Fairchild Tropical Research Garden is a 83-acre botanic garden with an acclaimed collection of rare tropical plants and a busy calendar of botanical and cultural events. Opened in 1938, It is named after David Fairchild, a plant explorer who retired to Miami and introduced many of the planets in the garden today. The garden, located on Biscayne Bay at 10901 Old Cutler Road next to Matheson Hammock Park, has cafés and gift shop.  Admission - $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children 5-17 - includes a narrated tram tour, guided tours and any public event  -- like a chocolate festival - that is taking place in the garden.

fairchildgarden.org