Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
Explore a free botanical garden with historic sugar mill ruins and quirky dinosaur sculptures in Port Orange, Florida.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & golden hour
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
Best Time
Beat the heat & golden hour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a free botanical garden with historic sugar mill ruins and quirky dinosaur sculptures in Port Orange, Florida.
"A hidden gem offering a unique blend of history, nature, and quirky charm."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the winding paths and historical ruins with ease. Good walking shoes are a must for this natural oasis.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful gardens. Perfect for a relaxed day out.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bongoland Dinosaur Ruins
Scattered throughout the gardens
Discover the concrete remnants of a 1950s amusement park, adding a quirky, prehistoric twist to the natural beauty.
Historic Sugar Mill Ruins
Central area of the gardens
Explore the atmospheric remains of a 19th-century sugar plantation, offering a glimpse into Florida's industrial past.
Lush Botanical Gardens
Throughout the 12 acres
Wander through a diverse collection of native Florida plants, vibrant flowers, and ancient oak trees providing ample shade.
Whimsical Gnome Homes & Fairy Elements
Various garden nooks
Seek out charming gnome homes and other whimsical touches that add a touch of magic and wonder to the gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Entry & Donations
+1Timing is Key for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the winding paths and historical ruins with ease. Good walking shoes are a must for this natural oasis.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful gardens. Perfect for a relaxed day out. +1
📸 Capture the Magic
The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, from ancient oaks to dinosaur sculptures.
🗺️ Grab a Garden Map
Maps are available to help you navigate the trails and discover all the unique features.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the winding paths and historical ruins with ease. Good walking shoes are a must for this natural oasis.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful gardens. Perfect for a relaxed day out. +1
📸 Capture the Magic
The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, from ancient oaks to dinosaur sculptures.
🗺️ Grab a Garden Map
Maps are available to help you navigate the trails and discover all the unique features.
💰 Donations Welcome
While entry is free, consider donating to help maintain this beautiful community treasure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens as a free, peaceful, and surprisingly extensive hidden gem. The unique blend of historical sugar mill ruins, quirky dinosaur sculptures, and lush botanical gardens creates a memorable experience for all ages. While some may find it a bit off the beaten path, its charm and natural beauty make it a highly recommended stop.
"I was planning a day-trip with my boyfriend to NSB/Volusia County, and found the gardens when I searched "things to do in Volusia." After we spent a few hours at the beach, we drove about 20 minutes north to get to Dunlawton. My boyfriend commented that he knew we were in for a treat when we started driving through a residential area, in which the garden is tucked away. While I'm sure locals are familiar with the spot, it really felt like a small hidden gem to us, coming from Orlando. Both my boyfriend and I were surprised at how extensive the paths were for what we thought was going to be a much smaller garden. We spent almost exactly one hour making sure we saw everything. I was especially impressed with the collection of Florida Native plants that had been organized and thoroughly labeled. I walked away with a few new FL native plants added to my mental rolodex. It rained a little just before we got to the garden, and the water that was left on the leaves of the plants made them shimmer in the late afternoon sun, making it feel like walking through a "lush, rainforest paradise" (my boyfriend's words). This garden offers a unique blend of curated landscape and old Florida, including remnants of the sugar mill that once existed where the garden now stands, and some of the naturalistic, swooping features of the wild Florida landscape intertwining with the cultivated species. As a plant lover and gardener, I loved coming here, and my boyfriend who is not necessarily a plant person honestly seemed to love it just as much."
Vern Renzette
"We absolutely loved our visit to Dunlawton Sugar Mill gardens. There was no admission fee, but you can donate in the red box. My mother, father, husband, our son and myself all went on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. You can grab a map when you enter and even buy some beautiful plants and or flowers for your own garden. There is also a bathroom on site along with a water fountain. We ran into two cats that were having a great time at the sugar mill."
Missing Piece found
"Let me start off by saying this place is georgious. So many plant types and we even went when alot of them most likely weren't in bloom. This place is bigger then we thought but is so peaceful it was such a nice walk with plenty of shade and was upset really well. The dinosaurs were cool and it was nice to see the historic places of the sight mill. The restrooms were clean and to top it off they even had plants for sale for good prices.
Also entry is free and there was parking right across the street."
Taten White (Toby R.)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens is located in Port Orange, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available across the street from the entrance. Many visitors find it a short drive from Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach.
Yes, there is parking available, often noted as being right across the street from the gardens. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Information on public transportation options is limited, but given its location in a more suburban area, driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
While it's a 'hidden gem,' Google Maps or GPS will guide you directly to the location. Some visitors mention it's tucked away in a residential area, adding to its charm.
Many visitors suggest using GPS or a mapping app. The entrance is often described as being within a residential area, so keep an eye out for signage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens is completely free! It's a wonderful free attraction in the Port Orange area.
Yes, while entry is free, donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain the gardens. There's typically a donation box available.
The gardens are generally open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for Christmas and New Year's Day. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes.
No advance booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
Information on special event fees is not widely available, but the general admission to the gardens remains free.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Explore the ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill, discover concrete dinosaur sculptures from a former amusement park, wander through lush botanical gardens with native plants, and find whimsical gnome homes. +3
Absolutely! The site features the atmospheric ruins of the original 19th-century sugar mill, offering a fascinating glimpse into local history.
The gardens boast a diverse collection of Florida native plants, beautifully labeled and organized, alongside other vibrant flora and ancient oak trees.
Yes, kids love the dinosaur sculptures, gnome homes, and open spaces to run around. It's a fun and educational outing for families. +3
Picnicking is a popular activity here! There are plenty of shaded spots under the oak trees perfect for enjoying a meal.
Yes, restrooms are available on-site, making it convenient for longer visits.
The paths are generally well-maintained, but some areas might be uneven due to the natural landscape and historical ruins. Strollers are manageable on most paths.
📸 📸 Photography
The ruins, dinosaur sculptures, lush greenery, and ancient oak trees offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The morning and late afternoon light is particularly beautiful.
Many couples choose this garden for its unique blend of natural beauty and historical elements, making it a fairytale backdrop for wedding photos.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drone usage, but it's always best to be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. Check local ordinances if planning to fly a drone.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – provide the best lighting for photography, creating a magical atmosphere.
The area around the sugar mill ruins, the dinosaur sculptures, and the large oak trees are particularly popular for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place to spark imagination and learn about local history and nature in a fun, engaging way. The combination of historical ruins, quirky dinosaurs, and beautiful plant life offers something to capture every child's interest.
💰 Budget Travelers
+2 You can spend hours exploring the beautiful botanical gardens, historical ruins, and unique dinosaur sculptures without spending a dime on entry fees. Pack a picnic to enjoy under the shade of the ancient oak trees, further saving on food costs.
🌿 Nature & Garden Enthusiasts
The site also offers a unique blend of cultivated beauty and natural Florida landscape, creating a harmonious and peaceful environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Quirky History of Bongoland
While the park itself only lasted about five years, the concrete dinosaur figures remain scattered throughout the gardens, offering a unique and slightly eerie juxtaposition with the natural beauty. These prehistoric relics are a major draw for visitors, especially families, adding an unexpected element of adventure to the botanical exploration. Many visitors are surprised and delighted by the presence of these dinosaur sculptures. They serve as a quirky reminder of the site's past and provide fantastic photo opportunities.
Exploring the Bongoland ruins is like stepping into a forgotten chapter of Florida's roadside attractions. It adds a layer of intrigue and fun that sets Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens apart from typical botanical gardens.
A Haven for Plant Lovers and Nature Enthusiasts
The gardens offer a serene escape with ample shade provided by towering ancient oak trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.
The winding paths lead you through various sections, each with its own unique charm, from vibrant flower beds to tranquil naturalistic areas. Many visitors describe the gardens as a place to connect with nature and find peace.
A Picturesque Setting for Special Occasions
Its blend of natural beauty, historical ruins, and whimsical elements provides a fairytale backdrop that many couples seek for their ceremonies and photos. The gardens offer a more intimate and budget-friendly alternative to traditional wedding venues.
Beyond weddings, the serene and beautiful environment makes it an ideal spot for other gatherings, such as family photoshoots or intimate celebrations.
The unique features, like the dinosaur sculptures and gnome homes, can add a playful and memorable touch to any occasion. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit