Miami Gardens: Top Botanical and Tropical Escapes
- tfmslima3
- Oct 15
- 4 min read
I never used to think of Miami as a garden city—until I stepped into one. Beneath all the condos, palm trees and oceanfront energy, there’s a quieter, lush side to the city. These botanical escapes remind me that paradise here doesn’t just live on the beach. Here are some of our favorite tropical sanctuaries across the magic city.
1. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Photo: Courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
This 83-acre masterpiece in Coral Gables is the crown jewel of Miami’s botanical scene. Fairchild is known for its rare tropical plant collections, immersive butterfly conservatory, and rotating art exhibitions (including past collaborations with Dale Chihuly and Yayoi Kusama). It’s a tranquil space to wander and a world-class center for plant science.
When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: $24.95 for adults, $11.95 for children*
Website: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
*Ticket prices may change. Please check online.
2. Fruit & Spice Park
Photo: Courtesy of Fruit and Spice Park/Instagram
The only botanical garden in the U.S. dedicated to tropical fruits and spices, this 37-acre subtropical paradise in Homestead houses over 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, and spices from around the world—many available for tasting on guided tours.
When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL
Cost: $10 for adults, $3 for children
Website: Fruit and Spice Park
Instagram: @fruitandspicepark
3. Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Photo: Courtesy of Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Top image by Chael Todd for MBBG
Right in the heart of South Beach lies a surprisingly serene garden oasis. This 2.6-acre retreat features native palms, flowering trees, a Japanese garden, and a koi pond—all just steps from the Convention Center. It’s ideal for a quiet break between gallery-hopping or for attending one of their yoga sessions, horticulture talks, or monthly plant sales.
When: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, FL
Cost: Free admission (suggested donation: $5)
Website: Miami Beach Botanical Garden
4. Montgomery Botanical Center
Photo: Courtesy of Montgomery Botanical Center
This 120-acre research facility in Coral Gables focuses on the conservation and study of palms and cycads. While not generally open to the public, the center does offer guided tours by appointment, providing a glimpse into one of the most important plant collections in the country.
When: By appointment only
Where: 11901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Varies by tour type
Website: Montgomery Botanical Center
5. Patch of Heaven Sanctuary
Photo: Courtesy of Patch of Heaven Sanctuary
Part garden, part art installation, part conservation project—this 20-acre hidden gem in Redland offers a completely immersive nature experience. Think winding paths lined with sculptures, hammocks in the forest, open meditation spaces, and guided experiences that connect visitors to both the land and themselves.
When: Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 21900 SW 157th Ave, Miami, FL
Cost: $25 adults, $15 children (12 and under)
Website: Patch of Heaven Sanctuary
6. Pinecrest Gardens
Photo: Courtesy of Pinecrest Gardens
Often called the "hidden gem of Pinecrest," this historic 20-acre garden and cultural park is home to exotic and native tropical plants, a butterfly garden, a historic gazebo, and frequent community events, including concerts and seasonal festivals.
When: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 11000 SW 57th Ave, Pinecrest, FL
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children
Website: Pinecrest Gardens
7. Secret Gardens Miami
Photo: Courtesy of Secret Gardens Miami
This 6-acre private venue in Homestead is a dreamy landscape filled with waterfalls, koi ponds, and lush tropical foliage. Often booked for weddings and photo shoots, it also occasionally opens to the public for special events and private tours.
When: Varies by event or booking
Where: 14450 SW 248th St, Homestead, FL
Cost: Pricing varies
Website: Secret Gardens Miami
8. The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden
Photo: Courtesy of The Kampong
Once the private garden of famed botanist Dr. David Fairchild, The Kampong in Coconut Grove features exotic fruit trees and flowering plants collected from around the world. Guided and self-guided tours offer an intimate experience in one of the city’s most historic green spaces.
When: Tuesday–Friday by reservation
Where: 4013 S Douglas Rd, Miami, FL
Cost: $15 adults, $10 children
Website: The Kampong
9. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Courtesy of Vizcaya/Photo by Robin Hill
More than just a museum, Vizcaya’s expansive gardens are an iconic example of Italian Renaissance landscaping—with perfectly trimmed hedges, decorative fountains, and bayfront views. Ideal for lovers of architecture and horticulture alike.
When: Wednesday–Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL
Cost: $25 adults, $10 children
Website: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens