Did you know that Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr was the landscape architect behind the Bok Tower Gardens? I didn’t until I visited. I chose this historic place as part of a free museum day live ticket mainly because I had heard the name on the radio but didn’t know that much about it. Fredrick L Olmstead was a landscape architect that worked on the National Mall, National Zoo, National Cathedral, Jefferson Memorial & White House grounds (DC) as well as the Everglades, Acadia, Yosemite and others. He focused on conservation and in bringing out the natural landscape of America for all to enjoy.
Bok Tower Gardens:
Bok Tower Gardens however, is owned by the Edward Bok family. There is a history museum on the grounds where you can learn all about the gardens history as well as the Bok family.
The gardens are sprawling and has a natural and relaxed nature to it. It is laid out in a very organized way and paved from area to area, activity to activity. It is a bit of walking however as it’s on a large grounds. Arriving at the opening of the gardens, I was able to comfortably cover Bok Tower Gardens and Pinewood Estate grounds in about 4 hours. As you walk towards the Tower, there is a path leading you to it from the main entrance and it’s a really enjoyable scenery filled with plants, ponds and foliage. The Bok Tower itself is surrounded by a pond filled with Koi that you can feed.
I was early and missed the crowds. Thus, I was able to view the Bok Tower in serenity. However, I was too early for the Tower concert which is at 1 & 3pm. Can’t win ‘em all.
Tip off:
My big helpful tip when visiting Bok gardens is to douse yourself in mosquito and/or bug spray. I was consumed as I walked towards the Bok Tower because there are large ponds filled with fish, wildlife, giant lily pads and who knows what else. It’s pretty but watch out for those mosquitos in Sept.
Pinewood Estate
Pinewood Estate is within the Bok Tower gardens and you can walk from one to the other. I didn’t pay extra for the house access and I don’t think you really need to – you can peek into the house from the large windows. The inside looks old and dusty – a great place for a haunted mansion party in my opinion. There is a garden in the front and also an orchard with orange trees. In the back of the house, there is another garden. Surrounding the house there are large trees. There is an overall woodsy feeling as you walk around.
Window by the Pond:
Window by the Pond is a fun seating area that is enclosed in front of an active pond. Sit inside (like you are at the movies) and watch any activity taking place in the pond. Unique place to relax.
Transportation:
Parking is free with your ticket entrance. Once you enter the entrance, there is a winding drive up to the main parking area.
For directions, click here.
Museum Day Live 2017:
I visited Bok Tower Gardens as part of a free Museum Day Live 2017 ticket. If you want to know more about Museum Day, check out my post. As well, check out my post on the other museum I visited on Museum Day Live, The Ringling.
