Harry P Leu Gardens

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/orlando-off-centered-ale-trail-dogfish-head

Off-Centered Ale Trail: Orlando

"When some people go on vacation they bring back trinkets and tchotchkes. Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu were in the habit of bringing back exotic plants, which eventually led to the establishment of Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens. After Leu bought his Florida home and its adjoining 40 acres, he and his wife began planting their various exotic flora across the grounds—right up until the couple passed away. After their deaths, the house and gardens were donated to the City of Orlando and the lush gardens are now a beautiful and fascinating destination for budding horticulturalists. The vast collections of tropical and sub-tropical plants cover a wide range of species that thrive in Florida’s humid climate. Among the many collections are groupings of bromeliads, magnolias, ferns, roses, palms and lilies. The most celebrated and impressive collection is of camellias, a favorite of the Leus. This collection contains over 2,000 plants across over 200 cultivars making the camellia collection one of the largest in the entire country. Another highlight is the massive floral clock, which is frequently replanted in different blooms and patterns. The grounds of the Harry P. Leu Gardens are laced with meandering paths that wind through the various collections allowing visitors to take a tour through a garden that is not only geographically huge but also unique in its breadth." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/florida-nature

15 Florida Places to Be Nurtured By Nature

The Best Things to Do in Orlando

"While Orlando typically inspires images of amusement parks, the city is also home to sites that are completely separate from the manufactured worlds of Disney and Universal—such as the Harry P. Leu Gardens. The urban oasis teems with tropical plants like azaleas and palms, and includes an historic home once inhabited by the Leu family. With more than 2,000 camellia plants and 230-plus cultivars, its impressive collection ranks among the largest in the United States."

Get Outdoors in Natural Orlando

The Perfect Day in Orlando

Sara Beth Wade

Google

It's beautiful here! And the origami sculpture is fantastic - I tended to use that map to get around because it's smaller. There are nice big open spaces, wandering trails, and little tucked away hidden gardens, so put your exploring feet on. Of course, in the middle of the day in July it was hot hot hot, but still worth the walk around, and they sell ice cream inside the welcome building. Parking is in two "lobes" around the entrance area, and not a ton of it. Beautiful roses, tropicals, and even an arid garden with cacti, they do a good cross-section here. Don't miss the birdhouses around the trails - they're so cute! Made to look like our houses, there's a plantation mansion, everglades swamp house, even a little English thatched cottage. Super cute and worth looking out for.

Daryika Tagaeva

Google

Absolutely beautiful and peaceful! Harry P Leu Gardens is the perfect escape into nature. I went with my family and we loved walking through the shady paths, seeing colorful flowers, and just relaxing in the quiet atmosphere. It’s clean, safe, and well-maintained. Great for kids, couples, or anyone needing a break from the busy city. Highly recommend visiting — even one visit fills your heart with calm and joy! 🌺

Millo Aldea Venegas

Google

I recently visited Harry P Leu Gardens while searching for a possible location to host an outdoor event—and I was absolutely blown away by the beauty and tranquility of this place. From the moment you enter, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and winding paths that seem to transport you out of the city and into a peaceful oasis. The gardens offer a variety of stunning settings for events, from expansive open lawns and romantic rose gardens to intimate shaded nooks under towering oaks and palms. Each space feels thoughtfully maintained and uniquely beautiful, offering flexibility for both large gatherings and more personal affairs. One of my favorite spots was the floral clock area—so picturesque and peaceful, with a perfect blend of sunlight and shade. The rose garden, with its charming arches and colorful blooms, would be an unforgettable backdrop for a wedding or vow renewal. Even the lakeside spots are serene, with reflections of trees dancing on the water and the occasional heron adding a touch of magic. The entire property has a calming energy. Despite being right in the heart of Orlando, it feels private, secluded, and ideal for a meaningful celebration. You can tell the staff take great pride in maintaining this natural sanctuary. If you’re planning a special outdoor event, I highly recommend touring Leu Gardens. It’s more than just a venue—it’s an experience.

Tina Rusu

Google

Mestled in the heart of Historical Winter Park is Harry P. Leu botanical garden. A must visit natural beauty. Weather was beautiful today, and the gardens were so lively and refreshing. We got there pretty early, and it was sunny and hot, but a cool breeze and shaded areas were refreshing. If you love nature and flowers you will enjoy this place. The rose garden is beautiful, and the views of the lake are breathtaking. They offer guided tours of the mansion and also do weddings and special events here. Enjoy.

Nicole Hodges

Google

June 2025 we had my daughter’s wedding here and it was wonderful. Candace and Ryan were extremely kind and very responsive. The garden was beautiful, the Camelia room was perfectly setup, the front desk staff very helpful and the wedding went on without a hitch. I would highly recommend Leu Gardens for your wedding if you are looking for a venue in Orlando!!

Tasha S

Google

A lovely destination for nature enthusiasts. I believe late summer is the perfect time to go. You'll find a variety of fruits and vegetables. I could honestly reside there; the sound of the water is calming, and the flowers are gorgeous. You can take a day pass and visit for the day. Give it a shot!

Jacks

Google

We wanted to go somewhere interesting and relaxing on one of our off days and found this place in Orlando.. it was really worth visiting this garden on a beautiful sunny day as there is a lot of shade with trees and plants..our 7 year old daughter had fun finding the fairy houses all around this garden..she led the way and we also participated in the activity. Beautiful and lovely landscaping, very well maintained from the entrance throughout the property. Museum was closed for renovation but the garden was really awesome to walk around and take photos..we all loved it! We took their membership so that we can go to all other gardens in their list for a year. I would recommend their membership plan to anyone who likes going to gardens.

Tay

Google

One of the best gardens I've been to in Florida, huuuuge grounds to walk and so many impressively large philodendrons and various orchid species. You can spend all day here. Year pass is definitely worth it for Orlando residents.

Breanna M.

Yelp

Rating: 5/5 Harry Leu Gardens' Fright Nights event was an absolute blast! I found this Halloween event on Fever, and it did not disappoint. The entire park was transformed into a spooky wonderland filled with thrilling entertainment, from dancing aliens to talented breakdancers. The park was dotted with food stands every half-mile or so, offering popcorn, candy, cookies, and drinks, with alcohol available for those who wanted an extra treat. The best part was the immersive, chilling experience--monsters lurked around every corner, giving you a few fun jump scares, and there was a maze with blow-up decorations that added to the creepy atmosphere. You never knew what spooky surprise awaited around the next bend, which made the experience even more exciting. I definitely recommend Fright Nights for anyone looking for a fun and thrilling Halloween event in Orlando!

Leslie A.

Yelp

Every year, starting in November, my family and I look forward to visiting this incredible place for their Dazzling Lights event, which has become one of our cherished holiday traditions. Each year, the event seems to get better and better, with new light displays that dazzle the senses. The trail also feels like it gets longer every time, adding even more to the magical experience. What makes this event even more appealing is its affordability compared to Disney or SeaWorld holiday shows. For families looking for a festive experience that won't break the bank, this is an excellent alternative. Keep in mind, though, that tickets must be purchased online, and there are no refunds, so plan accordingly! Located near Winter Park, this destination is also worth visiting during the day. The gardens are stunning, with plenty of spots that are perfect for Instagram photos. It's peaceful, beautiful, and offers a completely different experience compared to the nighttime light displays. Whether you visit for the dazzling holiday lights or to enjoy the gardens during the day, this place is a must-see during the holiday season in Orlando.

Madison L.

Yelp

I returned to the Dazzling Lights with a friend and had a good experience. Some of the light displays were weirder than last year. At one point, you're just walking down a dimly lit trail while speakers play random words in different languages. However, other displays made up for the lack luster ones. Our favorites were the light tree over the fountain, the ornament tunnel, and the blue and white tree lights. I appreciate how family friendly the area is and it's a great place to wander around with friends and family. The staff were very present and communicative this year. Similar to last year, a lot of things are expensive. It's $10.00 for a Swiss Miss hot chocolate. We splurged and spent $30.00 on valet. It was slightly more convenient, but I wouldn't do it again. Overall, I like this Christmas activity!

Nona C.

Yelp

The Leu Gardens were much larger than we thought - Fun! Lots of different experiences in one space, to include a Garden Gnome Hunt and what i can imagine to be a beautiful display of holiday lights in the evening. The staff is really friendly and they have a ton of spaces that can be used for wedding ceremonies.

Meg B.

Yelp

Came here with my family to celebrate Christmas and view the dazzling lights what a dream and a vision put on by the staff and volunteers. I can't imagine the hard work and effort that goes into creating something so magical. It was truly great to get out of the house and walk in a winter wonderland with my loved ones.

Savone J.

Yelp

I came here to experience their haunting nights and truly had a nice experience. Not scary and very family friendly in my opinion. Only one jump scare got me in their maze area which was hilarious. Cute little photo op areas and a cheesy little alien shop that was interesting to watch. The aliens love Beyoncé and definitely slay their performance. I decided to check this out on a whim with friends and had a great time. They also offer food and drinks to sell throughout the experience. Only Feedback is I wish they advertised we wouldn't be exiting the same way we entered, I was hoping to grab some Kelly's ice cream only to realize we'd have to back track to the entrance from where we exited. Aside of that great time and appreciate the bathroom at the beginning and middle/end of The trail. Can't wait to check it out during the day for normal operations.

Megan P.

Yelp

This a garden that is absolutely magical. I can spend days here and see something new. Surrounded by nature and all the wonderful scents that are throughout the gardens, are mesmerising. For the outdoor enthusiasts, who are fans of nature, flowers, and just being one in a peaceful setting, this is for you. The gift shop is full of beautiful trinkets that I adored as I looked at each one. The food is pre assembled and cooked in an air fryer. The cheese bites are small so be prepared and the panini was pretty good, but lacked real taste. I added mustard and ketchup to give it an extra zest. I love this Botanical Garden and would highly recommend.

Nicole N.

Yelp

Dazzling Lights was quite dazzling. It has a free shuttle service due to a smaller onsite parking lot. They have concession stands through out the gardens, plenty of photo ops and some interesting choice of Christmas music. Like that it was different and not what you're used to hearing in stores and on the radio. Overall had a good time supporting local!

Erin S.

Yelp

Leu gardens is always a gem! During the holidays they transform into Dazzling Lights which is an incredible walkthrough of the gardens with fantastic displays, music, and christmas lights. We have been over the years and this year they went over the top! The hanging christmas trees and icicles feel very magical and the path is much better designed this year. In the rose garden they have a giant tree where you can sit and listen to the musical ensemble playing your favorite christmas music. Leu gardens dazzling lights is a must go this holiday season!!

Jaimie D.

Yelp

We've been to Leu Gardens several times before and are always blown away by the beauty of the garden and grounds. This was the first time we've attended one of their special events. We joined some friends for the "happy frights" Halloween event. This is a semi-spooky, kid friendly event with a trail that runs through the gardens, happy frights along the way. Before you enter they offer a food stand and beverages (including alcohol). They do have several tents along the trail as well for treats and refills. WARNING!!! There is one bathroom at the beginning and not another until close to the end. If you have a small bladder or with kids, just know your options are limited. The happy frights offers different fright sections including gargoyles, spiders, clowns, witch's, aliens, hay stack for climbing, even performances. They also have a few trick or treat stops along the route. Don't worry they have bags of you forget or don't want to bring your own. Bonus puts, they're paper. We had an awesome time and could have stayed longer had the children not been exhausted. I would suggest going when it's dark so you get the full event of the lights and glowing decorations.

Sonja H.

Yelp

I have visited a variety of times. My most recent visit was attending their "Happy frights and Haunting Nights" Halloween themed event. On any general day the gardens is beautiful and there is plenty to see and LOTS of walking. During the event they kept a straightforward trail adorned with lights, frights, photo ops, and fun things all sprinkled in. I highly recommend going and spending time exploring whether it's the gardens themselves or an event though keep the heat in mind).

Talyah J.

Yelp

One of my all time favorite ways to spend a day with my 5 year old. We love everything from the fairy door exhibit to all the holiday features. On a beautiful day Leu Gardens is something special. The staff are so informative and always willing to help in anyway possible. The annual events and the membership are well worth every penny...we love to help support the gardens. I highly suggest enjoying this beautiful garden, especially during the holidays.

D. T.

Yelp

Leu Gardens Dazzling Nights. Absolutely beautiful lights, music and memories! I highly recommend you take advantage of this special event in Central Florida.

Thomas P.

Yelp

No surprise that the gardens are absolutely beautiful here. And there is such diversity in things to see. You can spend an hour or two just walking the shaded "woods" all along the perimeter taking in amazing trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers. I have no idea how they got all these varieties to grow in Florida! But these paths are probably 2-3 miles, very shaded, and a great place to be on a hot summer day. On and the camphor tree path is a must see (especially if you love anime!) Then in the center is the rose garden. Unfortunately not much in bloom yet in April but I've been when everything is vibrant and the smells are amazing. The small vegetable garden is pretty cool and the butterfly garden is a great spot for more flowers and the kids seem to love it. I have yet to do the tour of the house and I have no idea what's inside of it. There are several other nooks and crannies. Tucked in a corner is the arid garden with cacti and all kinds of amazing trees and plants. And the smells are very...funky! A lovely lovely place to go. I hear their Christmas decorations are amazing. They also have various "scavenger hunt" type of events with artwork to find throughout. The kids seem to enjoy that part. Overall, a must visit often type of place if you enjoy gardens.

Cristal R.

Yelp

What a beautiful, fun, relaxing, and peaceful experience. They have a garden, butterfly garden, bamboo, herb garden, cactus, fruit trees, and so much more. I'm glad I packed snacks, plenty of water, and a blanket. After walking for a while we stopped for a small picnic lunch. It was windy, fresh, and there was so much beauty. Every step is something to see. I loved brining my toddler here, he was so excited seeing everything and he sat and had snacks with me. I will be here more frequently for sure. If you're seeing this, go!!! You will enjoy it.

Sara G.

Yelp

Harry & Mary Jane Leu created a pretty unique legacy in Orlando namely the Camellia collection. This collection ranks among the largest in the United States and is one of the largest documented collections in the southeast. The Leus purchased their house (now the museum) and 40 acres 1936 and deeded the entire estate to the City of Orlando in 1962. Mary Jane's rose garden is beautiful with a center spectacle of a fountain. The massive trees tower over the walkways and are covered in moss. It's a southern charm. Magical place!

Angel W.

Yelp

Beautiful gardens filled with tons of plant life all labeled for your convenience/knowledge. This place is huge, nearly 50 acres, with lots to look at. Plan to spend a good chunk of time walking around if you're wanting to appreciate all the greenery. I'm not sure if it's worth the $15 entry fee but if you go on a free day (listed on their website) then it's definitely worth checking out for a relaxing stroll.

Alessandra C.

Yelp

A true hidden gem in downtown Orlando. Here you will find plants from all over the world and in all shapes and sizes. A great place to please grandma and grandpa or that friend of yours who is obsessed with plants (we all have one!). A genuine hidden treasure nestled in downtown Orlando. Immerse yourself in a diverse collection of plants from across the globe, showcasing a myriad of shapes and sizes. From exotic "Musas" (banana plants) to the vibrant beauty of conventional red roses and poinsettias, this place is a botanical haven. Whether you aim to delight your grandparents or indulge a friend with a passion for plants (we all have that one!), this is the perfect spot.

Brittany M.

Yelp

These gardens are amazing. They host events here for the community that bring the gardens to life! Dinosaurs, Alice In Wonderland, and my favorite - the Dazzling lights for Christmas. I've visited the gardens when there are no events, but these lights really showcase the gardens in such a magical way. Dazzling Nights such a beautifully curated immersive event that I look forward to each and every year. And each time - it gets better and better There's still time left to enjoy it! The event goes until January 6th and is great for families, date night, or to enjoy with friends. Tickets are about $30 for entry, and it took us around two hours to complete the whole trail, but you can take as much or as little time as you like. Plenty of places to stop for photo ops, hot cocoa (spiked for the adults and N/A for the kiddos), enjoy the light shows, entertainment, food and more! Going to miss this event. Such a beautiful experience!

Kirsten J.

Yelp

We visited the Leu Gardens while staying in Orlando. It is truly breathtaking and peaceful. Away from the beaten path and hectic hustle and bustle of the city the Leu Gardens invites visitors to explore many of the different gardens. Starting with the Welcome Center the path will take you along the Tropical Steam Garden, Idea, Rose, Herb, Color, Palm & Bamboo, Camellias, Vegetable, and Butterfly Garden - which was my absolute favorite!! I loved seeing Monarch Butterflies dancing in the sun and all the flowers that were intentionally planted to attract them. We were hoping to visit the Leu House Museum during our visit but unfortunately it closed super early.. the last tour was set at 1:30pm on the Saturday we were there. But hey- it didn't put a damper on our visit - there was so much to see that we left super happy.

Joseph H.

Yelp

This garden is spectacular. Has very limited parking so ideal to park and walk when it's busy. Very cheap to enter and you will spend hours walking through some amazing areas. I personally liked the farming area. Every year they host a massive plant festival where hundred of vendors get together and sell every plant you can think of. We spent a few hundred dollars but were limited on what we could buy because we didn't have a wagon. Highly recommend brining a wagon if you want to attend the yearly plant festival. Plan spending most of your day here because around every corner you're gonna fall in love with another plant. Or maybe that's just me, but don't say I didn't warn you.

Holly K.

Yelp

Leu Gardens with the extra Fairy Doors right now is so fun! We have a reciprocal pass so the gardens are free and parking is free (try for shade during the hot days). Check in and get the map to where the Fairy Doors are and as you walk through the garden(s) you will find this extra layer of magic! Arid gardens as well as rose gardens... so many different kinds, you will find something to see, smell, sit, stroll through and enjoy, even in the heat of the summer. Take a free docent tour (ask for the times), stroll through the butterfly garden... so many beautiful places and interesting facts. Go, stroll, enjoy!

Phillip S.

Yelp

Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 North Forest Ave Orlando, FL 32803 Botanical Park providing uniquely Orlando refuge for Plants from around the world capable of surviving in our Sub-Tropical Climate. Guilded Age Glory! Price of Admission - $15 Size - Plenty of Acreage to Explore Quality - Urban Splendor & Cultural Heritage Buildings - Mid 1800's and Newer Meeting Rooms - Modernized and Great Air Conditioning Parking - Extensive Wedding Facilities - Occupied the Day of My Visit Playground - None Restroom Facilities - Several Starbuck's Cafe - Under Constrution Experience - Priceless

Christian A.

Yelp

This place is absolutely beautiful to just walk around in. I loved how each plant was labeled and the trails were amazing to get lost in. That being said, it definitely seems to be more of an event space. While we were there, they were setting up for their Halloween event so it was a bit messy, there was a wedding in the main building and two different photo shoots happing throughout. If I lived closer, the membership would be worth it, but it's a bit steep for about an hour or so of walking.

Monique B.

Yelp

I loved the scenery so relaxing and beautiful Flowers make me Happy so I made a trip to see some

Vanessa L.

Yelp

This is by far one of my favorite attractions in Central Florida.It is a calming oasis.I've enjoyed their outdoor movies,music events and plant sales.The garden is rich in history.It is a relaxing local attraction.

Michelle L.

Yelp

Lots to see. A walk this month was not bad since it was cool weather. In the summer, it is rough so make sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Overall, a nice stroll with some cool plants and trees! It's also super fun to spot the mini bird houses all around the garden.

Kelly T.

Yelp

My husband and I love visiting Botanical Gardens when we travel, so I was very happy when I recently discovered there was a Botanical Garden near downtown Orlando. Today, I stopped by for a visit. It was magical. There are nearly 50 acres of gardens and historic homes on this property right near downtown Orlando. They have over 40 different plant collections, a museum, and even several areas to hold a wedding. There was, in fact, a wedding there today. If you are looking for a break from the hectic pace of Orlando one day, I would give this place a try. Admission is 15 dollars, and well worth it. Plenty of parking.

Jensen W.

Yelp

Harry P Leu Gardens was beautiful. We went on a Family Day so it was a little more busy than normal but it's a great walk with beautiful views. Would definitely recommend visiting if you're in Orlando.

Patricia D.

Yelp

Though I'd heard of the gardens and their events, this was our first visit. We visited on a special kids weekend. There were lots of crafts and activities. My daughter got to hold a drone bee. They got to look through bug glasses. We did a butterfly scavenger hunt. It was a beautiful day!

Rebecca G.

Yelp

This is a very lovely garden. I've been here twice, years apart, but both visits were worth our time. They must offer free days fairly often because both times I went, it was a free day. I think both times we went, we also brought our lunch for a picnic in the garden (don't miss the Mama Ling Ling's Thanksgiving Day sandwich at Pom Pom Teahouse which is sort of nearby). The garden has lovely walking paths. We especially loved the butterfly garden. My 3 year old was delighted running around chasing the butterflies. The garden is tranquil with waterfalls, lush ferns and beautiful flowers. Watch for mosquitoes though! They love it by the pond. I love visiting gardens and this one is a nice gem!

Eneida Q.

Yelp

First time guest, on a hot midday Saturday - Definitely recommend coming earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon/evening during the summer because it's super hot, lots of walking and there's no fans anywhere. But I think that's to be expected.. Anyways, super super cute gardens with lots of photo opportunities if you're walking around with your family. There's a lot of benches throughout. The dinosaurs are here all summer until July 30th I believe! Most plants are labeled. Grab a map - super helpful. Bathrooms are a good size with a baby changing area! (Very thankful) Located near the butterfly garden! Lots of events here throughout the year, sign up for their emails to be notified!

Gipsy G.

Yelp

Spent the evening at the Haunting nights in the gardens and it was a delight! We purchased the all inclusive adult package, came with 2 alcoholic or non alcoholic for each with 2 snacks and valet parking for less than what we have spent at dinner at worth it. If you are looking for something chill and fun get the family, your boo or yourself and have fun!

Alicia J.

Yelp

As an Orlando native, I've been coming to Leu Gardens for as long as I can remember. Touring the gardens is, of course, an experience that I absolutely enjoy and recommend (but especially during cooler weather). Their ballroom space is beautiful, and I've attended several weddings here. My last visit to Leu Gardens was last week for their Haunting Nights event. It was tons of fun, and yes, I screamed at the first the jump scare character who popped out of the bushes! The event was thoughtfully executed, and I appreciated all of the clear signage and volunteers and staff along the route. It was definitely a polar opposite atmosphere than visiting the gardens during one of their awesome plant sales. This is such an awesome spot that is fun for all ages!

Sam T.

Yelp

The lights for Christmas were ok, but there was a male staff member that obviously wants to leave their shift early despite the fact we paid almost $100 for an hour of entry for Christmas photos. We were rushed through and the male staff member even told the officer walking around with him to tell us to move along after I asked for one last photo despite the fact there were about 10 other people around. I was highly disappointed in the experience. Check out mount Dora lights if you and a nice Christmas experience!

VortexMama T.

Yelp

Excellent afternoon. We started out at Briarpatch for breakfast, then went to the farmers market across street from restaurant then drove over to the Leu Gardens! What a beautiful day! The Gardens are beautiful, even though it was damp. It didnt ruin our walk. $15 each, we stayed 2 hrs. Take the free 20 min home tour too!!! Pick a great day and make it better by enjoying the gardens. Take a picnic basket! Lots of seating. Lots of great photo opps, dress cute and snap away. I saw a wedding that was getting underway. We live in South Florida, this was a great break from city life!

Scott W.

Yelp

We visited Leu Gardens during one of their free admission days (2-6-2023) during Camellia season, and it was wonderful! I am all about spending the day walking nature trails surrounded with beautiful flowers, wildlife, and cheerful guests. Not only were the Camellia's in bloom, so were the azaleas and roses. Admission is regularly $15 per adult, $10 for children 4-17 years old, $10 for active military and veterans, and free for children 3-years or younger. The next free daytime admissions in 2023 are March 6, 11, 12, and April 3. If you plan on visiting when admission is free, arrive before they open at 9:00am; otherwise, you will have to park somewhere on Nebraska then walk the perimeter of the park to reach the main entrance; unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. You can easily spend half a day wandering around and soaking in the beauty. The gardens are self-guided, and maps are available at the welcome center. Picnics, pets, blankets, bicycles, alcohol, and recreational activities not permitted except for special evening events; however, there are benches in designated locations where you can rest if needed. I have been to Leu Gardens previously; but it has been quite a few years since my last visit. We couldn't have asked for better weather, the temperature was just right, and the flowers were gorgeous. If you are looking for a great place to take a friend, relative, or date, Leu Gardens might be the place for you. Serene gardens, peaceful trails, and great photo ops, what more can one ask for?

Julia K.

Yelp

I love Leu Gardens! I've been a fan for years. This is such a hidden gem right in the heart of Orlando. When you enter the park, you feel transformed and you're no longer in the city. They offer a ton of great events, which includes movie nights, Jazz concerts, Dazzling Light around Christmas, even fun classes for gardening and such. This garden is sectioned off into zones such as the rose garden, vegetable garden, seasonal flowers, and much more. There are always different varieties of birds and butterflies enjoying the flowers and nature right along side of you :) There's also a lake filled with turtles and fishes. A beautiful spot for a picnic or stroll with friends and loved ones. Our most recent visit was Movie in the Park for Valentine's Day, and it was perfect, especially with the cooler weather. We brought our own picnic from our favorite local restaurants, wine, desserts, blanket, and chairs. Some people go way out and even bring small portable tables... love!!! So yes, if you haven't check this hidden gem yet, please do! I don't think you'll be disappointed

Reshonda S.

Yelp

Very beautiful and informative Garden! They did a great job with including exotic and different plants/ trees from all over the world, labeling all of them with the place of origin and name. A great place for a stroll with your significant other or a family day out. If you plan to visit this location more than twice per year, it's worth getting a membership: $15 per visit vs $50 for an annual membership for two people; $75 for a family of 4, etc. They have a museum that includes tours, if you're willing to wait for the start time; and as soon as we began to get hungry - after walking the garden for a little over an hour - there was a hot dog stand near the main entrance (serving chips, Gatorade, sausages, beef hot dogs with toppings, etc.). It smelled great, but we were already slated to head to lunch afterwards. I look forward to returning again with my family.

Spensyr K.

Yelp

It's not really a local secret! But it is a local treasure! I have been to so many fun events (including weddings and baby showers) at Leu Gardens. Heck I've been coming here since elementary school field trips, which graduated into movie nights on the lawn, which matured into the annual Christmas light offerings...and now celebrating Mother's Day taking a Japanese Ikebana flower arranging class! The class was a great value, we all had a good time, and mom got to take home an arrangement she made herself! Irene is a fantastic instructor! Check out what is happening at Leu Gardens next time you have an event you want to hold in a beautiful location, if you want a fantastic walk through the flora and fauna of Florida, or if you are looking for an interesting class or workshop! Friends visiting from out of town? A trip to Leu Garden, a boat ride with the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours and lunch on park ave would be a really impressive day (assuming the weather is nice!)

Demi B.

Yelp

You could spend a whole day here. They also change up the scenery with the artwork pieces and host different events like movie night I haven't been to one, but I really want to go. I love this place during the day. They also have free admission times if you want to look at their website

Emily S.

Yelp

This place is so insanely beautiful! The pictures truly don't capture how gorgeous and picturesque this place is. I would recommend this place over and over again. Absolutely beautiful!!!!

Catherine M.

Yelp

Outstanding place. The house tour was terrific and rhe gardens are so peaceful. This is a place I heartily recommend. Bring some water and a snack

Greg L.

Yelp

I was invited to attend the Dazzling Nights event at the Leu Gardens and it is a "must-do" for the holidays. (It is open through January 1. 2023 and further details are available at "dazzlingorlando.com".) The event is sponsored by Advent Health and it is a fun experience for everyone - adults, families with children, a group of friends, etc. For the kids, there is a huge bounce house called "Down the Chimney" and there is even a "snow globe" for the children to run around in with tissue paper snow blowing around. My friends' kids had so much fun doing both. There are so many interesting light displays and MANY photo opportunities (see mine attached). Beer and wine are available as well as hot chocolate and other beverages. The experience is extensive (see park map picture in my photos) so plan for a good 2-3 hours to see it all. One of my favorite "holiday blooms" was the Christmas tree made entirely out of bromeliads! It was very cool to see. The Glowing Garden flower display was also a highlight. There is so much to see and enjoy here that it makes it the perfect family or group gathering. Excellent experience!!

Ward D.

Yelp

A beautiful set of gardens in Orlando The entrance is located at the intersection of Corrine Dr and N Forest Ave. The park takes up 50 acres on the south side of Lake Rowena. There are two parking lots. One is near to the main building and one is just to the south. Together they can hold about 150 vehicles. The entry is through the main building and costs about $15/person. The gardens are used for events. The day that we visited, there was a wedding event set up outside the house on the south of the grounds, and the reception was set for the main building. It seemed a perfect place for it. The gardens are self-guided and have lots of paths to follow. Jan 2023 they made a "dragon" challenge treasure hunt that is a lot of fun. People found clues and decrypted the message that led you to the treasure. At that time, the gardens had large dragons and night-time lighting for these very large creatures. Recently, Dec 2023, They had a beautiful Christmas show with everything from thousands of lanterns in trees to a snow creature for the kids. The gardens are beautiful and have many paths and descriptions of the many plants around the grounds. Overall, this is a wonderful set of gardens that is very pleasant to walk through.

Sarah L.

Yelp

Well loved and kept nicely. Plenty of walking room on paths. Not a great deal in bloom in January but still worth the tour. The rose garden was beautiful. Everything was marked well so you could know what you were looking at.

Rachel S.

Yelp

I've been to at least a dozen botanical gardens around the world, so it's getting harder for one to really stand out to me as spectacular. The Leu gardens were nice, but I've definitely been to gardens that are better maintained and have more botanical variety. The plants are almost all from the tropical and temperate climates (everything was outdoors), but they have plants from basically every continent. Positives: Most of the paths are shaded and there happened to be a popsicle stand when I visited which were a great relief from the summer sun. If you're looking for photo opportunities, there is a small but lovely butterfly garden, a rose garden (better to see in June), as well as beautiful lawns, gazebos, and trellises (everything clearly marked on the map). Negatives: Unfortunately the overlook to the lake and the Leu museum was closed when I was there, and there were a couple areas in the gardens in which palm leaves were obstructing most of the path or a spiny cactus was stretching into the walkway. I could also clearly see the impact of the summer thunderstorms since there were lots of fallen branches and leaves on the ground which can be a challenge for the staff (who I didn't ever see except handing out maps at the entrance) to constantly clean up. If you're looking for a manicured and extremely aesthetic botanical garden, this might not be the best fit. I also ended up with several bug bites even though I visited in the middle of the day. Overall, this was a decently sized garden with a respectable diversity of plant and animal life, but I personally do not think it is worth visiting more than once (the $15 admission fee adds up). There are other free gardens and parks in Orlando better worth 2 hours of your time. There are a few days every year when there is free admission at Leu gardens though (eg. July 4th), so take advantage! 3.5 / 5

Michael R.

Yelp

Absolutely a beautiful place to spend a sunny day on a weekend. I love that everywhere you went the plants had signs telling you what they are, very educational. I went there with my wife for a small private wedding ceremony. Definitely a beautiful place for a wedding. The people were very nice and accommodating. Would recommend and it's especially great bringing children there.

Tiffany A.

Yelp

Beautiful flowers and plants. Very nicely spread out, the perfect spot for a nice peaceful walk or to just relax or meditate. Being your camera if you're into photography! Would definitely recommend if gardens are your vibe.

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