Bonnet House Ground, Gardens, Museum & Kayak/SUP Paddle Adventure
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Coconut Cove was once a mangrove and buttonwood swamp until the late 1920's, when the U.S. Army Corp. of engineers was granted permission to deposit the fill while dredging the Intracoastal. The fill caused the swamp to perish, which prompted Mr. Bartlett to plant rows of Coconut Palms where the current Bonnet House parking lot exists. The property is a blend of native and exotic flora including a desert garden, Orchid House, Shell Museum, Fruit Groves, Freshwater Slough, Wild Coffee, Silver Palms, Coontie Plants shaded by Gumbo Limbo, Seagrapes, Sabal Palms, and Paradise Trees to name just a few splendors in addition to the 1920 Bonnet House Museum with it's incredible architecture built around a Fountain Garden and displaying art, sculptures, and collectibles from all over the world. It is truly the last of Old Florida in the present day and a celebration of the protected history and the legacy of Frederic Clay and Evelyn Barlett's vision and talent.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Fort Lauderdale Adventures is proud to offer this exploration of the Bonnet House western border for the first time ever. Celebrating over 100 years, we are able to exhibit these saltwater wetlands that support a fragile ecosystem vital to south Florida's ever endangered habitat. The jungle of mangrove trees produces a thick network of intertwined roots to prevent soil erosion and provide shelter and food for fish and wildlife. Manatee, land and sea fiddler crabs, and a variety of saltwater fish find a secure home in this ecosystem. The Cove is the perfect home for our Great Blue Heron, Green Herons, Egrett's, Ibis, and the rare Great White Heron that can only be found in this part of the world. The center of the property features the Bartlett's protected boathouse which was a private entrance to the property. Great for Celebrations! After your Paddle, enjoy a self-guided tour of the Bonnet House and Gardens. We recommend planning for at least 90 minutes: • Start at the Welcome Center to get interactive maps • For Audio use your Smartphone for the free mobile-friendly website bonnethouse.stqry.app/1 Paddle starts at 8:30am Grounds open at 11 and closes at 3pm & 4pm on weekends
Options
Fort Lauderdale Bonnet House Ground and Guided Paddle Board Kayak
Double Kayak
Equipment
Stand Up Paddle Board
Equipment
Single Kayak
Equipment
What‘s Included
Complimentary Photos
Historical Art Museum Gallery & Studio Access
Seashell Museum and Orchid House
Paddle
Bonnet House Self Guided Grounds & Gardens Access
Life Jacket
Guided Paddle Tour
Paddle Board or Kayak
Water (Bring something for staying Hydration)
Waterproof Bag and Waterproof Phone Case: Available for separate rental or purchase ($5 - $28)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Hidden Gem Near a Busy Boulevard
bjude,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The quiet kayak tour was a great way to start the morning! January was a great tour guide, sharing her knowledge and love of the Ft. Lauderdale area. We kayaked through a small natural area adjacent to The Bonnet House and then along the Intracoastal Waterway. We were finished with our kayak paddle by 10 a.m., and it was too early to visit the Bonnet House and Grounds, which open at 11. That gave us to time to get a snack and more water at the nearby 7-Eleven and to enjoy the Ft. Lauderdale beach while we waited. The Bonnet House is amazing, and we could tell that the tour guides enjoyed sharing information about the family, the grounds and the house. There is also the opportunity to take a tram ride for a more detailed tour of the grounds (cost $5), which we opted not to do, especially after having done our paddle and the walking tour.
Wonderful way to spend a day
mehling g,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice and informative staff. Wonderful kayaking with knowledgeable staff. Will definitely be taking more trips with them.
Beautiful Hidden South Florida Gem.
Jeff M,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lived in So Flo for many years, first visit! Fantastic. A throwback to a simpler and grand time in South Florida. The House and its history is so interesting. Decorated for the holidays. (Im syre tgeir special evening programs are wonderful. Guides informative and knowledgeable. Highly recommend the additional gardens tour for a $5p/p fee.. Our guide Barklay was so interesting and informative.
Want to have a wonderful tour with a wonderful tourguide? This is it!
Geneva C,Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Courtney was a wonderful, charming tourguide - lots of stories about Florida, the history of the place, the culture - also responsive to the fact that I was doing a "vacation day" and we were able to dial back and not have too intense a kayaking day. Very nice!
Wonderful experience!
mehling g,Jun 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great location for a scenic and subdued experience. Wonderful informative guide coupled with ambience of the property, made for a fabulous day. I highly recommend!!!
Memorable Kayak Tour with Troy at Bonnet House
soorujmianim,Dec 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an unforgettable time on this guided kayak tour! The kayaks were in great condition, and the water was calm, which made for such a peaceful experience. Our guide, Troy, was super friendly and made sure we were all enjoying ourselves. We even got some nice pictures of our group while learning about the history of Bonnet House. It was the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and history. I can’t wait to do it again!
I just did the paddleboard tour at Bonnet House, and it was incredible!
matiso694,Nov 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I just did the paddleboard tour at Bonnet House, and it was incredible! The environment was peaceful, and the guide, Courtney, was excellent. She took the time to explain everything and made sure we were all safe and having fun. It felt like a great workout, but at the same time, I was so relaxed just floating on the water. I would definitely come back and recommend this experience to anyone visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Absolutely Amazing Experience
Companion19722632332,Nov 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This paddleboarding tour was a highlight of our trip to Fort Lauderdale! The canals, often called the "Venice of America," offer a stunning view of luxurious homes and mega yachts. Our guide was fantastic, offering insights into the area’s history while keeping things lighthearted and fun. We even had a chance to spot some wildlife, like colorful birds and a couple of turtles. It was an incredible way to see the city from a whole new perspective. Highly recommended!
What a fantastic adventure!
florence00612335768,Nov 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic adventure! I went with my family, and we had such a great time kayaking through Coconut Cove. The guides were so friendly and made sure everyone was comfortable. We even got to learn about the Bonnet House, which was really interesting. I’ve never paddled before, but the guide made it easy to pick up, and the views were just gorgeous. If you're in the area, this is a must-do!
I had the most amazing time on the Bonnet House paddleboard tour!
katreenaa2024,Nov 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the most amazing time on the Bonnet House paddleboard tour! The scenery was absolutely stunning, and I loved learning about the history of the area. Our guide, Brian, was fantastic – very knowledgeable and made us feel super comfortable, even though I was a little nervous about paddle boarding at first. The whole experience was so relaxing yet active at the same time. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a unique way to explore Fort Lauderdale’s beauty
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Operated by Sunrise Paddleboards LLC.