Things to see and do at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Florida

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens: Florida’s Hidden Botanical Oasis

Tucked away in Williston, Florida, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens isn’t your typical botanical garden. It’s a reclaimed limestone quarry turned into a lush sanctuary—a layered landscape of waterfalls, koi-filled ponds, stone bridges, and winding paths. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with a side of surreal beauty, this place delivers.

What makes Cedar Lakes so special is how it came to be. Dr. Raymond Webber, a retired endodontist with a passion for plants and design, bought the overgrown, abandoned quarry in the early 1990s. Over two decades, he sculpted it into a living piece of art. He didn’t just plant a garden—he created an immersive environment, carving out terraces and stacking limestone by hand. It’s one of those places that feels less like Florida and more like something out of a storybook.

Today, Cedar Lakes covers over 20 acres and features more than 100 species of plants, both native and exotic. You’ll find Japanese maples, bamboo, orchids, irises, and plenty of tropical greenery. Towering trees give way to sun-drenched clearings. Colorful flowers bloom year-round. And everywhere you look, water moves—trickling, splashing, reflecting the sky. The gardens are a feast for the senses.

But the real magic is in the layout. The quarry’s walls create natural elevation, so visitors explore the gardens from both above and below. One moment you’re looking down into a lily-covered pond, the next you’re walking beside it, with 30-foot cliffs rising around you. There are benches tucked into quiet corners, romantic walkways draped in vines, and hidden spots that seem made for a picnic or a meditation session.

Wildlife thrives here too. Turtles bask on rocks. Butterflies flit through the blooms. Birds call from the treetops. And the koi—massive and brightly colored—swim slowly through the greenish waters, a calming presence in every pond.

Unlike Florida’s more commercial garden attractions, Cedar Lakes keeps things intimate. It’s privately owned and operated, and while word is spreading, it still feels like a secret spot. That’s part of its charm. No crowds. No rush. Just time to wander.

Visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace. There are no scripted tours, but staff and volunteers are happy to answer questions. Many return again and again, noticing something new each visit—a fresh bloom, a bird they missed before, the way light plays across the quarry walls.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is open year-round, with spring and fall being especially gorgeous times to visit. Admission is modest, and the experience is well worth it. It’s not just a place to take pretty photos—it’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.

If you’re road-tripping through central Florida or just need a break from the beach crowds and theme parks, don’t miss this gem. It’s proof that vision, patience, and a love of beauty can turn even an abandoned quarry into something unforgettable.

Viator offers numerous tours near Williston. Click here for details.  http://vi.me/RuPX2

For more information on wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries in the area visit https://flbwd.com 

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens map

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens gate

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens fountain

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens walkway

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens waterfall

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens lake