By Kate Cohen

Orlando is the place to go for plenty of nonstop action, entertainment, and adventure.  

But sometimes, you just need a quiet place to enjoy the peace and serenity of the outdoors. 

Luckily, The City Beautiful is also home to several beautiful gardens that are perfect for picnicking, quiet strolls, and admiring plants and wildlife.  

In spring, Orlando’s weather begins to warm up again, encouraging tropical and subtropical plants to bloom for a spectacular show of color. It’s an ideal time to visit one of the city’s gardens to admire everything new.  

Here are Orlando’s best gardens to visit this spring.  

Harry P. Leu Gardens 

Harry P. Leu Gardens is one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in Orlando throughout every season, but in spring, it truly comes to life.  

Over 50 acres of lush landscaping creates a spectacular botanical oasis with colorful blooms and heavenly floral scents lingering in the air.  

In the spring, you may find blossoming amaryllis, southern Magnolia, jacaranda, Southern magnolia, gardenias, and other gorgeous flowers.  

The stunning property, including the Historic Leu House Museum, was purchased by Harry P. and Mary Jane Leu in 1936. Avid travelers, they were constantly bringing back plants and seeds for their garden, which upholds their legacy and love for all things green and growing to this day.  

In addition to purchasing a ticket to wander through gardens of camellias, citrus, roses, and flowering trees, visitors can also attend classes in art, yoga, gardening, flower arranging, and more.  

Leu Gardens also hosts movie nights throughout the year where you can bring your own blankets and chairs, a picnic, and even alcohol to be enjoyed throughout the evening.  

From Feb. 1 through Sept. 3, 2025, visitors can enjoy the unique Origami in the Garden exhibit showcasing over 20 marvelous origami-inspired sculptures amidst the beautiful outdoor scenery. 

Dickson Azalea Park 

Dickson Azalea Park is a public green space in the heart of downtown Orlando with both history and beauty.  

It became an official City of Orlando Park in 1924 when the land was donated by State Senator Walter Rose, and it gets its name from Col. H. H. Dickson, a civil leader and Orlando businessman who played a large role in planting azaleas throughout Orlando. 

Today, the park is the perfect place to enjoy shady trees, vibrant blooming azaleas, and a paved walking path perfect for a leisurely stroll on a beautiful day.  

As you meander through Dickson Azalea Park, you’ll come across the Washington Street Bridge, a historic landmark built in 1926. It’s a great spot for stunning photos, or simply to soak in the beauty of one of Orlando’s most beautiful public areas. 

Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens 

Albin Polasek was a world-renowned 20th century artist with an illustrious career in sculpture.  

He retired to a beautiful Winter Park home in 1950 whose three acres of gardens inspired Polasek to continue creating, ultimately becoming his canvas.  

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens was founded in 1961, housing a collection of American representational sculpture that prominently features Polasek’s own work. 

Today, visitors can explore Polasek’s legacy by visiting the Sculpture Gardens that have become a rich part of Winter Park’s unique culture and heritage.  

With lush native Florida and subtropical landscaping, it’s a beautiful escape “where art and nature harmonize and sculpture speaks.”  

Mead Botanical Garden 

Another gem of Winter Park is Mead Botanical Garden.  

This 47-acre green getaway is a true community resource in an urban setting, powered by the support of neighbors and volunteers.  

Mead Botanical Garden is home to a creek, boardwalk, greenhouse, butterfly garden, hiking trails, and a pond that is teeming with Florida wildlife.  

Anyone can visit the gardens for a free self-guided experience, or you can try an experience like a guided hike, learn from experts through the Life Explorer Speaker Series, or move your body with tai chi or yoga in the park.  

Enjoy beautiful flora, fauna, and fresh air whenever you visit the sprawling Mead Botanical Garden.  

Worth the Drive: Bok Tower Gardens 

While it’s not in Orlando proper, we would be remiss not to mention Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales for a day of horticultural exploration.  

The Gardens were founded by Edward William Bok, a noted philanthropist and long-time editor of The Ladies’ Home Journal. He collaborated with distinguished landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., whose other projects included the White House, Jefferson Memorial, and the Biltmore Estate.  

At the heart of Bok Tower Gardens is the majestic 205-foot-tall Singing Tower. Built in 1928, the ornate Gothic Revival Tower houses a 60-bell carillon that plays concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. daily.  

The Olmsted Gardens offer tranquility, romance, and breathtaking views of the Singing Tower. In spring, colorful azaleas, flourishing camellias, and elegant magnolias bloom in a remarkable display.  

Bok Tower Gardens is also home to Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, the perfect place to explore immersive environments that inspire imagination and foster a love of the outdoors.  

Tickets are required to visit Bok Tower Gardens, but it’s well worth the cost of admission.  

Savor Serenity at Rosen Inn at Lake Buena Vista  

This spring, make Rosen Inn at Lake Buena Vista your vacation destination.  

Our prime location makes it easy for guests to access Orlando’s best gardens as well as the city’s best theme park entertainment.  

Or you can always enjoy a little serenity lounging by one of our pools and soaking in a little Central Florida sun.  

We look forward to seeing you this spring.