Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park - Florida

Address:3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, Florida

A State Park, a botanical garden and an historical sight, Maclay Gardens is filled with elegance and brimming with nature's most beautiful flowers. The majority of the plantings here are azaleas and camellias, which are speckled with many other florals, including coontie, gardenia, ginger, jasmine, and Oriental magnolias. The nature trails here meander through wooded hillsides of cypress, dogwood, hickory and holly and are great for hiking and jogging. Park wildlife includes alligators, bobcats and deer and birds and many of the species found here throughout the year make for excellent wildlife watching. In addition, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming are available in the Park's Lake Hall recreation area, ensuring a great time will be had by all!

These beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after they purchased the property for their winter home. A masterpiece of floral architecture, the gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden, a reflection pool, a walled garden, and hundreds of azaleas and camellias. Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Only boats without motors or with electric motors are allowed. Pavilions and grills along the lake shore provide the perfect setting for a picnic. For walking enthusiasts, two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the lake. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can enjoy five miles of multi-use trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet, located on park property adjoining the gardens. High blooming season is from January 1-April 30 with the floral peak in mid- to late March. During these months, the Maclay house is usually open daily, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. However, due to current renovations, the Maclay house will be temporarily closed. The park is Located one-half mile north of I-10 on U.S. Highway 319.