Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota

Florida’s 8 Botanical Gardens: A Must-Visit Travel Guide

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Harry P. Leu Gardens Orlando
Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens Williston
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota
McKee Botanical Gardens
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Gainesville
Bok Tower Gardens

Florida’s lush landscapes are home to some of the most breathtaking botanical gardens in the United States. From tropical paradises to historical havens of exotic plants, each garden offers its own unique blend of nature, beauty, and serenity. Here’s your guide to exploring the top eight botanical gardens in the Sunshine State.

In This Guide:

Naples Botanical Garden (Naples)

Naples Botanical Garden

Immerse yourself in a dazzling world of tropical wonders at the Naples Botanical Garden, a 170-acre paradise that blends vibrant global flora with serene water features.

What Makes It Unique: This garden features themed collections inspired by tropical regions, including Asia, Brazil, and the Caribbean.

Top Attractions:

  • The Brazilian Garden designed by famed landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.
  • The serene Water Garden with its striking lily pads.

Interesting Fact: Naples Botanical Garden is a certified wildlife habitat, attracting countless butterflies and birds.

What to Know Before You Go:

Harry P. Leu Gardens (Orlando)

Harry P. Leu Gardens Orlando

Escape into a picturesque urban retreat at Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre jewel bursting with camellias, roses, and seasonal floral displays.

What Makes It Unique: Its extensive camellia collection is among the largest in North America.

Top Attractions:

  • The historic Leu House Museum.
  • The rose garden, with fragrant blooms in full display.

Interesting Fact: The Leu House, built in the 19th century, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What to Know Before You Go:

  • Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tickets: Adults $15, children (4-17) $10
    • please note hours and prices may vary
  • Website: Harry P. Leu Gardens

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Coral Gables)

Step into a verdant tropical wonderland at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, where 83 acres of lush landscapes are alive with rare and exotic plants.

What Makes It Unique: The rare collection of palms and cycads from around the world.

Top Attractions:

  • The butterfly conservatory.
  • The Tropical Fruit Pavilion showcasing exotic fruits.

Interesting Fact: Fairchild is home to the largest collection of palms in the Western Hemisphere.

What to Know Before You Go:

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Sarasota)

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota

Discover a waterfront sanctuary at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, celebrated for its exquisite collection of orchids and breathtaking bayfront views.

What Makes It Unique: The only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the study of epiphytes.

Top Attractions:

  • The Tropical Conservatory.
  • The iconic Banyan Grove.

Interesting Fact: Selby Gardens holds over 20,000 living plants in its collections.

What to Know Before You Go:

  • Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tickets: Adults $25, children (5-17) $10
    • please note hours and prices may vary
  • Website: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales)

Bok Tower Gardens

Experience tranquility and timeless beauty at Bok Tower Gardens (view complete travel guide), where stunning landscapes frame the majestic Singing Tower carillon.

What Makes It Unique: The 205-foot Singing Tower that houses a 60-bell carillon.

Top Attractions:

  • Pinewood Estate, a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion.
  • Reflection Pool and surrounding gardens.

Interesting Fact: The gardens were designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

What to Know Before You Go:

  • Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Tickets: Adults $17, children (5-12) $5
    • please note hours and prices may vary
  • Website: Bok Tower Gardens

McKee Botanical Garden (Vero Beach)

McKee Botanical Gardens

Delight in the charm of McKee Botanical Garden, a lush haven where subtropical plants and historic touches blend into a magical retreat.

What Makes It Unique: The restored historic structures from its original 1932 design.

Top Attractions:

  • The bamboo pavilion.
  • The water lily and lotus displays.

Interesting Fact: McKee Garden was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

What to Know Before You Go:

  • Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tickets: Adults $15, children (3-12) $10
    • please note hours and prices may vary
  • Website: McKee Botanical Garden

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Gainesville)

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Gainesville

Wander through the enchanting 68-acher Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, home to the largest bamboo garden in Florida and a spectacular herb collection.

What Makes It Unique: The bamboo garden, where giant stalks tower overhead.

Top Attractions:

  • The herb garden, the largest public collection in the Southeast.
  • The water gardens with Victoria water lilies.

Interesting Fact: Kanapaha’s name comes from a Timucuan word meaning “palmetto leaves and house.”

What to Know Before You Go:

Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens (Williston)

Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens Williston

Lose yourself in the spellbinding beauty of Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, a unique botanical retreat crafted from a reclaimed limestone quarry.

What Makes It Unique: Its multi-level garden terraces and koi-filled ponds.

Top Attractions:

  • The Japanese Garden.
  • The cascading waterfalls.

Interesting Fact: The garden was created by a passionate horticulturist over a span of 20 years.

What to Know Before You Go:

  • Hours: Open Friday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tickets: Adults $12, children (6-13) $7
    • please note hours and prices may vary
  • Website: Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens

Location Map

map of florida botanical gardens

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