Sam SmithFlorida is a paradise for plant lovers, and its botanical gardens are as diverse as the state itself—ranging from sprawling tropical oases to serene native sanctuaries. Thanks to its subtropical and tropical climate, the Sunshine State nurtures a dazzling array of flora from around the world. Whether you’re a horticulture enthusiast, a casual stroller, or a family looking for a peaceful day out, Florida’s gardens offer something for everyone.
This guide explores the top 50 botanical gardens in Florida, organized by region to help you plan your visits. Along the way, you’ll find historical tidbits, thematic itineraries, and travel tips to make the most of your garden-hopping adventure.
Florida’s Top 50 Botanical Gardens – The Ultimate Guide
South Florida & The Keys
1. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Coral Gables)
Fairchild is a world-class tropical garden spanning 83 acres, renowned for its rare palms, cycads, and rainforest habitat. Founded in 1938, it includes a butterfly conservatory, tropical fruit pavilion, and extensive educational programs. The garden is a hub for plant conservation and research, offering immersive experiences through guided tours and seasonal events. Its lush landscapes and curated collections make it a must-visit destination for botanists, nature lovers, and photographers alike.
2. The Kampong (Coconut Grove)
The Kampong is a hidden gem nestled in Coconut Grove, once the home of famed botanist David Fairchild. It features a unique collection of tropical plants from Southeast Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean. As part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, it offers a serene, historic setting with educational tours and research programs. The garden’s intimate layout and rich botanical diversity provide a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into plant exploration history.
3. Mounts Botanical Garden (West Palm Beach)
Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden, Mounts spans 14 acres and showcases over 2,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants. Visitors can explore themed gardens including a butterfly garden, edible landscape, and tropical forest. The garden emphasizes sustainability and Florida-Friendly landscaping, offering workshops and community events. Its tranquil paths and vibrant plantings make it a favorite for locals and tourists seeking inspiration and relaxation in a lush, educational setting.
4. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)
Morikami blends Japanese culture with horticultural artistry across 16 acres of meticulously designed gardens. Inspired by traditional Japanese garden styles, it features koi ponds, bonsai displays, and stone lanterns. The museum offers rotating exhibits on Japanese art and culture, while the gardens provide a meditative experience. Seasonal festivals and tea ceremonies enhance the cultural immersion. Morikami is a serene destination for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and a deeper understanding of Japanese aesthetics.
5. Flamingo Gardens (Davie)
Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary showcasing Florida’s native flora and fauna. It houses one of the largest collections of native trees and plants, alongside rescued animals like flamingos, panthers, and otters. The garden includes a tropical rainforest, butterfly garden, and historic Wray Home Museum. Educational programs and tram tours make it ideal for families. Its blend of botanical beauty and wildlife conservation creates a uniquely immersive experience.
6. Naples Botanical Garden (Naples)
This 170-acre garden celebrates tropical landscapes from around the world, with themed areas representing Asia, Brazil, the Caribbean, and Florida. Naples Botanical Garden is a leader in plant conservation and sustainability, offering interactive exhibits, children’s gardens, and seasonal events. Its design encourages exploration and learning, with boardwalks, water features, and shaded trails. The garden’s vibrant plant collections and commitment to ecological stewardship make it a standout destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
7. Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden (Key West)
The only frost-free botanical garden in the continental U.S., this 15-acre sanctuary preserves endangered tropical plants and native wildlife. Located in Key West, it features freshwater ponds, tropical hardwood hammocks, and migratory bird habitats. The garden emphasizes environmental education and conservation, with interpretive trails and plant labeling. Its unique climate allows for rare species to thrive year-round, offering visitors a glimpse into the biodiversity of the Florida Keys.
8. Jungle Island (Miami)
Jungle Island combines lush tropical gardens with interactive animal exhibits, creating a dynamic eco-adventure experience. Located between downtown Miami and South Beach, it features winding paths through exotic plantings, waterfalls, and aviaries. While known for its wildlife encounters, the botanical elements include orchids, bromeliads, and palms. Educational programs and immersive exhibits make it popular with families. Jungle Island offers a vibrant blend of nature, entertainment, and conservation in an urban setting.
9. Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (West Palm Beach)
This unique garden integrates monumental sculptures by artist Ann Norton into a serene, palm-shaded landscape. Located at her historic home, the 2-acre site features rare palms, cycads, and native plants. The sculptures, some over 20 feet tall, are nestled among winding paths and garden rooms. The site hosts art exhibits, lectures, and cultural events. It’s a peaceful retreat that celebrates the intersection of art and nature, offering a contemplative experience.
10. Hibiscus Garden (Miami)
A charming urban oasis in downtown Miami, the Hibiscus Garden showcases dozens of hibiscus varieties in a compact, colorful setting. It’s a hidden gem beloved by locals for its vibrant blooms and tranquil atmosphere. The garden promotes native and ornamental horticulture, often hosting small community events and educational workshops. Its central location and lush design make it a perfect lunchtime escape or quick botanical detour for city dwellers and visitors alike.
11. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (Fort Lauderdale)
A whimsical historic estate with 35 acres of native barrier island habitat, art, and tropical gardens.
12. McKee Botanical Garden (Vero Beach)
A historic garden with waterlilies, tropical plants, and restored 1930s architecture. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
13. Gardens of The Palm Beaches (Various)
A network of over 150 small public gardens, offering a mosaic of native and ornamental plantings throughout the county.
14. Fruit & Spice Park (Homestead)
A 37-acre park where visitors can sample over 500 varieties of fruits, spices, and herbs from around the world.
15. Crandon Park Gardens (Key Biscayne)
Features a rose garden, Japanese-style garden, and native plantings within a scenic coastal park.
Central Florida (Tampa Bay & Orlando Area)
Central Florida blends tropical and temperate flora, with gardens often nestled in historic estates or university campuses.
16. Florida Botanical Gardens (Largo)
A 100-acre garden showcasing both cultivated and natural Florida landscapes, including wetlands and pine flatwoods.
17. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Sarasota)
Famous for its orchid and bromeliad collections, Selby Gardens also offers stunning views of Sarasota Bay.
18. Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales)
A National Historic Landmark featuring a 205-foot singing tower, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., surrounded by lush gardens.
19. Harry P. Leu Gardens (Orlando)
A 50-acre garden near downtown Orlando with camellias, roses, and a butterfly garden. The historic Leu House Museum adds charm.
20. Mead Botanical Garden (Winter Park)
A community park with diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, upland hammocks, and a butterfly garden.
21. Sunken Gardens (St. Petersburg)
A century-old garden built in a drained lakebed, featuring cascading waterfalls, tropical plants, and flamingos.
22. USF Botanical Gardens (Tampa)
A living laboratory with over 3,000 plant species, including medicinal herbs, palms, and carnivorous plants.
23. Hollis Garden (Lakeland)
A formal neoclassical garden with fountains, patterned flower beds, and a scenic lakefront setting.
24. Florida House Institute (Sarasota)
A demonstration garden promoting sustainable landscaping and Florida-Friendly practices.
25. Cypress Gardens (Winter Haven)
Though now part of LEGOLAND, the original botanical garden with its iconic banyan tree and Southern belles remains preserved.
26. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park (Tallahassee)
Known for its springtime azalea and camellia blooms, this garden is a masterpiece of floral design.
27. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Gainesville)
Home to the Southeast’s largest herb garden and a bamboo grove, with 24 major collections spread across 68 acres.
28. Edison & Ford Winter Estates (Fort Myers)
Historic homes and gardens featuring a massive banyan tree and plants collected by Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
29. Crystal River Preserve State Park (Crystal River)
A natural preserve with botanical beauty in its marshes, forests, and coastal habitats.
30. Circle B Bar Reserve (Lakeland)
A haven for birdwatchers and native plant lovers, with boardwalks through marshes and oak hammocks.
North Florida & The Panhandle
North Florida’s gardens reflect a more temperate climate, with camellias, azaleas, and towering oaks dominating the landscape.
31. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens (Jacksonville)
A 120-acre urban forest with trails through wetlands, ravines, and upland pine habitats.
32. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (Palm Coast)
Known for its formal gardens and coquina rock shoreline, this park is a blend of natural and cultivated beauty.
33. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens (Jacksonville)
Features Italian and English-style gardens along the St. Johns River, integrated with a fine art museum.
34. Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens (Williston)
A former limestone quarry transformed into a multi-level garden with waterfalls, koi ponds, and lush plantings.
35. C. B. Harvey Memorial Park (Jacksonville)
A peaceful riverside park with mature oaks and native flora.
36. Cawthon House & Gardens (Panama City)
A historic home with lovingly maintained gardens, offering a glimpse into Florida’s past.
37. Tallahassee Museum (Tallahassee)
Combines a living history museum with native ecosystems, including cypress swamps and pine forests.
38. Gardens at A.G. Holley State Hospital (Lantana)
A surprising botanical gem on the grounds of a former tuberculosis hospital.
39. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (St. Marks)
While primarily a refuge, its salt marshes and wildflower meadows are botanically rich.
40. Bear Creek Educational Forest (Panhandle)
Offers educational trails through longleaf pine forests and wetland ecosystems.
Specialty Gardens & Hidden Gems
These lesser-known gardens offer unique themes, intimate settings, or artistic flair.
41. Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens (Port St. Lucie)
A community garden with themed areas including orchids, bamboo, and native plants.
42. Heathcote Botanical Gardens (Fort Pierce)
Home to the largest public bonsai collection in the U.S., plus a serene Japanese garden.
43. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (Sarasota)
A family-friendly garden with tropical plants, flamingos, and interactive animal exhibits.
44. Palm Cottage Gardens (Naples)
Historic gardens surrounding the oldest house in Naples, showcasing pioneer-era landscaping.
45. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (Miami)
A European-style estate with formal gardens, fountains, and sculptures—one of the most opulent in the U.S.
46. Venetian Pool Gardens (Coral Gables)
The lush landscaping around this historic swimming pool is a garden in its own right.
These lesser-known gardens offer unique themes, intimate settings, or artistic flair, perfect for those seeking something off the beaten path.
47. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park (Islamorada)
Accessible only by boat, this park preserves one of the last remaining tropical hardwood hammocks in the Keys. It offers a glimpse into Florida’s pre-development ecology and features the historic Matheson House.
48. Simpson Park Hammock (Miami)
A preserved remnant of tropical hardwood hammock in the heart of Miami, showcasing native flora like wild coffee, gumbo-limbo, and strangler fig.
49. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Punta Gorda)
A newer addition to Florida’s garden scene, this 27-acre sanctuary blends contemporary sculptures with native and exotic plantings along the Peace River.
50. Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (Ormond Beach)
A tranquil garden featuring native and exotic plants, winding paths, and a peaceful lagoon, integrated with an art museum that honors veterans.
Thematic Itinerary Ideas
To help you plan your botanical adventure, here are a few themed itineraries based on garden styles and interests:
Tropical Paradise Tour
Explore the lushest tropical gardens Florida has to offer:
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Naples Botanical Garden
- McKee Botanical Garden
- Jungle Island
Historic Estates & Gardens
Step back in time with gardens tied to Florida’s rich history:
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
- Edison & Ford Winter Estates
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Palm Cottage Gardens
Japanese Serenity Trail
Find peace and inspiration in Japanese-style gardens:
- Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
- Heathcote Botanical Gardens
- Crandon Park Gardens
- Mead Botanical Garden
Native Florida Showcase
Celebrate Florida’s indigenous ecosystems and native plants:
- Flamingo Gardens
- Circle B Bar Reserve
- Bear Creek Educational Forest
- Simpson Park Hammock
Travel Tips for Garden Lovers
To make the most of your botanical explorations, keep these tips in mind:
- Check Websites Before Visiting
Garden hours, admission fees, and special events vary. Always check the official website for the latest updates. - Seasonal Blooms Matter
Spring is peak bloom season for many gardens, especially those with azaleas, camellias, and roses. Tropical gardens shine in summer with lush foliage and vibrant flowers. - Guided Tours Enhance the Experience
Many gardens offer docent-led tours that provide fascinating insights into plant collections, garden history, and conservation efforts. - Pack Smart
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and comfortable walking shoes. A camera or sketchbook is great for capturing inspiration. - Support Local Conservation
Many gardens are nonprofit organizations. Consider donating or becoming a member to support their mission.
Why Florida’s Gardens Matter
Florida’s botanical gardens are more than just beautiful places—they’re vital centers for conservation, education, and cultural heritage. Many gardens participate in global plant conservation efforts, protect endangered species, and serve as living laboratories for research. They also provide green spaces in urban areas, promote mental well-being, and foster community engagement.
Whether you’re admiring a rare orchid, strolling through a bamboo grove, or learning about native ecosystems, each garden offers a unique window into the natural world. Florida’s gardens reflect the state’s biodiversity, creativity, and commitment to preserving beauty for future generations.
Ready to explore?
With this guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to embark on a botanical journey across Florida. From the Keys to the Panhandle, each garden tells a story—of plants, people, and place. So grab your sunhat, charge your camera, and let nature be your guide.