bok tower gardens

KahunaNoKaOi

If you find yourself longing for nature at its best in Central Florida, wend your way over to the highest point (298 feet above sea level) of what was Iron Mountain and is now a National Historical Monument. Yesterday, we visited Bok Tower Gardens with Mike & Carol and enjoyed the lush gardens and the magical afternoon Carillon concerts. This gem is one man's way of showing his gratitude to the citizens of the US for all the opportunities it provided for him and his family. While jitney transportation is provided for those with mobility impairments, recognize that you are in Florida and keep well hydrated, especially if you really want to cover the amazing gardens and spectacular views. The best time to visit is during the height of the blooming season - typically February - although our visit in early March was well rewarded. It is definitely a place of meditation and rest.

FlaHarlock

It's only taken me 30 years but.. Today I crossed the moat, climbed the marble stairs, and explored beyond the Great Brass Door. It was spectacular! Everything I imagined it would be. Members at the Sustainer Level and above are invited to an exclusive tour of the Founder’s Room inside the Singing Tower. Membership for two was only $100 and includes admission to Bok Tower Gardens for an entire year. I would've paid that just to see inside the Tower! The tour started with free catered breakfast and presentation in the Magnolia room. A leisurely stroll through the gardens to the Tower. Once inside the Founder’s Room, you notice the soaring pink marble walls, intricate marble windows (each one carved in place from a single block of stone), hanging wrought iron lanterns, massive marble fireplace, antique furniture, and elaborate tile floor. The nature theme of the garden and tower are continued throughout the room. There's also an original 1928 Otis elevator (the oldest in Florida). Our guide was friendly, entertaining, and knowledgable. Amazing tour that I will never forget. Highly recommended!

AlfVirginia

Beautiful tower with majestic carillon music. Listened to two beautiful concerts and met the performer after concert. Gardens were very pretty although there was some construction of new plantings. Approached the tower site through expansive and very fragrant orange groves. Well worth stopping at this location. Have been driving near it for over 30 years and decided to stop and visit. Will go back when have more time. Staff was very helpful even keeping our small dog in the office area when he did not like the kennel. Very good visit and very helpful staff.

dorisg682

Since I love to garden, I just had to see this place while I was visiting Florida.....great place to spend the day and enjoy the outdoors while walking around. There were still plenty of blooms on the plants even at the end of Feb. and I was also able to enjoy seeing varieties we can't grow in Maine. Will be back next year for sure and see it a bit earlier. My husband and I enjoyed our day.

kbmath1

The tower is a majestic, Florida treasure. Make sure you visit on a day that has live music played on the carillon, and sit in the benches in the viewing area. You will be able to watch a live video feed of the musician as he is playing the carillon. We also enjoy eating lunch at the café located on the grounds.

Lynn32655

Enjoyed walking the trails, feeding the fish, listening to the wonderful music. The tower is a gem. We used our Edison/Ford Estates Garden Membership and did not have to pay.

232janes

If you like botanical gardening, Florida Flora, Florida history, natural beauty--don't miss this. It is worth driving an extra hour (or two or three) to see. The tower is a gem. A spring visit will reward you with many blooming plants, but there is always something blooming in Florida. Plus, the ridge plants are fascinating. DO NOT MISS THIS.

BobFromBabylon

The grounds were just beatiful the place is quite and serene. This was a very nice break for us and we enjoyed the day. Don't miss the carillon it is a unique sound. Mr. Bok should be proud of his contribution to Florida.

698jackl

We enjoyed the peace and quiet outside of the chaos of traditional touristy Central Florida. The staff was very pleasant; even the squirrels seemed friendly. We got a lot of the history from one of the descendants of Mr. Bok who works there. If you're looking for a relaxing afternoon in Central Florida, I would highly recommend visiting.

Sunshine817

I'm embarrassed to say that having lived my adult life in Florida, I'd never been to Bok Tower Gardens. I've been missing out!The gardens are absolutely beautiful -- quiet and peaceful, and the paths are easy to navigate (they'll be even easier when they finish paving them all, which is underway at the moment). The house is cosy and welcoming- there aren't many mansions where I truly felt like I could curl up with a book an stay. Every window has a slightly different view, which makes each room very much its own world. I loved the combination of rough stone with the beautiful ceramics of the carillon tower -- and the sound is so peaceful and calming.It had been misty and sprinkling when we arrived -- by the time we headed away from the carillon, it was pouring rain. By the time we made it back to the entrance, we were soaked -- but the hot cup of tea at the cafe made it all much better.We want to go back when the weather is nice -- maybe we'll take a picnic next time.

890stephent

While taking photos at a wildlife reserve in Lakeland, FL, I met a photographer who told me about the Bok Tower Gardens. Upon leaving the reserve, I immediate set my GPS to the Bok Tower Gardens, and I was not disappointed. The bushes, flowers, trees and other landscape were beautiful, and the tower itself is a sight to see. I recommend a visit.

Jean-Tim

The visitors center is a good intro to the amazing tower and gardens. We went in March and the camellias and azaleas were in full bloom. Many different attractions to see as you meander down the paths.

Gajet99

The gardens are wonderful and the tower is spectacular. Just a great way to spend a few hours. Work is in progress for ADA compliance.

252thelmam

Don't miss the carillon concert - sit and enjoy the peaceful setting while listening to the music. The nature walk and gardens are beautiful and make for a wonderful area to hike or relax.

HayleaS

We went to visit Bok Tower as we wanted to do something different, away from the theme parks etc. The Tower and grounds were beautiful and we also enjoyed a nice walk along the nature trail. Quite a lot of the gardens were closed off for construction work - I look forward to going back in the future to see what's changed