Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
Celebrating 90 Years as Keeper of the Trees
We have been “green” since our grand opening on Feb. 23, 1936. Our 15.2-acre location is the only frost-free botanical garden in the continental United States. We are committed to historical significance, preservation and development and environmental education for the next generation of Garden visitors.
What do you want to do today?
Whether you want to wander the paths or explore the special events calendar, our Quick Start Guide gets you to the right place fast.
The Rainbow Bridge Memorial
📚 Story Time Update
Unfortunately, our Story Time on Tuesday, July 28 has been cancelled.
We know many of our little readers were looking forward to joining us, and we're sorry for any disappointment. Thank you for your understanding we can't wait to welcome you back for our next Story Time adventure! 🌿📖
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Welcome to your Garden
We are the only frost-free, subtropical forest and botanical garden in the continental United States. Unlike traditional botanical gardens, this 15.2-acre garden advocates the importance of native plants and species. The garden is a major migratory stopping point for neo-tropical birds from places as far as South America and home to many rare birds in the Florida Keys.
Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Closes at 1 p.m. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
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Celebrating 90 years as Keeper of the Trees
Since our grand opening on Feb. 23, 1936, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden has dedicated itself to preserving the unique plant and animal eco-systems of the Florida Keys. In 2026 we will enhance our environmental stewardship with our campaign to build a new Education Center for our visitors and students. We welcome you walk with us on our next path!
90
Years
Embarking on endless horizons
Our new Education Center
On Jan. 30, 2026, we launched our multimillion dollar Education Center campaign. The new facilities will include our new visitors center, classrooms and education areas for children and adults and provide a safe and secure space for generations of visitors.
Preservation & Development
To preserve, develop, expand and maintain the historic Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden as an arboretum, botanical garden, cultural heritage museum, wildlife refuge and educational center.
Education
To encourage study of this collection and promote the benefits of native vegetation worldwide. The Society shall also provide educational programs for all age groups and various levels of interest geared to Keys residents, tourists, plant experts, and others.
Historical Significance
To showcase the historical significance of flora that are native to South Florida, Cuba and the Caribbean and emphasize cultivation of threatened and endangered species of the Florida Keys.
Our Mission
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the only frost-free botanical garden in the continental United States. Unlike traditional botanical gardens, we advocate the importance of native plants and species through education in a natural conservation habitat. We have three of the last remaining freshwater ponds in the Keys. We are a major migratory stopping point for neo-tropical birds and home to rare Florida Keys birds.
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Key West was bankrupt when we broke ground
Did you know the Key West Tropical Forest & Botnaical Garden broke ground in the middle of the Great Depression? As part of our 90th anniversary, we are sharing the ecological, cultural, and community-focused history of the Garden on our social media channels.
1. Key West bankrupt in 1934 (Great Depression context).
2. 80% of residents on relief.
3. Julius Stone sent by FERA to rescue city.
4. Stone sees Key West as “Bermuda of America.”
5. Massive WPA projects begin across island.
6. Key West Garden Club fights for a botanical garden.
7. Women-led activism in the 1930s.
8. Dec 10, 1934 groundbreaking ceremony.
9. Mayor Mallory plants the first tree.
10. Volunteers propagate plants at the Key West Library.
11. 55-acre layout selected for development.
12. February 23, 1936 grand opening.
Garden Quick Start Guide
What would you like to do today? We've gathered our favorite programs and information in one place. Simply click each green "leaf" for details and direct links to the information our Garden visitors access frequently.
Quick start guide
Ready for your Garden visit? Use our quick start links to jump to our most frequently asked questions.
Rainbow Bridge
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden expects to open its Rainbow Bridge Memorial in early 2026. This new space, which will include a newly constructed rainbow bridge near the Butterfly Garden, will offer a peaceful spot of comfort and reflection for all who visit, while preserving the natural beauty of the Garden. In addition to the bridge itself, the space will include native plantings and soft colors to enhance the sense of peace.
The Rainbow Bridge Memorial includes a separate plaque installation that will display the names of pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, making this a first-in-the-Keys opportunity for pet lovers to celebrate and honor the lives of their special family members. Early donors will be included in the dedication celebration that is designed to be a time to reflect, remember and celebrate the pets who gave us unconditional love.
Order your memorial plaque today!
Children & youth programs
The Garden's commitment to environmental education for children and youth includes weekly storytime, field trips for Monroe County students and special events throughout the year. Learn more about our programs
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Native nursery & sales
Third Saturday of each month
The Garden's Native Plant Nursery has 160 species of native trees, shrubs & vines available including native & Cuban palms, and vegetable plants. There are more than 2,000 plants that attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators in 1-gallon to 15-gallon pots.
Key West Botanical Garden members receive a 15% discount. Memberships are available on site. The Garden is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation and all proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program.
Our Garden Guardians cultivate hundreds of Florida Keys native plants and trees designed to flourish in our Zone 11 sub-tropical climate. Not only are they beautiful specimens, but our native plants are salt and drought tolerant, require minimal care and will work for every type of island landscaping.
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Yoga in the Garden
All Prime of Life Yoga® classes are small and ideal for exploring yoga for the first time or getting back into your practice and benefiting from individual attention.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays (No class on Thanksgiving Day)
Note: Class schedules can change. Feel free to text 305-304-5635 for updates.
• 10 a.m. — 11:15 a.m.
• 10 classes for $150
• 20 classes for $250
• Garden Members receive one additional free class with purchase of a 20-class package
• The drop-in rate is $20
• Prop rental (mat, blocks, blanket, strap) is $8 additional, in advance.
A part of all class fees go to support the conservation work of KWBGS.
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