13 Botanical Gardens Transforming Florida’s Cityscapes

Some of Florida’s Best Spots are Bursting with Flowers

Florida’s not just beaches and theme parks. Some of the most beautiful spots are hidden in its botanical gardens. They’re perfect if you want a break from the heat and crowds or just want to wander through lush green spaces full of tropical plants.

In 2025, these gardens are better than ever, with exciting expansions and fresh features worth seeing.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – Coral Gables

If you’ve never been to Fairchild, it’s time to change that.

This 83-acre garden is known for having the only tropical rainforest in the continental U.S. You’ll walk through shady palm groves and see flowering trees from all over the world.

They also host some of the best festivals around—mango, chocolate, and orchid festivals that draw plant lovers and foodies alike.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Sarasota

Selby Gardens is right on the water, and it’s all about epiphytes. These are plants like orchids and ferns that grow on other plants. They recently expanded and became the first net-positive energy botanical complex in the world, meaning they give back more energy than they use.

Walk through the rainforest garden or take the boardwalk along Sarasota Bay for great views.

Naples Botanical Garden – Naples

This popular botanical garden feels like it was designed for plant lovers and researchers alike.

It opened in 2009 and has grown fast, with over 1,000 plant species from tropical and subtropical regions. They added the Evenstad Horticulture Campus in 2024, which has over 60,000 square feet of growing space.

It’s also home to a research center connected to Florida Gulf Coast University.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens – Gainesville

Kanapaha is where you go to see bamboo forests and massive herb gardens. Covering 68 acres, it’s home to the largest public bamboo display in the state.

If you’re visiting in the spring, their annual Spring Garden Festival brings plant vendors, live music, and workshops. It’s not just a stroll-through kind of garden. It’s also a social hub for plant fans.

Mounts Botanical Garden – West Palm Beach

Mounts is a bit more laid-back than other gardens. It’s Palm Beach County’s oldest public garden, with 20 acres full of tropical and subtropical plants.

You’ll find butterfly gardens, fruit trees, and plenty of ideas for water-friendly landscaping. Mounts is the perfect place to wander and get inspired for your own backyard.

Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales

The Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens is a sight on its own. With 67 bronze bells, it’s the largest carillon in Florida, and you can hear it ring out across the garden.

Bok Tower’s grounds stretch over 250 acres, and if you love birdwatching, you’re in luck, since4 more than 100 bird species live here. The camellias start blooming in January, making winter one of the best times to visit.

Florida Botanical Gardens – Largo

Florida Botanical Gardens is huge. It’s 182 acres with a bit of everything.

The Wetlands Walkway and Wildlife Overlook are nice spots to watch for birds and gators. There’s also a Tropical Fruit Garden with bananas, papayas, and avocados.

It’s easy to spend a few hours here without feeling rushed. Plus, admission is free all year.

Harry P. Leu Gardens – Orlando

Leu Gardens is a peaceful escape right near downtown Orlando. It’s got nearly 50 acres of trails and lakes, plus the biggest formal rose garden in Florida.

In late winter, the camellias are in full bloom, filling the garden with color.

The best part? The garden was donated to the city by Harry P. Leu in 1961, which keeps it open for everyone to enjoy.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – Miami

Vizcaya’s formal gardens give off a European vibe with fountains, sculptures, and hedges trimmed to perfection. It was built in 1916 as part of a private estate and is now a National Historic Landmark.

One hidden gem is the grotto pool, with a rare ceiling mural by artist Robert Winthrop Chanler.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Gardens – Fort Myers

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are a mix of history and greenery. The gardens have more than 1,700 plants from six continents.

The banyan trees are massive, and there’s even a research lab and museum to explore.

This place feels like a time capsule of innovation and nature, wrapped into one.

Heathcote Botanical Gardens – Fort Pierce

If bonsai trees fascinate you, Heathcote has the largest public display of tropical bonsai in the U.S. It’s a small garden, just five acres, but it’s packed with charm. The Japanese garden has a cozy teahouse tucked into the corner.

It’s one of those places where you’ll want to slow down and take your time.

McKee Botanical Garden – Vero Beach

McKee feels more like a jungle than a traditional garden. It’s 18 acres of tropical hammock, with water lilies covering the ponds during the warmer months.

There are historic buildings scattered around, too, which gives it a cool mix of nature and old Florida charm.

Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens – Port St. Lucie

This garden is easy to explore and laid-back. It’s 20 acres with themed sections like a bamboo garden and a butterfly garden.

They host workshops and community events throughout the year, so there’s usually something happening.

If you’re into native plants, it’s a good place to learn how to work them into your own garden.