7 Secret Gardens That’ll Make You Feel Miles from the City

Published Jun 4, 2018

We’re not short on gorgeous gardens here. (Hey, Vizcaya and Fairchild.) But there’s something you should know: Miami is home to a bundle of lush oases that even the most seasoned locals don’t know about. Don’t believe us? Take the afternoon off and check them out for yourself.

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

Home to one of the largest collections of rare palms in the entire country, this Palm Beach retreat is filled with more than a hundred works by sculptor Ann Weaver Norton. Let your creativity wander as you take in sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway while gawking at some of Norton’s best pieces.

253 Barcelona Rd., West Palm Beach; 561-832-5328 or ansg.org

Bonnet House

This historic Fort Lauderdale home, which dates back to the 1920s, is surrounded by one of the most beautiful orchid gardens we’ve ever seen. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to spend the entire afternoon… or maybe even move in. (Hey, a girl can dream, right?)

900 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-563-5393 or bonnethouse.org

The Kampong

This six-acre garden along the Biscayne Bay is filled with vibrantly colored plants and flowers, numerous exotic fruits and more than 50 varieties of mangoes. (No wonder: It’s the former home of Dr. David Fairchild, the famed botanical explorer.) Be sure to keep an eye out for a towering 80-year-old Tanzanian tree.

4013 S. Douglas Rd., Coconut Grove; 305-442-7169 or ntbg.org/gardens/kampong

Flamingo Gardens

Even if you know Broward County like the back of your hand, you may be unfamiliar with this tucked-away garden and wildlife sanctuary. It’s home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife, from alligators and bobcats to panthers, peacocks and flamingos. Don’t forget to peek into the hummingbird garden.

3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie; 954-473-2955 or flamingogardens.org

Fruit & Spice Park/ Facebook

Fruit And Spice Park

The country’s only tropical botanical garden is sitting in our backyard. To get acquainted with more than 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and nuts, take part in a complimentary garden tour, which will take you all around the property’s 37 acres. Warning: You may crave a serious fruit salad afterward, in which case, stop at the park’s Mango Cafe.

24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead; 305-247-5727 or redlandfruitandspice.com

Mounts Botanical Garden

This 14-acre tropical paradise has something for everyone: a butterfly garden, charming ponds with small bridges, a rose bed, lush trees and even a vegetable garden. On weekends, the property hosts yoga too. Hello, bliss.

531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach; 561-233-1757 or mounts.org

Pinecrest Gardens

Just because Parrot Jungle is no longer here doesn’t mean this garden isn’t worth a visit. With $5 admission, this is an ideal spot to bring a picnic basket, a bottle of wine and your favorite novel.

11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest; 305-669-6990 or pinecrestgardens.org