Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is a 15.2-acre garden and tropical hardwood hammock on Stock Island, with self-guided paths through native plants, wetland and bird habitat. Come for an easy hour or two among the greenery. This is a leafy outdoor forest more than a formal garden full of showy flower beds; pick up the map or use the mobile audio tour to explore at your own pace.

The garden protects a few of the last freshwater ponds in the Keys, a rare habitat in an island chain better known for salt water. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here. White-crowned Pigeons and Black-whiskered Vireos are specialties, and winter or migration can bring kingbirds and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers to the entrance trees.

The garden began in the 1930s as a Federal Emergency Relief Administration public-works project, with landscape architect Ralph Gunn testing about 80 plant species from around the world to see what could survive in the Keys. The grounds started at six acres and grew to 55 before wartime land transfers reduced the site. In 1961 the city designated the remaining garden a permanent wildlife sanctuary, botanical garden and arboretum; restoration began in 1972. The garden covers 15.2 acres today.

The outdoor Cuban Chugs exhibit displays small handmade vessels used to cross the Florida Straits. The visitor center has cold drinks and locally made gifts, and the nursery grows more than 150 Florida Keys native species. This is a ticketed stop, so check current admission details before you go. There is no meal service listed, but a picnic area is available. The garden has free parking, restrooms and a water-refill station; dogs are allowed on leash. Five paths are identified as ADA-accessible.