Ahhh. There is such a thing as enjoying destinations where you live. Thankfully, travel and exploration can be within financial reach and sometimes, the best experiences are the least expensive and close to home.

Enter the beauty of nature, zen, and Japanese design which coexist harmoniously at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Situated in West Delray Beach, FL, it is best to enjoy this serene experience whenever you need a restful respite or need to get outdoors for a few hours.

I had no idea this place existed until my mother suggested we share the day and visit this magical place she had been to many times before. I checked it out online, and it indeed did look appealing and what my soul craved at the time.

We went on a crisp and cool day, which is typically not the norm in South Florida, however, for this outing, it was perfect. Since the majority of the experience is outdoors, you’ll want to be mindful of your sun exposure. Dress comfortably, and sneakers will be easier to walk around in than sandals. We also went early to avoid the crowds, and others had the same idea, so we just took our time and enjoyed it all at our own pace.

Tip: Go early on a weekday and enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant.

The grounds are designed for meandering and peaceful contemplation. There are plenty of places to sit and admire, and there is a lot of wildlife too, so bring your camera!

 

 

It is also a great place to learn about Japanese culture and tradition, and even though I have yet to visit Japan, this is a step in the right direction to pique my interest. If you get hungry, there is a restaurant on site, and the prices are affordable, and the menu is Pan-Asian. Be forewarned though, at peak times of the day; there could be a line. There are also restrooms at the entrance, in the cafe and near the museum, though the majority of the sights are not near a toilet, so go before you begin.

Tip: Bring snacks and a water bottle so you can enjoy the grounds at a leisurely pace.

It feels like a world away from being in Florida. So if you need a break and a cultural diversion, I encourage you to plan your sojourn at Morikami Museum and Gardens.
For more info, click here.

‘Til next time, thanks for reading, and Happy Travels!