By Coral Gables Gazette staff
You don’t need to look far to find paradise. Just off Old Cutler Road, nestled within 83 lush acres of tropical landscape, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has long been a beloved local landmark. Now, it’s also earned statewide bragging rights.
HGTV recently named Fairchild the most beautiful garden in Florida, singling it out as the Sunshine State’s crown jewel in a roundup of the top gardens in all 50 states. For longtime visitors and local admirers, the honor comes as no surprise.
Named for renowned plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild, the garden has been enchanting visitors since 1938 with its sweeping collections of rare palms, vibrant orchids, exotic fruit trees, and butterflies in flight. It is at once a living museum, a conservation center, and a sensory escape that changes with every season.
Where the wild and rare thrive
Unlike traditional European-style gardens, Fairchild’s appeal lies in its tropical biodiversity and immersive naturalism. The site is home to more than 3,400 species of plants, many of which are endangered or rarely seen outside their native habitats.
A walk through the Richard H. Simons Rainforest Trail feels like entering another world—thick foliage, misty air, and the sound of running water transport guests into what HGTV called a “dreamscape.” Rare palms tower overhead, while vividly colored macaws fly overhead or perch dramatically on branches above.
Elsewhere in the garden, winding trails reveal orchids clinging to trees, unusual cycads that have survived since the age of dinosaurs, and flowering trees that paint the landscape with shifting hues throughout the year.
Inside the Wings of the Tropics conservatory, hundreds of butterflies flutter freely through a steamy, glass-enclosed habitat—one of Fairchild’s most popular attractions for families and photographers alike.
A taste of the tropics
Fairchild is also one of the few botanic gardens in the country that offers interactive fruit tastings, letting visitors experience exotic flavors rarely encountered in supermarkets. Tropical fruits like jackfruit, sapote, lychee, and dragon fruit ripen in the South Florida sun and are often sampled on-site, providing a delicious, educational link between biodiversity and the human palate.
Timed right, a visit may coincide with one of Fairchild’s signature events, such as the Mango Festival, the International Orchid Show, or Orchids in Bloom, all of which draw enthusiasts and experts from around the world. During the winter holidays, the garden transforms for NightGarden, an after-dark spectacle of light, sound, and color that brings a touch of magic to the tropical grounds.
No matter the time of year, the experience is dynamic. As the plants grow, bloom, and evolve with the weather, no two visits are exactly alike.
Oasis in Coral Gables
Fairchild feels far removed from the city’s bustle. Its entrance along Old Cutler Road opens into a peaceful retreat where locals come to walk, read, birdwatch, picnic, or simply escape into beauty.
Fairchild is part of the city’s cultural fabric. It hosts educational programs for children, conservation initiatives for threatened species, and rotating exhibits that connect art, science, and horticulture. Partnerships with local schools and the University of Miami continue to deepen its community roots.
And now, with HGTV’s national recognition, the garden’s stature as a destination is poised to grow even further.
Always in bloom
In a state known for lush landscapes and botanical diversity, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden stands apart. It’s not just the beauty, but the feeling it evokes—a rare blend of curiosity, tranquility, and wonder.
Whether you’re a lifelong member, a weekend stroller or a first-time visitor drawn by HGTV’s glowing recommendation, the message is clear: paradise is alive and well in Coral Gables.
