Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a 35-acre historic estate in Fort Lauderdale, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. You can visit its house, themed gardens, nature trails, and orchid collection; from Ocean Mile, it’s about an 8-minute drive, and rooms at this Fort Lauderdale motel put the landmark within reach of the beach area.
- Location: 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304
- Self-guided visits: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Adult self-guided admission: $30
- Time to allow: at least 90 minutes
What to see at Bonnet House
Bonnet House brings together five ecosystems, four themed gardens, nature trails, and an orchid collection of more than 3,000 specimens.
The estate’s history is closely tied to the Bartlett family. Hugh Taylor Birch purchased the site in 1895, then gave it to his daughter Helen and her husband, artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, as a wedding gift in 1919. Frederic married Evelyn Fortune Lilly in 1931, and the couple added decorative elements that remain part of the estate today.
The house and grounds offer different ways to take in the place: look for the decorative details indoors, then leave time for the gardens and trails. Paths include coral-rock walkways and can be uneven, so the venue recommends flat shoes with closed heels and toes.
House tours and garden visits
You can visit Bonnet House on your own or book a guided tour that focuses on the historic house.
Self-guided audio tours use your mobile device and are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German. Wi-Fi is available at the site. For a guided visit, choose between a downstairs tour and a longer route that includes upstairs rooms; both last about 90 minutes and require preregistration.
Downstairs guided house tour
Downstairs tours run Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Admission is $35 for adults and $10 for ages 8–16. Groups are limited to 12 visitors, and the tour is not recommended for children age 7 and younger.
Upstairs/Downstairs tour
This tour runs Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Admission is $40. It involves climbing 20 stairs, so factor that into your choice.
Tickets, hours, and visitor rules
Self-guided admission covers the house and gardens, with a lower-priced gardens-only option that does not include entry to the house.
Self-guided admission costs $30 for adults and $8 for ages 6–17; children age 5 and under enter free. Broward County residents with ID pay $25. Gardens-only admission is $15. Museums for All admission is $3 per person for up to four people with an EBT card and valid photo ID.
Reservations are not required for self-guided visits, but online reservations are recommended. Walk-in admission is available at the Welcome Center, though waits may occur during busy periods. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Bonnet House is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The last self-guided admission is at 4:00 p.m. Hours and admission details can change, so check the official Bonnet House site before you go.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 11 AM–4 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Picnics are permitted on the grounds with paid admission. Food and drinks, including wine and beer, sandwiches, and light snacks, are also available in the Museum Shop.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited, and large bags, backpacks, and tripods are not permitted. Trained service animals are welcome; other animals are allowed only with grounds-only admission and cannot enter the courtyard or house.
How do you get to Bonnet House from Fort Lauderdale Beach?
The main vehicle and pedestrian entrance is at 900 N. Birch Road, where free visitor parking is available. A separate pedestrian-only entrance is at 750 Breakers Avenue.
If you’re driving from I-95, follow the venue’s directions: take the Sunrise Boulevard exit, drive east 4 miles to North Birch Road, turn right at the traffic light, follow the road to its end, then turn left into the parking lot.
You can also arrive by Water Taxi at Stop 7, followed by a short walk to Bonnet House. The venue has parking for RVs and buses, but overnight parking is not available. The Fort Lauderdale Beach guide covers access and the promenade.
Wheelchairs are available free on a first-come, first-served basis. Ramps provide access to first-floor exhibit rooms, and accessible restrooms are in the Welcome Center. A wheelchair-accessible golf cart can help with grounds tours and transport around the site; visitors with mobility impairments can request drop-off at the main house’s front door.
Allowing time for the visit
Plan on at least 90 minutes at Bonnet House, the minimum visit time recommended by the museum. A self-guided visit lets you set your own pace between the house and gardens; guided house tours also take approximately 90 minutes, so choose one based on how you want to spend that time. The Las Olas Boulevard guide covers shops and dining for planning time around the visit.
Weather can affect access: Bonnet House may close the house or grounds with limited notice because of dangerous conditions, and it does not provide refunds or rain checks for unsatisfactory weather. If access is important to your plans, check with the venue before setting out.
FAQs
Can you visit just the gardens?
Yes. Gardens-only admission is available, but it does not include access to the house.
Is parking available at Bonnet House?
Yes. The visitor parking lot at the main entrance is free.
Are guided tours available every day?
No. Downstairs tours run on selected weekdays, while the upstairs/downstairs tour has its own weekday and Saturday schedule. Both require preregistration.
Can you bring a picnic?
Yes. Picnics are permitted on the grounds with paid admission.