Plan Your Visit

All visitors, except for Old Westbury Gardens members, must have a valid ticket for entry to Old Westbury Gardens that clearly states the date and time of the visit and has a valid bar code that has never been previously scanned (redeemed) at an entry point.

A ticket is considered invalid if the date and/or time on the ticket is more than one hour after the visitor attempts to enter or the ticket has been reproduced or duplicated; or the ticket has previously been redeemed.

While visiting please follow the Gardens’ rules.

• Please don’t touch plants, pick flowers or other plant parts, climb trees, or walk in plant beds.
• Do not feed wildlife or release animals in the Gardens.
• Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted in the Garden. Service animals are always welcome.
• No athletics or recreational equipment. Jogging, scooters, balls, etc. are not allowed in the Garden.
• Do not smoke or vape on the property.
• Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult.
• No outside alcohol is permitted.
• Shirt and shoes are required.
• Use earphones for all electronic audio devices.
• Tripods and easels are not permitted in flower beds. Please do not block paths. Drones are not permitted.·       Commercial and portrait photography is only allowed by prior arrangement. Visit bbg.org/photography to request a permit.

Please read through the rest of these FAQ and other areas of the website for more detailed information on specific rules and policy, and be considerate of others during your visit. If you have any questions about these rules, contact info@oldwestburygardens.org.

Entry into the Gardens constitutes consent by the visitor to follow all Gardens rules and to accept direction from the Visitor Services team. The Gardens reserves the right to deny entry to or escort from the grounds any individuals or groups acting in ways deemed harmful to the Gardens or that impinge upon the enjoyment of the Gardens by other guests.

Old Westbury Gardens encourages its guests to take casual, vacation-style snapshots and nature photographs and videos for their own personal use. However, personal photographs and videos may not be used for commercial purposes. Personal photography is not to be sold or used for brand or personal marketing.

Photography must not interfere with the enjoyment of Old Westbury Gardens’ other guests. The use of tripods, drones, props, costumes, photography reflectors, and clothing changes are strictly forbidden.

These photography guidelines are intended for all guests, but a  photography permit is necessary for those who wish to use the Gardens  for large groups, commercial and portrait photography. 

All who wish to use Old Westbury Gardens as a backdrop/setting for portrait and special occasion photography, must request and obtain a photography permit, even if the photographer is not a professional,

Portrait and special occasion photography are defined as, but not limited to: senior, engagement, professional headshots, family, graduation, wedding, etc. Portrait or commercial photography is by appointment only.

For information on Portrait, special occasion (e.g., wedding) photography, click HERE

For information on Commercial Photography, click HERE

For more information, please email weddings@oldwestburygardens.org

Strollers are allowed on the grounds but not in the Westbury House.

No. There is no checkroom available and skates, skateboards, and scooters are not permitted. Bike racks are located near the admissions booth.

Pets are not allowed, but service animals are. Our accessibility guidelines provide more details. Service animals are welcome. Pets are not permitted except on the grounds except during days and/or hours designated as dog friendly.

Service animals are permitted in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service animals are defined by the ADA as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

Tree climbing is not allowed in order to keep both the trees and visitors safe. Please don’t pick flowers.

No, smoking is prohibited throughout the Gardens.

Picnic tables are located on the North Lawn.

Picnicking is permitted in other areas as long as it is in an area that does not intrude upon the experience of other visitors. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

Trash must be deposited in designated receptacles.

Fires are prohibited.

Visitors to the Gardens can enjoy sandwiches, salads, pastries and beverages at Café in the Woods located on the north end of the property.

There are bathrooms located by the parking field, by the Walled Garden, and in Westbury House. Please see map for locations.

At this time Westbury House is not wheelchair accessible. The unpaved gravel pathways through the gardens are not accessible wheelchairs. There are elevation changes throughout the property. Special parking is available for guests with state-issued handicap parking permits.

Service animals are permitted.

Guests should furnish their own wheelchairs and strollers.

Strollers are not permitted in Westbury House.

The Gardens is open to the elements and contains natural areas, including running and still water. Visitors should be aware of the natural surroundings, including tree limbs, insects, birds, reptiles and other wildlife, inclement weather, steep slopes, and uneven surfaces. All patrons entering the premises voluntarily assume all risks and dangers incidental to admission and/or any event, and waives and releases all claims against Old Westbury Gardens, its affiliated companies, partners, joint ventures, representatives, members, designees, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys, agents, successors, and assigns. Admission is subject to compliance with all laws and facility rules and the patron consents to reasonable examinations and searches to ensure compliance.

Old Westbury Gardens’ staff and visitors have the right to an environment free from abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior. Old Westbury Gardens reserves the right to remove any person acting in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner. Your visit is at all times subject to any notice we post on our premises, and subject to any direction, supervision, and guidance of our staff.

Unauthorized events and all rallies, demonstrations, leafletting, and similar behavior are prohibited on Gardens grounds. Unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational, or otherwise, or conducting any unauthorized commercial activities, including solicitations of money or other contributions or donations are prohibited without prior written approval.

The sale of goods or services, or the display of goods or services are prohibited without prior written approval.

Weapons and firearms of any type are strictly prohibited at all times.

Vehicle traffic is limited to designated roadways. Driving or parking on pedestrian pathways or planted areas is strictly prohibited.