Nearly 50 acres of gardens on Lake Rowena, about 22 miles from Lake Nona, owned by the City of Orlando.
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a botanical garden at 1920 N. Forest Avenue in Orlando, about 22 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It covers nearly 50 acres on the shore of Lake Rowena and has been owned by the City of Orlando since 1961. Its collections include camellias, azaleas, roses, bamboo and many tropical and subtropical plants. The historic Leu House Museum on the grounds is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens are close to Loch Haven Park and its museums.
Leu Gardens is Orlando's botanical garden: winding paths through camellias, roses, palms and bamboo, a historic house and a view across Lake Rowena. It is a calm contrast to the rest of Orlando's attractions, and a good place to see what grows well in Central Florida gardens, including your own.
This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far the gardens are, what is there and when to go.
How far is Leu Gardens from Lake Nona?
Harry P. Leu Gardens is about 22 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, northeast of downtown Orlando.
The usual route takes SR 417 north and the East-West Expressway (SR 408) west, both toll roads, then local roads north. The gardens have their own parking lot.
| Distance from Lake Nona Town Center | About 22 miles |
|---|---|
| Address | 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando |
| Size | Nearly 50 acres, on Lake Rowena |
| Owned by | City of Orlando, since 1961 |
| Also on site | Leu House Museum |
What is there to see at Leu Gardens?
The gardens are organized into themed areas, including camellias, azaleas, a formal rose garden, bamboo, palms, tropical plants and a butterfly garden.
The camellia collection is one of the gardens' best-known features, with hundreds of varieties. Paths wind down to Lake Rowena, where there are views across the water. The gardens also have demonstration areas that show plants suited to Central Florida's climate, which is useful for anyone planning a garden at a new home.
What is the Leu House Museum?
The Leu House is a restored historic home at the center of the gardens, showing Florida life around the turn of the 20th century.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and guided tours run through the day. Check the gardens' website for current tour times.
When is the best time to visit Leu Gardens?
Winter and early spring are the showiest seasons, when the camellias and azaleas bloom, and the cooler months are the most comfortable for walking.
Something is in bloom most of the year, and the gardens host events, classes and plant sales. Summer visits are best early in the day. Check the gardens' calendar for events and plant sales before you go.
Is Leu Gardens good for families?
Yes. The paths, lake views and butterfly garden suit an easy family walk, and the gardens run children's programs through the year.
A visit takes one to two hours, so it pairs well with a morning at one of the Loch Haven Park museums nearby. See our guides to the Orlando Science Center and the Mennello Museum.
How does Leu Gardens fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby outings?
Leu Gardens is Orlando's main botanical garden, close to Loch Haven Park and a short drive from Winter Park.
For outdoor time closer to home, see our Lake Nona parks hub. For more of Orlando, see the Explore Orlando hub.
Pros, Cons and Our Take
Pros
- Nearly 50 acres of gardens on a lake, in the middle of Orlando.
- A noted camellia collection and a formal rose garden.
- Ideas for plants that grow well in Central Florida yards.
- Close to the Loch Haven Park museums.
Cons
- About 22 miles each way, with tolls.
- Mostly outdoors, so summer afternoons are hot.
- Peak bloom is seasonal.
- A quieter outing that may not hold young children's attention for long.
Our Take
Leu Gardens is one of Orlando's most relaxing outings, and a good one for new Lake Nona homeowners who want ideas for their own yards. Go in winter or early spring for the camellias and azaleas, and pair it with a Loch Haven Park museum.
What the Neighbors Know
Lake Nona residents who garden often find Leu Gardens useful for seeing what thrives in Central Florida's heat and sandy soil. For parks and green space closer to home, see our Lake Nona parks guide.
Official Sources
Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Leu Gardens from Lake Nona?
About 22 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, northeast of downtown Orlando.
How big is Harry P. Leu Gardens?
Harry P. Leu Gardens covers nearly 50 acres on the shore of Lake Rowena in Orlando.
Who owns Leu Gardens?
Harry P. Leu Gardens has been owned by the City of Orlando since 1961, when Harry and Mary Jane Leu gave the estate to the city.
When is the best time to visit Leu Gardens?
Winter and early spring, when the camellias and azaleas bloom, are the most colorful times to visit Leu Gardens.
