Visited in early October but was still hot and sweaty at the ending of the easy walk through the gardens. Do NOT recommend this on a hot summer day.
Tip: Buy a large bag of fish food ($1) before leaving for your walk from the volunteers at the desk just past the ticket counters. You can feed the koi, ciclids, turtles, and alligator all around the lake. The koi are huge and come readily to food as do the turtles. The ciclids stay in schools and are a little hard to see but are common at the areas where you can feed the fish. Expect to spend an average of 2 hours here. Would have loved to try their restaurant but had just eaten.
First, the gardens are not to be missed. I'm not really a garden person but these were outstanding. The gardens are very tranquil and to get the most out of your walk you should get the audio tape or go with a guide. You will see large (iguanas) and small lizards roaming free. It's an easy walk but high heels are NOT going to work.
The museum is so-so. I was uninspired by the large Japanese calligraphy collection so if you are not from that culture don't expect to get a lot out of it. The entire building is well done and the gardens impeccably maintained.
NOTE: If you are taking children get each a bag of fish food because they will be bored.
