Florida is not just a land of sunny beaches, although their beaches are fantastic. There’s also plenty of parks, gardens, nature preserves and arboretums to enjoy. Take long walks, educate yourselves with guided tours and classes, or see rare flowers, plants, and birds.
We’ve compiled a list of Florida’s 8 most beautiful botanical gardens. These attractions are so gorgeous you’ll be wondering how Florida’s natural surroundings can be this jaw-dropping. We highly recommend making it a point to stop in to these award-winning gardens on your next trip to the Sunshine State.
Originally Published: May 14, 2018
Florida’s Best Botanical Gardens in 2024
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden || Coral Gables, FL
Fairchild is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. They are one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens || Sarasota, FL
Originally the home of William and Marie Selby, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens today is an urban, bayfront oasis showcasing a living collection of rare and beautiful tropical plants. The Gardens is also a respected world leader in the study and conservation of plants.
Naples Botanical Garden || Naples, FL
Naples Botanical Garden is 170-acre, world-class garden paradise that features plants from around the world. They are also the youngest garden in history to receive the American Public Gardens Association’s prestigious Award for Garden Excellence.
Montgomery Botanical Garden || Coral Gables, FL
Montgomery Botanical Garden is a nonprofit botanic garden established in 1959. The Montgomery Botanical Center keeps living specimens from wild plant populations worldwide and advances botanical research, conserves rare species, and educates the community through workshops, lectures, publications, and tours of its scientific plant collections.
Harry P. Leu Gardens || Orlando, FL
At Leu Gardens you will discover palms, cycads, flowering trees, azaleas and so much more. Stroll under the awe-inspiring branches of camphor trees, elms and oaks. The Leu House Museum is a restored 19th century home and there is lots of history to see and learn about here. Guided tours of the Leu House are available.
Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens || Jacksonville, FL
The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a 120-acre urban woodland full of trails ready for you to explore and enjoy. The walkway encircles a beautiful two-acre lake and is a great place to take a peaceful stroll and take in the scenery. There are also over three miles of rustic hiking trails where you will see many distinct ecological habitats.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens || Fort Pierce, FL
Heathcote Botanical Gardens is known as the green heart of the Treasure Coast. You will enjoy five acres of specialty gardens including a Japanese Garden, Reflection Garden, Herb Garden, The Citrus Grove and more. The James J. Smith Bonsai Collection features 100 bonsai trees on permanent display. It is the largest public assemblage of tropical bonsai in the United States.
UCF Arboretum || Orlando, FL
Located on the east side of the University of Central Florida campus in Orlando, the 82-acre Arboretum includes seven distinct native plant communities representative of Central Florida’s diverse natural ecosystem.
