McKee Botanical Garden

Imagine a quiet oasis where time seems to slow down amidst lush greenery and mirror-like waters. McKee Botanical Garden is a unique 18-acre subtropical park located in Vero Beach, USA. This site is recognized as a national treasure and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as a preserved piece of "Old Florida."

Established on the site of a pristine tropical hammock, the garden harmoniously blends native flora with exotic plant species from around the world. It is home to more than 10,000 specimens, including one of the most impressive collections of water lilies in the region. Walking along its shaded paths, you will encounter majestic palms, cascading waterfalls, and historic architectural structures that give this place a special vintage charm.

The main feature of the garden is its atmosphere of seclusion. Despite its proximity to urban infrastructure, once inside, you feel completely immersed in untouched wilderness. This is not just a plant collection, but a project of national importance for biodiversity conservation, where every stream and every tree tells its own long history.

For more information about events or to book group tours, you can use the official contact details for McKee Botanical Garden.

The main pleasure at McKee Botanical Garden is the leisurely exploration of its winding trails. Be sure to visit the famous water lily ponds: the garden's collection is considered one of the best in the world and regularly receives international certificates of quality. During the blooming season, the water's surface transforms into a living canvas that looks like something straight out of an Impressionist painting.

History and architecture enthusiasts should check out the Hall of Giants—a monumental building made of pine logs that preserves the spirit of Florida's early pioneers. Equally interesting is the Spanish Kitchen, restored to its original form. These buildings create a unique backdrop for walks and allow you to feel how tourists vacationed here nearly a hundred years ago.

If you are traveling with family, be sure to visit the children's garden with its interactive zones, while photographers will find endless inspiration by the small waterfalls and in the shade of ancient oaks. After your walk, you can stop by the onsite restaurant or pick out a commemorative gift at the souvenir shop, which often sells items made by local artisans and botanical-themed souvenirs.

The easiest way to reach this tropical corner is by car. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US-1, right off US Highway 1. This makes it easily accessible for travelers heading along the Florida coast. If you are coming from the city center, the drive will only take a few minutes.

For those arriving from other regions, the nearest major hubs are Vero Beach Regional Airport (about 10–15 minutes away) and Orlando International Airport, which is approximately a 2-hour drive via I-95 and US-1. Free parking is provided on-site for visitors.

Public transportation in the area is limited, so the most convenient option if you don't have a rental car is to use taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. The garden is located in the southern part of the city, near the scenic Indian River.

The history of this amazing place began in 1929, when entrepreneurs Arthur G. McKee and Waldo E. Sexton purchased a plot of land for growing citrus. Enchanted by the pristine beauty of the tropical hammock, they decided to create a public garden instead. The landscape was designed by the famous William Lyman Phillips of the Olmsted Brothers firm, who masterfully integrated exotic plants into the natural environment.

The official opening took place in 1932 under the name McKee Jungle Gardens. At that time, it was one of Florida's most popular attractions, drawing more than 100,000 visitors annually. In addition to rare plants, visitors were attracted by exotic animals—one could even see lions and chimpanzees here. The garden flourished for decades, becoming an important part of the region's tourism heritage.

However, in 1976, due to competition from major theme parks, the garden was closed, and most of its territory was sold for development. It was only through the efforts of volunteers and the Indian River Land Trust in the mid-90s that the 18-acre heart of the garden was saved. After a large-scale restoration in 2001, it reopened its doors, preserving its historic spirit and unique structures like the famous Hall of Giants.

To take a leisurely stroll along the winding paths and enjoy the beauty of all the displays, most guests need 2 to 3 hours. If you are a photography enthusiast or plan to study the water lily collection in detail, your visit may extend to 4 hours.

The garden is ideal for a morning visit when nature is just waking up and it isn't too hot yet. You should also allow an extra half hour if you want to stop by the gift shop or have a snack at the local cafe while admiring the surrounding landscapes.

When planning your visit to McKee Botanical Garden, please note the operating schedule, as the park is closed to visitors at the beginning of the week:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday — Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Please note that admission to the grounds ends 30–45 minutes before the official closing time, so try to arrive early to ensure you have enough time to see all the exhibits.

A visit to McKee Botanical Garden can be complemented by exploring other interesting sites nearby. The city is known for its peaceful pace of life and historic heritage, so a short stroll through neighboring areas will allow you to get a deeper feel for the Florida coast atmosphere.

Below are sites located within a few kilometers of the garden that may interest history and architecture buffs: