It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life when you’re in a place like Miami. But if you’re willing to take a step away, there’s so much amazing nature to behold in the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
Located just south on Miami, in Coral Gables, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden feels a world away. The narrow winding tree covered road from US-1 through Cutler Bay and the Hammocks shows a different, quieter side of Miami and helps bridge the gap from city to gardens. There is ample parking when you arrive, just outside the Visitors Center, where you can purchase tickets and souvenirs from the day. But once you step through the Visitors Center you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported away.
Located on over 80 acres, Fairchild includes several lakes with picnic areas and pathways winding throughout the lakes and palm trees on the eastern side of the garden. The western side is more concentrated for viewing their extensive collection of plants. Fairchild has over 23,000 plans representing more than 3,400 species. They are renowned for their role in botany, conservation science, tropical horticulture, environmental education and landscape design and it shows! While there is extensive research happening here, the gardens show like a museum for visitors who come for the beauty.
There are walking paths throughout the garden that easily enable visitors of all ages to pass through the gardens and marvel at their beauty. There are also ample opportunities to walk across the lush green lawns, wind between the plants and even walk along streams.
The boys and I visited the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in July. Despite visiting in the summer, we were comfortable walking throughout the garden. We spent about two hours wandering through the garden experiencing all of the different types of plants. There is a Lougheed Spiny Forest of Madagascar, a Native Butterfly Garden, and a Rainforest complete with waterfalls. Each offered a different and specific landscape to enjoy. There were even hammocks to lie in the shade and relax.
We also enjoyed wandering through the pavilions that house tropical fruit, rare plants, and tropical plants. We especially enjoyed walking amongst the butterflies in the Wings of the Tropics Exhibit. There were so many different varieties and we enjoyed seeing them transition from cocoon to butterfly and fly throughout the building.
There are several Chihuly sculptures throughout the garden that were a terrific addition to all of the natural beauty. We ended the day at the children’s garden – a play space designed entirely of natural items. A tree to climb under, a root to tunnel through, a few stumps to walk over. It was a cute way to make the garden especially fun for visiting children.
There is a café in the garden where you can order lunch or snacks. There are also bathrooms with water refill stations throughout. There are walking and tram tours offered throughout the day, which give more in depth information. The garden is open from 10-4 daily.
We had a great time visiting the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and highly recommend it. Whether you want to get away from the city, convene with nature or just spend a day in a beautiful place, this is the place.
Have you been to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden? What’s your favorite thing to see?
Things to Know Before You Go
- Each August, they discount the price of tickets to $12 for everyone.
- You can bring water bottles into the garden and refill them at various places throughout.
- The garden is a popular spot for photos, so don’t be surprised if you see photographers throughout.
