Old Westbury Gardens

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Old Westbury Gardens is a historic estate and gardens located in the town of Old Westbury, New York.


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Summary

It is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Some good reasons to visit Old Westbury Gardens include the stunning gardens, the historic mansion, and the various events and activities that take place on the grounds throughout the year. Visitors can explore the 200 acres of gardens, which include formal gardens, rose gardens, and natural woodlands. The mansion, which was built in 1906, is also open for tours and provides a glimpse into the life of the wealthy elite in the early 20th century.

Specific points of interest to see include the Walled Garden, the South Lawn, and the West Pond. The Walled Garden features a variety of plants and flowers, including a large collection of roses. The South Lawn is a beautiful open space that is perfect for picnics or playing games, while the West Pond offers a peaceful retreat for birdwatching and enjoying nature.

Interesting facts about the area include that Old Westbury Gardens was once the home of John Shaffer Phipps, a wealthy industrialist who made his fortune in the steel industry. The estate was designed by the renowned architect George A. Crawley and was completed in 1906. Old Westbury Gardens has also been used as a location for several movies and television shows, including "The Age of Innocence" and "Cruel Intentions."

The best time of year to visit Old Westbury Gardens is in the spring or summer, when the gardens are in full bloom. However, visitors can also enjoy the grounds in the fall, when the leaves change color, or in the winter, when the estate is decorated for the holidays.

Overall, Old Westbury Gardens is a beautiful and historic destination that is well worth a visit for anyone interested in history or nature.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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