I’ve been working through my bucket list this summer, and right near the top was trekking through a tropical rainforest. In my mind, that always meant at least a plane ride’s worth of travel—me in safari gear, sunlight dappling through the canopy, and swinging vines overhead.
While there are temperate rainforests in the United States, as well as a tropical rainforest—El Yunque National Forest—in Puerto Rico, I was surprised and delighted to discover that there is actually a tropical rainforest in the continental U.S., and more specifically, right here in the South. Here’s everything to know about adding this incredible destination to your own list of under-the-radar gems in the South.
Credit:
Courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Discover The Only Tropical Rainforest In The Continental U.S.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Florida, is home to the only tropical rainforest in the continental U.S. The Richard H. Simons Rainforest comprises two open-air acres of Fairchild’s 83 acres (about 63 football fields!), and is features rainforest plants from all over the world, including thousands of tropical orchids.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden itself is a stunning creation that is equal parts conservation center, art gallery (blown-glass Chihuly sculptures are tucked between palms), and living history. Beyond the two-acre rainforest, it features incredible aquatic gardens, lowlands and lakes, a tropical flower garden, tropical fruit garden, palm collection, butterfly garden, and more.
Speakers at the dedication of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in 1938 included Dr. David Fairchild and Colonel Robert Montgomery.
Credit:
Courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
History Of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Before the garden came to life, Dr. David Fairchild (for whom the garden was named) was collecting seeds for the USDA—more than 200,000 of them, many now staples in our kitchens and backyards. You can thank him for paving the way for grocery store staples like mangos, avocados, quinoa, kale, and pistachios, and plants like bamboo and even cherry blossoms, which have become a symbol of springtime in Washington, D.C.
In 1938, his friend and fellow plant enthusiast Colonel Robert Montgomery founded Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden as a living archive of those discoveries. Today, it’s a world-class center for plant conservation and research—and one of the only places in the country where you can walk through a rainforest, no passport or plane ticket required. Every trail is a nod to Fairchild’s globe-trotting curiosity, and every rare bloom is a reminder of the plants that shape what—and how—we grow.
Explore The Tropical Rainforest And The Garden’s Impressive Art Collection
Credit:
Courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Wander The Lush Two-Acre Tropical Rainforest
Wander through the mist and weave your way beneath towering fronds in the only outdoor tropical rainforest in the continental U.S. This isn’t a theme park simulation—Fairchild’s two-acre rainforest is the real deal. Designed to mirror the dense, humid conditions of the tropics thanks to a high-pressure fog system fed with ultra-pure water, you might feel like you’ve stepped out of Florida and straight into the Amazon.
Thanks to the garden’s extraordinary biodiversity, you’ll find yourself surrounded by thousands of rare and endangered species—towering palms, ancient cycads, vivid orchids, and tropical fruit trees from around the world. Some varieties are so rare you won’t find them anywhere else in North America.
Credit:
Courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens
See Enchanting Art And Breathtaking Flora
Fairchild is also a living gallery. Elsewhere in the gardens, a rotating collection of sculptures adds whimsy and wonder to every corner of the garden, from Dale Chihuly’s vibrant blown-glass installations to the playful Fairies at the Garden exhibit and larger-than-life Giant Robotic Insects. Here, art and nature collide here in the most delightful way.
Events Worth Planning Around
Beyond the rare plants and lush rainforest exhibit, Fairchild also hosts a lineup of standout festivals that are worth planning a trip around. Here are three to circle on your calendar:
Chocolate Festival
Held every January, this two-day event takes visitors on a journey from bean to bar. Learn how cacao is grown in the rainforest, watch live demonstrations of the chocolate-making process, and (of course) sample plenty of sweet treats along the way. It’s an indulgent, educational celebration of everyone’s favorite comfort food.
Orchid Festival
Fairchild is one of the country’s premier centers for orchid cultivation. Every March, the Orchid Festival transforms the garden into a sea of color, with over 150,000 blooms. Expect rare varieties, elaborate floral installations, and a marketplace for collectors and hobbyists alike. It’s one of the largest and most diverse orchid events in the country.
Mango Festival
Mango trees are practically a backyard staple in South Florida, and Fairchild is a big reason why. Held in peak summer, typically mid-July, the Mango Festival celebrates the garden’s legendary mango collection, featuring hundreds of rare and exotic varieties. Highlights include tastings, chef demos, mango-forward cocktails and smoothies, and live music.
Credit:
Courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Plan Your Visit
When to Go: Winter and early spring are the sweet spot—think cooler temps, lower humidity, and fewer crowds. It’s also peak bloom season for many of Fairchild’s tropical plants. Summer can be steamy, so aim for early morning visits and bring plenty of water. You can also check out any number of fun events, including the Chocolate Festival in January and the Orchid Festival in March.
Tickets and Tours: Fairchild is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and you’ll want to allow at least three hours to explore—more if you plan to linger or catch a tour. Tickets are available online or at the gate. You can wander at your own pace, but guided walking tours and tram rides offer more insight.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and of course your camera or phone to capture the amazing sights, are recommended.
Make a Day of It: Fairchild pairs well with other local gems. Swing by the nearby Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, or wander Coral Gables’ historic streets, filled with Mediterranean revival architecture, galleries, and the famous Venetian Pool.
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