Seventy-four thousand tulips at America's largest home

Experience Spring at Biltmore with peak garden blooms and estate strolls from late March through May—an iconic Asheville-area springtime must-do.

Start date

26 March, 2026

End date

21 May, 2026 11:59 PM

Event details

Frederick Law Olmsted designed New York’s Central Park. His final project was the 75 acres of gardens at Biltmore Estate, and every spring they deliver his vision of four-season beauty at One Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803.

Spring at Biltmore runs March 26 through May 21, 2026, with blooms following a predictable progression. Late March brings orchids in the Conservatory and kobus magnolias. Early April sees 15,000 daffodils and the first tulips in the Walled Garden. Mid-April is peak tulip season, approximately 74,000-80,000 tulips in patterned beds of purple, pink, white, orange, and yellow. Late April delivers wisteria under the pergola (typically the third week) while azaleas begin their “”slow crescendo.”” Early May brings peak azalea bloom, an estimated one million blossoms across the 15-20-acre Azalea Garden in shades of pink, purple, orange, red, and white. Late May features the Rose Garden’ 250+ varieties.

George Washington Vanderbilt II opened the 250-room château on Christmas Eve 1895 after six years of construction with 1,000 workers. Architect Richard Morris Hunt designed the French Renaissance château; Olmsted shaped the grounds. The estate opened to the public in March 1930 to support Asheville tourism during the Depression, became profitable in 1968, and earned National Historic Landmark status in 1963.

Spring admission starts at $90 (advance purchase saves $10; seniors 65+ receive $18 off on Tuesday/Wednesday visits; military discount with ID). Biltmore Annual passes are $140 renewal rate, unlimited visits, free audio guides, 10% off hotels and activities. Children under 10 enter free.

The Biltmore Winery, America’s most-visited with 600,000+ annual guests, opened in 1985 in a converted 1898-1902 dairy barn. The 94-acre vineyard produces Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, approximately 200,000 cases annually. Complimentary tastings of 20+ wines are included with admission (noon to 5 p.m. daily; must be 21+). Premium experiences like the Behind the Scenes Tour, Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting, and Vine to Wine Tour carry additional fees.