Welcome to the Gardens!Bok Tower Gardens is a dynamic, engaging and enjoyable experience for people of all ages. Focal

points and activities throughout the Gardens provide for leisurely strolls, enlightening

moments, and engaging activities.

Established in 1929 by Edward W. Bok as a gift to the American people, the 50-acre

garden was designed by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. to be a

contemplative and informal woodland setting.

Acres of ferns, palms, oaks and pines fashion a lush backdrop of flowering foliage and the spectacular seasonal color of azaleas, camellias and magnolias showcasing an

ever‑changing work of art. The 205‑foot marble and coquina Singing Tower is the pinnacle of the gardens with tile mosaics,

animal carvings, custom ironwork, and daily carillon concerts.

Dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on Feb. 1, 1929, Bok Tower Gardens is a

National Historic Landmark.

Edward W. Bok, the founder of

Bok Tower Gardens

Visitor Center & MuseumOpen 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Begin your visit here with a brief orientation film, explore the Gardens’ history, and see changing art exhibits. Our Visitor Services Team is available to answer questions you may have.Amenities: information, restrooms, water fountains, lost & found, first aid, shuttle service

Blue Palmetto CaféOpen 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Start your trip off right or wrap it up with lunch or snacks in our on-site café. Our Chef has crafted a variety of delicious signature salads, soups, sandwiches and wraps for your enjoyment. Our menu includes fresh fruit, specialty desserts, ice cream, light breakfast selections, beer, wine and beverages. Relax inside or outside on our patio overlooking the Pollinator Garden.

Tower & Garden Gift ShopOpen 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Find unique treasures to commemorate your visit to the Gardens. Our Plant Shop also gives you a chance to find a plant to take home for your own garden. Find a portion of our Gift Shop items online at shop.boktowergardens.org and have them shipped directly to your front door.Amenities: mobility cart, wheelchair and stroller rentals, pet care

Olmsted Landscape GardensOpen 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Bok Tower Gardens is one of the finest works of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. Meandering pathways through the 50-acre shaded woodland garden and bird sanctuary with a mix of more than 1,000 native and non-native plant types, intimate garden rooms, wide open spaces, and breathtaking vistas.Amenities: restrooms, water fountains, shuttle service, picnic areas

Pinewood Estate & GardensSeasonal hours

During your visit be sure to tour Pinewood Estate & Gardens, a one-of-a-kind 1932 Mediterranean-style home and Olmsted-designed landscape. The home is one of the finest examples of Mediterranean-style architecture in the Southeast. Acquired by the Gardens in 1970, the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During your self-guided tour of the 20-room mansion, you’ll learn about the history of the home and its occupants, architectural features, decorative art furnishings, and gardens. Tickets are available at the Information Desk. $6/adult, $5/child (ages 5‑12), $5/member, children under 5 are free. The second floor of Pinewood Estate is not accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. Strollers are not permitted inside.Amenities: restrooms, shuttle services

Wild GardenOpen 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Native plants attract native animals in this garden designed to showcase various Florida ecosystems. Wildflowers and wildlife abound along the walk, taking you to the Singing Tower. A side trail boardwalk through a wet prairie allows close-up viewing of a bog with carnivorous plants and the wildlife pond with wading birds, ducks, dragonflies, and butterflies. Gopher tortoises can be seen along the trail. Window by the Pond and the Endangered Plant Garden are located in the Wild Garden.Amenities: restrooms

Edible Garden & Outdoor KitchenOpen 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

The Edible Garden features fruits, herbs and vegetables including old heirloom varieties as well as newer varieties suited to Central Florida, developed by the University of Florida and other growers. At the heart of the Edible Garden is the Outdoor Kitchen, a place to learn and to enjoy. Culinary classes and special events are held here. Sit and relax in the open canopy of the kitchen to get out of the sun or a shower.

Hammock Hollow Children’s GardenOpen 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

The children’s garden is a 2.7‑acre garden for families where kids can connect, play and learn in nature. The hammock forest has places for kids to explore, build, imagine, and create. Besides fun physical activities, kids can create music and art, even perform on stage before cooling off in the River Walk fountain.

Children must always be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Pine Ridge Nature PreserveOpen 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

The 2.5‑mile preserve trail takes you through virgin sandhill pine forest as well as restoration pinelands past quiet sitting places and spectacular vistas. The open, sunny trail travels through fire maintained habitat that is burned every 3-5 years to encourage native grasses and wildflowers that sustain wildlife in this open forest. Songbirds, turkeys, raptors, tortoises, lizards and a host of other wildlife can be found here.Fall and spring are peak wildflower bloom seasons. Pick up a trail guide at the Visitor Center Information Desk.

Singing TowerCarillon concerts at 1 & 3 p.m. daily

The 205‑foot neo‑Gothic Singing Tower was designed by architect Milton B. Medary, awarded in 1930 the American Institute of Architects grand prize for his design. Stone sculpture by Lee Lawrie, ironwork by Samuel Yellin, and tile mosaics by J. H. Dulles Allen adorn the tower in an Art Deco style. Hewn of stone native to the Southeast, the tower houses a 60‑bell carillon – one of the world’s finest.Pick up a carillon program at the Visitor Center Information Desk or Tower Information Booth.

The Grounds of Bok Tower Gardens

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Singing Tower

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Pinewood Estate & Gardens11

Center for Education & Conservation

Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden4

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Rain Shelter

Shuttle Stop

Rain Shelter

Visitor Center Gift Shop

Café

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Information

Shuttle Stop

Restrooms

Water Fountain

First Aid

Picnic Area

Defibrillator

Shuttle Service

Shuttle service is available for persons with disabilities, with four shuttle stops located throughout the Gardens. Pick‑up at each location is available every 15‑20 minutes. Shuttle service is subject to availability.

Smoking Area

Bok Tower Gardens grounds and buildings are all non‑smoking. Smoking is only permitted in the parking lot.

Weddings & Rentals

The Gardens makes the perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony, private function, or business meeting. For more information stop by the Visitor Center or visit us online at boktowergardens.org/weddings.

River of StoneThis unique pebble pathway at the Visitor Center features a simple, flowing pattern. Find a cascading display of Tillandsia, commonly known as air plants, and various seasonal plants.

Pollinator GardenStop along the meandering path and focus on the buzz and flutter, you may see 20‑30 different types of pollinators working the blossoms in search of nectar. This native area was designed to attract the greatest variety of pollinators.

Kitchen Garden & Outdoor Kitchen

A fruit, herb and vegetable garden surrounds a relaxing outdoor kitchen for culinary classes and outdoor events. Rest here out of the sun or showers. Educational programs are hosted indoors at the adjacent Discovery Center.

Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden

Step through our pint-sized keystone gate and into a world of adventure where young visitors discover places to climb, build, dig and create. These 2.7 acres were built to teach conservation and the vital connection between animals, plants and people.

Pine Ridge Preserve TrailHike through one of Florida’s most endangered ecosystems. Interpretive signs along the trail tell about the flora and fauna of this habitat, the ecological role of fire, and the natural history of the Lake Wales Ridge. The trail begins at Window by the Pond or the parking lot and continues to the entrance gate.

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Wild GardenThe Wild Garden showcases Florida native plants and wildlife in a series of ecosystem plantings. The eight-acre area is planted with a rich diversity of native plants creating a series of ecosystem gardens including a pine forest, oak hammock, wet prairie, wetland, bog, pine flatwoods, and pond.

Wetland BoardwalkExplore a 170-foot boardwalk that meanders through the wetland prairie and bog. This garden area was inspired by real Florida ecosystems, and is surrounded by native plantings found in wet prairies, pine flatwoods and bogs including carnivorous pitcher plants.

Window by the PondLook out from this small observatory into a Florida bog ecosystem. Watch as birds, reptiles, butterflies and other animals coexist in their natural habitat. Arrive early in the morning for the most wildlife activity.

Endangered Plant GardenThis display of approximately 30 rare and endangered plants from around Florida showcases the species involved in our conservation efforts.

1929 Dedication MonumentThis marker is to dedicate the creation of the garden and wildlife sanctuary by Edward Bok and is located at the original entrance to the garden. Here you enter the historic garden created by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.

Pinewood Estate & GardensStep back in time to a luxurious 1930’s lifestyle as you tour this 20-room Mediterranean-style home and gardens. An additional ticket is required for entry. The mansion is not fully accessible by wheelchair or walker. Strollers are not permitted inside.

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Reflection Pool VistaThis iconic view of the Singing Tower is the perfect place for a photo with friends or family while visiting the Gardens.

Exedra & Sunset OverlookThe marble Exedra was given as a memorial to Edward Bok from his friends in the nearby community of Mountain Lake. The sunset view from here inspired Mr. Bok’s dream of the Gardens.

Concert Viewing AreaView the carillonneur’s performances at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. during our live performance season. See carillon program for availability.

Peace LanternThis Tōrō, or Japanese stone lantern, is adorned with peace doves and was commissioned as a gift from Usaburo Tsujita as a tribute to Mr. Bok’s efforts toward world peace. Mr. Tsujita was an attendant of Mr. Bok in the 1920’s. In 1955, it arrived with only the request to be placed within sight of Mr. Bok’s grave.

Singing TowerMade of pink marble and coquina, the 205-foot tall neo-Gothic and Art Deco Singing Tower houses the 60-bell carillon. Sustainer level members and above are eligible to tour the Founder’s Room on the first floor, offered on pre‑scheduled dates throughout the year.

Edward W. Bok’s Burial SiteEdward Bok fell ill and passed away on Sunday, January 9, 1930 within sight of his Singing Tower. His wife previously convinced him to be buried at the place he loved most. His grave rests in front of the tower’s great golden door.

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