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Published: April 25 2023

Spending time outdoors is crucial for both physical and mental health. If there aren't any hiking trails in your area, parks, and gardens will do just fine. Even though Fort Lauderdale is a busy city, it still has plenty of calm, green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a local or just visiting the area, these stunning gardens can be a great place to relax and unwind. Here's a list of some of the most beautiful gardens you shouldn't miss in Fort Lauderdale.

1 Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Bonnet House was created by Frederic Clay Bartlett, an artist, in the 1920s. The place is filled with fantastic artwork, both by Bartlett and other artists, as well as some gorgeous historic furniture. However, apart from the art, this historic house museum is also home to one of the most beautiful gardens you shouldn't miss in Fort Lauderdale.

The 35-acre estate features a mix of natural and cultivated landscapes for you to enjoy. If you're going through a stressful process, such as moving, you need to find ways to relax and unwind. Being in touch with nature is the perfect way to do so. There are five distinct ecosystems for you to explore during your visit, from mangrove wetlands to maritime forests. A fascinating location on the estate is the Orchid Display House, where you can get familiar with different kinds of orchid species.

2 Butterfly World

Visiting this one-of-a-kind garden located in Coconut Creek is truly a unique experience. As you can tell by the name, it has been home to numerous butterfly species since it opened in 1988. You can see rare and exotic butterflies like monarchs, swallowtails, and longwings here, which makes it perfect for family outings. In addition to butterfly aviaries, the complex also features botanical gardens, a museum, and a gift shop.

Even though these gardens are famous for the butterflies, you can encounter plenty of bird species. Throughout the year, Butterfly World hosts various special events and activities. Some of the most popular ones are butterfly releases and birdwatching tours. While you can go through the garden independently, a guided tour is also a good idea. This way, you'll get all sorts of useful information about butterflies, plants, and gardens in general.

3 Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens offer a perfect combination of a wildlife sanctuary and botanical gardens. This 60-acre property is home to over 3000 species of various plants. You can encounter exotic species, such as orchids, bromeliads, fruit trees, and some rare native plants. One of the attractions is also some of the tallest trees in Florida, which you can see in the Flamingo Gardens Arboretum.

In addition to gardens, the property shelters a large variety of wildlife species that, for different reasons, can't be released into their natural habitat. During your visit, you'll get the chance to see alligators, crocodiles, bears, and panthers. Many bird species are also present, and the gardens sometimes organize a birds-of-prey exhibit. These gardens are a great weekend destination for nature lovers. They offer a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Florida's diverse flora and fauna.

4 Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens

Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem in Fort Lauderdale's heart. While the property isn't as large as some of the others on this list, it still offers plenty of things to see and do. It's split into a few smaller areas, including a butterfly garden, a water garden, and a sensory garden. The gardens also feature a small pond, home to fish, turtles, and other aquatic life species.

Because these gardens technically count as a park, admission is completely free. This makes them a perfect getaway if you're a bit short on money. You can stroll around and admire the flora, and once you get tired, there are plenty of shaded seating areas to rest for a bit. The property also features a pavilion, which can be rented for special events.

5 Deerfield Beach Arboretum

Situated on a 9-acre plot of land in Deerfield Beach, this so-called Tree Zoo is a perfect destination for plant enthusiasts. The arboretum houses over 200 tree species, of which around 50 are flowering. Apart from native tree species, there are also plenty of exotic ones, including bamboo trees, baobabs, and coral trees.

The conservatory has different themed areas, including the Bamboo Garden, Exotic Canopy Trees Garden, and an Orchid Display. Apart from those, it also has a butterfly garden with many live butterfly species. Occasionally the arboretum hosts different events. The Earth Day celebration is by far the most popular one, including live music, educational exhibits, and various activities for children.

6 Plantation Botanical Garden

This fantastic botanical garden is a part of Plantation Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the Fort Lauderdale area. It features a wide variety of tree species, around 50 of them, to be exact. Here you can see the iconic bold cypress, giant bamboo, and native and exotic palm trees. Notable areas include a palm grove, a flowering tree grove, a colossal tree collection, and a fruit grove. There is a walking path through the garden, so you can easily explore all these areas.

The gardens occasionally host plant sales, gardening, and horticulture seminars for all plant enthusiasts. Apart from the gardens themselves, the visitors can enjoy all the park's other amenities. There is a picnic area and a playground, so your little ones can freely run around and play. An outside exercise station is also available if you want to sneak in a quick workout.

Final words

Botanical gardens and arboretums are some of the best places to visit if you're tired of busy city life. Once you're there, you can use this time to relax in nature and really become one with it. With so many beautiful gardens you shouldn't miss in Fort Lauderdale, it can be a bit hard to pick out one to spend your day in. Still, you're guaranteed a fantastic experience, whichever you choose.