Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:15 PM
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4.5
447 reviews
Excellent
288
Very good
127
Average
24
Poor
8
Terrible
0
JennInFlorida
Jacksonville, FL149 contributions
Feb 2022
We have the Florida State Park Family Annual Pass, but disappointingly this doesn't benefit you at all at this location if you wish to see the gardens (the main attraction of the park) from January - April. We had to pay the full normal price for admission with no discount related to our annual entrance pass. We visit many other state parks with garden focus (Washington Oaks Gardens, Ravine Gardens, etc) that have amazing gardens with no additional charges and expected a similar experience here, so we were disappointed at the entry fees with no discount or consideration for those already with a state park pass.
The gardens themselves were ok. We enjoyed the main brick path and seeing the camellias and azaleas. We walked all the paths and through the home on site. There were many areas that seemed overgrown and weedy like there wasn't much maintenance being done. I don't think we would plan to visit this park again, especially during the added fee period, as I don't feel the overall experience was worth the per person fee.
The gardens themselves were ok. We enjoyed the main brick path and seeing the camellias and azaleas. We walked all the paths and through the home on site. There were many areas that seemed overgrown and weedy like there wasn't much maintenance being done. I don't think we would plan to visit this park again, especially during the added fee period, as I don't feel the overall experience was worth the per person fee.
Written 22 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
designtwin
Miami Beach, FL249 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
This is a very nice park for walking around and just to get outside. Take your mosquito repellant. The main highlight is the reflecting pool with a view of the lake. It was closed off for a wedding the day we went. If you wait long enough they will open it up. A lot of beautiful spots for photography. I would have stayed longer but it was too hot. My kid was bored, no playgrounds.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LAW64
Tonbridge, UK1,756 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This was a good stopping off place on a long road trip from Destin to Amelia Island! We bought a picnic a short distance away and then sat by the pretty lake in the picnic area which was very peaceful. Nice friendly welcome with map. Quite a simple house with a lovely view and some pretty gardens which were easy to walk around and relaxing.
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgina76
Bristol, RI12 contributions
Apr 2021
Beautiful gardens in March. Camellias are spectacular and the grass was very green.
The only downside was the docent in the manor house. An elderly man, he started making pointed remarks to us about Gen. Sherman when he found out we were from New England! Truly sir, we had nothing to do with Sherman's march. Sad that this gentleman found that behavior necessary and even sadder that he did it in his capacity as docent. I hope he makes peace with the civil war and will protect our union.
Overall, the gardens are gorgeous and we would return (much to the docent's chagrin).
The only downside was the docent in the manor house. An elderly man, he started making pointed remarks to us about Gen. Sherman when he found out we were from New England! Truly sir, we had nothing to do with Sherman's march. Sad that this gentleman found that behavior necessary and even sadder that he did it in his capacity as docent. I hope he makes peace with the civil war and will protect our union.
Overall, the gardens are gorgeous and we would return (much to the docent's chagrin).
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noel78
Tennessee622 contributions
Jan 2022
On my second trip to the Alfred Maclay Gardens State Park, I was able to expand my visit. This time I was able to tour the Maclay House with its beautiful antiques and interesting story. The docent was great and made the stop there worthwhile. The gardens with their famous camellias and azaleas are at their peak from January to April. I was also able to walk around Lake Overstreet. I called it Lake Hall by mistake in my review from last January. Hope I got the name right this time.
The entrance fees are quite responsible. There is no food available, so have lunch before you make your visit. Very close to Interstate 10 and a lovely place for a walk.
The entrance fees are quite responsible. There is no food available, so have lunch before you make your visit. Very close to Interstate 10 and a lovely place for a walk.
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noel78
Tennessee622 contributions
Jan 2021
Spent time here walking around lovely Lake Hall trail (about 4 miles) and visiting the Maclay Gardens. The Maclay House is closed for COVID restrictions, but the gardens are open. The gardens are not too large, but they are pretty. $6 entrance fee per adult.
Written 19 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen W
9 contributions
May 2021
This is a State Park but clearly the State has not invested heavily in the upkeep of this old estate garden. We visited durina dry spall post-spring so all the blooms had finished. The greenery was uninspiring. Not much upkeep. Even the walled garden and the statues looked tired. The nearby lake had a nice recreation area for public boating.
Written 28 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David T
Rochester, NY12 contributions
Feb 2022
What a beautiful park! Flowers, trees, bushes all well manicured. A reflecting pond that overlooks a lake beyond. Historical house. Also for those who need assistance, they loan out a scooter for free so my elderly mother could tour the grounds. Call ahead recommended if you need the scooter. $6 per person entry fee. Also ideal location for wedding and photos. They have a party house on site.
Written 3 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M.w. C
Fitchburg, WI38 contributions
Jan 2022
A very nice state park with beautiful gardens. Visiting in January many of the plants were not in full bloom. We arrived in time for a guided tour and our guide gave us and excellent tour of the grounds and house.
Written 22 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susie Snowflake
150 contributions
Aug 2022
Visiting in August there were very few flowers, but the grounds were well cared for and it is still a pleasant place to visit. There are seating areas for relaxing and quiet trails. A wide brick walk leads from the parking area to the home and gardens. The home is only open for several months early in the year which probably coincides with the azaleas in bloom. There are many azaleas so during that season the displays are likely spectacular.
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is an interesting question that I don't know the answer to. When the Maclay's bought the property in 1923, there was simply a dirt road leading from Thomasville Road to a "simple hunting cabin" on the shore of Lake Hall. It is a lovely old home that served as the Maclay family's winter home.
Written 12 September 2018
Can you bicycle on the paths?
Written 26 February 2018
Can you have a small wedding outside there on the lawn? If so, the cost?
Written 13 October 2017
The website states:
"Many brides and grooms get married in the beautiful gardens at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. For information about weddings in the Gardens, please call."
Just google "Maclay Gardens - Weddings" as TripAdvidor does not allow posts with phone numbers and web addresses.
Written 15 October 2017
Think so, but only on a leash.
Written 29 May 2017
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