Florida Balm

Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Miami Florida

Visiting Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami is a must-see for any nature lover visiting Miami. Immerse yourself in a vibrant paradise with over 83 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens showcasing a vast array of tropical plants. 

Whether you’re a botany buff or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Fairchild offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Fairchild Fun Facts

  • Established: 1938
  • Size: 83 acres
  • Plant Collection: Over 390,000 rare and exotic tropical plants
  • Diverse Plant Life: Explore collections like the breathtaking cycad collection, the International Rain Forest with its lush canopy walkway, and the spiny wonder of the cactus garden.

  • Exhibits and Events: Fairchild offers a variety of special exhibits and community events throughout the year, including the Annual Mango Festival and Chocolate Festival.

  • Family Fun: The whimsical Children’s Garden provides a wonderland of interactive exhibits designed to spark a love of nature in younger visitors. Storytelling, educational programs, and special events round out the offerings for families.

Planning Your Visit

Given the expansive size of the gardens, comfortable footwear is essential. To maximize your exploration, consider these tips:

  • Tram Tours: There are trams running throughout the day providing tours for a comprehensive overview of the gardens and key highlights.

  • Walking Paths: Fairchild offers miles of scenic walking paths, allowing you to explore at your own pace and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. While there’s lots of shade and solid walkways, there are also full sun spots that can be more difficult in the height of a summer day.

  • Be Prepared for the Elements: Miami’s subtropical climate can be hot and sunny. Bring a hat and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Rest, Refuel and Shop!

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens can easily take an entire day to experience (and more!). And what makes it even easier to stay all day is visiting the Glasshouse Cafe by Le Basque. It’s a restaurant that’s open every day starting at 10:30a. 

The menu is limited but offers healthy, organic foods including salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, a few breakfast items, a kids menu, desserts and drinks. It has everything you need to stop for a and refuel as you enjoy the day.

There is also a large gift shop filled with lots of unique gifts including eco-friendly, gardening books, jewelry, children’s toys and more. No need to buy a ticket to enter the gardens, the shop is open to all visitors.

For upcoming events like the annual mango festival, chocolate festival and lots of other fantastic Florida fun, check the Calendar of Events on the official Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens website here.

Atala Butterfly at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, near extinct
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden plumeria flowers

Atala butterfly, nearly extinct and a great find at Fairchild Tropical Garden (left).  Pink plumeria (right).

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