If you’re looking for a fun Central Florida day trip that combines history, nature, wildlife, and stunning views, Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales belongs on your Florida bucket list. This National historic landmark feels like a hidden world tucked into Central Florida, where winding garden paths, music from a singing tower floats through the air, and quiet nature moments slow everything way down.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, looking for spiritual enrichment, planning a romantic afternoon, or just need a break from busy Florida attractions, Bok Tower Gardens delivers a completely different side of Florida travel.
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- KEY WEST, FLORIDA | PERFECT DAY TRIP ITINERARY IN PARADISE
- OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH ST. AUGUSTINE: A HIDDEN GEM GUIDE
QUICK FACTS & MAP
- Location: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, Florida 33853
- Phone: 863-676-1408
- Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., with last admission at 5:00 p.m.
- The Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Café, and Gift Shop at Bok are open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Admission: Adult Garden admission is $20, Children $10 (ages 6-17), children 5 and under are free, and dogs are $10
Best Time to Visit: Late winter and spring for peak blooms
Good for Kids: Yes, especially the children’s garden and trails
WHY BOK TOWER IS SO SPECIAL
Bok Tower Gardens is famous for its 205-foot Singing Tower and is home to one of the largest carillons in the world. Designed by Edward W. Bok, it sits atop Iron Mountain, the highest point in peninsular Florida, at about 298 feet above sea level.
Throughout the day, the live concerts from the 60-bell carillon drift across the surrounding gardens, creating an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in Florida. The entire property was designed as a place for reflection, natural beauty, and preservation, and it still feels that way today. It’s quiet, scenic, and surprisingly immersive, creating photography opportunities to send your Instagram viral!
EXPLORING THE GARDENS
Designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., this beautiful space feels thoughtfully planned at every turn, from shady oak canopies to vibrant seasonal blooms and tranquil water features.
Some highlights you won’t want to miss:
- The lush, surrounding landscape of Olmsted Gardens flows around the Singing Tower
- Peaceful shaded walkways with benches tucked along the paths
- Seasonal blooms that change throughout the year
- Water gardens filled with koi fish, water lilies, and migratory birds
This is the kind of place where you slow down without realizing it.
SINGING TOWER AND DAILY CARILLON CONCERTS
Made of coquina stone from St. Augustine and gray marble, the singing tower is one of the most memorable parts of visiting Bok Tower Gardens. The details of the hand-carved cranes that grace the tower, to the art deco of the massive brass door, make this a fan favorite among visitors of all ages. It’s simply breathtaking!
Free daily concerts take place throughout the day, so find a spot on the lawn, near the reflecting pool, or along the garden paths, and just listen. It’s easily one of the most unique experiences in Central Florida.
TRAILS, WILDLIFE & NATURE
Beyond the formal gardens, Bok Tower Gardens also protects natural Florida habitats. Several nature trails wind through preserved land where you can spot wildlife, native plants such as the longleaf pine, and it is also a bird sanctuary.
- Pine Ridge Nature Trail: Great for wildlife spotting, including gopher tortoises
- Preserve Trail: A longer walk through natural Florida landscapes
Birdwatchers will especially love this area, but even casual walkers will enjoy the quieter side of the proper
PRO LOCAL TIP
THE GRASSY LAWN OF EL RETIRO DOWN BY THE POND WOULD MAKE A FANTASTIC PICNIC AREA!
VISITING WITH KIDS
Bok Tower Gardens is surprisingly family-friendly. Kids can explore open spaces, walk easy trails, and visit the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, which is designed just for younger visitors.
There’s room to roam, things to touch and explore, shaded, and plenty of opportunities to learn without it feeling like a classroom. Pack a swim suit and let the kids splash in the cooling water area.
Dogs are not permitted inside Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden.
FOOD, PICNICS & RELAXING SPOTS
Family picnics are fantastic throughout the gardens. We love to head over to the Blue Palmetto Cafe, grab a seat on the outdoor patio, and enjoy a local beer, ESPECIALLY during the summer months! Florida perfection.
Between garden benches, open lawns, and shaded spots, it’s easy to find a place to relax and take it all in.
All the reflecting and strolling usually have us pretty “hangry”! We love to grab a table on the patio of The Blue Palmetto Cafe. The menu has something for everyone and features local beer from Grove Roots Brewing Company in nearby Winter Haven, as well as homemade lemonade.
This seems to be the heart of Bok Tower. It is what I imagine a patisserie in France would be like. People enjoying the company of others, dogs lounging, and great food! No one is in a hurry. Perfection! Here is a tasty look at The Blue Palmetto Cafe.
EL RETIRO ESTATE (PINEWOOD ESTATE)
Snuggled in the heart of 7.5 lush acres at Bok Tower Gardens is an enchanting 20-room mansion, El Retiro, a historic Mediterranean-style estate dating back to the 1930s. Built for Charles Austin Buck, a Bethlehem Steel executive, served as his “Winter home.”
Now on the Register of Historical Places, touring the estate offers a look at early Florida luxury living and adds a completely different experience to your visit. Tours require an additional ticket, but it’s worth it if you enjoy history, architecture, or old Florida stories. Definitely a must-see.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
BEST TIME & TIPS TO VISIT BOK TOWER GARDENS
While Bok Tower Gardens is beautiful year-round, late winter and spring are especially stunning thanks to seasonal blooms like azaleas, camellias, and orchids. Morning visits tend to be cooler and quieter, while late afternoon can be great for photos and softer light.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, you’ll cover more ground than you think
- Bring water and sunscreen, even with shaded paths
- Check carillon concert times when planning your visit
- Arrive early if you want a quieter experience
- Don’t rush, this place is meant to be enjoyed slowly
- One of the best wedding venues is in Florida
FAQ’S ABOUT BOK TOWER
Yes, Bok Tower Gardens is absolutely worth visiting if you enjoy nature, history, or peaceful outdoor spaces. Between the Singing Tower, daily carillon concerts, walking trails, and beautifully designed gardens, it offers a slower, more relaxing Florida experience that feels completely different from theme parks and beaches.
Most visitors spend between two and four hours at Bok Tower Gardens. You can move faster if you’re just strolling the main gardens, but it’s easy to spend half a day if you explore the trails, attend a carillon concert, or relax with a picnic.
Yes, Bok Tower Gardens is family friendly. Kids enjoy open spaces, easy walking paths, wildlife sightings, and the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden. It’s a great option for families looking for an educational and outdoor activity in Central Florida.
Late winter and spring are the most popular times to visit because of seasonal blooms like camellias, azaleas, and orchids. That said, Bok Tower Gardens is beautiful year-round, and early mornings are especially nice during warmer months.
Yes, daily carillon concerts are included with admission. Music plays from the Singing Tower at scheduled times throughout the day and can be enjoyed from the lawn, garden paths, or nearby benches.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy it in designated picnic areas. There is also an on-site café if you prefer to purchase food during your visit.
Bok Tower Gardens makes an excellent day trip, especially if you’re visiting Central Florida. It’s easy to pair with nearby attractions or enjoy as a relaxing standalone destination away from busy tourist areas.
Are dogs allowed at Bok Tower Gardens?
IS BOK TOWER GARDENS WORTH VISITING?
Absolutely. Bok Tower Gardens is a Central Florida hidden gem that offers a side of Florida that feels calm, historic, and beautifully preserved. It’s perfect for a day trip, a slower travel day, or anyone looking to experience Florida beyond beaches and theme parks. If you love gardens, nature, music, history, or simply beautiful places, this is one of those spots that stays with you long after you leave.
HAPPY WANDERING!
Thanks for stopping by! "Hulasquatch" is the ultimate blend of adventure and chill! Part wild explorer, part laid-back Floridian, and always ready to hula through life’s adventures. Come along for the adventure as we explore Florida & beyond. Discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, testing out cool gear, eating & creating fantastic food along the way. Happy wandering!
Wonderful post, thank you for sharing! I have never heard of Bok Tower before. It looks so lovely. I’ve been to Florida once before and if I go back, I will definitely have to visit Bok Tower!
Thank you so much! Bok Tower is our hidden gem in Central Florida! Let me know when you make it back to Florida-I will give a few more secrets!
Love this! We are a full time RVing Family of 7, and we try to spend a couple months in Florida each winter. Adding this to our list of places to go.
You guys will love it! The kids area is super cool! Let me know when you go!
I have ‘snow bird’ family members who flee the Canadian winter and spend it in Florida. I can see why!
We love our state! So much beauty!
Jen, you need to escape with them! Come wander and explore!
You are giving me the travel itch!! Plus it’s Florida….sold! 😅
YAYYYY! Come WANDER with us!
Florida has so many wonderful places to day trip or longer. Never heard of this place but it’s stunning.
Total fun Florida Hidden gem!
Wow! Looks beautiful! I’ve never heard of Bok Tower before! Thanks for sharing!