Miami Beach Botanical Garden

With wetlands, orchids, and mangroves, native gardens, edible plants, and so much more, there's a lot to see at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Highlights include the bright red bridge in the Japanese Garden, the ponds spotted with water lilies, and the beautiful banyan tree. 

Though garden entry is complimentary, some special events— including the garden's popular weekly yoga classes—require paying a separate fee. Guided tours are ideal for horticulture fans, and self-guided audio tours offer rich information about the garden's signature plantings. Since the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is next door to the Holocaust Memorial, and these two Miami Beach sights share a parking lot, you can park once and easily see both in one day.

• Shutterbugs, don't forget your cameras; personal photography is welcome, though commercial projects and group shoots require reservations. 
• You can bring your food scraps to contribute to the garden's community composting initiative. 
• Complimentary garden maps are available at the Botanical Boutique.
• Travelers report that the garden is wheelchair accessible.

The botanical garden is located on Convention Center Drive, just steps from the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach. Independent travelers can drive via I-95 South to I-195 East, or I-95 North to I-395-East. There's ample street parking along Meridian Avenue. Tours of Miami Beach—including small-group outings, bike and Segway tours, and hop-on hop-off bus tours—all typically stop nearby, if you want to avoid the drive.

The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, and is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Since you'll want to spend time exploring outdoors, you should visit when the sun's shining. Guided tours of the gardens are offered on Saturdays, though if you want to avoid the crowds, plan to visit earlier in the week. 

To make the most of your time in Miami Beach—and see more of the city in less time—you should opt for a guided tour. Most tours take you through the Art Deco District, pass the Versace Mansion, and break for views at South Pointe Park. If you have more time to spare, book an outing that includes a stop at Wynwood Walls, Miami's expansive street art installation.