We love visiting botanical gardens when we travel. However, much of the beauty in gardens can be seasonal. Early March is not a good time to visit much of this particular garden. The herb area, azaleas, camellia, bamboo, plus some of the water features were nice, but overall there wasn't very much to see. We were glad there were plenty of rain shelters in the garden, as they were needed during our visit. read more

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Gorgeous grounds and a huge huge variety of plants and flowers. Wow what a great place and experience for those that are inspired by well maintained gardens healthy plants and trees and well groomed paths to follow and enjoy read more

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Beautiful and serene gardens. So many winding paths. The bamboo garden was my favorite place to sit and meditate. The various paths offered something different and added to the day by creating so many opportunities to embrace and appreciate the surroundings. There are vast numbers of birds, all kinds of wild life, the typical gator signage. A lovely botanical garden! read more

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens - Tours Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Amazing gardens location. Their yearly membership is worth every penny. Only flaw is lack of knowledge by people that work or volunteer there on anything native. In their yearly plant sale. Few sell natives or even know what a native is. read more

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens - Tours Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

This place is so nice to walk around and look at! I loved the butterfly fly garden! It is $12 per person to get in so keep that in mind when you come. read more

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I visited Kanapaha Botanical Gardens for the first time and loved it. It was so serene and offered so many different types of gardens to walk through. It was a relaxing couple of hours just leisurely roaming the gardens and enjoying nature. read more

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I LOVE THIS PLACE! This is a place I go for inspo and refreshment. I mention it in my little podcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q-7dXGM1wc https://open.spotify.com/episode/7AVDzYG9l9OUJzVAxF1e0t?si=1m6pyudZTC6FPpriw7ojwA read more

We so enjoyed our trip to the botanical gardens. We arrived around 3pm on a Sunday and had so much fun exploring! The botanical gardens boasts so many plants, but most notable I feel like was the huge collection of bamboo plants and their herb garden (which they said is the largest herb garden in the Southeast United States). The admission is $10 per person which I think is very reasonable. The gardens boast about 1.5 miles of trails through their plant collection. Signage was great and almost every plant we saw had a sign on it. There are lots of beautiful areas, waterfalls and even a kids garden! Definitely a recommended place to stop in Gainesville! read more

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A very rude front desk attendant attempted to deny us entry, saying "We don't allow entry 45 minutes before close." when we arrived at 6:10 pm (50 minutes before close). When I clarified what time it was, she proceeded to be rude and backtrack saying we wouldn't have that much time in the gardens anyways. We are annual pass holders and simply wanted a quick walk. It's a shame Kanapaha employs people who just can't be bothered. Very disappointing. This occurred Sunday April 27, 2025 at 6:10pm. The attendant was an older woman with a sour face and grey hair. read more

Visiting Gainesville and looking for something to do? Add this is your list... No matter what time of year, these gardens are absolutely beautiful. Walking the trails and enjoying the nature around you is the perfect way to relax. I tried to think of my favorite parts for this review, but I like all of it! But I guess I do favor seeing the giant water lilies and the bamboo garden. I/we always seem to notice something new as well. Of course, this is the beauty of nature...it's forever changing yet it stays the same. There is plenty of free parking, however, there is a small fee to enter the grounds. Moreover, there is a gift shop and restrooms. Plus, you are welcome to bring dogs as long as they remain on a leash. read more

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens - Their leaflet - all the info you need (2 of 2) - Tours Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Everything was just perfect. It was our first time visiting and I can't wait to go back. My favorite part was all the lilies! read more

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My husband and I really enjoy exploring new botanical gardens and this one didn't disappoint (although we will definitely visit at a different time of year when more is in bloom). Not part the American Horticultural Society this garden costs $10 per adult for admission and has annual passes starting at $40 a person (there are some reciprocal gardens in Florida) there is plenty of area to walk, stop for a picnic and enjoy nature. The children's garden was spacious with play areas that include climbing and sliding as well as a giant chess set and small maze to walk through. There are areas with waterfalls and ponds as bamboo gardens and everything in between. This is the perfect place to spend a couple hours. read more

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We had a lovely morning at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. We started on the right hand side and walked the one mile loop. They were setting up for a wedding amongst the bamboo standsZm. Then we stopped in the main office for some water, before going back out to the other side. We picked up some seeds at the front desk (sensitive mimosa) and purchased a membership. My so will come back for the orchid and Camilla sales! read more

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens - Pinecone ginger - Tours Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Pretty gardens. I think spring/summer is probably the best time for viewing though. Relatively affordable read more

First things first do not come here in February.! They had cut everything back getting ready for Springs so we only saw a couple of flowers. But this place looks like a great place to spend about 2 hours walking around looking at the types of flowers and vegetation and herbs and they have a koi pond as well. They said they have the largest bamboo garden in the state. They also have a visitor center and a gift shop. Large parking lot and the price to get in was $10 per person. read more

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This is a beautiful little place, not the best botanical garden in the world but worth a visit. At least once. It's a good way to spend an hour or two if you're near Gainesville. read more

Very nice and inviting and inexpensive. The day we went it was pouring rain but we still enjoyed the beautiful grounds.

Had a great time at the gardens this afternoon! Upon entering, however, we were attacked by these huge black mosquitoes! If you have repellent, bring it with you, or they have some at the front desk. It was $10 per adult to get in and it was a beautiful day for a stroll. Even though summer is coming to a close, there is much to see and experience. Even got to see a baby gator in the koi pond! read more

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Gorgeous and very interesting! Between the largest variety of bamboo in one place (in the state of Florida), and the largest herb garden in the southeast United States. My only regret for this visit is that I wished I had looked up when the large lily pads were in season. For some reason, I thought these would be constant and not bloom back each year - but they do! Which is almost more impressive read more

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It small but love the everything about it , especially different kind of Ginger and Asian bamboo plants and Japanese decorations read more

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Beautiful, worth the cost of the visit! Gorgeous walk seeing fun and interesting wildlife and plants. read more

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens - Tours Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Lovely gardens with an easy walking path. We started on the 1 mile loop, then finished our stroll on the 1/2 mile path. We visited in January when much of the flowering plants and shrubs are in their dormant state, but there was still plenty to see, and the weather was perfect. The camelias are in bloom in winter, and there were other flowers that provided bright bursts of color. My favorite garden was the bamboo forest, which is the largest in the state. One can hear the hollow knocking sound as the wind passes through the bamboo from many parts of the garden, and, standing underneath the stands of bamboo as they rock in the breeze is a singular experience. Well worth the $10 entry fee. read more

You can get in for $10 but it is worth it if you like nature because there is a lot to see here I preferred it over other gardens I have been to in Gainesville. The trail is really long , there is lots of different types of flowers and scenery. It is definitely a good place to go with some friends and spend some time enjoying nature, I saw a lot of nature that I thought was really pretty and spent a while here with my friends read more

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Wow is all I can say I'm in love 65 acre , 24 collections and 1and a half paved walk way . The biggest bamboo. Collection I have ever seen . The most beautiful gardens ever . Admission is 10 dollars and you can spend an entire day there but make sure to bring bug repellent and water . Parking is ample. read more

Summer visitors bring water and bug spray!!! The giant lily pads were what attracted us. They did not disappoint. Buy the fish food. Lots of colorful Koi fish to feed. Waterfall is small. Kids garden is whimsical and the bamboo is amazing. Loved the herb garden. I imagine the azalea garden is lovely at the right time. Mosquitoes were terrible in swampy wet places and needed the bug spray. Summer visitors prepare to take it slow. Lots of shade but heat and humidity are a factor. read more

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West of 75 in the opposite direction of UF, this garden takes you some place totally different from the hustle and bustle of a college town. Was a little worried about going in "winter" on a cold day but there were still plenty of gorgeous, bright, vibrant flowers in bloom. There is a quite extensive herb garden which was probably half full but still cool all the same. The bamboo variety here is like nothing I have ever seen before. There were several plants that were cut back so I'm sure when spring rolls around they will be great. They have a small playground and maze for young ones, plenty of koi that you can feed (purchase feed in main building before you head out), and lots of areas to stop for a break or quick snack which you can bring in from the outside. It can be a lot of walking on uneven or elevated ground so make sure you have good shoes on. Many nice areas to just stop and take in the views or have some peaceful reflection. We went on a cold day but could see how if it were hotter, mosquitoes would be a big concern. Worth a visit in your in the area or a little drive away and looking for something to do for the day. Pack a lunch and head on over. read more

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It was awe inspiring to walk through the beautiful botanical gardens! The mockingbird sang various songs. Prepare to do some hilly walking for those who might be limited. Thankfully, the paths were sidewalks. I look forward to coming back! read more

Had no idea this spot of dog friendly! It's my new favorite place to meander and relax. Well kept grounds with most of it paved. Very peaceful to walk through. I loved that so many of their plants (if not all) are labeled. Great spot for a date or picnic with the family, plenty of room to spread out and be covid safe. There is a kids' garden that is very whimsical and fun (even for adults!). Can't wait to go back. Also worth noting their annual membership fees are relatively cheap and totally worth the price. This place is definitely a hidden gem of Gainesville! read more

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens - Koi pond - Tours Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I went there after almost Twenty years, because a dear friend had the celebration of life for his son who died suddenly at 30 years old. The situation was well handled, and the remembrance time was very appropriate as we collected in the woods, and discussed what we enjoyed about his son the most. read more

Everything about this awesome attraction is serene, beauty-filled and photographic. There isn't an abundance of flowers at this time of year but there are enough to see, enjoy and take photos of. The drive up from Ocala was worth it just to see the unique and amazing Giant Victoria Water Lilies...they were the highlight for us. read more

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Entertaining and unique gardens. Not as well curated as most but definitely worth a visit. The highlights for us were the bamboo gardens and the Rock Garden. Costs $10 for adults and was definitely worth it. Took us about two hours to quickly walk through but would've been nice if they had signs saying what was in that direction. But overall Understandable why this garden has so many great reviews and great tips!Yes bring bug spray! read more

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I genuinely don't know where all the good reviews are coming from. I came here with my girlfriend the day after valentine's day, and it was a 2hr drive. From the pictures, we expected so much more. One thing I can say for certain; do not waste your money here. I repeat, do not waste your money here. Or your time. Every plant was either dead or missing, there were empty plots of land that look like they just forgot to put something there. The "waterfall" was murky and underwhelming. It seriously looks like a hurricane swept everything away. I was shocked that they allowed people into the park like this. After finishing one side of the park, we headed to the other side. Just as we walk through the doors, we hear someone say "I hope the other side is better". I was floored. I didn't think it could get worst. We barely made it through that mile hike alive, I almost died of boredom. There were signs for plants but no plants in sight. We literally had to cut through and leave because it was too bad to finish the mile hike. 1 star is for the koi fish. The only redeeming quality. read more

Beautiful beautiful garden that is so vast and huge! They have so many varieties of different plants and flowers. The garden itself is so big with very different but interesting categories. They also have regular community events, which are also very fun to attend. read more

The kanapaha botanical gardens are beautiful!! There are so many nice little spots to sit and just take in the beauty but it is also big enough to just keep walking and walking and see something new all the time. It felt like there were so many hidden things to discovery and so much natural beauty. I went shorty after a freeze but I can't wait to go back and see it in spring read more

What a sweet botanical garden set in Gainesville. I love the fact that they accept dogs within the grounds, as long as they are on a lead. My two pups sure had a lovely time there. My daughter and I also enjoyed the grounds too, very pretty. The entrance fee of ten dollars for an adult is very acceptable imo. I was fascinated by the huge Lily pads they had there on the koi pond. Apparently they can grow up to six feet wide and hold a small child on them! Definitely worthy of a few hrs if you are a nature lover and you want a peaceful time. read more

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If you like to be outdoors and love plants, this is a beautiful place to visit in the Gainesville area. Whether you go for a guided walk or one of their seasonal garden festivals, you will be sure to enjoy the vast amount of plants in bloom depending on what time of the year you go. I had the opportunity to see one of the world's largest giant water lily pads [Victoria cruziana lily pad] that measured 85 inches in diameter. Yah wow! There are plenty of things to explore such as the bonsai nursery, bamboo garden, herb trail, some wildlife, butterfly gardens and more. They also have a small give shop if you want to grab a souvenir or two. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is also kid and pet-friendly, but keep in mind, it's definitely not Disneyland for the former. Definitely wear mosquito repellent during the warmer months if you're prone to bites like I am. Otherwise, the cooler months may be a better time to go. read more

Lovely park, dogs allowed on leash. Can go for a decent jog or walk as the park is a good size.

Pretty average as far as botanical gardens go. It was quite a big property and a fairly long walk around to explore, but overall I wasn't too impressed with what I saw. Sure, you're outside and that in itself can be nice depending on the weather, but there wasn't much to this place. The really large bamboo garden is probably the highlight - both creepy and impressive. Outside of this, the rest of the gardens are not taken care of very well. I think they rely on volunteers to do everything, and if there are none then the weeds get overgrown throughout. But, they keep taking people's money of course. They host some decent plant sales though. If you're in the area AND there's another event going on here, check it out. But otherwise, I'd suggest passing and finding a park to walk around and relax in. read more

If you want to visit Gainesville, this botanical garden is a good spot to be. Please allow minimum two hours to enjoy the garden. This garden is wheel chair accessible. The most famous is their Amazon lily pad. However, the lily pad only fully grown and curve up the edge at August and September. When weather turn cold, they actually get smaller and eventually died. They start lily pad seed at February. The lily is a must seen items in Florida tourist spot. When it is fully grown, it can sit a child on it. I have noticed on one of the previous review from our yelp friend Coty. She have her wedding here. I can see there are many good spot for picture during the wedding, anniversary, or special event. Other than the lily pad. Their garden flower blooming is at different time of the year. It almost every month they have different flower. It is good for the flower society people. This garden has magnificent bamboo garden. The bamboo species include the horse tail bamboo shape like horse tail. I can imagine the Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon can film here for their bamboo scene with sword fight. This park is not too far off from I-75. Plan a visit with children also since they have children garden with moving water. If I am the resident of Gainesville, I will get the annual pass of this place. read more

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Nice 1st park to visit after post covid-19 reopening both staff and guests seamed very mindful of social distancing. Got in a nice long walk and enjoyed the vibe of both nature and wildlife. Got to see a baby gator, butterflies, cardinals, squirrels, lizards and bubble bees. Picturesque waterfalls, water lilies, bamboo, gardens, labyrinth, vines, flowers, trees and all the related smells too. 48 acres and several mini sections makes for a great way to get some steps in with some varied scenery. Good fun and way to kill a few hours in nature before going back to being stuck inside. read more

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