursting with vibrant blooms, each lovingly tended by local gardeners.
Better yet, you don’t just get to see the flowers — you get to experience the stories behind them. From charming cottages to coastal backdrops, every stop feels like a secret garden.
Frederick William House
The Frederick William House in Falmouth is a perfect home base. Guests rave about the spotless rooms and warm hospitality. Each morning starts with a homemade breakfast in the sunny dining room — the perfect beginning to a day of hydrangea hunting. Plus, bikes are included if you want to hop on the nearby Shining Sea Bikeway. Cape charm? Absolutely.
2. Heritage Museums & Gardens – Sandwich, MA
Best time to visit: Early July through September
Where to stay: Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa
Heritage Museums & Gardens
The Heritage Museums & Gardens is home to the Cape Cod Hydrangea Display Garden, featuring over 155 varieties of this stunning flower. It’s part garden, part outdoor classroom, and wholly magical. If you’re looking for both beauty and education, this spot checks every box.
<h3″ aria-hidden=”true”>The Dan’l Webster Inn and Spa
Nestled in the heart of historic Sandwich Village, the Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa offers a charming blend of colonial elegance and modern comfort. Guests can unwind in beautifully appointed rooms, some featuring cozy fireplaces and oversized whirlpool tubs. The inn’s award-winning restaurant serves delectable dishes, with options ranging from hearty breakfasts to romantic dinners in the sunlit Conservatory. Surrounded by lush gardens and just a short stroll from local shops and attractions, it’s an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and a touch of New England charm.
3. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
Best time to visit: July and August
Where to stay: Find a cute VRBO!
My personal favorite and a place I’ve visited myself (I took the photo above—breathtaking!), Nantucket is absolutely drenched in hydrangeas. Ride your bike through quiet lanes, explore streets framed in full bloom, and enjoy the coastal breeze as the flowers sway.
The entire island feels like a page out of a storybook, and the hydrangeas?
They’re the stars of the show.
Where to stay in Nantucket
For lodging, your best bet is a cute VRBO. Nantucket isn’t cheap, so consider if you want a place with a full kitchen so you can cook your own meals. Precious but small cottages are available, but some don’t have fully equipped kitchens or dining areas. If you’re only staying a couple days, you might just take the break from cooking and enjoy what the island has to offer. But if you’re planning on a longer stay—or have a larger family—be sure you look at something with all the amenities you’ll need. Even if you spend a bit more on the cottage, you’ll save in the long run because eating out with a large family (anywhere!) is pricey. If you’re traveling with a spouse or girlfriends, a bed and breakfast is a good option as well.
Check out a few top-rated places to stay in Nantucket below.
Charming Cottage (VRBO)
This charming Nantucket cottage is everything you’d hope for in an island escape — cozy, peaceful, and oh-so-beautiful. Just a short walk to town and steps from scenic bike paths, its location truly can’t be beat. With convenient parking included, it’s easy to explore the island at your own pace. Guests consistently rave about how spotless the home is — from the sparkling kitchen to the fresh linens, everything is clean, well-maintained, and ready for your stay. Surrounded by blooming hydrangeas and coastal breezes, this is the kind of place you’ll want to return to year after year.
Nantucket Resort Collection
Nestled in the heart of historic Nantucket, the Nantucket Resort Collection offers a trio of boutique inns—Veranda House, Chapman House, and Regatta Inn—each blending classic charm with modern comforts. Guests consistently praise the immaculate rooms, attentive staff, and delightful touches like afternoon cookies and complimentary beach gear. With a prime location just steps from downtown’s shops, restaurants, and beaches, it’s the perfect base for exploring the island’s rich history and natural beauty.
Jared Coffin House
The Jared Coffin House is a beautifully preserved historic gem in the heart of Nantucket, offering a perfect blend of 19th-century charm and modern comfort. Built in 1845 by prominent shipowner Jared Coffin, this stately brick mansion has been thoughtfully restored to create a warm and elegant retreat.
Just steps from cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and top-rated restaurants, it’s also the perfect home base for exploring Nantucket — one of the most iconic places to see hydrangeas in New England. Guests rave about the friendly staff, cozy and well-appointed rooms, and the delightful continental breakfast featuring fresh, locally baked pastries.
Whether you’re strolling through flower-lined lanes, relaxing on a nearby beach, or diving into the island’s rich history, the Jared Coffin House offers an unforgettable Nantucket experience.
4. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill – Boylston, MA
Best time to visit: Late June through August
Where to stay: Beechwood Hotel in Worcester
Set on 171 peaceful acres, the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a true oasis. Their hydrangea plantings are lush and vibrant, and the setting—surrounded by woodlands and hills—is as serene as it gets. A quiet favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Beechwood Hotel
The Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a boutique gem that blends modern luxury with timeless New England charm. As the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in Central Massachusetts, it offers beautiful contemporary décor, warm hospitality, and an elegant atmosphere that guests adore.
Just a short drive from the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, the Beechwood Hotel is also a favorite for destination weddings, thanks to its stylish event spaces, exceptional service, and serene setting. Guests consistently praise the immaculate rooms, friendly staff, and locally inspired cuisine at the on-site Sonoma Restaurant.
Whether you’re planning a romantic celebration or a relaxing retreat, the Beechwood Hotel delivers comfort, class, and classic New England beauty.
5. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Boothbay, Maine
Best time to visit: June through August
Where to stay: Newagen Seaside Inn
One of the largest gardens in New England, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a must for any hydrangea enthusiast. You’ll find a variety of hydrangeas tucked among themed gardens, winding trails, and ocean views that’ll leave you breathless. Come for the flowers, stay for the peace and quiet.
Newagen Seaside Inn
Nestled on the southern tip of Southport Island, the Newagen Seaside Inn offers classic New England charm with panoramic ocean views. This historic inn is an ideal base for exploring the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Guests consistently praise the inn’s serene setting, attentive staff, and delightful amenities. The on-site restaurant serves locally sourced dishes, and evenings often feature live music and s’mores by the fire pit. With its blend of relaxation and recreation, Newagen Seaside Inn provides a quintessential Maine experience.
🌸 Wrap-Up: Planning Your Adventure to See Hydrangeas in New England
If you’ve been wondering where to see hydrangeas in New England, these five destinations are blooming with possibility. Each one offers its own charm, from coastal magic to woodland serenity.
Travel tip: Hydrangeas bloom best from late spring through early fall. If you can, plan your visit around local festivals or garden tours — they’re often the highlight of the season!
And if you go? Please share your discoveries on where you’ve found hydrangeas in New England in the comments below!
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