Florida Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Largo

The Botanical Gardens offered a delightful and engaging experience. The volunteers were friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to assist, enhancing our visit. The gardens were impeccably clean, well-maintained, and a joy to explore. Compact yet diverse, the facility is easy to navigate, allowing us to experience all sections in a single visit (about 2 hours).

Parking was a breeze with plenty of spaces available. We began at the Gallery, where local artists’ creative works were on display (and for sale). Strolling through the Wedding Garden, we entered the Palm Garden, which showcased a variety of species, including the unique “old man palm” (Coccothrinax crinita) with its beard-like appearance. The boardwalk through the “wetlands” led us over the iron bridge and around the serene lake; unfortunately, no alligators were spotted in these waters—perhaps next time.

We entered the Tropical Fruit Garden where we admired fruit-bearing trees like bananas, mangoes, jackfruit, papayas, and blueberries. Along the way, in the Discovery Garden, we enjoyed interactive musical instruments scattered on the path, adding a playful touch.

Past the butterfly garden and crossing the parking lot, we explored the Heritage Village, stepping into historical buildings that vividly showcased life “back in the day.” Near the House of Seven Gables, the Circle of the Senses invited hands-on interaction, letting us touch, smell, and taste various plants.

Admission is free, but we encourage leaving a donation to support this gem. We’re excited to return for the Holiday Lights in the...

My mother and I went here and took in the sights during their winter Xmas light walk, and another time during the day and saw a Koi Japanese Fish pool inside and lots of Tropical and Sub-Tropical plants, trees and garden varietals...A unique and marvellous place to get lost in a garden with smells of exotic plants like Bay-Rum, and Allspice and a well-kept landscaped botanical lush place of life, with a old-town with old railroads, about citrus growers, businessmen, schools, land use, and beautiful trees and lushness.

I learned a bit about that part of Florida history. This is a must-see in the Largo area and worth it, if you have never seen a garden with diverse and varied speices of plants, trees, and some animal life...One of my favourite sights was the vareity of Bamboo grasses growing in the botanical gardens, in a variety of sizes, some huge, that awed me since I have not seen before, massive bamboo stalks that large....I hope to back to visit one day...I especially liked the decoration of lights around the gardens at night and variety of people I met while strolling in the gardens. I felt transported to another world that took me away from the outside world of hustle and bustle...Awesome and...

What an amazing place. New things added every visit. The Christmas light displays are awesome. You can easily spend half a day or more here.

The hardscape is impressive, as well as the large variety of tropical plants and themed gardens. There is a childrens walk as well. There are two longer trails. The pinelands trail to the east-southeast and the retention pond trail to the north. Self guided tours are available at the gift shop. There are themed areas such as the butterfly, succulent, tropical fruit, orchid, and native Florida species gardens.

Pokemon player? There are 8 popular poke-gyms and more pokestops here.

Gardens are available for weddings and other special events. There is also a meeting hall available used by many, such as West Florida Orchid Society meetings.

Parking and entry are free up to 5 pm. The gates open automatically to allow departure after 5 pm. The 2021 Christmas lights event is a donation of $10 for those 13 and above.

The address will put you at the main entrance next to Pinellas County EMS headquarters. But this lot will be full by 6 pm. The largest parking area is actually on the south side. Off 2-lane Walsingham Road and across from Walsingham...