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 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 — the only freshwater ponds in Key West. The path through this section is not long but it is rugged and can be wet.

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 of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

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