While a good portion of the country is under a blanket of snow, winter blooms are popping in Florida. Two flowers that will undoubtedly brighten your day and beat the winter blues are camellias and azaleas. If you dream of strolling through gardens bursting with vibrant blooms, Florida offers some of the most magical spots to enjoy camellias and azaleas. These flowers light up the winter and spring months, making them the perfect excuse to plan a nature-filled adventure. With their rose-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and red, camellias begin to flourish in late fall and continue through early spring, providing months of beauty. Azaleas, often considered the “royalty of the garden,” create a breathtaking display of pink, purple, red, and white blooms during their peak from February to early April. I have found that you will often see these flowers blooming out of their peak season, also keep in mind that the blooming season will change from year to year depending on the weather. Keep an eye out for them throughout the winter and into early spring. They are sure to delight as these flowers transform Florida’s gardens into a wonderland of color. Here are my favorite places to experience these natural beauties.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens - Gainesville

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, located in Gainesville, is a 68-acre garden comprised of 24 major collections. It is best known for its bamboo collection, which is the state's largest public bamboo display. It also houses the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Just past the entrance of the garden, you will find the azalea and camellia garden, which showcases a dazzling display of both plants.

Best Time to Visit: Camellias bloom from November to March; azaleas bloom from late February through April.

Hot Tip: During their annual camellia show, they also offer plants for sale.

Bok Tower Gardens

Best known for its iconic Singing Tower, Bok Tower Gardens is a serene destination with lush landscapes that feature stunning camellias and azaleas. Located in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens boasts one of the greatest works of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. The mix of formal gardens and natural settings makes this a unique experience for any visitor.

Best Time to Visit: Camellias bloom from December through March; azaleas begin blooming in mid-February and last through April.
Insider Tip: The Singing Tower Carillon concerts are at 1 & 3 p.m. daily with short selections played on the hour and half-hour.

Mead Botanical Garden

Mead Botanical Garden is a hidden gem tucked away in suburban Winter Park just outside of Orlando. Encompassing 47 acres, Mead Botanical Garden is a tranquil oasis that bursts to life during camellia and azalea season. I absolutely loved strolling the shaded walking trails here when we lived in central Florida. There is also a butterfly garden, pond, and creek. Don’t miss the camellia garden located at the front of the park, which has a vast array of different varieties. You will also find azaleas scattered throughout the park. Mead hosts a collection of blooms that will captivate any visitor. It’s a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy the vibrant colors of these iconic flowers.

Best Time to Visit: Camellias bloom from December through February; azaleas bloom from late February to early April.
Why It’s Special: This park is such a tranquil reprieve from city and suburban life and is the perfect spot for a picnic in the park!

Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, about an hour south of Jacksonville, is hands down the best place to see azaleas in Florida. For azalea lovers, Ravine Gardens State Park is a slice of heaven. Thousands of azaleas blanket the ravines and trails, creating a vibrant landscape of pinks, purples, and whites. The park has two ravines up to 120 feet deep with steep banks at 45-degree angles, with suspension bridges, which makes for a fantastic hike. A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravines, which you can drive or bike. Whether you prefer walking or driving through, this park’s natural beauty will leave you spellbound.

Best Time to Visit: Azaleas usually bloom from late January to early April, with a peak in February and March.
Don’t Miss: A recent survey documented 18 different types of azaleas.

Washington Oaks State Park

Washington Oaks State Park is located in Palm Coast. This coastal park offers a delightful mix of formal gardens and natural beauty. Camellias and azaleas thrive here, adding vibrant pops of color to the already picturesque setting along the Matanzas River. While I have been to this park, it wasn’t during peak camellias and azalea season, so it is on my list to go back to. Be sure to check out the old A1A highway while you are there.

Best Time to Visit: Camellias bloom from December through early March; azaleas bloom from late February through April.
Bonus: Explore the park’s unique coquina rock beach after enjoying the gardens.

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Harry P. Leu Gardens, nestled in the heart of Orlando, is a stunning 50-acre botanical oasis that I absolutely love but haven’t been to during camellia and azalea season, which is unfortunate because it has the largest recorded collections of camellias in the U.S! As winter gives way to spring, azaleas join the colorful parade of blooms, which includes 30 different varieties. With 50 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Best Time to Visit: Camellias bloom from October through March; azaleas begin blooming in late February and last through April.
Also check out: The Edible Garden displays over 800 varieties of fruit and vegetables, and it donates almost 100% of its harvested produce to local food banks.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Tucked away in Florida’s capital, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is a must-visit for flower enthusiasts. This one is on my bucket list. It is said to be famous for its ornamental gardens and showcases an awe-inspiring collection of camellias and azaleas, which is in the hundreds. You can wander along winding paths, marvel at the reflection pool, and snap photos in the walled garden—a scene that feels like it belongs in a fairytale.

Best Time to Visit: Camellias bloom from late December through March; azaleas peak in mid-February through late March.
What I’m also Interested In: Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few more places to see camellias and azaleas that don’t necessarily fall into ‘the best’ category but still offer a great opportunity to see blooms. If you keep an eye out for them, you never know where they might pop up.

Kraft Azalea Garden

Another hidden gem located in Winter Park, Kraft Azalea Garden, a 5.22-acre public garden located on the shore of Lake Maitland. Tiny but mighty, this park features stunning azaleas that bloom in vibrant hues from late February through early April. A few fun facts, it boasts the largest Banyan tree this far north, is an egret rookery, and is the perfect place to launch if you want to paddle the Winter Park canals.

Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is a breathtaking natural paradise known for its crystal-clear spring waters, lush gardens, and vibrant azalea displays. During late winter and early spring, the park bursts with color as azaleas bloom along the trails, adding to its scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks through the historic gardens, which include man-made waterfalls from when the park was a privately owned tourist attraction. I also highly recommend paddling the Rainbow River, it is one of the most beautiful rivers in Florida.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a hidden gem in Williston, Florida, featuring a stunning blend of botanical gardens, waterfalls, and koi-filled ponds set within a reclaimed limestone quarry. Camellias and azaleas can be found tucked in along the meandering pathways in this unique garden sanctuary. With its enchanting mix of native and exotic plants, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens offers a one-of-a-kind floral experience in North Central Florida.

Florida’s gardens come alive with camellias and azaleas during the cooler months, offering unforgettable sights and serene experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape, these destinations have something for everyone. So, grab your calendar and start planning your visit to one (or all!) of these breathtaking spots.

Do you have a favorite place to see these gorgeous blooms? Drop it in the comments!

Best Places to See Azaleas and Camellias in Florida