A place like no other near Tampa in Florida
The beautiful Bok Tower Gardens got its name from Edward W. Bok, a talented Dutch author and humanitarian who won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. When Bok was just a child, he moved to the United States. As he grew up and achieved success as a writer, Bok decided to purchase land on Iron Mountain, which happens to be one of the highest points in Florida, standing tall at 295 feet above sea level. With his vision of creating a haven for birds, Bok transformed the land into a sanctuary and added a magnificent 60 bell-carillon. To bring his dream to life, he enlisted the help of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. And in 1929, Bok generously gifted this remarkable site to the American public.
The gardens have been a big hit with recent visitors. They enjoy strolling through the peaceful gardens, listening to the beautiful bell music, and dining at the Blue Palmetto Café, which is conveniently located on-site. Many visitors find themselves spending several hours exploring the gardens, and it’s no wonder why. The gardens are situated about 60 miles east of downtown Tampa, making the drive well worth it. Alongside the gardens, there are also nature trails to explore and a stunning Mediterranean-style mansion called El Retiro. This mansion, originally constructed in the 1930s for a Bethlehem Steel executive, holds historical significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.