Living in Florida offers a multitude of pleasures, including the opportunity to immerse oneself in the ocean’s refreshing waters, enjoy a delightful lunch by picturesque lakes, discover enchanting castles, and savor an astonishing variety of gardens and art.
But that’s not all—Florida has so much more to offer. From stunning fishing piers to charming Christmas towns, there’s always something new to explore.
This time, let me take you on a journey through Florida’s breathtaking botanical gardens, where you can engage in exhilarating outdoor activities with your family throughout the day.
These breathtaking locations in Florida are guaranteed to leave you feeling overjoyed and content.
Living in Florida is a true blessing, and there’s no better way to reconnect with the natural world than by exploring its many wonders.
Let’s embark on an adventure that will leave you feeling grateful for the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Best Botanical Gardens in Florida
Florida’s climate is a true blessing, allowing for the flourishing of an array of stunning flowers and tropical plants that are unique to the region.
Let me help to take you on a tour of Florida’s most magnificent flower gardens, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility and positive energy that these natural wonders provide.
Here are list of best Botanical Gardens in Florida that you must visit atleast once.
Marie Selby Botanical Garden
Located at 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA, the Marie Selby Botanical Garden is a breathtaking 45-acre bayfront sanctuary that’s not to be missed.
With two locations – the Selby Garden at Downtown Sarasota Campus spanning 15 acres, and the Historic Spanish Point at Osprey covering 30 acres – this beautiful botanical garden is a lush haven of greenery.
Admission fees are $8 for members and $16 for adults who aren’t members, and the garden is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
Downtown Sarasota Bay Campus is an exotic under-glass botanical garden boasting over 20,000 colorful and unique plants.
It’s a paradise for nature lovers, featuring a fern garden, mangrove walkway, butterfly garden, epiphyte garden, bromeliad garden, and more than 6,000 orchid species.
Selby Gardens in Sarasota, Florida is primarily dedicated to education, historical preservation, botany, and environmental protection.
If you’re visiting with children, don’t miss the Tropical Jungle, complete with a 16-foot waterfall, swinging bridge, adventurous trails, and an amphitheater.
Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
- Take the Jungle Walk tour to experience Florida’s unique flora and fauna.
- Check out the rotating exhibitions.
- Children must be supervised in The Children’s Rainforest Garden.
- The annual orchid show takes place in February and March.
- Get a customized orchid piece of jewelry from Selby Garden.
- Take a tram or walking tour at Historic Spanish Point.
Visit Selby Gardens and Downtown Sarasota Bay Campus to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and gain an appreciation for the environment.
McKee Botanical Gardens
The McKee Botanical Gardens are a historical marvel that strives to educate and enrich the lives of its visitors.
Here, you’ll discover over 10,000 native and tropical plant species that will leave you spellbound.
One of the main highlights of these gardens is the Children’s Garden – a space that’s perfect for children to explore and learn about the natural world.
When you’re done exploring, be sure to refresh yourself at the garden cafe.
The McKee Botanical Gardens also host a variety of exciting events throughout the year, including the annual Waterlily Celebration and the Dinosaurs Around the World exhibit.
Admission is $15 and the garden is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
Come and experience the wonder of the McKee Botanical Gardens, where history, education, and entertainment come together in perfect harmony.
Sarasota Garden Club
The Sarasota Garden Club is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the best part is that admission is free!
This beautiful botanical garden is located on a 12-acre property between Alderman Streets, South Osprey Avenues, and Boulevard Wood, featuring bamboo groves, bird sanctuary, shoji fencing, and a Japanese garden-style theme.
Don’t forget to snap a picture with the charming fountain and the sculpture at the edge of the pond.
While not grandiose, the garden’s serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for families.
The blue roofing tiles and the “Falling Waters Garden” are some of the highlights that you don’t want to miss.
The garden is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm, so make sure to stop by and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Florida span 68 acres, featuring 24 collections of central plants.
These collections include Florida’s largest bamboo display and the largest herb garden in the southeastern United States.
The garden is an ideal venue for weddings, retreats, and other events.
In the spring, visitors can enjoy the Spring Garden Festival hosted within the gardens.
But if you prefer to relax, you can also have a picnic or spend a leisurely day in the serene surroundings of the gardens.
Sunken Gardens
Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Sunken Gardens are a must-visit destination that boasts over 50,000 tropical plants, flamingos, and beautiful waterfalls.
These gardens started as a personal project in the early 1900s and have since become a popular attraction for visitors.
You can enhance your experience by choosing from a variety of tours, programs, and special events. If you’re planning a private event, the gardens offer rental spaces.
Groups can also arrange for guided tours to learn more about the flora and fauna in the gardens.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens, located just north of downtown Orlando, is a breathtaking 50-acre botanical garden with over 15 themed sections.
It features a collection of plants from Florida’s native exotic fauna to temperate and tropical plants.
The garden overlooks Lake Rowen and the historic Leu house and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Admission costs $15 for adults, and the garden is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Visitors can explore the beautiful tropical rainforest environment, featuring Camellias, hibiscus, sugar palms, azaleas, and even floss silk trees and orange-hued foliage.
The garden has unique features such as a Butterfly Garden, Herb Garden, and even a Floral Clock.
You’ll find QR codes placed against each flower, which you can scan with your smartphone to learn more about them.
The garden is well-maintained, with woody steam grass and fruit trees like jaboticaba, plums, and mangoes.
In the winters, the garden is a must-visit spot. Visitors can enjoy concerts or movies played in the garden during special events.
The Leu family handed over the land to the City in 1961, and it has since become one of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Florida.
Mounts Botanical Garden
Explore the oldest and largest botanical garden in Palm Beach County at Mounts Botanical Garden.
With 16 acres of land and 25 display gardens, this space showcases a stunning array of tropical and subtropical plants.
You’ll love exploring the rose and fragrance garden, the garden of tranquility, the herb garden of well-being, and the dry stream bed.
Apart from admiring the diverse collection of plants, you can also connect with various plant-specific societies and clubs.
Attend numerous events and specialty tours held throughout the year to learn more about the flora and fauna.
Naples Botanical Garden
Located in Naples, Florida, the Naples Botanical Garden spans 170 acres and seeks to educate visitors about the diverse range of plants found in the gardens, as well as the importance of conservation.
Established in 1993, the garden provides ample opportunities for learning about nature.
While the garden primarily focuses on plant life, it also has strong ties to the arts community.
Visitors can attend events and exhibits featuring textile arts and art made from natural materials.
Whether you’re interested in botany, conservation, or the arts, the Naples Botanical Garden has something to offer.
Discovery Gardens, Tavares
A perfect destination to invite your friends for a refreshing day trip from Orlando! Head to Tavares and explore the Discovery Garden, a stunning botanical garden in Central Florida.
With a beautifully designed landscape, this garden is sure to inspire your own gardening visions.
Whether you have a large front yard or a cozy balcony, you can get ideas on how to decorate your space with plants.
Spread across nearly 2 acres, Discovery Garden is home to native plants, ponds, and various aquatic ecosystems.
This garden is a great place to educate children about the importance of plants and nature.
Admission is only $5, and the garden is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.
In addition, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, you can see the Master Gardener Volunteers hard at work maintaining the soil.
Visit on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to see the Master Gardener Volunteers in action as they tend to the soil.
The garden is managed by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Mead Botanical Garden
Experience the natural beauty of Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, Florida.
This vast 48-acre garden comprises a variety of gardens and venues designed to preserve the different ecosystems in the area.
Stroll through the picturesque Camellia Garden or explore the diverse community and wildflower gardens.
Relax with a picnic at the pavilion, and enjoy live music at The Grove Stage and Event Pavilion.
Take your yoga practice outdoors and find inner peace amidst the garden’s serene surroundings.
All of these individual parts makes, Mead Botanical Garden, a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, located in Coral Gables, Florida.
It is a tropical oasis that seeks to educate visitors about the beauty of tropical gardening.
Since opening to the public in 1938, the garden has become home to many specimens that were gathered from around the world by avid botanists, including Dr. David Fairchild.
The garden has continued to evolve over time with the addition of different garden features and buildings.
However, the palm and cycad collections remain some of the most vital collections present in the landscape.
In addition to its permanent features, the garden also offers several seasonal offerings and events.
Visitors can explore aquatic exhibits, a tropical flower garden, and the children’s garden, among other collections and exhibits.
| Also Read: 9 Must Visit Prettiest Springs in Ocala |
University of South Florida Botanical Garden
Explore the hidden gem of Tampa, the University of South Florida Botanical Gardens, and immerse yourself in nature.
Admission is $25 per adult, and the gardens are open from 9 am to 4 pm. The address is 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
This 16-acre oasis boasts over 3,000 plant species that provide clean air and a relaxing atmosphere.
Walking through the undeveloped woods on the shores of Lake Behnke, will give you an amazing experience by the colorful flowers and peaceful setting.
It’s a perfect spot for families to spend an afternoon, and children can participate in exciting beekeeping workshops.
The garden also hosts unique events such as plant festivals that attract visitors from around the globe.
Additionally, ongoing medical botany research uses the rare and unusual plants found here. Don’t miss out on this rejuvenating experience in Tampa.
Port St. Luice Botanical Garden
Port St. Luice Botanical Garden covers 20 acres of land on the west side of Westmoreland Boulevard, right along the banks of the North Fork of St. Lucie River.
This garden is made up of 17 Garden Rooms, each with its own unique beauty.
You can see the Hibiscus Garden, the Cactus Garden, the Bamboo Garden, and the Succulent Garden, etc. among others.
The gardens are surrounded by a wetland, mangroves, and the river, adding to the natural beauty of the site.
Operated by a non-profit organization called Friends, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden offers various events throughout the year, featuring local artwork and educational programs.
You can also attend their Botanical Halloween event, Arbor Day Celebration, and monthly meetings, all full of fun and learning opportunities.
Make sure to check out the Orchid Room and Butterfly Garden, which host many children’s programs and live entertainment programs.
If you’re interested in gardening, there are many events take place that covers about different gardening techniques, including cooking with the food grown in the garden.
Best of all, entry is free!
Cummer Museum of Art & Garden
the Cummer Museum of Art & Garden, located at 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204, USA. Admission is free and the garden is open from 11 am to 9 pm.
As a historic garden situated on the beautiful shores of the St. Johns River, the Cummer Museum aims to inspire and engage visitors through its education and gardening programs.
Once the residential compound of the Michigan Lumber Baron Brothers and their wives, the Cummer Museum has been a museum for over 100 years since the passing of Ninah Cummer.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of live oaks, native vegetation, and a wide array of naturalistic plantings.
Children will love the English-style garden, complete with a long wisteria-covered pergola, a fountain, and an extensive pool design.
Don’t miss the chance to see the Italian garden style with mixed herbaceous plants under the shade of the Cummer Oak, a semi-circular exhedra reminiscent of Villa Gamberaia, and two reflecting pools.
Visit the Cummer Museum of Art & Garden to experience this stunning botanical garden for yourself.
Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden
Discover a hidden gem in Jacksonville, FL, at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden.
This pet-friendly botanical garden boasts an impressive array of gardens, green spaces, and woodland trails, as well as a serene lake perfect for relaxing.
Located just 10 minutes from Downtown Arlington, this free admission arboretum is an ideal destination for an afternoon outing.
With over 130 acres of land and seven different trails to explore, be sure to decide which path you want to take before embarking on your adventure.
Don’t forget to snap a photo with the majestic loblolly bay tree during your visit.
For a peaceful experience, check out the Lake Loop Trail and take a seat beside the tranquil waters to soak up the natural beauty.
While admission is free, it is suggested to donate $3 per person to support the garden’s upkeep, and watch out for the Synsepalum dulcificum plant in the tea garden.
Experience the wonder of Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden from 8 am to 5 pm.
Vizcaya Museum & Garden
Experience the unparalleled beauty of Vizcaya Museum & Garden in Miami, where stunning geometric patterns, organized walks, and European classic architecture meet Miami’s signature flair.
This sprawling formal garden, designed by Diego Suarez, offers a Mediterranean vibe influenced by Tuscan Italian Renaissance models.
Originally the villa of businessman James Deering, Vizcaya Museum & Garden is a must-see destination in Miami.
Explore The Casino pavilion, designed by Diego Suarez, for a dramatic view of the garden and admire the rare orchids throughout the property.
Be sure to visit the maze garden and capture the perfect picture. Must check out on the Secret Garden and the Theatre garden, two hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Admission is $25 per adult, and the garden is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
Discover the beauty of the natural world at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens!
This stunning landscape encompasses a variety of ecosystems, from marshlands and wetlands to mangroves and uplands, all centered around a tidal basin.
The gardens are also home to over 15 striking sculptures, adding an artistic touch to the already gorgeous surroundings.
It offers a range of events throughout the year, including the annual Gardens Aglow celebration.
You can participate in yoga sessions amidst the natural splendor or take a general public tour to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area.
If you’re a music lover, you won’t want to miss the garden’s music events, often held in the sculpture garden for a truly unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting these botanical gardens in Florida will provide a truly unique and tropical experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the United States.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, visitors may also come across rare and endangered species they may have never known about before.
With this list, you can discover the best botanical gardens in Florida and make the most of your visit.
FAQ: Botanical Gardens in Florida
The most famous botanical garden is McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach, offering a serene and distinct experience from other gardens.
The Hall of Giants, Bamboo Pavilion, and Spanish Kitchen are exceptional features that add to its charm.
With 182 acres of measurement, the Florida Botanical gardens in Lardo, Florida claims to be largest with vast variety of flora and fauna.
Other worth exploring places includes the Jazz Garden, Tropical Fruit Garden, and Vinery.
The Harry P. Leu Botanical Garden in Orlando is renowned as Florida’s most stunning botanical garden.
With its enchanting fairy doors, fragrant flowers, fountains, and Rose Garden, you are sure to be mesmerized.
Shally Watson is a seasoned News Writer with over 12 years of experience in the dynamic world of journalism. Her impressive career has seen her work with some of the top news agencies in the industry, where she has consistently demonstrated her exceptional talent for crafting compelling news stories that captivate readers worldwide.