Bonnet House Museum and Gardens Tours

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens which includes tropical scenes, a park and landscape views
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens showing heritage architecture, a garden and a fountain
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens which includes interior views
Fort Lauderdale which includes tropical scenes, landscape views and a pond
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens showing flowers, a pond and wildflowers


Stroll through the grounds and historic house at this beachfront estate.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is an historic estate filled with art and surrounded by lush gardens. Gaze at masterpieces by artists such as George Seurat. The gardens are filled with natural vegetation and exotic plants, and a host of animals, including monkeys and parrots, are kept on the premises.

This impressive estate is on the barrier islands that lie between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Several bridges link this chain of islands with downtown Fort Lauderdale, and it’s easiest to come by car.

Artist Frederic Clay Bartlett built the plantation-style home for his second wife, Helen Birch, in 1920. The surrounding 35 acres (14 hectares) of land were a gift from her father, a prominent Chicago attorney. When Helen died in 1925, Bartlett married artist Evelyn Lilly and the couple kept Bonnet House as their winter home until his death in 1953.

Both the furnishings and the extensive collection of fine art remain. The art is spread out between the Main House and adjacent Bonnet House studio. Among the paintings are works by Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin, and originals by Bartlett and Lilly.

The best way to fully appreciate the history of this grand estate is by guided tour, which is included in the price of admission.

You’ll also have time to explore the grounds on your own. Check out the beachfront area, wetlands and forest, as well as landscaped gardens. Sit on a bench in the central courtyard and admire tropical plants and fountains. Two Amazon parrots are kept in an aviary here. Stroll through the Orchid Showroom, which was built to house Lilly’s collection. Look out for swans and tortoises in the garden’s Lily Pond, and watch for wild Costa Rican squirrel monkeys that roam the grounds.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is located just west of downtown Fort Lauderdale, and free parking is available. The house and gardens are open Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets are available online or at the gate. Admission is half-price if you just want to stroll the gardens without entering the house.

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Best Lodging Options Near Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a Hilton Resort

Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a Hilton Resort

4 out of 5
505 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a Hilton Resort
Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach

Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach

4 out of 5
999 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

4 out of 5
321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

5 out of 5
551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
GALLERYone- A DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel

GALLERYone- A DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
2670 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
GALLERYone- A DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel
The Atlantic Hotel & Spa

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Atlantic Hotel & Spa
Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort by Vacatia

Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort by Vacatia

4.5 out of 5
909 Breakers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort by Vacatia
W Fort Lauderdale

W Fort Lauderdale

4.5 out of 5
401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL
W Fort Lauderdale
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

5 out of 5
525 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

At Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including picturesque sunrise views, shopping, and boating adventures. For those looking to relax, there are designated picnicking areas perfect for a leisurely meal. Additionally, thrill-seekers can try jet skiing, adding an exhilarating twist to their visit. Experience the charm of this historic site while engaging in these fun activities!

Shopping

The shopping experience near Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is delightful. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, only 0.4 miles away, offers a vibrant atmosphere. Joe Picasso's, located 2 miles away, is perfect for unique gifts. For a broader selection, Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop is 5 miles away.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Chase Stadium, just 5 miles away, ideal for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf and the scenic outdoors at Palm-Aire Country Club, located 7 miles from Bonnet House. For entertainment, catch a show at Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, also 7 miles away.

Adventure

For an adventure-filled day near Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, try Atlantic Coast Kayak, located 3 miles away, for thrilling water sports. Dive into the depths with Gold Coast Scuba, 4 miles away, or race at K1 Speed, 7 miles away, for an exhilarating karting experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is vibrant. At Parker Playhouse, enjoy captivating performances just 2 miles away, while Isle Casino and Racing offers romance and gaming excitement 7 miles away. For family fun, Off the Wall Trampoline Fun Center provides adventure 9 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

While visiting the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, you can enjoy a variety of attractions including the beautiful beach, marina, and urban park. This destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a beach experience. Be sure to explore the Bonnet House Museum, relax at Bonnet House Beach, and visit the nearby Fort Lauderdale Beach Park for a complete adventure.

  • Fort Lauderdale Beach: Located 0.5 miles from Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, this stunning beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with soft sands and sparkling waters. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying beachside dining, it embodies the quintessential Florida beach vibe.
  • Las Olas Boulevard: About 2 miles away, Las Olas Boulevard is a lively street known for its upscale shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Experience the city vibe as you stroll along this bustling thoroughfare, savoring local cuisine and unique finds.
  • Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward County Convention Center: Situated 3 miles from Bonnet House, this convention center hosts various events and conferences. It exudes a business vibe, making it a hub for professionals and a great spot for networking and attending exhibitions.

Best time to go to Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Visitor numbers around Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January69.1°F (20.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May79.0°F (26.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August84.0°F (28.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September82.6°F (28.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

To save money on your visit to Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, plan your trip between August and October, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn cash for future stays. Lastly, explore Fort Lauderdale using public transport or on foot to keep travel costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bonnet House Museum and Gardens are August to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by booking an Expedia package that combines your stay at the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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