The 19 Most Admirable Gardens You Can Visit in Florida

Florida isn’t just about sandy beaches and thrilling theme parks. It’s also a paradise for garden lovers. With its year-round sunshine and rich biodiversity, the state boasts some of the most breathtaking gardens in the country.

Some highlight native flora, while others transport visitors to exotic landscapes filled with rare orchids, towering banyan trees, and tranquil koi ponds. Here are some of the most impressive gardens you can explore in Florida.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – Coral Gables

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a dream garden. This 83-acre paradise is home to various tropical plants, from rainbow-hued orchids to massive palm collections. It also features an enchanting butterfly conservatory, where you can watch these delicate creatures flit between flowers. Fairchild isn’t just about beauty; it’s also a leading center for conservation and research.

Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales

With its iconic 205-foot Singing Tower, Bok Tower Gardens is a feast for the senses. Designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., the garden is filled with winding paths, tranquil reflecting pools, and vibrant azaleas that bloom in a spectacular display each spring. The sound of the tower’s carillon bells floating through the air makes a visit feel almost magical.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Sarasota

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a treat for plant lovers, especially those fascinated by epiphytes—plants that grow on other plants rather than in the ground. The gardens specialize in orchids, bromeliads, and ferns, creating an otherworldly canopy of green. Perched along Sarasota Bay, it also offers some of the most scenic waterfront views in the state.

Harry P. Leu Gardens – Orlando

A hidden gem in the middle of Orlando, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a delightful 50-acre retreat featuring camellias, roses, and a butterfly garden. Visitors can wander under centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. The historic Leu House Museum, nestled within the garden, adds an extra touch of charm.

Naples Botanical Garden – Naples

Naples Botanical Garden brings together plants from all over the tropics, with themed sections showcasing the beauty of the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The Brazilian Garden, with its striking bursts of color and mosaic pathways, is particularly eye-catching. There’s also a hands-on children’s garden, making this a great destination for families.

McKee Botanical Garden – Vero Beach

Originally opened in 1932, McKee Botanical Garden is a living piece of Florida’s history. The garden’s 18-acre landscape is lush with tropical plants, water lilies, and waterfalls. It was once part of a much larger tourist attraction, but even in its smaller form, it remains a must-see for those who appreciate a blend of history and horticulture.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens – Gainesville

If you love bamboo, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is the place to be. It has Florida’s largest collection of these towering plants, creating a mesmerizing green tunnel. The gardens also boast a vast collection of water lilies and giant Victoria water platters, which look like something out of a fantasy novel.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens – Jacksonville

Art and nature blend seamlessly at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. This riverside oasis features Italian, English, and Olmsted-inspired gardens, each with its own distinct character. With picturesque reflecting pools and century-old oak trees, it’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time in the best way possible.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens – Delray Beach

A visit to Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens feels like stepping into a postcard from Kyoto. The space embodies tranquility with its meticulously arranged bonsai trees, rock gardens, and koi ponds. The museum tells the fascinating story of Florida’s historical connection to Japan, adding a cultural layer to the experience.

Heathcote Botanical Gardens – Fort Pierce

This lesser-known garden holds a surprise: the largest public display of tropical bonsai in the United States. Heathcote Botanical Gardens also features vibrant butterfly gardens, rainforest plants, and a beautiful array of orchids. Despite its smaller size, it packs in plenty of charm and color.

Mounts Botanical Garden – West Palm Beach

Mounts Botanical Garden offers an impressive variety of tropical and subtropical plants, including exotic fruit trees, medicinal herbs, and stunning succulents. The garden’s “Windows on the Floating World” exhibit—a series of ponds with islands and walkways—creates a peaceful, dreamlike setting.

Sunken Gardens – St. Petersburg

One of Florida’s oldest living museums, Sunken Gardens, has been around for over a century. This botanical paradise is home to flamingos, waterfalls, and a staggering variety of tropical plants. Because it’s nestled in the middle of St. Petersburg, walking through it feels like discovering a secret jungle in the middle of the city.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park – Palm Coast

This park is best known for its stunning coquina rock formations along the beach, but the gardens themselves are just as spectacular. The formal gardens feature reflecting pools, camellia-lined pathways, and centuries-old live oaks, making it a fantastic spot for a quiet afternoon stroll.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park – Tallahassee

Springtime visitors to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park are in for a treat as the gardens burst into a riot of color with blooming azaleas and camellias. The park also has picturesque brick walkways, secret garden nooks, and a peaceful lake, perfect for a reflective moment away from the hustle and bustle.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Fort Myers

The gardens at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates reflect the curiosity and innovation of their famous owners. The grounds are home to towering banyan trees, exotic orchids, and a lush moonlight garden designed to glow under the evening sky. The estate itself offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two legendary inventors.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens – Williston

What happens when a retired dentist turns a limestone quarry into a botanical wonderland? You get Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens. With dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and koi-filled lagoons, this garden looks like something out of a fairy tale. It’s a bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip.

Flamingo Gardens – Davie

Flamingo Gardens isn’t just a botanical garden—it’s also a wildlife sanctuary. Visitors can explore 60 acres of lush tropical foliage while spotting native Florida animals, including panthers, otters, and flamingos. The towering tropical trees provide plenty of shade, making it a great escape on a hot day.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – Miami

Once the private estate of industrialist James Deering, Vizcaya’s gardens are breathtaking. Inspired by European formal gardens, the grounds feature intricately carved fountains, hedge mazes, and stunning bayfront views. The Italian-style villa at the heart of the property only adds to the old-world charm.

Shangri-La Springs – Bonita Springs

A hidden treasure in Southwest Florida, Shangri-La Springs is a historic estate with lush organic gardens, towering banyan trees, and a natural spring that has been cherished for centuries. The property has a peaceful, almost mystical ambiance, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection. It also hosts wellness events, art exhibits, and farm-to-table dining experiences, adding to its appeal.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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