Florida hides some amazing gardens and walking spots that most tourists never find. Beyond the famous theme parks and beaches, these secret green spaces offer peaceful escapes where you can connect with nature.
Grab your walking shoes and camera as we explore these magical gardens and trails that showcase Florida’s natural beauty.
1. Morikami Japanese Gardens
Tucked away in Delray Beach, these gardens transport visitors straight to Japan without the long flight. Winding paths lead past bonsai collections, bamboo groves, and tranquil koi ponds that reflect the changing sky.
The gentle sound of waterfalls creates a meditative atmosphere as you cross traditional wooden bridges. Don’t miss the monthly tea ceremonies held in the authentic tea house – they offer a cultural experience that complements the visual beauty surrounding you.
2. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Gainesville’s best-kept secret boasts Florida’s largest public bamboo collection and the state’s biggest lily pads – some reaching an impressive 8 feet across! The 1.5-mile pathway meanders through themed gardens that change with each season.
Summer visitors marvel at giant Victoria water lilies while spring showcases azaleas in a riot of colors. My favorite spot is the labyrinth garden where walking becomes a moving meditation. The butterfly garden buzzes with activity, making it perfect for nature photographers.
3. Bok Tower Gardens
A pink marble bell tower rises 205 feet from these historic gardens in Lake Wales, creating a fairytale atmosphere. The carillon bells ring out across 50 acres of lush landscapes designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., the same genius behind Central Park.
Spring visitors discover a rainbow of azaleas while summer brings dramatic thunderstorms viewed safely from the Mediterranean-style mansion. The Pine Ridge Nature Trail offers a glimpse of Florida as it existed centuries ago, with ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
4. Sunken Gardens
Over 100 years old, this living museum in St. Petersburg started as one man’s garden hobby and sank 15 feet below street level. Ancient tropical plants create a jungle-like canopy over narrow paths that wind past colorful flamingos and hidden waterfalls.
Morning visitors often catch butterflies emerging from their chrysalises in the dedicated butterfly garden. The air feels different here – cooler and more oxygen-rich thanks to the dense vegetation. Kids love searching for the garden’s resident turtles who sun themselves on rocks throughout the property.
5. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Tallahassee’s crown jewel bursts with color each spring when over 200 varieties of camellias and azaleas bloom beneath towering oak trees. The reflection pool creates perfect mirror images of the surrounding flowers – a photographer’s dream at sunrise.
Beyond the formal gardens, hiking trails lead around Lake Hall where kayakers glide silently across the water. Winter visitors enjoy the gardens at their peak while avoiding Florida’s summer heat. The brick walkways and secret garden rooms make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook setting.
6. McKee Botanical Garden
Once a 1940s roadside attraction, this Vero Beach gem preserves an 18-acre slice of Florida’s jungle-like landscape. The winding stream garden features stone bridges crossing tea-colored water – exactly how Florida’s waterways looked before development.
Giant water lilies bloom in summer, while the bamboo pavilion offers cool shade year-round. Children squeal with delight discovering the stickwork sculpture – a massive human-sized nest you can actually climb into! The historic stone bridge makes for stunning photos, especially when framed by the surrounding royal palms.
7. Ravine Gardens State Park
Two ravines up to 120 feet deep carve through this unusual Palatka park, creating a dramatic landscape unlike anywhere else in flat Florida. The 1.8-mile loop road offers easy access, while adventurous visitors tackle the steep suspension bridges that sway gently underfoot.
Spring transforms the slopes into cascades of purple azalea blooms – nearly 100,000 plants! The limestone outcroppings and bubbling springs feel more like Appalachia than Florida. Early morning fog often fills the ravine, creating a mystical atmosphere as sunlight gradually filters through the tree canopy.
8. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Where formal gardens meet wild coastline, this Palm Coast treasure offers the best of both worlds. The rose garden blooms year-round thanks to Florida’s gentle climate, while citrus trees perfume the air with sweet blossoms.
After exploring the manicured sections, follow the trail to the Atlantic shoreline where unusual coquina rock formations create tide pools teeming with marine life. The ancient oak hammock provides welcome shade on hot days. Look for dolphins playing offshore as you walk the beach section – they’re regular visitors here!
9. Eden Gardens State Park
A white-columned antebellum mansion stands as the centerpiece of this peaceful park near Panama City. The Wesley House dates from 1897, but the real stars are the ancient live oaks that create a natural cathedral of branches overhead.
The reflection pond doubles the beauty with perfect mirror images of the surrounding landscape. Camellias bloom from October through March, making winter an ideal time to visit. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the banks of Tucker Bayou where manatees sometimes make surprise appearances in the warm, brackish waters.
10. Naples Botanical Garden
Younger than most gardens on this list, what Naples lacks in age it makes up for in thoughtful design. Seven distinct garden areas represent different tropical regions, from Southeast Asia to the Caribbean.
The water garden’s giant lily pads support the weight of a small child (though signs ask you not to test this). Butterflies flit between exotic blooms year-round in the dedicated butterfly garden. My favorite spot is the hidden children’s garden where a treehouse and cave system encourage exploration while teaching about Florida’s ecosystems.