A Local Shares Florida's Most Magnificent And Highly-Rated Botanical Gardens

When I tell people from "Up North" that I'm a Florida local, I'm usually met with some variation of "You must go to the beach all the time!" While I enjoy Florida's best beaches as much as anyone else, I wouldn't say they're a central part of my life. Despite the Sunshine State's reputation as a subtropical climate and hot spot for sand and surf, there's more to the region than that. Everglades National Park has incredible alligator viewing spots, Miami is brimming with fantastic museums, and Orlando provides theme parks galore. Even among these exciting outings, one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday is exploring one of Florida's best botanical gardens. These lush green spaces burgeon with unique flora, decorative fountains, and winding paths. They are one of the best places to escape the heat and sink into the shade.

As a huge botanical garden fan, I have checked out some of the most enjoyable spots in the state. This has led to this list of the best botanical gardens in Florida, based on my personal experiences. To ensure my recommendations have a general appeal, I have cross-referenced my favorite haunts with other travelers' experiences. The result is a list that combines my local tips with real tourists' reviews. The final aim is to provide travelers with options that will truly float their boats.

If you are vacationing in the Tampa Bay area, you should consider dedicating a day to the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo. Located about half an hour from Tampa and St. Petersburg, this gorgeous property is accessible from most places in the region. Drive there in the morning before the heat goes into full effect to enjoy about 100 acres of stunning greenery. Agricultural enthusiasts will love the tropical fruit garden, which bursts with mangoes, pineapples, and papayas. Environmentalists, meanwhile, will find themselves utterly enchanted with the boardwalk that snakes through a natural wetland forest. Sweetening the experience even more, visiting the Florida Botanical Gardens is free, making it one of the most budget-friendly activities in the Sunshine State.

I am not the only one who adores how this garden draws you away from the typical beach scene and thrusts you into a new environment. As one previous visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, "I had visitors in town that aren't beach goers so coming up with an event that isn't beach focused, this is the best! From the minute you walk in you feel like you're in a jungle. So many plants and trees [were] flowering—the dogwoods smelled amazing." In a separate Tripadvisor post, another traveler marveled at the variety of sites, writing, "Beautiful gardens and nice walking paths around all types of flora and fauna—tropical fruit trees, cactus garden, herb garden, butterfly garden."

While Florida may be primarily known for its sunny weather, it's also a tapestry of diverse cultures. Indeed, per a 2024 report published by WalletHub, Florida is the third most diverse state in the country (via NBC Miami). This means you can spend your trip to the Sunshine State learning about different ways of life. Curious about Cuban culture? Head to Ybor City for Cuban bread and Floridian history. Interested in Native American history? Hit the archeological trails at Mound Key State Park. To experience a Japanese-inspired escape into nature, visit Morikami Museum and Botanical Gardens.

Set in the idyllic town of Delray Beach, this institution provides visitors with six tranquil gardens. Since Morikami aims to educate the public about Japan and its unique role in the history of Floridian agriculture, visitors can expect to see gardens that embrace traditional Japanese designs. Bonsai trees, red foot bridges, and water flowing over perfectly placed rocks contribute to the gardens' calming atmosphere. Stroll through a bamboo grove, contemplate a still lake, then — depending on the events schedule — sign up for one of the museum's classes on tea or floral arrangements. There may be no better way to wind down. As one tourist put it on Google reviews, "Amazing views and very relaxing areas. They strategically placed benches in front of their best scenery."

Botanical gardens are often viewed as decorative spaces that are best observed from afar. However, at one of Florida's best botanical gardens, this mentality was rejected long ago. The Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee started as a private garden. In 1953, the original owners decided to donate their gorgeous grounds to the state of Florida, and the space soon became a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country. 

Interestingly, the state park was never transformed into a formal or decorative garden. Rather, it has maintained the same casual, organic energy created by the family that resided on the property. Walking paths, biking trails, and picnic areas invite visitors to soak up the grounds as they would their backyards. The scenic lake is the perfect place for contemplation or water sports like swimming and kayaking. Stroll among the azaleas, grill some patties, then take a dip. The Maclay Gardens are ideal for an afternoon of fun.  

Previous visitors love this destination's open and family-friendly atmosphere. As one Google reviewer gushed, "If you time it right, the blooms in the garden will sweep you off your feet and get your camera shutter clicking. This should be on any nature lover or history lover's spring time destination list." A second Google reviewer added, "We love going to the beach area, so much fun ... Not very crowded which makes it easier to watch small kids."

If you are looking for a hidden gem in Southwest Florida, head to the Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. Here, you'll find seashell garden paths that wind between dramatic palms. Wrought iron gazebos pepper the grounds, and tropical trees like kapoks and banyans cast shadows across a perfectly manicured lawn. The vibe begs you to recall the Old Florida style of tourism that once encouraged visitors to marvel at the Sunshine State's natural wonders rather than any development. 

But, unlike the old days when animal rights were an afterthought, the modern Wonder Gardens cares for a slew of rescued animals. Owned by the city of Bonita Springs and run by a non-profit, this botanical garden provides a safe home for a number of beautiful birds and reptiles. Guests can learn more about these creatures by attending educational programs like Habitat Chats. Visitors can also learn to feed lorikeets and tortoises during a session of animal encounters. 

Folks who have visited the Wonder Gardens have enjoyed its cozy and family-friendly environment. As one traveler shared on Google reviews, "I found this place randomly looking for a quality time to spend with my kids and this place is a true gem. Is a small place with some animals like turtles, birds, flamingo, [and] ducks." Just be aware that the Wonder Gardens are not huge, so they are best enjoyed by people who are already in the Bonita Springs area.

Florida is not exactly a stone's throw away from Europe, but from the gardens of Miami's iconic Vizcaya Museum, you wouldn't know it. Created in the early 20th century by industrialist James Deering, this beautiful property was modeled after some of Italy's finest. At the center of the grounds stands an old mansion that looks like it emerged straight out of a fairy tale. Around it blooms a classic old-timey garden complete with a hedge maze, a lily pond, and blossoming orchids. As you under the grounds, stop to smell the roses (literally), then admire one of the many decorative sculptures that elevate the space. This botanical garden blends European style with Floridian flora to create something utterly unique. In fact, the Vizcaya Museum has been ranked among the best historic mansions to visit in America.

Some folks were so impressed by their experiences that they ranked the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens above other places they've visited across the pond. As one traveler put it on Tripadvisor, "If you enjoy historic mansions and [especially] those on the water with formal gardens, you MUST tour Vizcaya. The gardens rival almost all I've seen in Europe, truly wonderful." A second Tripadvisor tourist added, "This museum and garden is undeniably one of the best and most beautiful I've ever had the unparalleled pleasure to experience and see. The meticulous preservation and curation, the rich history within its walls are definitely palpable."

If the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens of Miami try to encapsulate a piece of Europe, the Naples Botanical Gardens aim to embrace as much of the world as possible. This 170-acre property captures diverse floral systems from across the globe, thanks to its Brazilian garden, Asian garden, and Caribbean garden. Visitors can view striking South American palms, Chinese crape myrtle, and Caribbean coconut trees as they meander from one garden to the next. They can also submerge themselves in the unique beauty of Florida's local ecosystems by heading to the garden's upland area — a 90-acre preserve best enjoyed via a paved path and boardwalk.

Folks who have visited the gardens in the past tend to marvel at the seamless way that international flora blends with local fauna. As one traveler shared on Yelp, "I was expecting to see some beautiful flowers and unique plants, but what we also experienced (which was probably the highlight of the day) was SO much wildlife. I took pictures of about 5-6 different variations of butterflies throughout the gardens, we came across a HUGE iguana on the walking trail towards the bird tower viewpoint." Also writing on Yelp, a second tourist exclaimed, "I love how relaxing it is to walk, sit, and enjoy being outdoors here. I even spotted an alligator and some other wildlife." This is certainly one of Florida's best botanical gardens for animal sightings.

These days, Florida is home to many types of endangered plant life, and St. John's Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve know it. Located in the small town of Hastings, Florida, this gorgeous green space conserves a number of rare trees and flowers. Visitors to St John's can absorb the sight of the precious Madagascar coconut palm or the equally uncommon windowpane palm. Here, the preservation of rare flora is key to creating an atmosphere ripe with hope for the future of botany.  The best part is that the garden is accessible from a number of major tourist destinations. St John's is just a 30-minute drive from St. Augustine and an hour from Jacksonville.

As a relatively new addition to the world of Florida attractions, St John's Botanical Garden still does not have a lot of traveler reviews. That being said, visitors who have wandered its grounds seem to love it. Reflecting on their travel experience on Tripadvisor, one tourist shared, "Near Hastings Florida is a beautiful botanical garden, filled with palm trees and some exotic plants from around the world. The founder gave us a tour and pointed out trees and special plants. There are benches all around and a swing seat with a beautiful view of the water." A second Tripadvisor reviewer advised, "Don't miss the Hope Tree, the largest in the garden, probably about 200+ years old. A Nursery on premises offers plants for sale you will certainly not find in a box store."

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are both famous in their own right, but not everybody knows that the two gentlemen were part-time neighbors. Every winter, the pair would head down to Fort Myers, Florida, where they had built side-by-side vacation homes. During these chilly months, Edison, in particular, would take advantage of the balmy Florida weather to cultivate his personal garden. These days, visitors can visit these men's estates and view the 1,700 pieces of flora that continue to bloom over 20 acres of land. With a butterfly garden, a bamboo garden, and a palm collection containing over 60 species, the Ford & Edison Winter Estates currently offer one of the best botanical gardens in Florida.

Overall, this property offers a fascinating view into the personal lives of two prominent figures, a factor that certainly keeps visitors coming. As one satisfied guest wrote on Tripadvisor, "Beautiful area. Great information about Mr. Edison and Mr. Ford. The grounds are well maintained ... The banyan tree alone is worth the ticket."  A second Tripadvisor traveler added, "The botanical grounds and perfectly preserved homes are well worth the visit. You can take your time and do a guided tour but if pressed you can also self guide with a virtual tour, approx 60-75 minutes. This is a very interesting time of the Fords, Edisons, Firestones, et al as they wintered in the Ft Myers area."

Orlando, Florida, is known as something of a theme park capital, but there's more to the city than just that. In fact, there are tons to see in Orlando besides Disney World, including world-class museums and one of Florida's best botanical gardens. Just steps away from the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center stands the Harry P. Leu Gardens. Stretched over 50 acres of land on the shores of Lake Rowena, these gardens provide visitors with a diverse array of experiences. History buffs will be enthralled with the herb collection, an interpretation of what a 19th-century kitchen garden might have looked like. Nature lovers, meanwhile, will delight in the butterfly garden and its slew of visiting hummingbirds. The bamboo collection is also popular and makes a great backdrop for photos.

Travelers say they love the flowers that decorate the landscape at the Harry P. Leu Gardens. As one former visitor gushed on Google reviews, "This garden is an absolute gem! The lush landscape filled with amazing camellias was a joy to explore." Families are also known to enjoy this space, thanks to special activities for children. Writing their own Google review, a satisfied parent shared, "Beautiful and easy for families with strollers. The fairy doors are so creative. My two girls loved finding them and the stories for each one. We were able to eat a packed picnic next to [an] entrance where they had out door tables."

Compiling this list of Florida's best botanical gardens was not always easy. The Sunshine State is brimming with fantastic horticultural and botanical collections thanks to its agreeable climate. To narrow my selection, I focused on gardens that stood out for their unique qualities. The Morikami Museum and Botanical Gardens, for example, provides a very special view into Florida and Japan's shared history. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates, meanwhile, allow visitors a privileged glance into the lives of two prominent historical figures. The Alfred B. Maclay Gardens and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens offer an extraordinary look at old elite estates. On the other hand, the Naples Botanical Garden and the Wonder Gardens allow travelers to see stunning wildlife.

Of course, we have to keep in mind that Florida is a very large state, and I was sure to select gardens in distinct regions. Due to its one-of-a-kind rare species collection, the St. John's Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve provides one of the most interesting experiences in Northeastern Florida. Beyond offering uniquely free garden access, the Florida Botanical Garden represents central Western Florida. While the Maclay Gardens are up in the panhandle, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and the Naples Botanical Gardens are in South Florida. This distribution of destinations is meant to encourage visitors to check out Florida's horticultural beauty regardless of where they travel.