Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
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Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

4.2
·295 reviews·Key West, United States

Discover a serene 11-acre oasis on Stock Island, featuring diverse native flora, a tranquil turtle pond, and historic Cuban boats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Avoid heat & bugs

CrowdLow
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Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Best Time

Morning

Avoid heat & bugs

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a serene 11-acre oasis on Stock Island, featuring diverse native flora, a tranquil turtle pond, and historic Cuban boats.

4.2
(295 reviews)

"A quiet, balanced, and zen place with immaculate grounds and friendly staff."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Bug Spray! 🦟

Mosquitoes can be relentless, especially in humid conditions. Douse yourself in repellent before you go!

Pet-Friendly Paradise 🐾

Your furry friends are welcome! Dogs and their owners can enjoy the lush greenery and watch the turtles together.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tranquil Turtle Pond

Tranquil Turtle Pond

Central pond area

Watch the resident turtles glide through the freshwater pond, a peaceful and engaging sight for all ages.

Historic Cuban Boats

Historic Cuban Boats

Near the entrance

Discover authentic Cuban refugee boats, offering a unique glimpse into maritime history and local heritage.

Diverse Native Flora

Diverse Native Flora

Throughout the gardens

Explore a rich collection of native Caribbean plants, with informative plaques detailing their uses and origins.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Bugs and Heat

Key West can be humid and buggy, especially in warmer months. Pack insect repellent and wear light, long clothing to protect yourself. Visiting earlier in the day can help you avoid the peak heat and crowds.

Embrace the Island Pace

While the gardens are on Stock Island, Key West itself is small and best explored by bike or moped. Consider leaving your car behind to truly soak in the island vibe and easily access attractions like the botanical garden.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Avoid heat & bugs
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

just a few of my best tips for planning your trip to key west 🏝️ #keywest #floridakeys #floridaman #traveltiktok #USTravel #travellife #floridacheck
@theshayspence
36.2K likes • 906.1K views

Bring Bug Spray! 🦟

Mosquitoes can be relentless, especially in humid conditions. Douse yourself in repellent before you go! Reddit

Pet-Friendly Paradise 🐾

Your furry friends are welcome! Dogs and their owners can enjoy the lush greenery and watch the turtles together. Instagram

These are some big mistakes to avoid in the Florida Keys!! If you are planning a trip to Key West or any of the Keys, here are some things to know before you go! #floridakeys #keywest #keywestflorida #floridakeyslife #travelbucketlist #travellife #floridatravel #floridabeaches #drytortugas #roadtrip #weekendgetaway #weekendtrip #keylargo #islamorada #PlacesToVisit #travelbucketlist #beachvacation
@followmeaway
22.8K likes • 869.3K views
📍Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden 🌸 🦋 🐾 🌳 11 acres of lush greenery with 3 ponds 😁 Yes! it’s #petfriendly! 🐢 There are so many turtles in the pond. You and your furry friend will love watching them swim 🚤 Did u see the Cuban chug (Cuban refugee boats)? Traditional handmade & modified Cuban yacht with a wood hull & gas engine from 1985. It arrived in KeyWest from Mariel, Cuba. The bo...
dogfriendlykeywest
63 likes • 5K views

Learn About the Plants 🌿

Informative plaques along the paths offer great insights into the diverse flora, especially Caribbean natives. Instagram

Explore the Cuban Boats 🛥️

Don't miss the unique display of historic Cuban refugee boats, a fascinating piece of local history. Instagram

The key west tropical forest and botanical gardens are an amazing place to explore and learn! With so many different plants to see and learn about, the experience was not one to miss. It seemed like every few feet there was more information on these unique beautiful plants. Like this Bay Rum. Native to the Caribbean it is used in cooking and an essential oil is distilled to produce a fragrant col...
faithfamilyandafifthwheel
29 likes • 586 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Bug Spray! 🦟

Mosquitoes can be relentless, especially in humid conditions. Douse yourself in repellent before you go! Reddit

Pet-Friendly Paradise 🐾

Your furry friends are welcome! Dogs and their owners can enjoy the lush greenery and watch the turtles together. Instagram

Learn About the Plants 🌿

Informative plaques along the paths offer great insights into the diverse flora, especially Caribbean natives. Instagram

Explore the Cuban Boats 🛥️

Don't miss the unique display of historic Cuban refugee boats, a fascinating piece of local history. Instagram

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

Winding paths can get a bit confusing. Comfortable footwear will make exploring the 11 acres much more enjoyable. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(295 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden for its peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about native plants. The turtle pond and historic Cuban boats are frequently mentioned highlights. However, some find the admission price high for the size of the garden, and insect repellent is a must due to persistent mosquitoes.

"If you’re looking for a quiet, balanced and zen place, please give Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Gardens. On the day we went there was NO crowds, zero waiting to got inside very quickly. The grounds are immaculate, and truly make the space so beautiful. The staff was really friendly, courteous and welcoming. There is a playground, and so many fun, educational things for kiddos of all ages to do. If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, please check out Key West Tropical Forest. Enjoy!"

John Smith III

"Beautiful gardens and so nice to learn about the plants from the plaques along the way. Obviously there are going to be biting insects (duh) so wear clothing that covers skin and bring bug spray. The lady at the front entrance was very pleasant and knowledgeable."

Autumn G

"Note: Mosquitos were relentless! We dowsed ourselves in spray but they were still landing on us. We went first week in April. Absolutely nothing was blooming & hence there were no butterflies either. If you like plants, it's great. There are some old Cuban boats & Cuban palm trees. I saw more flowers just walking down streets in the Keys. Orchids grow out of the trunk of almost every tree you see on the streets. Plumerias & bougainvillea are abundant everywhere but in this "garden.""

TxGal 4Ever

What People Like

Peaceful and zen atmosphere
Informative plant displays
Turtle pond and Cuban boats

What People Dislike

Mosquitoes can be relentless
Admission price perceived as high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The garden is located on Stock Island, just a short drive from Key West. Many visitors opt to rent a moped or bike to explore the Keys, which makes getting to the garden easy and enjoyable. TikTok+1 Parking is available on-site.

Yes, there is parking available at the entrance of the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car or moped. Reddit

While public transport options directly to the garden might be limited, Key West itself is well-connected by bus services. Consider combining a bus ride with a short walk or bike ride to reach the garden. TikTok

The garden features winding paths, and while some areas are paved, others may be unpaved or uneven. It's advisable to check with the garden directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information. Reddit

From the main part of Key West, it's typically a short 10-15 minute drive or a slightly longer bike ride to reach the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden on Stock Island. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees can vary, and some reviews suggest they might be considered high by some visitors. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing for the Key West Botanical Garden. Reddit

Information on discounts for the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is not widely publicized. It's recommended to inquire directly with the garden staff or check their official website for any potential offers. Reddit

The garden typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to confirm the exact opening and closing times for the Key West Botanical Garden on their official website before your visit. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. Visitors can usually purchase tickets upon arrival, and crowds are often minimal. Reddit

Visiting in the morning, especially on weekdays, tends to be less crowded. This also helps you avoid the peak heat of the day. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

The garden features a diverse collection of native Caribbean plants, including various trees, flowers, and palms. You'll find informative plaques detailing their origins and uses. InstagramReddit

Yes, the garden is home to a notable turtle pond where you can observe many turtles. You might also spot butterflies and other small wildlife. Instagram+1

Absolutely! There's a playground area, and the turtles and informative plant displays make it an engaging and educational experience for kids of all ages. Reddit

While some visitors find it can be explored in about 30 minutes, others suggest allocating up to 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the 11 acres and read the plant information. Reddit

These are historic Cuban refugee boats, handmade and modified, that are displayed within the garden, offering a unique historical perspective. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The turtle pond, the historic Cuban boats, and the lush, diverse plant life offer excellent photo opportunities. The winding paths also provide interesting compositions. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally permitted throughout the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best lighting for photography, with softer shadows and a warm glow. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to avoid intrusive photography, especially of other visitors, and to respect the plants and wildlife. Instagram

Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to contact the garden administration beforehand if you plan to use a tripod for professional or extensive photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is a fantastic spot for families. Beyond the beautiful plants, there's a playground that kids will love, offering a chance for them to burn off energy. The turtle pond is a major highlight, providing endless fascination as children watch the turtles swim and interact.Instagram+1 Informative plaques about the plants can also make for a fun, educational scavenger hunt. Remember to bring bug spray to keep little ones comfortable, and comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the winding paths. It's a peaceful, engaging alternative to the busier attractions on the main island.

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers

For those who appreciate botany, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden offers a unique glimpse into native Caribbean flora. The 11-acre space is meticulously maintained, with a diverse collection of trees, palms, and flowering plants, each accompanied by educational signage.Instagram You'll find species that are less common elsewhere, providing a rich learning experience. The presence of the historic Cuban boats adds a layer of cultural and historical interest to the natural beauty. While some reviews note that not everything may be in bloom year-round,Reddit the garden's commitment to showcasing indigenous plant life makes it a worthwhile visit for any serious plant lover.

🐶 Pet Owners

Good news for pet parents: the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is pet-friendly! This means you can bring your furry companions along to enjoy the lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere.Instagram It's a great opportunity for your dog to experience a new environment and stretch their legs. Just be sure to keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them. The turtles in the pond are also a fun sight for both humans and their canine companions to observe together.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Key West: Beyond the Garden

While the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is a serene escape on Stock Island, getting around the wider Key West area is an experience in itself. Many visitors, including those who live there, strongly advise against renting a car. The island is compact and best navigated by bike or moped.TikTok+1 This not only saves on parking hassles but also allows you to truly immerse yourself in the laid-back island atmosphere. Several rental shops are available, making it easy to find a mode of transport that suits your style. For those seeking a more adventurous journey, consider the ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park, a popular day trip from Key West that offers incredible snorkeling and history.TikTok

When exploring Key West, remember that it's a place to slow down. While you might be tempted to pack your itinerary, embracing the island's pace is key. From enjoying the 'world-famous' lobster pizza to savoring mile-high Key Lime Pie at Blue Heaven,TikTok Key West offers unique culinary experiences. Don't forget to explore iconic spots like the Audubon House and Hemingway House, and perhaps even a visit to the Little White House.Reddit The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden offers a peaceful counterpoint to the lively energy of the main island, providing a chance to connect with nature amidst your travels.

The Flora and Fauna: A Naturalist's Delight

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is a haven for plant enthusiasts, showcasing a rich diversity of native Caribbean flora. Spread across 11 acres, the garden features a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, many of which are highlighted with informative plaques detailing their origins and traditional uses.Instagram You'll encounter species like the Bay Rum tree, native to the Caribbean and used in both cooking and perfumery. The garden's freshwater pond is a significant feature, attracting local wildlife and providing a tranquil focal point. It's a place where you can learn about the unique plant life that thrives in this tropical environment.

Beyond the botanical collections, the garden is also a habitat for local fauna. The turtle pond is a particular draw, where visitors can observe numerous turtles swimming and basking.Instagram+1 While the garden aims to be a sanctuary, it's important to be prepared for the natural environment. As with many tropical locations, biting insects can be present, especially during certain times of the year. Visitors are advised to bring insect repellent and wear appropriate clothing to ensure a comfortable experience.Reddit Despite the occasional bug, the opportunity to see native plants and observe local wildlife makes the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden a rewarding visit for nature lovers.

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