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Fairchild Tropical Botanic GardenPhoto: Chris M Morris (CC BY 2.0)

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

#1 of 4 Parks & Outdoors in Miami

7.7Friend Score / 10

An 83-acre tropical paradise in Coral Gables, home to the only tropical rainforest in the continental US, 400+ mango varieties, and the enchanting Wings of the Tropics butterfly conservatory. Ride the free narrated tram to grasp the scale, then wander the palm glades and sunken garden. Honest caveat: admission is steep at $24.95, and Miami's midday heat, humidity, and mosquitoes are real, so come early.

“Rare palms tower overhead, rainbow-hued macaws soar across the sky and the Richard H. Simons Rainforest Trail pulls you into a misty, Amazon-like dreamscape.”
— Time Out

Key facts

Hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price$$
Nearest transitMiami-Dade Metrobus Route 65 runs along Old Cutler Rd near the entrance; no Metrorail station is close, so most visitors drive (free on-site parking) or rideshare.
Time neededPlan on 3 to 4 hours to see the grounds, butterfly conservatory, and rainforest at a comfortable pace.
Best time to goCooler, drier months of November through March; arrive right at 10 AM opening to beat both the crowds and the midday heat.
Last verifiedJuly 13, 2026

Friend Score

7.7/10
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Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to be comfortable?
Miami's sun, heat, and humidity are no joke, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, and consider bug spray since mosquitoes are active near the rainforest and lakes. Comfortable walking shoes matter given the acreage. Visiting in the morning or the cooler winter months makes the whole experience much more pleasant.
How much is admission and can I save money on tickets?
General admission is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors, and $11.95 for children ages 3 to 11, while kids 2 and under are free. Buying online in advance saves you $5 per ticket. Fairchild also offers military, first-responder, college-student, and an eco-discount for visitors who walk, bike, or arrive by public transit.
Can I bring my own food and have a picnic?
Yes. Fairchild welcomes picnickers, so packing your own snacks or lunch is a smart way to offset the admission cost and enjoy the grounds. If you'd rather not carry food, the on-site Glasshouse Cafe serves light meals, coffee, and drinks near the visitor center.
Is Fairchild good for families and is it stroller and wheelchair accessible?
It's very family-friendly, with the butterfly conservatory and open lawns being big hits with children. Main pathways are paved and generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though some rainforest and lakeside trails are uneven. The free tram is a good option for anyone who can't cover the full acreage on foot.
What is Wings of the Tropics?
It's Fairchild's headline indoor exhibit, a climate-controlled conservatory filled with hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies from around the world. Butterflies land on visitors regularly, so it's a highlight for kids and photographers. It's included with general admission and stays comfortable even on the hottest, most humid days.
Is the free tram tour worth it?
Absolutely, especially on a first visit. The roughly 45-minute narrated tram loop orients you to the 83-acre layout and the naturalists point out rare palms, cycads, and seasonal blooms you might otherwise walk past. Many visitors ride it first, then return on foot to the areas that caught their eye.
What is the Mango Festival?
For more than three decades Fairchild has hosted its annual International Mango Festival, usually a ticketed weekend in June. The garden grows 400-plus mango varieties, and the festival features tastings, cooking demos, a mango marketplace, and expert talks. It's one of the busiest weekends of the year, so buy tickets ahead and expect crowds.

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