Private Walking Tour: St. John's Botanical Garden Florida

Four gardens, a nature preserve, and 400 species of palms in 90 minutes

A private walking tour of St. John's Botanical Garden in Florida with a live guide who leads you through the main reception, Palm Villa, Palm Central, Tiki Key, a nature preserve, and a rare plant nursery over 90 minutes. The garden holds the largest collection of palms north of Orlando and includes opportunities to photograph, ask questions throughout, and explore on your own after the guide finishes. Picnic tables are available at no extra cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore St. John's Botanical Garden

• Meet guide at main reception
• Learn garden history under oak canopies
• Visit palm villa and cactus hills
• See palms in palm central garden
• Explore tiki key and blue lagoon
• Walk through nature preserve and learn about wildlife
• Tour rare plant nursery
• Enjoy garden and picnic areas independently

The experience

St. John's Botanical Garden holds over 400 species of palm, the largest collection north of Orlando, built over 20 years by the founder, who has written books on amphibians and reptiles and contributed to regional publications on palm species. The tour starts in the main reception under hundred-year-old oak canopies, where your guide explains the garden's history and purpose, then moves through Palm Villa and Cactus Hills to see cacti, agave, and palms from around the world.

From there you enter Palm Central, the prized section where palms from different continents show their evolution in the hemisphere, then walk to Tiki Key and the surrounding blue lagoon to see massive palms and fauna along the water's edge. The nature preserve comes next: your guide will teach you about native reptiles, amphibians, flora and fauna, point out wildlife indigenous to the area, and explain the history of Deep Creek and how to behave if you encounter animals. The tour ends at the rare plant nursery, after which you're free to wander the gardens and gift shop on your own and use the picnic areas.

You can bring a camera and photograph throughout the walk. The guide answers questions as you go, and the entire property is wheelchair accessible with all surfaces paved. The tour runs 90 minutes and includes the guide. Transportation to the garden is not included in the booking.

What’s included

• A live guide in English leading the full 90-minute route through the main reception, Palm Villa, Palm Central, Tiki Key, the nature preserve, and the rare plant nursery.
• access to all four garden sections and the nature preserve.
• picnic tables available at no cost.
• self-guided exploration of the gardens after the tour ends.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (1 to 7 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by St. Johns Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve

Is this one for you?This tour suits anyone who wants to see a major palm collection with expert commentary on species, evolution, and native wildlife, and who has 90 minutes to spend walking at a leisurely pace with time to ask questions and photograph. The private format means your guide adjusts to your interests and pace, and the self-guided time afterward lets you return to any section you want to explore further.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (1 to 7 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the largest collection of palms I'll see on this tour?

St. John's Botanical Garden holds over 400 species of palm, the largest collection north of Orlando. The founder spent 20 years assembling them, and they're spread across multiple sections: Palm Villa with cacti and agave from around the world, Palm Central with palms showing their evolution across continents, and Tiki Key along the blue lagoon with massive specimens and native fauna.

Can I take photographs during the walking tour?

Yes, photographers are welcome to bring cameras and take pictures throughout the tour. After the guide finishes, you also have the freedom to explore the gardens on your own, which gives you more time to photograph at your own pace.

What wildlife might I see in the nature preserve section?

The nature preserve is home to indigenous wildlife, reptiles, amphibians, and native flora and fauna. Your guide will inform you about possible sightings and teach you the appropriate behavior if you encounter animals. The guide also covers the history of Deep Creek and native species in the area.

Is this tour accessible if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

Yes, the entire garden is wheelchair accessible with all areas and surfaces paved. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What happens after the guide finishes the tour?

Once the guided portion ends at the rare plant nursery, you have the freedom to explore the gardens on your own, visit the gift shop, and use the picnic tables at no additional cost. This gives you time to linger at any section that interests you most.