Many of us know of the treasure we have at 2150 N. Alvernon Way, but the folks at USA Today are well aware, too. Tucson Botanical Gardens has been ranked #4 in the country for “Best Botanical Garden” in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025 — for the third year in a row!
First, 20 nominees were selected by a panel, including editors from USA Today, 10Best.com, and subject matter experts. Readers and other community members, far and wide, voted for their favorite.
Then, on Wednesday, March 19, it was whittled down to just 10.
Tucson Botanical Gardens being placed in the top five sure means a lot to the team and the community — it’s a recognition that Michelle Conklin, President and CEO, is extremely grateful for.
“Securing this national recognition once again is a true testament to the beauty, charm, and spirit that make our garden so special,” she added. “Your unwavering support (and votes) continue to elevate us on the national stage, and we couldn’t have done it without you!”
Top 10 Gardens in the U.S.
- Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Florida
- Tucson Botanical Gardens in Tucson, Arizona
- Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, North Carolina
- Botanica, The Wichita Gardens in Wichita, Kansas
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine
Grub at the Gardens
Stroll down the winding paths and you’ll likely encounter hummingbirds, lizards, and the occasional butterfly. Then, about midway through the Gardens, Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill is blooming with dishes to try.
Certain ingredients like chives on the avocado toast are often picked from potted plants in the windows of the cafe. The flowers in vases on each table are picked from the Gardens each morning.
It’s just one more reason to vote for the unique attraction we have in the middle of town.
The Tucson Botanical Gardens are located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way. For more information, call (520) 326-9686 or visit tucsonbotanical.org.
To read more about the other winners, visit 10best.usatoday.com.
Tucson Foodie Insiders
Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill is also a Restaurant Partner, meaning that Tucson Foodie Insiders can score $10 off every 90 days.
For $20 a month, Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $6,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members. Learn more and join!
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
