Enjoy the great outdoors at Bok Tower Gardens, a historic landmark that is home to a number of gardens, trails and overlooks that families and friends can enjoy 365 days a year.
Perfect for all ages, there are thousands of ways to enjoy this Central Florida property.
One activity that guests are encouraged to do is take an hour-long guided tour to learn more about the property. This is a perfect way to make sure you see as much as you can and learn about each nook and cranny of the gardens. A volunteer tour guide will be available to answer any questions you may have about the property.
If you’re visiting with children, you can rent out a discovery backpack and tour the gardens while learning about the endangered species and history of the land. Another kid-friendly activity is the new children’s garden that was opened in September. Hammock Hallow Children’s Garden is a place where kids can climb on spider webs, play in sprinklers and cool off in the Gophers Tortoise Burrow. Kids will have the opportunity to run around this playful garden before relaxing for a family picnic. This is just part of the 7.5-acre property.
Head to the onsite restaurant, The Blue Palmetto Cafe, for deliciously fresh food with a side of fresh air. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner during their time at Bok Tower Gardens. Enjoy a glass of wine or some beer with your sandwich, salad or wrap. They also have vegan and gluten friendly options.
Architecture is a huge part of what makes Bok Tower Gardens so spectacular. Take in the beautiful sights and sounds of the 205 neo-Gothic and art deco Singing Tower. This amazing piece of art is like no other and offers live music at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. The landscape architecture is another thing that makes the gardens better than the rest. When you head to the gardens, don’t forget to buy a ticket to the Pinewood Estate, a 20-room, Mediterranean-style mansion that has a rich history and is an example of a wonderful collaboration between designers and architects.
But wait, there’s more! When visiting Bok Tower Gardens, don’t forget to take a hike on one of the many hiking trails. Pine Ridge Nature Trail offers a 3/4-mile hike that takes you through 15 attractions, including Live Oak Tree, the perfect place to stop and enjoy the shade.
The Preserve Trail is a bit longer. This 1.5-mile trail is perfect for learning about endangered ecosystems. Bok Tower Gardens is also taking part in restoration efforts that guests will learn about at Habitat Restoration, the last stop of the route.
If you’re looking for a more interactive way to hike, Bok Tower Gardens is home to geocaching boxes. Use any GPS-enabled device and try to locate hidden containers during a real-life treasure hunt.
Before you leave, make sure to head over to the gift shop to do some shopping.
Check out the Bok Tower Gardens calendar to see special events.
