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 for fall 2023. 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.
EXCITING SPECIAL OFFERING, APRIL 13 TO SEPTEMBER 2 (special ticket required)
April 13 – September 2
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Step into a world frozen in time, where the echoes of the past resonate with the present, as we invite you to embark on an extraordinary journey through the enchanting realm of Jurassic Garden. Despite the span of 65 million years separating us from the age of dinosaurs, the fascination with these magnificent creatures persists, captivating the imaginations of generations both young and old.
- Immerse yourself in the prehistoric world as you walk among life-sized dinosaur replicas, igniting your imagination and curiosity about these magnificent creatures.
- Experience the thrill of uncovering ancient artifacts and fossils as you join our team at the Dig It Out! excavation site.
- Take part in an exciting excavation journey and unearth dinosaur-themed treasures that you can take home as souvenirs of your adventure.
- Search for six hidden dinosaur eggs near their parent dinosaurs, assisting in their hatching by splashing them with a water blaster!
- Experience the fun of watering plants herbivorous dinosaurs eat while learning about their diets and getting up close and personal with these gentle giants.
- Join us for an evening of adventure and discovery under the stars at Dino’s After Dark! Explore the excavation site by moonlight and uncover the mysteries of the past in a unique nighttime experience.
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 evening walks, entertainment, cooking and craft classes, yoga and more.
There are also plant sales and a lot of themed monthly events, just check the calendar for exact dates:
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; $16.00 for students and $12.00 for children (6-7) . 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 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 and Sunday morning wellness classes.
Newest addition to their ongoing art program— Now on is an animation-based installation – Vizcaya’s Kitchen and The Clafoutis Sonata; now to April 29, 2024.
This multimedia installation, brought to life by the visionary talents of Karla Caprali and Sophia Cabral (Caprali and Cinza Lua Studios), reimagines this Gilded Age kitchen through playful animations that interweave with Vizcaya’s rich past. This immersive experience transports visitors into the heart of Vizcaya’s historic kitchen, a space once teeming with life during the winter seasons when James Deering, the estate’s patron, was in residence.
Details on Vizcaya: Besides the 10 acres of formal gardens, 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. 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 visit to this botanical garden in Miami. Montgomery Botanical Center, 11901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables 33156.
Pinecrest Gardens
This season, visitors can anticipate a mix of unique experiences and treasured traditions amid an enchanting backdrop including the inaugural Avian Oasis by Myth Makers
Season Highlights:
- Avian Oasis by Myth Makers (now– May 23) –Pinecrest Gardens is presenting six magnificent bamboo-crafted bird sculptures, each standing up to a staggering 30 feet tall. This first-time outdoor art exhibit is designed to invoke the memories of Franz Scherr’s Parrot Jungle and promises to be a captivating experience for all ages.
Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens – Subscriptions for the 2024-2025 season go on sale this summer. Every year features a robust lineup of acclaimed musicians. Each performance benefits from The Banyan Bowl’s unparalleled natural acoustics.
Ongoing Events:
Parents, enjoy a quarterly Parents Night Out, which allows parents to enjoy an evening off while kids partake in garden adventures. Pinecrest Gardens also offers a S.T.E.A.M. Summer Camp with Discovery Lab and a Toddler Camp with Pinecrest Dance Project.
Botanical Garden Tours (First Saturday of every other month, 10-11:30 a.m.) Visitors can join guided tours of the gardens, led by Pinecrest’s expert horticulture and education teams. Each tour is different, focusing on a different aspect of the Garden, including its history, botanical collections, and ecology.
Curious Gardener Workshops (Third Thursday of every month, 6:30 – 9 p.m.) Create a stained-glass macaw in May’s workshop. Each monthly workshop is themed and includes a complimentary beverage (adults 21+).
Plus, there’s the weekly Farmer’s Market on Sundays and the monthly Her Market by Herpreneur celebrating women entrepreneurs.
That’s not all! To review the full season lineup and for ticket information, visit www.pinecrestgardens.org.
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.
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, workshops.
Upcoming events at this, one of the leading botanical gardens in Miami, include:
Plein Air painting with artist in residence Andres Cabrera Garcia, weekly meeting to paint en plein air on Tuesdays.
Ongoing find other exciting activities by land and sea ranging from bird walks and sunrise photography to moonlight kayak, lighthouses of Biscayne Bay cruise and learning activities for kids ranging from classes in wildlife conservation and marine conservation to field trips.
There are many areas for walking , including Deering Point, People’s Dock, North Addition Environmentally Endangered Lands, and the Main Estate Grounds. 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. Two hour guided tours with the docent are offered at 10 a.m. Check website for days offered. Self guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday from 9 am, to 5 pm. Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited parking in the garden.
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). There is also a series of monthly lectures on climate and the environment. Check the website for ticket prices for the guided tour and for discounts for certain categories. Water bottle filling stations are available.4013 Douglas Rd, Miami
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 include Sunday yoga, weekly tai chi 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. General admission is free. 2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Tel: (305) 673-7256.
Important note: New Parking option ––
10 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.
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.
In 2001, Morikami completed a major garden expansion and renovation. The new 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.
Special Upcoming Exhibit, April 27- October 6, 2024:
The Morikami Museum celebrates the wisdom and strength of all children in an extraordinary display of traditional dolls (ningyō) depicting Japan’s rich samurai culture, inspired by Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day. This popular festival was originally known as, Tango no Sekku (First Day of the Horse), and held on the 5th day of the 5th month. Noted for the elaborate display of dolls depicting renowned warriors drawn from Japan’s martial past, in 1948 the Japanese government rededicated the May holiday to all children – boys and girls – as Kodomo no Hi.
The Morikami is thrilled to present this rare gathering – curated by Alan Pate – of more than 50 meticulously outfitted musha-ningyō created by leading doll artists of the 19th and 20th centuries on-loan from private collections.M usha-ningyō, or warrior dolls, represent a range of legendary and historic figures. The ascendency of the samurai warrior class in the 11th century profoundly shaped the philosophical, political, and visual culture of Japan for the next seven centuries. Samurai-based values and attitudes emphasized martial prowess and strength. The development of the Boy’s Day Ceremony, with its dramatic display of exquisitely dressed ningyō, not only reflects the proud family lineages and exploits, but the ritual also imbued the figures with a special symbolism that enabled participants to renew their connection with the spirit of the samurai.
Meet the movers and shakers of Japanese lore and legend, including elegant Empress Jingū, shaman and interpreter of dreams; Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Japan’s Great Unifier; Kato Kiyomasa, “The Devil General;” archer Minamoto Yorimasu, the monster-slayer; and Kintarō and Momotarō, beloved boy heroes of superhuman strength. Set against a backdrop of boldly decorated Boy’s Day banners and crested battlefield curtains, you can explore the world of these diminutive icons of nobility and trace their influence on contemporary avatars of the samurai spirit.
The Morikami is thrilled to present this rare gathering – curated by Alan Pate – of more than 50 meticulously outfitted musha-ningyō created by leading doll artists of the 19th and 20th centuries on-loan from private collections.
Throughout the year they offer 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.
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+): $16; Seniors (65+) $14; Military (with ID): $14; College Students (with ID): $12; Children (ages 6-17): $10. 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach
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.
Not to be missed is their latest permanent exhibition, Moai At Mounts Botanical Garden, bringing the awe and wonder of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) to Mount’s tropical forest garden.
The three, large-scale statues designed by artist Dennis MacDonald are replicas f the iconic monolithic, human figures located on Easter Island.
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. Admission: $20 adults; $18 seniors, college students and military with ID;
$13 for ages 6 to 17. Free for children under 6. 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
15 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.