STONE CRAB SEASON IN FLORIDA

SERENITY IN ST. PETE

Experience the tropical beauty of Sunken Gardens

By HeatherTurk

Sunken Gardens’ has a breathtaking bougainvillea wall

Those in search of a little serenity during their trip to St. Pete needn’t look any further than its oldest living museum, Sunken Gardens.

A lush botanical paradise located in the midst of the bustling city, Sunken Gardens is one Florida’s last remaining roadside attractions. Originally a sinkhole and ancient lakebed that was purchased for development in 1911, the 4-acre botanical garden is now home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Meandering paths guide visitors of all ages through a living collection of more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, including bromeliads and bougainvilleas. Guests will also pass by cascading waterfalls, koi ponds and an assortment of wildlife that call the gardens home, such as macaws, kookaburras, tortoises and even a flock of flamingos!

Designated a Local Historic Landmark in 1998, Sunken Gardens will soon house an

Blooming flowers, like these bromeliads, are on display at Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens’ new History Center will showcase classic photos of the roadside attraction

all-new History Center so visitors can learn more about its legacy. Scheduled to open this fall in the attraction’s original 1940 entrance — a building that until recently housed the gardens’ tropical birds at night — the History Center will feature exhibits showcasing Sunken Gardens’ history and its important role during the era of Old Florida roadside attractions. Never-before-seen photos, documents and footage of Sunken Gardens during its heyday when it attracted 250,000 visitors a year will be showcased within exhibit panels and a media wall to further enrich each guest’s visit.

Sunken Gardens is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors age 62 and older and $6 for children ages 2 to 17. While the last admission is sold at 4 p.m., it is recommended guests give themselves at least two hours to fully appreciate the gardens’ breathtaking beauty and tranquil atmosphere. stpete.org/visitors/sunken_ gardens.php

Sunken Gardens’ Wedding Bridge is a popular place for photographs

Sunken Gardens offers guests a tranquil escape that feels worlds away from downtown St. Pete Photo of Sunken Gardens history and tranquil escape courtesy of Sunken Gardens; Wedding Bridge by Jen Tyson