You can see gators up close in the swamps, huge live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and beautiful egrets at their nesting sites.

A huge golden Buddha in a glass temple may seem out of place, but adds to the mystique of the Jungle Gardens.

Get there early to avoid the mid-day heat - and take your time going through the gardens - you'll have plenty of time to cool off with some Tobasco ice cream at the Country Store later!