Bok Tower Gardens Orlando
A serene oasis featuring a majestic Singing Tower with a carillon, surrounded by lush botanical gardens and historic architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Bok Tower Gardens Orlando
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene oasis featuring a majestic Singing Tower with a carillon, surrounded by lush botanical gardens and historic architecture.
"A truly magical Florida masterpiece with breathtaking natural and man-made beauty."
🎯 Arrive Early for Serenity
Beat the Florida heat and crowds by arriving right when they open. :sunrise:
🎶 Don't Miss the Chimes
Listen for the carillon bells playing throughout the day; live performances are magical.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Singing Tower
Centerpiece of the gardens
A majestic 205-foot tower with a 60-bell carillon, playing enchanting melodies daily.
The Gardens
Throughout the property
Explore lush, diverse landscapes with vibrant flora and tranquil walking paths.
El Retiro Mansion
Near the gardens
A historic Mediterranean-style mansion offering a glimpse into the past.
Reflection Pool
Near the Singing Tower
A peaceful spot to admire the tower's reflection and feed the koi fish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Experience the Singing Tower
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Serenity
Beat the Florida heat and crowds by arriving right when they open. :sunrise:
🎶 Don't Miss the Chimes
Listen for the carillon bells playing throughout the day; live performances are magical. +1
🐠 Feed the Koi Fish
Purchase fish food at the gift shop to feed the koi in the reflection pool.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Lake Wales has limited food options; bring your own for a delightful garden picnic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Serenity
Beat the Florida heat and crowds by arriving right when they open. :sunrise:
🎶 Don't Miss the Chimes
Listen for the carillon bells playing throughout the day; live performances are magical. +1
🐠 Feed the Koi Fish
Purchase fish food at the gift shop to feed the koi in the reflection pool.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Lake Wales has limited food options; bring your own for a delightful garden picnic.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leashes, making it a great spot for pet owners.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bok Tower Gardens for its serene beauty, the enchanting music of the Singing Tower, and the meticulously maintained gardens. It's often described as a peaceful oasis and a hidden gem in Central Florida. Some find the admission price a bit high, and the summer heat can be a deterrent for those not accustomed to it.
"Bok Tower Gardens is such a peaceful and beautiful place to visit! The gardens are huge and super relaxing to walk through, with all kinds of flowers, trees, and quiet trails. The Singing Tower is amazing — the music from the bells really adds to the calm vibe. I also toured the historic Pinewood Estate, which was really cool to see. There’s a nice café for lunch and a cute gift shop too. Definitely a great spot to spend a few hours if you want to escape the noise and enjoy nature."
Alexandre Anton
"Bok Tower Gardens is such a beautiful, peaceful, and inspiring place to visit. My boys loved exploring all the different areas they have to play, it’s the perfect mix of fun and nature. Everywhere you look, the scenery is stunning, and the whole experience feels both relaxing and educational. It’s a place where kids can run, explore, and learn, while parents can truly enjoy the beauty around them. We got our annual membership and are definitely renewing."
Shalima Simó
"We drove from north Florida for the Wawa summer days event. So we had free admission. It was very hot, so I definitely recommend going early morning or in the cooler months. The garden was beautiful with so many interesting plants to see. There was also a really fun area for kids to play that included a splash pad. There was a mix of paved paths and bark or gravel. There are plenty of restrooms throughout the area and drinking fountains where you could fill up a water bottle. Around the tower, there were lots of benches and lawn space to sit for a while and enjoy the view and the nice breeze. I would definitely recommend visiting!"
Sarah Paul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bok Tower Gardens is located in Lake Wales, about an hour's drive southeast of Orlando. Take US-27 South and follow signs for Bok Tower Gardens.
Yes, the gardens are well-signposted from major roads in the Lake Wales area.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Bok Tower Gardens. Parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options are limited. It's recommended to drive or arrange private transport.
Bok Tower Gardens is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Tampa, located in Polk County.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for adults is around $20, and for children (ages 6-17) it's about $10. Children 5 and under are free. Dogs have a separate admission fee of $10.
Yes, it's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons.
Bok Tower Gardens is typically open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Yes, there is an additional fee to tour El Retiro mansion, which offers a historical perspective.
Check the official website for potential discounts, such as for seniors, military, or group rates. Membership options are also available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The carillon plays several times a day, usually every 30 minutes. Live performances by the carillonneur are a special treat.
While not always formal guided tours, staff and volunteers are often available to share information about the gardens and tower.
Explore the extensive botanical gardens, visit the historic El Retiro mansion, feed the koi, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Many of the garden paths are paved and accessible, but some areas may have uneven terrain. Check with the visitor center for specific accessibility information.
Photography is generally allowed, but check for any restrictions, especially inside El Retiro mansion.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers food and drinks. It has improved significantly and offers great options.
The cafe offers a variety of options, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks. +1
Absolutely! Bringing a picnic lunch is highly recommended, as it's a beautiful way to enjoy the gardens.
Lake Wales has limited dining options, so packing a picnic or dining at the on-site cafe is often the most convenient choice.
Many visitors rave about the breakfast served at the cafe, calling it excellent and a great way to start the day.
📸 📸 Photography
The Singing Tower, the reflection pool, the diverse gardens, and El Retiro mansion offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in national historic landmarks and gardens to preserve the tranquility and safety of visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more magical glow.
While generally permitted, it's wise to check for any specific rules regarding commercial photography or tripods.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the tower and gardens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Lovers
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Gardeners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Singing Tower
The legend of the gnomes living in the gardens adds a whimsical touch, particularly appealing to families and those who appreciate a touch of fantasy.
Exploring the Lush Gardens
The Reflection Pool near the Singing Tower is a must-see, offering a perfect mirror image of the tower and a peaceful spot to relax. Here, visitors can also feed the koi fish, a popular activity for all ages.
A Taste of History: El Retiro
While not the primary draw for all visitors, El Retiro is considered by many to be a worthwhile addition to the Bok Tower Gardens experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit