Florida's Best Botanical Gardens

You can get lost in Gainesville's Kanapaha Botanical Gardens: they are spread over 62 acres with a view on a large lake. Don't forget Fido when you visit: the gardens are dog-friendly.

Located in the Miami suburb of Coral Gables, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has displayed a wide collection of tropical flora since 1938. Don't miss the gardens' annual mango and chocolate festivals.

Dip your toe into the world of biology in the education-focused Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, located in Sarasota. Don't miss their massive orchid collection, made up of over 6,000 specimens.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, located in Delray Beach, provides a gateway to Japanese culture, with 6 historically-themed gardens, monthly tea ceremonies, festivals and more.

More than 150 types of animals inhabit the 90 acres of wetland managed by the Florida Botanical Gardens, located in Largo. Keep a lookout for bald eagles, tree frogs, tortoises and more.

Orlando's Harry P. Leu Gardens is home to the largest rose garden in the state of Florida. It also hosts a number of outdoor film screenings and concerts - which, with Florida's balmy weather, happen virtually year-round.

Eden Gardens State Park, located in Point Washington in Florida's panhandle, not only boasts 161 acres of gardens, but its beautiful estate house has the 2nd-largest collection of Louis XVI furniture in the US.

For those who prefer their gardens constructed rather than wild, try the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens in Tallahassee. The grounds feature a reflecting pool, secret garden and walled garden. The park is known for its camellias and azaleas, which peak in March.

Vero Beach's McKee Botanical Gardens has been a favorite attraction for Florida families since 1922. Kids will love Camp McKee, where they learn all about local plant life and explore the surrounding wilderness.

Flora from 6 continents can be found across Mounts Botanical Gardens' 14 acres, located in West Palm Beach. Plant sales (held 3 times per year) draw gardening enthusiasts from around the region.

For the artsy garden visitor, the Naples Botanical Garden features the work of landscape designers from around the world. Check out the Children's garden - complete with Butterfly House and Healthy Eating Garden (Michelle Obama would be proud).