You Can Escape On A Tropical Getaway At This Park Near Orlando For Free
The Sunshine State may be more of a subtropical place, but there are some hidden gems throughout the state that make you feel like you've just stepped into a tropical oasis. One Florida garden, Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden near Orlando, is just such a place to escape to. No plane ticket needed!
The garden sits in the heart of Florida Tech, a stem university in the coastal city of Melbourne, and was dedicated as an official botanical garden in 1972.
The garden is 15-acres and totally free to enter. Currenly, only faculty, staff, and students are allowed to enter this paradise, but it's expected to reopen to the public in the future.
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The park is a shady hammock stocked with tropical palm trees and refreshing water features.
One of the centerpieces of the gardens is the Dent Smith Trail, which is named after the founder of the Palm Society, an organization that studies palms.
The trail will take you through the heart of the garden, and while on the path, you'll encounter a zig-zag bridge covered with tropical foliage.
To take a rest from the walking, there is a gazebo where you can pause and admire lush and peaceful world around you.
Also sitting within the garden is Melbourne's Little Red Schoolhouse.
The schoolhouse was built in 1883 and has stood on the site of the gardens for over a century.
The Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden provides visitors with a tropical escape without even needing to leave Florida.
Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden
Price: FREE
When: Currently Closed To The Public
Address: Florida Tech, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL
Why You Need To Go: This lush hidden garden that will make you feel as if you're on a tropical getaway.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.