By Yours Truly and Jan Engoren
Botanical Gardens in Miami, the seven best, and other top ones in South Florida, time to check them out along with their exciting programming for all ages . Below, find some of the best natural areas in the tri-county area for your enjoyment and health. To really appreciate your visit, check out each website; many venues have changing art and sculpture exhibits, and provide video tours with history and highlights. Plus, many offer exciting events and classes, ranging from farmers markets, entertainment and arts/crafts classes to cooking and yoga, family days, and also host weddings. Special programming, too, for these botanical gardens in Miami and South Florida!
One of the most famous botanical gardens in Miami, the 83 acre Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens has numerous distinctions. See rare palms, cycads, orchids, and bromeliads, different varieties of ginger, and the largest collection of tropical bamboo in the world, with 125 species of bamboo. Love fruit trees? Find some of the world’s most exotic tropical fruits from the Amazon, Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The Tropical Flowering Trees collection displays over 740 species of flowering trees from all over the world.There’s also a tropical plant conservatory and rare plant house plus a delightful butterfly garden
Fairchild Gardens is home to the only rainforest in the continental United States. The two-acre rainforest features waterfalls and cascades throughout. There’s also a cafe and check for special events including early morning strolls, camps and field trips, holiday celebrations, entertainment, cooking and craft classes, yoga and more.
NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, runs from now through January 11, 2026.
Now in its seventh year, NightGarden transforms 83 acres of Fairchild’s lush tropical landscape into a glowing world of art, light, and imagination — where nature meets technology in one of Miami’s most beloved holiday traditions.
This year’s edition invites guests to wander through illuminated trails, interactive installations, and imaginative new worlds designed to surprise even returning visitors.
What’s New in 2025:
- The Welcoming Tree — a towering neon landmark that lights up with every touch.
- Pixie’s Detour — a whimsical alternate pathway filled with hidden surprises and playful projections.
- Secret Garden Laser Show — a high-energy fusion of lasers, sound, and light hidden deep within the grove.
- Neon Roots (Upper Rainforest) — the rainforest reimagined with radiant root-inspired lights.
- Movie Nights at the Garden — cozy screenings of classic holiday films under the stars.
- Tree of Life — a monumental new centerpiece that glows with light and projection at every guest interaction.
Guests will also discover a limited-time, forest-inspired retail pop-up from Bubble Pops, the collectible brand behind Labubu and the Monster Series, featuring exclusive merchandise, hidden giveaways, and themed installations that blend perfectly into NightGarden’s storytelling atmosphere.
Beyond the lights, visitors can dance under the stars during half-hourly dance parties, meet Archie the Talking Tree, and enjoy seasonal bites and cocktails from Miami’s favorite food trucks. Returning favorites like the Winter Twinkle Zone and Orchid Bridge offer even more ways to immerse yourself in the magic.
Don’t miss their plant sales throughout the year.
The Gardens offer a variety of festivals and culinary events each year:
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with special times for seniors and the vulnerable. Tickets must be purchased online. For nonmembers admission is $25.00 for adults, $18.00 for seniors; and $12.00 for children (6-17) . Children 5 and under are free. It’s free for members. Fairchild Gardens, 10901 Old Cutler Road.
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Vizcaya’s 10 acre European-inspired gardens are among the most elaborate in the United States. Reminiscent of gardens created in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Italy and France, the overall landscape design is conceived as a series of rooms.The central space is dominated by low hedges in a geometric arrangement. Beyond that are the evocative Secret Garden, the intimate Theater Garden, the playful Maze Garden and the once-watery domain of the Fountain Garden. On either side of this designed landscape, James Deering preserved the native forest. Also find the orchidarium. The first floor of the Main House is open to visitors.
There’s a farmer’s market with fresh and prepared foods and often times booths from local artisans on Sunday at the Vizcaya village across the street from the botanical garden at the site of the former farmer’s village. There’s also a guided tour of Vizcaya Village offered and family craft programs, a book club, concerts and Sunday morning wellness classes.
Details on Vizcaya: Besides the 10 acres of formal botanical gardens in Miami, the first floor of the Main House with its collections dating from the early 20th century back to Pompeii is open to visitors. Open Wednesday to Monday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and last admission is at 4:30 p.m The Main House is open until 5 p.m. and the gardens until 5:30 p.m. Admission of $25 for adults; $10 for children (6-12) and younger, free; visitors with a disability protected under the ADA and one accompanying caregiver, US military veterans and active duty personnel, free. Member tickets are free. Tickets must be bought online except for the discounted tickets. Vizcaya Gardens, 3251 South Miami Avenue.
More Botanical Gardens in Miami
Montgomery Botanical Center
The unexpected Montgomery Botanical Center, founded by Robert and Nell Montgomery, the founders of Fairchild Tropical Garden, is housed on their 120-acre Coral Gables estate. It includes the largest private collections of palms and cycads in the world and features over 14,000 plants in the ground and over 10,000 plants in the nursery. As a living tribute to her late husband, in 1959 Nell created The Montgomery Foundation, Inc.—later renamed the Montgomery Botanical Center—as an independent, nonprofit institution devoted to advancing the science of tropical botany.
Email tracym@montgomerybotanical.org to schedule your guided visit to this botanical garden in Miami. Tours last 30 minutes to an hour. Montgomery Botanical Center, 11901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables 33156.
Pinecrest Gardens
Pinecrest Gardens is a vibrant 14-acre destination boasting lush landscapes, beautiful botanical gardens, and a buzzing community scene. The historic Gardens offers one of Miami’s most dynamic calendars of concerts, art exhibits, workshops, and family-friendly activities, ensuring there’s always something new to experience – no matter when you visit.
Year-Round Arts & Events
- Concerts & Live Music: Enjoy music under the stars in the beautiful Banyan Bowl amphitheater. The popular Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens series features renowned jazz artists such as Cécile McLorin, Salvant and Troy Anderson & The Hot Five to Arturo O’Farrill, Ashley Pezzotti Quintet, Ben Rosenblum, Nebula Project, and Nu Deco Ensemble. The Gardens also host concerts by local and international acts, including partnerships with the Frost School of Music and annual favorites like Candlelight Open Air Tributes. (Check the Events Calendar for up-to-date listings.)
- Rotating Art Exhibitions: Coming for the new year, Shifting Grounds: Voices in Public Art showcases the work of emerging and mid-career local artists who have participated in a mentoring program. The exhibition highlights the transformative outcomes of this program, presenting a selection of works that reflect various narratives that shape our shared spaces.
- Workshops & Classes: Curious Gardener Workshops invite participants 21+ to learn hands-on gardening tips, crafts, and creative projects. Past workshops have included botanical jewelry making, indigo dyeing, and themed terrarium building. Workshops are held monthly on select Thursdays and include a complimentary adult beverage.
- Guided Garden Tours: On select Saturdays, horticulturists lead themed tours highlighting the history, ecology, and unique plant collections of Pinecrest Gardens. Pre-registration is required and topics vary each month.
- Seasonal Events: Each winter, Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a dazzling wonderland during its Nights of Lights celebration, featuring thousands of sparkling lights, festive displays, and family-friendly holiday activities. Another annual tradition is the Gardens’ Art & Design Fair where visitors can browse original artwork, handcrafted goods, and unique finds in a beautiful garden setting, plus enjoy live entertainment, food, and family activities.
- Award-Winning Farmers Market: Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the gardens host the Pinecrest Farmers Market, a beloved community event featuring locally grown produce, gourmet foods, handmade goods, and more. Arrive early for the free community Vinyasa Yoga class from 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Family & Accessibility Features
Pinecrest Gardens is welcoming to visitors of all ages and abilities. Kids can cool off year-round at the Splash ‘N Play water playground, explore the ADA-accessible playground, or meet friendly farm animals at the mini-zoo. The Sensory Learning Garden and Inspiration Center provide interactive, inclusive experiences for everyone. Thoughtfully designed pathways and amenities ensure that guests using wheelchairs or other assistive devices can comfortably explore and enjoy the entire Gardens.
The Gardens are continually evolving with exciting new additions. Experience inclusive play at the ADA-compliant playground, encounter a variety of animals at the mini-zoo, and embark on a sensory exploration at the Sensory Learning Garden and Inspiration Center. Pinecrest Gardens has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices, ensuring that everyone can explore and enjoy the beautiful Gardens. Amidst this blend of natural beauty and cultural events, don’t miss the popular Splash ‘N Play.
Located at 11000 SW 57th Avenue, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $18 for adults, Adults: $18; Youth (ages 4-14): $10; military & senior discounts available.
Learn more at www.pinecrestgardens.org or follow @pinecrest_gardens on Instagram. Tel: (305) 669-6990
Deering Estate
More Botanical Gardens in Miami
In South Miami, Deering Estate, preserves the 1920s era Miami estate of Charles Deering, Chicago industrialist, early preservationist, environmentalist, art collector, philanthropist and first chairman of the International Harvester Company. Nestled along the coast in South Dade, the Deering Estate is a cultural asset and historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has much more than you can imagine such as a night hike & camp fire, and themed cruises Plus concerts, events, yoga, workshops.
Sign up for the sunrise photography session and capture the sunrise over Biscayne Bay. They also offer kayaking in the Bay accompanied by a Deering Estate Naturalist or try their Night Hike and Campfire, bird walks or Lighthouse Cruise.
There are many areas for walking, including Deering Point, People’s Dock, North Addition, Environmentally Endangered Lands and the Main Estate Grounds.
Ongoing monthly conservation workshops are offered as well as art exhibits, plein air painting, films, and holiday celebrations, such as the “Historic Holidays: Caroling through the Season.”
Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adults: $15; Youth (ages 4-14): $7; Military & senior discounts .
Deering Estate Foundation Members: Free. Admission can be purchased in advance or at the gate. You can view videos here. Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Avenue.
Much More Than You Can Imagine: Deering Estate
The Kampong
Located on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, The Kampong, among Botanical Gardens in Miami, is known for its tropical fruit cultivars and flowering trees. It’s the former estate of Dr. David Fairchild, the famed botanical explorer who traveled throughout Southeast Asia and other tropical regions collecting exotic plants he introduced to the US. The Kampong Planting Heritage collections from Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean include exotic fruit and over 50 varieties of mango. Scientists from all over the world come to study their species of palms, cycads and flowering trees.
An hour and a half guided tours with the docent are offered from 10 a.m to 11:30 a.m.. Check website for days offered. Self-guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m., to 4:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended due to limited parking in the garden. There are also special art exhibits and craft, composting and painting classes.
Price for guided tours, adults $27; seniors $22; children 6-17 $12. Price for self-guided tours: Adults, $17; seniors or students, with school ID $12; children $7 (6-17). Don’t miss their monthly lectures on climate and the environment. The Kampong is located at 4013 Douglas Road, Miami, Florida 33133. Visit ntbg.org.
More Botanical Gardens in Miami and Nearby
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
In the category of botanical gardens in Miami, Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a sustainable urban oasis in the middle of the glitz and neon of South Beach. This lovely garden in Miami with flowering trees, orchids, philodendrons, and more than 100 palm species accent the 3-acre Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Special features include the koi pond, fountains, Japanese Garden, Native Garden and Edible Garden and the Collins Canal Promenade.
It is also a regular stop for migratory birds such as warblers, American redstarts and finches. Look closely and you will find an array of cardinals, herons, hawks and egrets who their home in the gardens, as well as the many varieties of butterflies and moths who feed off the native host nectar plants.
The central Great Lawn provides plenty of open space to relax and play. Shop the wonderful Botanical Boutique for gifts not only for garden lovers and The Garden Center for plants, seeds, compost soil made in house! Events and classes include art exhibits, Sunday yoga, weekly tai chi, sound bath meditation and Garden After Dark with concerts, ballet and other happenings! Sign up for their newsletter to find out all about their events.
It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. General admission is free. 2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Tel: (305) 673-7256.
Parking option ––
Metered parking available along 19th St. in front of the Garden and in an adjacent lot between Meridian Ave. and Convention Center Drive. Also, parking garages are available on 17th and 19th Streets at a lower hourly rate. City of Miami Beach rates: $4 per hour street and surface parking lots; $2 per hour in the parking garages and $1 per hour for registered Miami Beach residents.
Ten parking spots are now available on the rooftop (4th floor) of the Convention Center garage with signage indicating that these spots are for Garden visitors only. To access the rooftop spaces, enter the garage from the north end of Convention Center Drive, close to Dade Avenue. After you’ve parked just take the elevator to the first floor and follow the signage to get to the Garden.
The cost for these spaces is $2 per hour (rather than the usual $20 flat fee). To receive the discount, Garden visitors should take their ticket to the Garden’s Botanical Boutique where it will be validated.
Butterfly World
Not just for tourists, Butterfly world is a natural spot in the middle of Coconut Creek. With botanical gardens, waterfalls, passion vines, and roses plus six free flight aviaries and even a bug zoo, it is worth spending an afternoon. See the Florida state butterfly – Zebra longwings, flame vine butterflies and blue morphos, indigenous to tropical forests of Latin America, Mexico and Colombia. They encourage everyone to start their own butterfly garden as a way to reverse the trend of butterfly habitats threatened by development, climate changes and urbanization. Visit their website for a starter guide on how to create your own butterfly garden.
Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All tickets must be purchased at the door. Adults $32.50 plus tax, children $22.50 plus tax. There is also a cafe that serves lunch, snacks, beverages and dessert. 3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073. Tel: (954) 977-4434.
Botanical Gardens in Palm Beach County
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
In Delray Beach, the 16 acres that surround Morikami’s two museum buildings include expansive Japanese gardens with strolling paths, resting areas, world-class bonsai collection and lakes teeming with koi and other wildlife. The wider 200-acre park features nature trails, pine forests and picnic areas.
The gardens reflect major periods of Japanese garden design, from the eighth to the 20th century, and serve as an outdoor extension of the museum. According to the garden designer, Hoichi Kurisu, each garden is intended to express the character and ideas of a unique counterpart in Japan without attempting to duplicate those gardens, and seamlessly flow together as one garden.
The museum offers a permanent exhibit chronicling the history of the Yamato Colony, a Japanese farming community in South Florida 100 years ago. The Morikami Collections house more than 7,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts, including a 500-piece collection of tea ceremony items, more than 200 textile pieces and fine art acquisitions.
Throughout the year they offer cultural demonstrations ranging from kimono culture to archery and an incredible schedule of classes and workshops in everything from bonsai and different kinds of ikebana to Japanese ink painting, tea ceremony rituals, Koto traditional music and more. Click here.
Trying to relax? Join their Therapeutic Garden Walking Program for Well-Being offered at certain times of year (check the website) to reduce stress and increase feelings of acceptance, optimism and joy. Designed by FAU nursing professor, Ruth McCaffrey, a trained facilitator will lead participants through themed walks with journal writing to encourage reflection and personal well-being. Wednesday classes are on-line and Saturday sessions take place in person at the Gardens. To register, visit the website.
Lots for families too with family fun days with craft activities.
The Cornell cafe offers sushi and other lunch items and is open Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t miss their treasure trove of a shop with items from all over Asia.
It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and major holidays. Admission prices: Adults (ages 18+): $17; Seniors (65+) $15; Military (with ID): $15; College Students (with ID): $13; Children (ages 6-17): $11. 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach, Florida.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Constructed on 50 acres of previous wastewater utility property, Wakodahatchee Wetlands are free and open to the public and have become one of the most popular bird watching and photography spots in Palm Beach County. The park features a three-quarter mile boardwalk that crosses between open water pond areas and islands with shrubs and snags to foster nesting and roosting. The boardwalk has interpretive signage as well as gazebos with benches along the way. This site is part of the South section of the Great Florida Birding Trail and offers many opportunities to observe birds in their natural habitats. Over 178 bird species have been identified there, along with turtles, alligators, rabbits, fish, frogs and raccoons.
Down the street is neighboring Green Cay Nature Center overlooking 100 acres of constructed wetland with 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk. Stroll the boardwalk and look for shorebirds, hummingbirds, wading birds and owls (and more). If you get lucky you will see an alligator (or two!)
The Nature Center includes a lecture hall, gift shop, and live animals in an extensive exhibit room that highlights wetland habitats.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands is located at 13026 Jog Rd, Delray Beach, Florida 33446. Tel: (561) 493-6000. Green Cay Nature Center is located at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach, Florida 33437. Tel: 561-966-7000. Please visit https://discover.pbcgov.org.
Mounts Botanical Gardens
This hidden gem is an oasis in the middle of the city. With a mission to “inspire and educate through nature” and a history spanning more than 40 years, Mounts Botanical is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 16-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 display gardens containing more than 6,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida native plants, exotic and tropical fruit trees, ornamentals, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, succulents, bromeliads and much more. They also offer great value on hard to find plants in their nursery ranging from natives and butterfly plants to succulents, small trees, unusual shrubs and ground covers. There’s also a thrift shop that accepts garden related donations.
Stop by their seasonal plant sales along with a special one for palms and cycads with a wide variety of plants and 60-80 vendors or bring your dog to their monthly Dogs Day in the Garden.
The garden is open November-May: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (last entry at 3:00 p.m.) June – October: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (last entry at 2:00 p.m.)
Closed on Mondays and all Palm Beach County holidays. Summer Admission: $20 adults; $18 seniors, college students and military with ID;
$13for ages 6 to 17. Free for children under 6. The second Sunday of each month dogs are free for members and $5 for non members except during events and plant sales). Mounts Botanical Garden is located at 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida 33415. Tel: (561) 233-1757. Visit www.mounts.org.
Besides botanical gardens in Miami, for a guide to all parks in Miami-Dade County and information on everything from eco adventures, water access, botanical gardens in Miami and marinas to golf, beaches and more, click here.
Looking for more scenic walks in Miami? Check out this post on best hiking, walking and biking trails.
Best Hiking, Biking and Walking Trails
23 Responses
Please don’t forget Miami Beach’s Botanical Garden near Lincoln Road
Actually I mentioned it at the end. It’s reopening mid June. It’s a great place and the shop is a favorite.
Love the walks in the garden. Thanks for letting us know they are open again Karen!
Patch of Heaven Sanctuary needs to be on this list. As their name suggests, it’s exactly that. A 22 acre heritage haven with Asian relics and lush foliage at every turn. I’ve been lucky to have my cooking classes hosted there with a tour after. Always appreciated.
Impressive, have to check it out!
What a wonderful idea for an outing thank you Karen
The information here is wonderful. It makes me want to just walk out the door with sunscreen in hand and not come back for days. Thank you for all of your good research and have a wonderful day the next time you enjoy your time in any one of these places.
It really is amazing that there are so many botanical gardens in the tri county area. I have a lot more to go to!
This article is a keeper! Inspires me to get out and about.
Happy to hear it!
Great information! I’ve lived in Miami for 20+ years and there are places here I did not know existed. I’ve started planning discovery adventures. Thanks for sharing.
The jazz series concert in the Miami Beach Botanical garden is amazing I have gone to two already and French Horns is playing on Friday May 27. Not to be missed!
I thought I knew about tropical gardens in Miami, but you wowed me with all the ones we haven’t explored! Thank you again for the great work you do.
Please visit Patch of Heaven Sanctuary which is a 20 acre historic property in the Redland area near Monkey Jungle. Major garden areas, Koi pond, forest, butterfly house, Mindful garden and historic bldgs all combine to provide a special experience. I would be happy to show you about and you can sample what is here on our Insta @patchofheavensanctuary
Good addition, thank you.
YES, Patch of Heaven is a delight! The Villagers have included it twice in their annual Garden Tour.
A great addition, thank you.
What a fantastic overview of Miami’s botanical gardens! I especially loved the highlight on the unique plant species found at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Can’t wait to visit and experience the beauty firsthand! Thank you for sharing these insights!
Loved this post! The botanical gardens in Miami sound like a hidden gem. I can’t wait to explore the diverse plant life and enjoy the serene environment. Thanks for sharing these insights!
I absolutely loved this post! The botanical gardens in Miami sound like a hidden gem. I can’t wait to visit and explore the vibrant flora and peaceful surroundings. Thanks for the detailed recommendations!
I absolutely loved reading about the botanical gardens in Miami! The photos are stunning and really capture the beauty of the flora. I can’t wait to visit and experience the tranquility those gardens offer. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful guide to exploring nature in the city!
I absolutely loved this post! The botanical gardens in Miami sound like a hidden gem, and your recommendations make me want to explore them all. The photos are stunning, and I can’t wait to visit and experience the beauty firsthand. Thanks for sharing these insights!