Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens originally opened some 70 years ago and although temporally closed has once more opened and is better than ever.

Dick St John Pope was responsible for creating a 35-acre garden out of a swamp and you can still see the 70-year-old Banyan trees planted by him.

You will see native and exotic plant species in the gardens in breathtaking displays. The famed gazebo still stands, banked by a vast expanse of lawn and beds of brightly coloured annuals.

Visit the Topiary Trail; here you will see flowers and greenery pruned into amusing shapes. With the sparkling waterfall running through the Topiary Trail there are great opportunities to take photos.

There are also more traditional gardens, including herb, vegetable, rose and butterfly gardens.

Cypress Gardens is located in Winter Haven mid-way between Orlando and Tampa. From Orlando you take the I-4 WEST to exit 55 (U. S. Hwy 27 SOUTH). Continue South on U. S. Hwy. 27. Turn right off U. S. Highway 27 at State Road 540/Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Park is 4 miles on the left.

The Park always opens at 10. 00am and closing can vary between 5. 00pm and Midnight depending on the season. Admission is approx $40 for adults and $35 for Seniors and Children, both are plus tax. Children under 2 are free.

Cypress Gardens is particularly suitable for extended families as there is something for all ages. Whilst grandparents and garden enthusiasts can enjoy strolling through the gardens the children can head for the rides. There are 40 rides for children of all ages including five coasters and the world’s tallest spinning rapids ride. The more brave hearted can take a heart-stopping drop on the Thunderbolt, or even brave the curves and corners of Triple Hurricane. For younger members of the family there is the Boardwalk Carousel, a double-decker beauty full of brightly coloured, bobbing horses or the Citrus Line Railroad, a train ride through Adventure Grove. Little ones will really enjoy tiny thrillsters, such as Gear Jammers, Tiny Trotters and Upsy Daisy. The whole family can enjoy the views from the Paradise Sky Wheel and Sunshine Sky Adventure.

Everyone will enjoy Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. Nature’s Way is home to more than 300 hundred furry, feathered and scaly friends, including a beautiful jaguar, Nile crocodiles and an alligator that once starred in the old black & white Tarzan movies. Be sure to visit the Aviaries to see many splendid birds.

There is also first class entertainment on a variety of stages, including ice, water and animal. These take place daily ranging from the graceful Living Garden to the daring, gravity-defying feats of the ice show and world-famous water ski show. Be sure to see the comical pirates looking for treasure in Cypress Cove. Some of the animal shows are full of entertaining facts and help to educate the children in a fun way.

There are lots of restaurants to choose from or there are snack stands if you just prefer something light. Try the Jubilee Marketplace where you will find everything from all-American hamburgers to the pastries, which are cooked on site. If you are really hungry try Aunt Julie’s Country Kitchen where you can get home-style all you can eat cooking. If it is BBQ food you are looking for try Backwater Bills you wont be disappointed.

You really must not leave Cypress Gardens before you sample the ice- cream at Cherries on Top – enjoy your day.