5210 College Road
Key West

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Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden is unexpected pocket of green in a heavily developed part of the Florida Keys. It sits on 15 acres at the approach to the city. It is the only frost-free tropical garden in the continental U.S. Its emphasis is on native plants — many of which are rare or considered endangered — but a walk along its many paths will reveal birds and butterflies as well. It is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and has been declared a wildlife sanctuary by the city of Key West.

Well manicured paths and elevated boardwalk wander through themed gardens. Plants are well marked. But there is a part of the gardens that is truly tropical forest and totally wild, complete with two freshwater ponds — among the few freshwater ponds remaining in Key West. The path through this section is not long but it is rugged and can be wet in places even in the dry season.

There is an admissions fee; parking is ample and there are benches throughout where you can sit and enjoy the tranquility of the park. Also at the entrance is a board listing the latest bird sightings. The gardens is about a 20 minute drive from Key West's other stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.

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