This may be the prettiest strip mall in all of Florida. Strip mall? That’s right. In 1993, a group of eight Naples residents decided to create a world-class botanical garden. But it wasn't until 2000 that an endowment enabled the purchase of a 170-acre site with seven different habitats just south of Old Naples. An existing strip mall and parking lot were transformed into a garden experience to introduce the community to what was to come. In June 2008, the garden closed for a remarkable makeover. Reopened in 2009 as a world-class tropical garden featuring the plants and cultures found along 26 degrees latitude north and south, Naples Botanical Garden includes cultivated plants from Brazil, the Caribbean, Asia, Florida, and a hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of restored natural Florida habitat. Orchid fans will love the Orchid Garden featuring over 2,000 beauties on display. The garden’s Fogg Café features some of the best views of the gardens.