Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156, USA

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Phone +1 305-667-1651

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Opened in the 1930s, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (named after American botanist David Fairchild who traveled the world and brought more than 20,000 plants, including mangos, alfalfa, nectarines, dates, horseradish, bamboos and more, to the United States, settling in Miami around the same time the garden opened) is an 83-acre garden located in Coral Gables, Florida, just south of Miami proper. A museum, laboratory, learning center, and conservation research facility, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden hosts festivals throughout the year and regular events for both members and non-members. The organization also has field programs in over 20 countries and is one of the most highly regarded conservation and education-based gardens in not only Florida, but the entire world.

What to See

There are numerous attractions to explore at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Visitors can marvel at beautiful butterflies in the Wings of the Tropics exhibit. Furthermore, you can take a moment to meditate amidst lush greenery, birds, and a serene lake. Guided and self-guided tours are available, making it easy to explore. Trams operate hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, with later hours on the weekends. Tours are available in both Spanish and English and last for 45 minutes; be sure to check the website for the latest tour schedules. Fairchild’s Simons Rainforest offers a tropical escape, while the Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion invites you to smell (and perhaps taste!) exotic fruits native to jungle climates.

Best Time to Visit

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission prices vary (members enter for free; adults pay $25 each; discounts are available for students, seniors, and children 5 and under also enter free). While any time is suitable for a visit, checking the garden’s event calendar online can enhance your experience with activities such as yoga in the garden, meditation, early bird walks, classes, and plant shows/sales. Fairchild is the proud home of the American Orchid Society and hosts the International Orchid Festival. Additionally, if you enjoy fruits or chocolate, don’t miss the annual International Mango Festival and the International Chocolate Festival. Each event showcases specialty dishes, and you can purchase plants, flowers, food, drinks, and more, inspired by cultures from around the globe.

How to Get There

Getting to Fairchild is convenient, whether you are traveling north from the Florida Keys, south from Miami Beach, or from another direction. For ease, enter the address into your GPS. Public transportation is also available with limited Miami-Dade Transit bus service to Fairchild in the morning and returning late afternoon. For more information, refer to Miami-Dade Transit or call 305-770-3131; note that weekend and holiday service may vary. Alternatively, you can use taxi service along with rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. Local taxi service is provided by Yellow Cab, reachable at 305-666-6668. However, our preferred mode of transportation to and from Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is the bicycle; it promotes eco-friendliness. If you choose to walk, ride a bike, or use public transport, you’ll receive $5 off adult admission and $2 off for children. Members can earn a Bike and Five punch card, granting a $25 gift admission card after five visits. Don’t miss the Lin Lougheed Spiny Forest of Madagascar, where you can admire desert plants native to that region, many of which are endangered. The ‘Spiny Forest changes with the seasons, so visiting in both winter and summer offers unique experiences.

What to Do and See Nearby

There are many nearby activities to enjoy, including shopping and dining options. Matheson Hammock Park provides opportunities for paddleboarding, boating, or jet-skiing. For dinner, check out Redfish Grill located at Matheson Hammock Park. Nearby, you’ll find Dadeland Mall (featuring Zara, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue) as well as The Falls (offering Bloomingdales, Michael Kors, a movie theater, and more).