When you think of Florida, you might automatically think of palm trees and beaches. However, the Sunshine State actually has a diverse variety of flora. These plants and flowers can best be viewed within the top five gardens in Florida. No matter what part of Florida you’re in, one of these gardens won’t be too far away.
Naples Botanical Garden
Without a doubt, the Naples Botanical Garden is one of the best gardens in Florida. Located on Florida’s west coast in the city of Naples, this garden sits on 170-acre. There are multiple gardens set up and they often have special exhibits throughout the year.
Admission is $20 per adult, $10 per child ages 4 – 14. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is also free.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden
Did you know there was once a small Japanese farming community in South Florida? They arrived in the early 1900s, but unfortunately, their agricultural dreams did not come true. After a few decades most had gone back to Japan. In the 1970s, the last of the original colonists donated his land, and that is what became the Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden in Delray Beach.
There are 200+ acres of walking paths, resting areas, forests, picnic areas, and lakes. There are six gardens that were inspired by, but are not replicas of, significant gardens of Japan. Along with the gardens, visitors can also visit the museum which tells of the Japanese history in the area.
Admission is $15 per adult, $9 per child ages 6-17. Children 5 and under are free. Parking is also free.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are also one of the best gardens in Florida. Located in the city of Gainesville, it offers 68 acres of gardens, waterfalls, trails, and even sinkholes! There are 24 major collections, including the state’s largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. June through September is the most colorful time in the gardens. Additionally, besides special events, leashed dogs are allowed at the gardens.
Admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child ages 5 – 13. Children 4 and under are free. Parking is also free.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
On the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, you’ll find the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Once the home of the Cummer family, the grounds are now home to a world-class art museum as well as historic gardens that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The gardens are divided into different sections and visitors will find reflecting pools, fountains, sculptures, and pergolas. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused a lot of damage to the gardens. Using historic records, however, the gardens were reconstructed and are now open and delighting visitors once again.
Admission is $10 per adult, $6 per child ages 6-17. Children 5 and under are free. Parking is also free. It’s important to note that the Cummer does offer many free admission days. This includes free admission each Tuesday and Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and every first and third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 4p.m.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Nestled into what many consider an urban jungle, is the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. This garden may be small at only three acres, but they have a large mission of sustainability, education, and connection.
Over the years they have created distinct garden areas including a Japanese Garden, Native Garden, and Palm Garden. A favorite amongst visitors is the Edible Garden, where they’ll will find pineapples, papayas, figs, pomegranates, figs, and more.
Admission is $5 per person. There is metered parking nearby or you can pay hourly rates in nearby parking garages.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many beautiful gardens in Florida worth visiting. Each is unique, but they all invite you to slow down, relax, and smell the roses.
This article was written by Vicky Sosa of Buddy The Traveling Monkey.
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