What Gardens to Visit on Trip FL

13 years ago

Hello all you lucky Florida gardeners. I am planning a trip down there from northern IL in mid-March. I want to avoid spring break crowds but still hang out on the beaches where possible. I would also like to visit botanical and public gardens around the state. What are your favorites and where are some cool places to go that locals might know better. Plan on driving (with my dog and 2 other senior ladies) around the state but staying north of Palm Beam and Ft. Myers. Would like to do some shelling and stay in smaller towns where possible. If know of any dog-friendly beaches, please let me know. If you don't want to post publically you can email me directly at terryb52@yahoo.com (in case you don't want too many people to know of your local treasures :) ) I plan on visiting FL Botanical Gardens, Largo, Kanapaha Gainesville, Selby in Sarasota, maybe McKee in Vero Beach and Heathcote in Ft. Pierce. If any of those aren't worth it, please let me know as we have limited time and money. Thanks to everyone who responds. If you know of good places to stay, would love that as well. Remember--I have my pointer coming with me.

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Comments (11)

fighting8r
13 years ago
Kanapaha and Marie Selby are places that I have not visited in some time, but should be well worth your visit. (You might want to visit Devil's Millhopper while you are in G'ville, not a botanical garden but a sort of mini-rain forest you might find interesting.)
As for the pointer, we love the dog beach at Venice: http://www.venicegov.com/Park_links/paw.htm

have fun!
Irma_StPete
13 years ago
When you visit the Florida Botanical Garden in Largo, also cross over the foot bridge to Heritage Village (a link on the FBG website or http://www.pinellascounty.org/heritage/ ). They are both awesome. And free! "Come visit this 21-acre living history museum located in the heart of Pinellas County. The natural pine and palmetto landscape is home to some of Pinellas County's most historic buildings. More than 28 historic structures and features, some dating back to the 19th century, include a school, church, sponge warehouse, railroad depot and store as well as a variety of historic homes and farm structures."

These is not far from the 30-mile-long chain of off shore islands "the beaches", nearest being Indian Rocks Beach which is perhaps the least over-developed... no high highrises, nice little eating places, cotteges... also there, and free: the world's largest seabird sanctuary http://www.seabirdsanctuary.com

An hour or so away in downtown St. Petersburg, in the waterfront park system, is the "largest outdoor collection of palm trees in the world" as I think I have heard it advertised: the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum. (free) http://www.stpete.org/parks/palm.asp

Have fun!

Irma
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tomncath
13 years ago
Well, since you said you wanted to combine it with beaches Ft. Desoto Park, Northbeach, has been rated one of the top ten beaches in the United States, although I don't think it's "dog friendly".... That would require a trip to St. Pete but if you come up to Selby Gardens and Ft. Desoto I'd also recommend a trip to Sunken Gardens.

Tom
amberroses
13 years ago
FL Botanical Gardens in Largo is great, free, and about 5 minutes away from me. It is never very crowded for some reason. I agree with Tom about also going to Sunken Gardens in St. Pete if you are going to be in Largo. There are nice beaches all around this area.

I also enjoyed Marie Selby in Sarasota and if you end up there you might want to check out the Ringling Museum because they had a very nice rose garden last time I was there.
imagardener2
13 years ago
Ft. DeSoto park is dog friendly. When we RV camped there we were in the pet camping section and animals were well behaved and IIRC there is a separate dog beach where they can frolic.

However if you are in a car, not a camper van, etc the trip to DeSoto Park is a loooong one. It is a very special place however, we love it.

If you are going to Selby in Sarasota then I suggest also going to the gardens at Ringling Museum not far away. There are two garden sections, the garden attached to the large museum up front and then there is the rose garden and grounds of the mansion on the water. The large rose garden and grounds are FREE and they are my favorite (spring is prime blooming season). I don't know if there is a charge for the museum gardens. Thursdays the entire place is open until dark and there is no better place to see the sunset on the bay. There is also a restaurant on the grounds (I've never eaten there) but you could also brown bag it. I doubt that dogs are allowed on the grounds, never seen one there.
User
13 years ago
leu gardens ,orlando.....spend the day, bring a lunch...i think it is some fifty acres, nice pathways, awesome plants and very shady, quiet,and relaxing....been to a bunch in florida and this is the best! this is not disney...very nice!
flyingfish2
13 years ago
The best garden in Florida is Silvia's garden. Do not know what she might charge yankees for a tour LOL
bernie
botanical_drifter
13 years ago
If you haven't seen Ford-Edison Estate in Ft Myers. That would be a treat.
echobelly
13 years ago
I second Venice Beach for the dog! It's not far from Sarasota where you have to visit the Ringling Museum. Skip the museum part and tour the house, built to look like a Venetian Palace, right on the bay. The grounds are beautiful, with an amazing rose garden.
terryincs
Original Author
13 years ago
Lots of great advice and ideas! Keep em coming. Where to spring breakers go these days? I want to stay away from the crazies.
terryincs
Original Author
13 years ago
bump-- leaving for Florida next week. I have compiled a lot of info. I hope the weather is great and traffic not too bad. Do you have any suggestions for nurseries or garden centers that you love? A couple tropical plant reminders would be great! Of course i would have to bring them inside for the winter here :(

What Gardens to Visit on Trip FL

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