Want more ideas to enjoy Orlando's great outdoors? Visit our Outdoors Activity Guide for great information about what to do under the sun. If you prefer more manmade fun, take a look at our review of the new Epic Universe theme park.

Enjoy nature's beauty at the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo courtesy WDW

Orlando Gardens Perfect for a Colorful Stroll

1. Harry P. Leu Gardens - Orlando

Explore 50 acres of gorgeous grounds at Harry P. Leu Gardens, a botanical respite full of temperate and tropical plants that do well in Central Florida's climate. Visitors enjoy palms, cycads, flowering trees, azaleas, bromeliads, tropical philodendrons, roses, camellias, as well as camphor, elm, and oak trees, and much more. This lush Orlando garden also features an art exhibit, library, and geocaching. Plant collections include the arid garden, butterfly garden, bamboo collection, citrus grove, tropical stream garden, and much more.

In addition to the simple beauty of Mother Nature, Leu Gardens also offers amazing programs throughout the year among the floral landscapes. For example, Leu Gardens is featuring Origami in the Garden, transforming folded objects into colossal metal sculptures that evoke wonder and captivate imaginations of all ages, during spring and summer 2025.

2. Bok Tower Gardens - Lake Wales

Bok Tower Gardens features 50 acres of gardens, as well as a 2.5-acre Hammock Hollow Children's Garden, famed Singing Tower, and a large wildlife population of birds and reptiles. Bok Tower Gardens shows off the historic landscape garden designed by notable landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. The grounds were designed to be a contemplative, woodland setting of tranquil resting spots and picturesque views; the garden features ferns, palms, oaks, pines, as well as flowering foliage and seasonal blooms of azaleas, camellias, and magnolias. 

Visitors can roam the gardens along the paved and mulched pathways, which wrap around the grounds to the Singing Tower. This bell tower features a carillon, an instrument of at least 23 tuned bronze bells played by using a clavier, or keyboard, that's connected through wires and levers. In addition to hearing those melodious sounds, Bok Tower also hosts many concert series and musical events throughout the year.

3. Albin Polasek Museum Sculpture Garden - Winter Park

Part of the Albin Polasek Museum is the three-acre sculpture garden. Albin Polasek was a Czech-American sculptor of the 20th century who retired, and eventually died, in Winter Park. His home, studio, and serene gardens make a lovely visit to teach children about nature and art, and how each subject influences the other. The views throughout the garden were the same that inspired the artist from his home, with outdoor gardens dating to 1949.

Throughout the blooms and greenery, various sculptures created by Albin Polasek dot the landscape. The tour also includes a visit to the historic Polasek house, as well as a walk through the permanent art collection as well as temporary exhibits of various artists.

4. Mead Botanical Garden - Winter Park

Visit 48 acres of lush greenery at Mead Botanical Garden. There is a variety of species when it comes to flowering plants and trees. From Florida native wetland species to plants that come from around the world, Mead showcases the power and beauty of nature. Interesting examples include the night blooming cactus (which blooms once a year), cypress trees, orchids, caladiums, begonias, longleaf pines, and more. The property also features a butterfly garden, marsh, creek, pond, and tortoise burrow. Depending on when you visit, families perusing the habitats may see various birds, amphibians, and small mammals.

In addition to the natural elements, Mead Botanical Garden features various stages and structures for events and concerts. There's also a community garden that local families may want to be a part of, as well as summer camp and The Great Duck Derby.

5. Hollis Garden - Lakeland

Located within Lake Mirror Park, Hollis Garden is a formal garden, featuring 1.2 acres of flowers, ornamental shrubs, and native trees. The neo-classical architecural environment, with flower beds, public art, and decorative fountains, make it a popular Central Florida spot for weddings and photography sessions. Standout features of Hollis Garden includes the red room, where everything from foliage to flower is some shade of red, the lily pond, and the butterfly garden. 

6. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - Lake Buena Vista

Disney does everything bigger and better, and that even includes spring! Epcot welcomes visitors each year to its annual International Flower and Garden Festival (included with general admission), featuring dazzling topiaries and gardens, Garden Rocks concert series, outdoor kitchens and garden-fresh cuisine, butterfly landings, and more. The event usually runs March through June!

7. Lake Nona Sculpture Garden - Lake Nona

This 50,000-square-foot outdoor space welcomes visitors with stunning sculptures and lush landscaping. Think of the garden as an outdoor art gallery, sitting adjacent to the newly opened Lake Nona Wave Hotel. In addition to the thought-provoking sculptures, the garden canopy features hand-selected palm trees, arranged in waves of foliage, as well as climbing vines, ylang-ylang, gardenia, and night-blooming jasmine.

8. Kraft Azalea Garden - Winter Park

Located off the shore of Lake Maitland, Kraft Azalea Garden gives Secret Garden vibes with its secluded and unique charm. This 5.22-acre public garden offers comfy shade with its enormous cypress trees and helpful park benches.