Leu Gardens: Orlando's best two hours of shade

Why go

Leu Gardens is a botanical garden about two miles northeast of downtown, on the shore of Lake Rowena. It covers roughly 50 acres, and much of it sits under huge live oaks hung with Spanish moss. That shade is the real draw. On a hot day it can feel ten degrees cooler than the parking lot.

The gardens are known for camellias, which bloom in the cooler months, plus a large rose garden, palms, bamboo, tropical plants and a historic house you can tour. It is not a theme-park-style attraction. It is a quiet place to walk.

When to go

Morning is best. The gates usually open at 9, and the first two hours are cooler and quieter. Weekdays are calmer than weekends, when local families and photo shoots fill the lawns.

Winter and early spring are the peak months. Camellias usually bloom from about November through March, and the roses look their best in spring and fall. Summer is still worth it for the shade, but bring water and plan around afternoon storms.

Allow time for the light. Photographers like the hour after opening, when the sun comes in low through the oaks and the lake is often still. If you want photos of the rose garden, go before midday, when the flowers still look fresh and the light is softer. The gardens are popular for wedding and family portraits, so expect a few photo sessions on weekends.

A good route

1. Pay at the welcome center and pick up a map. Restrooms are here, and there are few elsewhere.
2. Head through the camellia and oak areas toward the lake. This is the shadiest part of the walk.
3. Walk out to the boardwalk on Lake Rowena and look for wading birds and turtles.
4. Loop back past the tropical stream garden and the palm collection.
5. Finish at the rose garden and the house near the center of the grounds. House tours run on a schedule, so ask at the front desk.

Getting there and eating after

The gardens are just off Mills Avenue, north of Virginia Drive. From downtown it is a ten-minute drive. Parking is free in the lot by the entrance. You can also reach it by bike from the Mills 50 area on quiet side streets.

If you are coming from the Disney or Universal areas, budget 25 to 40 minutes each way depending on traffic on I-4.

You are close to two of the best food neighborhoods in town. Head south to Mills 50 for Vietnamese, ramen and bakeries, or north and east to Audubon Park for East End Market and casual local spots. Both are less than ten minutes away and far cheaper than eating near the theme parks.

Mistakes to avoid

• Arriving at noon in summer. The open lawns get very hot. Go early or late.
• Skipping bug spray. Near the lake, mosquitoes can be bad, especially after rain.
• Expecting big flower beds all year. Some months are greener than they are colorful. Check what is in bloom before you go.
• Missing the evening events. The gardens often host outdoor movie nights, concerts and seasonal light displays. They can be a better visit than a regular daytime walk, so check the calendar.

How it compares

Leu Gardens also works well for families. Kids like the bamboo, the turtles off the boardwalk and the open lawns where they can run. Strollers manage most of the main paths, though some side trails are mulch. A visit rarely needs more than two or three hours, so it fits before a late lunch or an afternoon rest at the hotel.

If you love gardens and have a car, the bigger trip is Bok Tower Gardens, about an hour south, with its tower and carillon music. Leu Gardens is the easier, closer choice. It fits into a half day in the city, costs less, and leaves time for lunch and a museum. Pair it with the Orlando Museum of Art or the Science Center, both a short drive away in Loch Haven Park, for a full day off the parks.