Florida's Sprawling Tropical Garden Is A Lush Paradise Full Of Scenic Trails & Butterflies

Southeastern Florida is a sprawling metropolis. From West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale to Miami, the busy city life can get overwhelming — even if you're mainly visiting to drive along the beautiful Florida coastline or seeking a simple beach vacation. Be sure to balance out your trip with some relaxing elements too. Given Florida's tropical climate, checking out some of its amazing plant life is the perfect way to slow down. Visiting a botanical garden on your next vacation to the Sunshine State can help you do just that.

Just under 10 miles from downtown Miami is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Across its 83 acres of family-friendly greenery, you'll see why it ranks among Florida's most magnificent botanical gardens. It includes butterflies, birds, rare tropical plants, water features, and more. Fairchild is also easy to explore, thanks to its mapped-out trails and educational guided tours. You can tour the gardens on foot or by tram. Get started at the Shehan Visitor Center near the garden's parking lot. This large two-story building not only offers tour information, but also overlooks the gardens and has a gift shop with much more than simple souvenirs.

To see over 40 species of butterflies from tropical places like Florida and beyond, head to the Wings of the Tropics exhibit. This remarkable part of the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is housed in the Clinton Family Conservatory, which features other tropical insects from around the world, butterfly chrysalises, and even more plants to discover. The plants and insects here are delicate, but conservatory staff can help you get up close while also keeping them safe.

Enjoy gorgeous views of lakes and towering palm trees at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden by walking along Allée to the Overlook Terrace. The landscapes here are nothing short of fairytale-worthy and serve as perfect examples of Florida mangrove forests. Keep your eyes peeled for tropical birds in these areas too. 

For more water features, check out Fountain Court Pool. Look for multiple species of water lilies in this pond and its unique heron sculpture made of blue glass. See even larger water lilies at the Amphitheater Pool and Sibley Victoria Pool — some of which measure up to two feet in diameter.

Before planning your visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, check the events calendar to see what's coming up. Fairchild hosts multiple festivals and plant sales throughout the year. Try exotic mango varieties at the annual Mango Festival in July. Buy palm and cycad plant seeds and learn how to care for them at the South Florida Palm Society Show and Sale in September. Fairchild partners with horticulturists to maintain healthy orchid populations throughout this region of Florida, and the Orchids in Bloom festival in March is a great opportunity to learn more — and maybe buy an orchid of your own. October is another prime orchid month.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is open every day except Christmas, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can buy tickets at any of the entrances or online, where you'll also find maps for self-guided walking tours curated by garden staff. These tours each focus on a different theme, including fruit, native Floridian plants, birds, orchids, and more.