Tucked away in Largo’s Pinewood Cultural Park, the Florida Botanical Gardens is one of Tampa Bay’s best-kept secrets—and best values. This stunning 182-acre park showcases Florida’s finest formal gardens, scenic landscapes, and natural habitats, all completely free to visit year-round. Whether you’re a serious horticulturist, a casual nature lover, or a family looking for a peaceful afternoon outdoors, these gardens offer something beautiful in every season.
Hours & Admission
Hours: Daily 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: FREE (donations welcome)
Closed: Day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Tip: Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the gardens. Visit early in the day during summer months as shade is limited in some areas.
What Makes It Special
The Florida Botanical Gardens isn’t just a place to see pretty flowers—it’s a working demonstration garden designed to inspire and educate visitors about environmentally friendly landscaping techniques. The gardens are managed by Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources, with the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation providing educational programs and special events.
What began in 1991 as an outdoor learning center has grown into one of the region’s most beloved attractions, drawing visitors who want to see everything from tropical blooms to native Florida wilderness. The gardens are naturally divided into east and west sections by McKay Creek, with formal demonstration gardens and a 60-acre natural area being restored with native Florida plants.
Garden Highlights
- Wedding Garden – The crown jewel of the gardens and a popular venue for ceremonies of all sizes. Each Valentine’s Day, mass wedding events allow couples to marry or renew their vows here.
- Butterfly Garden – Located near the Visitor Center at the Ulmerton entrance, this colorful garden attracts butterflies year-round. Kids and adults alike love watching the winged beauties take flight.
- Tropical Walk & Courtyard – Modeled after the walled gardens of South Florida, this shaded area features bromeliads, tropical plants from Australia, Japan, China, and South Florida, plus covered porches and a bubbling fountain. A gentle stream adds soft sounds as you wander the winding paths.
- Tropical Fruit Garden – Discover bananas, pineapples, avocados, mangoes, papayas, pomegranates, and more exotic fruits. A beautiful mural provides the perfect spot to sit and relax.
- Cactus & Succulent Garden – A desert-like landscape featuring agave, prickly pear, desert rose, night-blooming cereus, and crown of thorns—proof that not all of Florida is humid and tropical.
- Herb Garden – Partially walled and surrounded by hedges, this fragrant garden showcases classic culinary and medicinal herbs from lavender to Chinese cinnamon.
- Cottage Garden – Reminiscent of an old-fashioned English garden with heaps of perennial flowers, vines, and small shrubs. Look for the rare hibiscus and trellises covered with roses.
- Palm Garden – An informal Florida beach-themed garden with umbrella-covered seating, fountain features, and tropical palms surrounding the pavilion.
- Topiary Garden – See creative plant sculpting including shaped hedges, juniper swirls, and whimsical figures like a bear standing on a sphere made from sheared ficus.
- The Vinery – Several “hubbles” covered with tropical and temperate vines add beauty and greenery overhead.
- Jazz Garden – A light, informal space celebrating the movement and color of American jazz through plantings of annuals and perennials.
- Native Plant Garden – All Florida natives (though not all native to Pinellas County specifically), featuring marlberry, firebush, sugarberry, and other indigenous species.
- Wetlands Walkway & Wildlife Overlook – Added in 2018, this boardwalk trail winds through protected wetlands with interpretive signs and viewing areas. Don’t be surprised to spot bald eagles nesting or gopher tortoises moving through the brush. Note: Pets are not allowed in this natural area.
- Majeed Discovery Garden – A 2-acre children’s garden designed to connect kids to nature through hands-on activities and educator-led programs. Free kids activities are offered here every Sunday and Thursday evening in December during Holiday Lights.
Also in Pinewood Cultural Park
One of the best things about visiting Florida Botanical Gardens is that it’s part of the larger Pinewood Cultural Park complex, which includes two other free attractions you can explore on the same visit.
Heritage Village – This 21-acre living history museum features more than 25 restored historic buildings dating back to the 1850s, including a general store, train depot, schoolhouse, church, log cabin, and service station with vintage cars. Docents in period clothing give demonstrations of spinning, weaving, blacksmithing, and other crafts. Download the free Heritage Village app for a self-guided tour.
Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 1–4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and county holidays. Free admission.
The Gallery at Creative Pinellas – This 10,000-square-foot art gallery in the former Gulf Coast Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions from local, regional, and internationally acclaimed artists. The space has vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and intimate viewing rooms. Always free to the public.
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (extended to 8 p.m. during Holiday Lights season)
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
The gardens’ signature event—and one of Tampa Bay’s most beloved holiday traditions—is Holiday Lights in the Gardens, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. From late November through early January, the gardens sparkle with over 1 million twinkling LED lights, vibrant laser projections, and lighted figures.
2025-2026 Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Hours: Nightly 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $10 per person (ages 12 and under free)
The event features live entertainment including dancers, jugglers, magicians, carolers, choral groups, jazz, bluegrass, and folk musicians. Model trains circle an 18-foot decorated evergreen tree in the Wedding Garden during opening weekend. Concessions at Palm Pavilion in McKay Creek Plaza offer funnel cakes, ice cream, hot chocolate, and other treats. The Botanical Bounty Gift Shop stays open late for holiday shopping.
Tips for Holiday Lights:
- Come on weeknights for smaller crowds
- Parking is available at multiple entrances (Ulmerton Road and Walsingham Road)
- Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome
- Groups of 10+ should call ahead: 727-753-7840
Annual Events & Programs
Beyond Holiday Lights, the gardens host events throughout the year including yoga in the gardens, concerts, an annual pumpkin festival, and plant sales. The UF/IFAS Extension office on-site provides resources for home gardeners and landscape professionals.
Good to Know
- Pet Policy: Leashed pets welcome throughout the gardens except in the Wetlands/Natural Area
- Accessibility: Most walkways are ADA compliant for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers
- Facilities: Gift shop with snacks and drinks, restrooms at McKay Creek Plaza and the Parks & Conservation Resources building
- Photography: The gardens are a popular spot for photography—test your skills on the vibrant blooms!
- Weddings: The Wedding Garden is available for ceremonies. Apply online through Pinellas County.
- Two Entrances: You can access the gardens from either Ulmerton Road (near the butterfly garden and wedding garden) or Walsingham Road (closer to the nature trail and tropical walk)
Where to Eat Nearby
The gardens don’t have a full restaurant, but snacks and drinks are available at the gift shop. For a proper meal before or after your visit:
- The Aging Still Bar & Grill – Nearby gastropub with craft cocktails and elevated comfort food
- Indian Rocks Beach restaurants – Just 10 minutes west, including Kooky Coconut for Cuban sandwiches and Guppy’s on the Beach for seafood
- Clearwater Beach dining – About 15 minutes away with dozens of options from casual to upscale
Getting Here from Our Vacation Rental
From: 1731 Clearwater Dr, Largo, FL
To: Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo
Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles
Drive Time: 8-10 minutes
Directions:
- Head east on Clearwater Largo Rd
- Turn right onto Ulmerton Rd heading east
- The Florida Botanical Gardens entrance will be on your right (Parking Lots 2 & 3)
Alternative Entrance: For quicker access to the nature trail and tropical walk, continue on Ulmerton past the main entrance, then turn right onto Walsingham Rd. The secondary entrance (Parking Lots 4 & 5) will be on your left.
Parking: Free at both entrances with plenty of spaces including handicapped parking.
The Florida Botanical Gardens proves that some of the best things in life really are free. Combine it with Heritage Village for a full day of nature and history, catch an art exhibition at Creative Pinellas, or plan your visit during Holiday Lights for a magical evening under a million twinkling stars. It’s a true hidden gem just minutes from our vacation rental.
