Pittsburgh's bursting with so many hidden gems that when we discover a new one it's kind of like Christmas morning. Give yourself an unforgettable gift with a visit to one of the best botanical gardens in Pittsburgh. However, that's just the beginning of the magical moments that await at the sprawling, secluded botanical garden that will make you feel as though you've stepped straight into a fairy tale.

Start your magical adventure among nature at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden at the Visitor Center. There, you'll pay your admission fee and receive a map of the 452-acre botanical garden.

There's ample parking at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, hands down one of the best gardens in Pennsylvania.

Got an ice-cold bottle of water? Smartphone charged (for photos)? Off we go! Use your map to decide where you'll explore first.

If you're like me and like to just go where the path takes you, you can do that, too. While I took a map during my visit to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, my kiddo and I just kind of meandered along one path, veered off of it if we saw something that interested us, and explored that way.

Stroll along the shaded paths that will take you to Bookworm Glen, a magical fairy garden that will delight adults and kids of all ages.

If you've been searching Google for "botanical gardens near me," you've found a bucket list-worthy one.

But, first, take a moment to visit the life-sized bird's nest. If you've ever wondered what it feels like to be a bird, have a seat on one of the eggs before taking photos.

The bird's nest is the perfect opportunity to snap photos and selfies. It really is as big as the photo shows, too.

After that, hike up a small hill that will take you to Bookworm Glen, a series of adorable fairy houses, all under the shade of the towering trees around it.

We visited on a hot summer afternoon, and the garden wasn't very busy at all. If you're looking for a bit of quiet, you'll likely find it here.

Visit the kid-sized cabin overlooking Bookworm Glen, too, where the kids can sit down and read one of its books.

You probably don't want to attempt to go in the cabin if you're claustrophobic. It really is made for the littles.

One of the best gardens in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden exudes fairy-tale vibes, right down to the footbridge that looks as though it's leaped from the pages of an old-fashioned storybook.

The footbridge crosses over the lotus pond. You can walk over the pond on the footbridge, or have a little fun by hopping from stepping stone to stepping stone, where you'll likely see at least a few dragonflies flittering about. We chose the stepping stones.

Ready for a breather? Sit down on one of the numerous benches strategically placed throughout the garden before continuing your exploration.

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is open all year. It also hosts a variety of programs for children, families, and adults as well as summer camps for kids.

Find days, hours, and more information on the official website of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Or, stop by the Facebook page of one of the best gardens near Pittsburgh.

Have you been to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden? Do you agree it's one of the best botanical gardens in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! After a day of exploring, you'll probably be pretty hungry. Head over to Ritter's Diner, an old-school diner in Pittsburgh, for a scrumptious meal. If you want to experience more of the natural beauty of Western Pennsylvania, follow one of the best hiking trails in Pittsburgh.

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