McKee Botanical Garden
McKee Botanical Garden
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
McKee Botanical Garden, situated on an 18-acre tropical hammock in Vero Beach, Florida, features a diverse botanical collection, award-winning art exhibitions, special events and educational opportunities for all ages. McKee is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is endorsed by the Nature Conservancy as a project of national significance. The Garden also features a one-of-a-kind Children's Garden where children can set out on a whimsical adventure sure to spark their imagination and reveal the wonders of nature. The main Garden and Children's Garden are handicap accessible.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- KateS6,327 contributionsLove this place!I visit here often because it is such a wonderful place! The "avian avatar" exhibit wasn't at all what I expected, but that's kind of the point. It's really great that I can visit this place once or twice a year, & there's always something different to see! Absolutely LOVE this place.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 11, 2024
- purplekerri1ChicoraLigonier, Pennsylvania112 contributionsWell worth a lookWell worth a stop. Enjoyed Sunken Gardens in St Pete and this was on a par as well. This place is bigger, about 18 acres. They have a cafe but it was closing around 3. Great opportunities to take photos and spend an hour or two. Not too crowded I enjoyed the historic documentary filmVisited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 17, 2024
- The PidgeWayne, New Jersey609 contributionsBeautiful and historicAs I visit more botanical gardens in my travels, I find they vary between two extremes: natural and unkept (some would call these "jungle gardens") and carefully cultivated and pristine. McKee Botanical Garden falls somewhere between the two, simultaneously offering a wild Florida experience and sections very pleasing to the eyes. While on the small side, there is a lot to discover here, and I was delighted by its story of survival through the years. I will return in the future to both enjoy and support the longevity of this gem.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten March 15, 2024
- John WBroken Arrow, Oklahoma43 contributions"It's a jungle in here"A good look at (what is essentially) a rainforest. The paths cut through dense woods, along which is a good variety of tropical vegetation: palms of all sorts; the royal palm grove was special. Otherwise, there wasn't the diversity of flowers that one might expect in a botanical garden. There was a well-designed section for the kiddos, too.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 25, 2024
- Karen CWinter Haven, Florida222 contributionsCalm OasisWe drove about 2 hours from our home in Winter Haven to this botanical garden in Vero Beach and we were not disappointed. We decided to go on a Tuesday, when they have a hour long guided tour of the grounds. Nancy, our guide was very personable and knowledgeable of the gardens. It was interesting to learn that it started out as a jungle garden when it first opened in 1928. In the 1940’s it drew about 100,000 visitors a year. The atmosphere is tranquil and it is hard to believe that a busy highway is so close by. There are more than 10,000 plants waiting to be discovered on this 18 acre landscape. There are 80 varieties of water lilies alone scattered throughout the property. You can also visit The Hall of Giants, The Stone Bridge and see the stick work structure, the pirate ship in the Children’s Garden and the many waterfalls scattered amongst the foliage. Don’t forget to visit the giant cypress tree trunk in the parking lot. It is 2,000 years old and was the “draw” of the original McKee Jungle Garden in the 1930’s. Mckee was not able to compete with the popularity of Disney, so it was closed in 1976. In the 1990’s, money was raised to purchase it and since 2002, it has been reopened and its splendor restored. It is a wonderful roadside attraction which continues to evolve and grow due to the support of the Vero Beach community and its volunteers.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2024
- VirginiaGalArlington, Virginia303 contributionsGardens with pleasant cafeWorth becoming a member both to support McKee Gardens and for the reciprocal privileges at certain other gardens. Saw beautiful orchids climbing on trees. Ate at the onsite cafe which has nice indoor and delightful outdoor seating. The BQ flatbread, individual quiche & salad, and cranberry muffin were all tasty. Nice gift shop.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 15, 2024
- sandra b27 contributionsA magical place with lightsThis place is a must see, Especially around the holidays. We walked around in the afternoon and the lights were lit. Many photo opportunities throughout the park. Thank you for not allowing dogs. We are reciprocating members and see so many parks destroyed by people bringing untrained animals into the parks. The tree table is amazing!!! It’s just a well done beautiful serene place to be. Thank you!Visited December 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 23, 2024
- DiverMJupiter, Florida596 contributionsWe enjoyed the gardens and lunchWe enjoyed walking the gardens and taking in the history. This was an old Florida attraction back in the day. We ate lunch here as well. Admission was $15-$20 as I recall. Lunch was about $15 per person as well. There is a lot of history here and we enjoyed that.Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Bob Angry
Melbourne, FL1,473 contributions
Apr 2021
The girlfriend and I decided to take advantage of the reciprocal agreement with our Bok Tower membership and take a stroll. If you enjoy gardens and museums invest in membership - it will pay for itself. There was a bit of a line when we arrived but the park had a person surveying the line for memberships allowing us to skip the paid check in process!
We decided to head left, do the outer circle and then the inside paths. The garden is lush, green, just full. There is also an interesting Lego statue thing going on. As you travel through the park they have very large statues created with Legos depicting all sorts of wild creatures. The guests were a mix of maskers and not, although for the most part people seemed to be careful about social distancing.
There is a stick sculpture in one section of the park that has to be seen. Huge and intricate. They have a great kids area too. All in all a very enjoyable hour or so visit.
We decided to head left, do the outer circle and then the inside paths. The garden is lush, green, just full. There is also an interesting Lego statue thing going on. As you travel through the park they have very large statues created with Legos depicting all sorts of wild creatures. The guests were a mix of maskers and not, although for the most part people seemed to be careful about social distancing.
There is a stick sculpture in one section of the park that has to be seen. Huge and intricate. They have a great kids area too. All in all a very enjoyable hour or so visit.
Written April 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
msdet1529
Port Saint Lucie, FL6,758 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
With 17 family members in tow, it was a good time by all to see the Christmas lights here at the historical McKee Botanical Gardens.
Follow the trails through the woods and you will see Christmas lights, figures and dinosaur displays all over the property. The inside train display was one of the best in details.
Tight parking, wear soft comfy sneakers. All trails are open and Sandy. And sometimes uneven. We spent about an hour looking, taking photos and then its off to dinner!!!
Thanks to all the volunteers who help and work there. Without them there would be no McKee BG.
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!!
Enjoy!!!
Follow the trails through the woods and you will see Christmas lights, figures and dinosaur displays all over the property. The inside train display was one of the best in details.
Tight parking, wear soft comfy sneakers. All trails are open and Sandy. And sometimes uneven. We spent about an hour looking, taking photos and then its off to dinner!!!
Thanks to all the volunteers who help and work there. Without them there would be no McKee BG.
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!!
Enjoy!!!
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stan
Las Vegas, NV580 contributions
Feb 2020
It's been about two or three years since I visited McKee Gardens, and I sometimes forget how expansive a property it is. One could easily spend the whole morning walking though various pathways and spending time at the bonsai pavillion or the various lilly ponds and orchid gardens. It is serene and relaxing, even on a hot Florida day it is quite very comfortable under the canopy of heavy foliage. Anyone who enjoys nature will love this place. The admission is reasonable, I think it was less than $15 per person for the over 65 crowd. There is also a very nice cafe where light sandwiches can be bought and consumed while looking out over the gardens. One can even enjoy a glass of wine there. If you are looking for a pleasant
day outdoors, this would be my top choice.
day outdoors, this would be my top choice.
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gbell52380
Salisbury, MA10 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
I came here with my family (husband,daughter 3 years, mother n law and father in law)The grounds were beautiful. My daughter loved the little splash pad. There’s plenty of seating to rest which was especially good for my in-laws. I though there might have been more flowers in bloom to see but not sure if they weren’t in season? We finished our visit at the cafe. The food was delicious even though at 2:00 they ran out of soup and a few other items. We finally got to sit down and talk about house we enjoyed our visit in the cafe with my toddler sitting comfortably in the beautiful wooden high chairs they provided. Fifteenth minutes later one of the cafe workers told us we need to move outside to finish our lunch because they we’re closing the cafe . I was extremely disappointed at this statement as we were very content and comfortable sitting in the ac after walking all through the gardens.
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
larthurnc
Vero Beach, FL7 contributions
Aug 2021
We loved our visit to McKee, the history is very interesting, be sure to take a few minutes in the Hall of Giants for the story. The gardens are so beautiful, with lovely trails and so many gorgeous specimens. The Water Lillies are my favorite attraction, just gorgeous, and I’d never seen the huge Amazonian lily pads in person, they are amazing. I highly recommend a trip to McKee Botanical Garden, there is even a Children’s Garden that is sure to please the kiddos!
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl W
Columbia, MO57 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Thoroughly enjoyed our morning walk through the gardens. Took lots of photos. We visited on a weekday morning in May, which was not very crowded. It was a beautiful, sunny morning. A great place to visit for a peaceful outing.
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving-Saint
Crystal Lake, IL331 contributions
Mar 2020
We recently spent two hours at the McKee Botanical Garden, and it was a pure delight. The garden is small enough to easily be enjoyed in two hours. At the time we were there, they had a children's area that included some water play as well as climbing opportunities. It provides a pleasant shaded walk through a variety of flora native to Florida. Interspersed throughout the garden are man-made waterfalls and bridges for that great Kodak moment. Also, until May 31, 2020, there is an exhibit of 40 marine sculptures made from recycled flip flops that have washed up on the shores of Africa. It is a very colorful display of marine creatures known as Ocean Sole Africa. There is also an on-site restaurant offering a limited menu, although we did not eat there, Admission is $15, $13 for seniors, and $10 for military, including veterans. If you would like to spend a relaxing couple of hours in shaded comfort, check out McKee Botanical Garden. You will not be disappointed.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizAnne814
Indiana4 contributions
Feb 2023
The Gardens is hosting an amazing glass sculpture exhibit through April, 2023. I've been coming once or twice a season over many of the past 15 years. The gardens never fail to amaze. Peaceful. The history is fascinating. The children's section is very well done. Both adults and children were enjoying it. There is so much to take in that I will often walk the paths a couple of times a visit. I don't want to miss anything. Be sure to look up, too.
Written February 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margo J
Vero Beach, FL33 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
I took our daughter and our 3 grandsons ages 4, 6, and 9 to McKee Botanical Garden
last month while they were visiting our home in Vero Beach. They had a major exhibit of Dinosaurs which all 3 boys are into. We also toured the Children’s area and had fun doing that. We spent over an hour walking around there.
last month while they were visiting our home in Vero Beach. They had a major exhibit of Dinosaurs which all 3 boys are into. We also toured the Children’s area and had fun doing that. We spent over an hour walking around there.
Written March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbbob84
Staten Island, NY1,611 contributions
Aug 2021
Upon arrival mid-week we had no issues finding parking. We approached the greeting area, paid our fee and was issued a park map with a nice explanation of the areas we would want to visit. The Gardens are now only 18 acres, but have a nice maze of interwinding paths with an array of plants, ponds and flowers. It was a very hot and humid day when we visited, but the canopy of the trees provided ample shade to enjoy the walk. We enjoyed the history of the gardens in addition to the plants. A very enjoyable experience and we highly recommend this if you enjoy nature.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McKeeGarden
Vero Beach, Florida
Hello, sorry, we only allow service dogs (certified).
Written August 23, 2022
NorthStar37940897069
Sebastian, Florida
Is there an official date for the Children's Garden opening?
Written September 8, 2019
McKee Botanical Garden
Vero Beach, Florida
Hello, we are anticipating a "soft opening" in early October 2019 and a "Grand Opening" in January 2020.
Thank you.
Written September 10, 2019
If I bring a small dog in a back pack and/or want to take personal pet pics: will anyone give me a hard time?
Written June 11, 2018
Are electric scooters available for rent by handicapped visitors? If so, is it possible to reserve ahead?
Written May 11, 2017
McKeeGarden
Vero Beach, Florida
Yes, we have a limited amount of scooters available year-round with the exception of our Annual events. You need to call ahead to reserve one at 772-794-0601. There is no fee. Thank you.
Written June 27, 2017
Irhologram
Port Saint Lucie, Florida
Are snacks available? If not, can I bring my own food and drink?
Written April 11, 2017
McKeeGarden
Vero Beach, Florida
We have a Garden Café that is open from 11 am - 3 pm. They are currently closed for the summer.
Written June 27, 2017
How much is the cost to get in the gardens?
Written December 24, 2016
November 1st - April 30th
- Adults - $12.00
- Seniors - $11.00
- Children (3-12) - $8.00
- Children under 3 - FREE
It's a few dollars less for each category during the hotter months.
Written December 25, 2016
I'm not sure if they offer discounts for AAA or AARP members.
- Adults - $12.00
- Seniors - $11.00
- Children (3-12) - $8.00
- Children under 3 - FREE
- School Group*** - $5.00 per child
- Tour Group*** - General Admission
- Members - FREE
May 1st - October 31st
- Adults - $10.00
- Seniors - $9.00
- Children (3-12) - $5.00
- Children under 3 - FREE
- School Group*** - $5.00 per child
- Tour Group*** - General Admission
- Members - FREE
Written December 25, 2016
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