Kraft Azalea Garden: Historic Exedra Monument & Cypress Waterfront Stroll

About this adventure

Revered as Winter Park's 'secret garden', Kraft Azalea Garden is an enchanting 5.22-acre public park nestled on the quiet shores of Lake Maitland. The garden is dominated by a majestic canopy of monumental bald cypress trees dripping with long curtains of Spanish moss, creating an atmospheric, fairytale setting. Winter brings gentle lake breezes and blooming azalea buds, while great blue herons, snowy egrets, and anhingas nest high in the cypress branches. Families can stroll paved walking paths that circle the water's edge, easily accommodating strollers and grandparents. The park's signature architectural feature is The Exedra, a classical Grecian-inspired colonnade monument framing Lake Maitland where families often take holiday portraits. Benches are positioned under the trees for peaceful lakeside picnics, and modern public restrooms are situated near the shaded entrance. Admission is completely free, making it an unmissable serene morning stop.