On May 8, 2025, I visited Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee, Florida, for the very first time. Although I’ve been based in the region for nearly two years now, working on a variety of environmental and media-related projects, this stunning park had somehow never made it onto my itinerary—until now.
The visit was both intentional and symbolic. I was there to film a short, scripted message for the 2025 Unity Environmental University commencement ceremony—a pre-recorded video that will appear as part of the University’s official opening sequence. As an alum of Unity, the opportunity to contribute to the celebration felt like a full-circle moment, and I wanted to capture it in a location that reflected the values of natural beauty, stewardship, and quiet resolve.
Preparing for the Visit
Though I do not consider Florida home, I’ve grown increasingly connected to its diverse landscapes during my time here. For this particular project, I sought a setting that would allow for clarity of sound, visual stillness, and a tone of reflection. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens was a clear choice once I discovered it—an environment that merges botanical design with natural simplicity, and a sense of quiet that’s increasingly hard to find.
I arrived in the late afternoon with my camera, tripod, script, and a few materials to help manage light and sound. I also brought along my dog, who often accompanies me on shoots and outings. I’d read ahead of time that while dogs are permitted in the park, they are not allowed inside the formal gardens, which include the more manicured areas near the historic reflection pool and main pathways. Still, there were ample open-air areas and shaded trails available to us, and my dog was more than happy to explore the surroundings while I focused on filming.
Preparing for the Visit Continued…
Before arriving, I reviewed the park’s guidelines and planned accordingly. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is a state-managed facility known for its meticulously curated ornamental gardens, historic architecture, and natural wooded areas. There is a modest entrance fee—$6 per vehicle—which helps support the park’s maintenance and preservation.
The park is open year-round, with peak bloom for its famed camellias and azaleas occurring from January through April. While I visited after the prime floral season, the grounds were still lush and inviting, offering shaded walking paths, reflective water features, and a general sense of tranquility ideal for introspection and creative work.
On Pet Access and Park Restrictions
It is important for visitors to be aware of the park’s pet policies. While dogs are welcome in most outdoor areas of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens, they are not permitted within the formal gardens. These restricted zones are those most closely associated with the park’s original 20th-century design, including manicured flower beds, walkways, and historic buildings. Dogs are allowed on the adjacent trails, picnic areas, and wooded spaces surrounding Lake Overstreet, provided they are leashed at all times.
Given these limitations, I selected a location just outside the formal garden entrance to set up my equipment. Fortunately, there are ample spaces that still provide a peaceful backdrop without violating park regulations. While I would have appreciated access to some of the more iconic spots for aesthetic reasons, I fully understand the rationale for limiting pet access to preserve the integrity of the landscape.
Filming the Segment
Capturing my brief commencement message took more time than anticipated. Between adjusting for lighting, ensuring audio clarity, and dealing with the occasional distraction (including a very curious squirrel and a passing lawn crew), the process required patience and flexibility. That said, the environment lent itself well to the reflective tone of the message I wanted to convey. It was a privilege to record these words in a place that resonates with the values of education, sustainability, and ecological appreciation.
After completing the filming, I remained in the park to take a series of self-portraits—something I often do to document milestones or create visual content for personal and professional use. While solo photography always requires some logistical maneuvering, the quiet atmosphere made it easy to experiment with angles and timing. The soft, late-afternoon light created an atmosphere conducive to focus and self-expression.
Reflections on the Space
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens was established in the 1920s by Alfred Barmore Maclay and his wife Louise as a private winter retreat. The couple designed the gardens to reflect a European-inspired aesthetic while showcasing native and ornamental plants suited to Florida’s climate. In 1953, the property was donated to the state and has since been preserved as both a public park and a site of historical significance.
Even without the peak-season blooms, the property maintains a dignified beauty—subtle, serene, and imbued with a sense of place that is increasingly rare in our fast-paced world. As I walked the trails and observed the interplay between cultivated space and natural growth, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for Florida’s conservation efforts and the role that public lands play in nurturing both community and individual well-being.
A Return Visit in Mind
Though this visit was brief and purposeful, it left a lasting impression. I intend to return during the winter or early spring when the gardens are in full bloom and, next time, without my dog so I can experience the formal gardens in their entirety. I can already envision a future afternoon spent reading under the shade of a camellia tree or strolling the brick paths as part of a quiet weekend retreat.
For those considering a visit, I recommend checking the park’s seasonal highlights and reviewing the pet policy in advance. Whether you’re a photographer, a writer, a student, or simply someone in need of a peaceful setting to think and breathe, Maclay Gardens offers a rare and restorative experience.
Plan Your Visit
Here’s the info in case you want to check it out yourself:
📍 Address:
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, FL 32309
📞 Phone:
(850) 487-4556
🌐 Website:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/MaclayGardens
🕒 Hours:
The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.
The historic gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💲 Entrance Fees:
- $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
- $4 for single-occupant vehicles
- $2 for pedestrians or cyclists
🐾 Pet Policy:
Dogs must be leashed and are only allowed outside the formal garden area. They’re welcome on the trails and in the picnic areas. Be respectful and clean up after them.
💬Comment Prompt Below👇🏾
Have you visited Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, or do you have a favorite natural space that grounds you during creative work or professional reflection? I’d love to hear about it.
