The Bok Tower Gardens, near Orlando, is a National Historic Landmark with acres of natural beauty and landscaped gardens, an impressive tower and carillon and several other things to do and see.
If you're planning a visit to the gardens, here's what you need to know.
What to see and do
The Singing Tower Carillon
The spectacular neo-Gothic and art deco Singing Tower carillon is 205 feet high. It creates an interesting, ornate sight, and you can also hear music from the 60-bell carillon at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day in the gardens.
Explore the Gardens
Stroll through paths that take you past seasonal plants and flowers that provide a colorful backdrop. You can also see the Singing Tower from the gardens and spot some of the gardens' extensive wildlife, including 126 species of birds and the threatened gopher tortoise.
Pinewood Estate
The 20-room, Mediterranean-style mansion was built in the early 1930s and is open for tours.
Hammock Hollow Children's Garden
The children's garden helps kids learn from nature as well as art. It features pebble mosaics, a sand play area, an oak hammock that's the perfect spot to play, a River Walk filled with ways to cool off and more.
Pine Ridge Natural Trail
Explore the area on a three-quarter-mile trail surrounded by longleaf pine and turkey oaks. It's also a unique habitat that has many rare plant and animal species.
Palmetto Café
If you've worked up an appetite by exploring the gardens, take a break with a salad, sandwich, soup, beer, wine, coffee or tea at the Palmetto Café.
Tickets
A regular general admission ticket is available for Orlando Bok Tower Gardens, but it doesn't include access to Pinewood Estate. Children age 5-12 are admitted at a discounted price, and kids under 5 are admitted free.
If you plan to be a frequent visitor, an annual membership gives you 365 days of free general admission, plus discounts for the café and special events.
To see both Orlando Bok Tower Gardens and Pinewood Estate, purchase a regular season combo admission. Tickets are discounted for children age 5-12, and kids under 5 are admitted free. Be sure to check the list of blackout dates before planning your visit to
Pinewood Estate.
Active duty members of the military who have proper ID can receive a free general admissions pass on any day, and up to four of their family members or friends will be admitted for half price. Retired members of the military are admitted free of charge on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Armed Forces Day.
Hours of operation
Bok Tower Gardens is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 365 days a year, with the last admission at 5 p.m.
Additional tips
Bok Gardens offers the following advice for making the most of your visit:
Allow plenty of time
The average visit to the gardens takes about four hours.
Dress comfortably
Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent, and bring along an umbrella.
Time your visit to Pinewood Estate
If you've planning to visit Pinewood Estate, the best time is often between 11 a.m.-1 p.m., since it can get more crowded later in the afternoon.
Directions
The Bok Tower Gardens are at 1151 Tower Blvd. in Lake Wales. It's a little more than an hour from Orlando and can be reached from Orlando or Tampa via I-4 west. The gardens can also be reached from Vero Beach via Highway 60 west.
For detailed directions, check this Bok Tower Gardens website link.
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