8 Magical Gardens in Orlando You Have to Visit in 2023

Ready to visit some of the most beautiful gardens in Orlando, Florida?

While I love to educate our readers on where to eat, sleep, and shop when visiting the beautiful city of Orlando Florida, I also work hard to provide everyone with new and unique excursions to make their trips that much more enjoyable. 

In this blog post, I’m highlighting some of the best gardens to add to your Orlando itinerary. 

Botanical gardens aren’t just for botanists or enthusiasts with green thumbs, they provide visitors with education on different plant species, opportunities to breathe a little deeper away from the city, and a chance to connect to nature in a special way. 

Let’s kick off this blog with the first of 8 Orlando gardens you have to visit on your next trip to the city.

Visit Epcot Flower and Garden Festival in the Spring
Visit Epcot Flower and Garden Festival in the Spring.

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1. Harry P Leu Gardens  

This 50-acre “botanical oasis” is on a mission to inspire as many people to learn about and ultimately respect the plants that are native to the area. 

Harry P Leu Gardens Yellow Cactus

Just minutes from downtown Orlando, the Leu Gardens were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane. 

Harry P Leu Gardens Red Rose

The gardens are self-guided, and you can purchase a ticket online or when you get there in person.

Harry P Leu Gardens Cactus

Address:  1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

2. Mead Botanical Garden 

This Winter Park garden that stretches through 47 acres of land is where many come to find peace and interact with the best that nature has to offer. 

Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park Florida with mossy tree

This green haven offers visitors a butterfly garden, a boardwalk, hiking trails, a creek and a pond that houses turtles, a variety of fish and some wading birds. 

Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park Florida Beautiful summer leaf

They also offer yoga classes, birding, and annual events such as the Great Duck Derby and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Address: 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789

3.  Kraft Azalea Park 

Located on the shore of Lake Maitland, this park is open to the public from 8 a.m. until the evening. 

Kraft Azalea Park Lush Trees

It sits on a 13-acre property and is shaded by massive cypress trees that make the area ideal for a simple curious visit or a special celebration, like a wedding. 

Kraft Azalea Park Sculpture Ruin

While it’s a smaller park that sits on about 5 acres of land, it’s a notable spot for a quiet picnic or a walk around the trails surrounding the area.

Address: 1365 Alabama Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789 

4. Central Park Rose Garden  

Noted as the crown jewel of Winter Park, this garden is situated on Park Avenue in the heart of the shopping district. 

Central Park Rose Garden Winter Park Florida

The garden entertains guests throughout the year with many events and activities that cater to all members of the family. It’s also where our blog owner, NikkyJ, had her marriage proposal.

Winter Park Florida Downtown Rose Garden

Central Park boasts gorgeous fountains, landscaped planters, a beautiful oak tree canopy and a rose garden. Something to be aware of is that pets are not allowed at this park.

Address: 150 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789 

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5. Dickson Azalea Park 

Officially becoming a City of Orlando park in 1924, this lush location has gorgeous towering trees that greet you as you arrive. 

Dickson Azalea Park Orlando, Florida Flower

It’s located east of downtown Orlando near Thorton Park. There’s a quiet creek running through the 3.6-acre area and it’s quaint enough for a peaceful stroll or picnic near the underpass or stream. 

Dickson Azalea Park Orlando, Florida

Address: 100 Rosearden Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

6.  Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens 

Founded in 1961, this exquisite museum and garden was founded by Albin Polasek, a Czech sculptor whose work has been revered by many. 

Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens flickr
Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Megan

After moving to Winter Park, Polasek and his wife opened the museum and gardens to share his work to the public. 

Today, the museum offers guests docent-led tours (led by an educator) of Polasek’s home and studio that showcases what it was like to immigrate to the U.S. in 1901. 

Visitors can also take a self-guided tour along the lakeside garden with over 50 pieces of outdoor sculptors to peruse around.

Address: 633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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7. Nehrling Gardens 

Nehrling Gardens, located 11 miles south-west of Orlando is open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with a $5 donation per person. Private tours are also an option with a $10 donation per person. 

Nehrling Gardens Website
Nehrling Gardens Website

This gorgeous oasis serves visitors as a natural escape where they can learn about the historic genome of the plants and nature that is home to the local area. 

They offer workshops, volunteer opportunities, and community events for students and schools. Be aware that wheelchair accessibility is not available at this location at the moment.

Address: 2267 Hempel Ave, Gotha, FL 34734 

8. The Mennello Museum of American Art and Sculpture Garden  

Here we have another great option to take in nature and art at the same time. 

The Mennello Museum of American Art is the perfect place to dive into the artwork of the late Earl Cunningham, a landscape painter who combined fact, fantasy and his own experiences in life to reflect onto the art he created. 

Mennello Museum Flickr
Photo courtesy of Orlando Apartments.

His work has been celebrated since his death in 1977 as Cunningham even secured a place as a major Twentieth Century American Folk artist. 

Tours are conducted Tuesday through Friday and the trails are open to walkers, runners, and bikers.

Address: 900 E. Princeton Street Orlando, FL 32803

Get more Orlando travel planning tips right here!

Final Thoughts on the Gardens in Orlando

As you can see, there are so many gardens in Orlando for you to visit on your next vacation. Don’t just do the same ole touristy stuff, try something new like exploring the untold side of this great state!

8 Magical gardens In Orlando
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Did I leave a garden off of this list? If so, please let me know in the comments section below.

Happy Florida Travels!

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