Cypress Gardens

Nature beckons, a captivating call to discover a world of beauty and wonder. Thousands of plants and flowers paint a lush and colorful landscape topped by hundreds of trees woven together in a canopy of soothing greenery, creating a tranquil retreat.

It started with a dream in a Cypress swamp more than 70 years ago and grew into a landmark of grace and beauty recognized around the world. When Dick Pope Sr., started carving a garden out of a swamp, little did he realize he was creating one of the most famous gardens in the world. And earing a century later, it still stands as a vision of natural beauty and testimony to the strength of a dream fueled by perseverance and hard work. The original 35 acres is still guarded by a historic Banyan tree, planted by Dick Pope Sr. himself. Both native and exotic plant species thrive in the gardens, placed in breathtaking displays. The famed gazebo still stands, banked by a vast expanse of emerald green lawn and huge beds of brightly colored annuals. Other garden delights include Topiary Trail, a landscape of precisely-trimmed flowers and greenery pruned into amusing shapes. The sparkling waterfall burbles merrily through Topiary Trail and provides a gorgeous backdrop for a favored photo spot.
Snively Plantation is home to four more traditional gardens, including herb, vegetable, rose and butterfly gardens and the lawns of the plantation make you want to take off your shoes and stroll through the grass. Getting back to nature has never been so beautiful.

Get up close and personal with our critter friends at 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 alongside Johnny Weissmueller in the old black & white Tarzan movies! Aside from Nature's Way, the park also features a lush Aviary, where dozens of Lorries and other birds fly freely as you stroll through. Hold out a cup of nectar and watch in amazement as they actually land on your hand to feed. Wings of Wonder is also another chance to mingle with our non-human friends, as thousands of butterflies flit through the air of the arboretum. You can also see many of Lake Eloise's native creatures along the banks of the lake and there's a special area in the botanical gardens that simply beckons you to sit and enjoy the view of the nature.

Come see the show that made Cypress Gardens the "Water Ski Capitol of the World!" Take a trip through Cypress Garden's history with many of the water-skiing firsts that have been performed at the park through the years. Be amazed by daring lifts and jumps, as well as barefoot skiing, tandem jumps and the world-famous Cypress Gardens water ski pyramid. The graceful Delta Kite Flyer takes to the sky above the park once again as part of the park's signature show. The ski show brings back a historic tradition that started at the park in 1943. This show performs daily.

Thrill to over 40 rides for children of all ages, including five coasters and the world's tallest spinning rapids ride! The park's sixth coaster classic "woodie" Starliner sends passengers on a heart-pounding ride full of gravity-defying g-forces and plenty of "lift" time. Take a heart-stopping drop on the Thunderbolt, or brave the wooden curves and corners of Triple Hurricane. Gentler fun is found on the Boardwalk Carousel, a double-decker beauty full of brightly-colored, bobbing horses or the Citrus Line Railroad, a train ride through Adventure Grove. Little tykes will giggle and laugh a whole host of favorites, set right in the heart of the all-new children's area Bugsville. Picture the world through the eyes of a bug and meet the entire Bugsville gang this spring! The entire family will enjoy the views from the Paradise Sky Wheel and Sunshine Sky Adventure.