Bok Tower Gardens

Discover the real Florida and nature at its finest in a place where time stands still and a sense of peace and tranquility prevail. Located about 30 minutes from Orlando among rolling hills of citrus, Bok Tower Gardens is one of Florida's first attractions and best kept secrets. Voted Florida's "Best Garden," the National Historic Landmark is a truly extraordinary place unlike any other.

Nearly 50 acres of gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. surround Pinewood Estate, a 20-room, Mediterranean-style 1930s winter retreat, and the 205-foot art deco and neo-Gothic Singing Tower. The pink marble and coquina stone architectural treasure houses one of the world's finest carillons. The 60 bells ring every half hour and during daily concerts at 1 and 3 p.m.

Acres of ferns, palms, oaks and pines create a year-round backdrop of a thousand shades of green for the seasonal bursts of azaleas, camellias and magnolia blooms. With 150 varieties of camellias and hundreds of azaleas visitors eagerly await the peak bloom each winter as well as the opportunity to enjoy the scent of orange blossoms as they wind along the entrance road during March and April.

Dedicated in 1929 as a gift of gratitude from Dutch immigrant Edward Bok, a humanitarian, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and world peace advocate who provided $100,000 for the American Peace Prize in 1923. Today there are nearly 700 acres of citrus groves, woodland gardens, nature trails, conservation lands and endangered plants where visitors can explore breathtaking sights around every corner of the meandering garden paths. The popular Central Florida vacation destination provides an escape from the stress of today's busy world as well as fun for the whole family.

A "must-see" Florida attraction in Orlando's backyard just 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida.

• Category:  Popular Attractions
• Time of Activity:  Quarter Day
• Distance to Walt Disney World:  40.9 Miles
• Distance to Airport: 54.9 Miles
• Distance to Downtown: 53.4 Miles
• Distance to Convention Center:  42.7 Miles
• Distance to SeaWorld:  43.4 Miles
• Distance to Universal:  48.5 Miles

ORLANDO MAGICARD