Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
This magnificent 33-hectare (83-acre) botanical garden is located just south of Coconut Grove. It contains extensive collections of rare tropical plants, a 1,440-sq-m (16,000-sq-ft) conservatory, 11 lakes and lily ponds, and a rainforest exhibit, set among a waterfall and stream. A variety of educational programmes and narrated tram tours are available.

10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables
Tel: (305) 667 1651. Website: www.fairchildgarden.org
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1630.
Admission charge.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya is a beautiful Italian Renaissance-style palace set in 4 hectares (10 acres) of picturesque formal gardens, south of downtown Miami on Biscayne Bay. Built as a winter residence for the Chicago industrialist James Deering in 1916, the mansion is modelled on neo-classical designs and its 70 rooms are filled with antique furnishings spanning the 15th to 19th centuries. Tours are available.

3251 South Miami Avenue, Coconut Grove
Tel: (305) 250 9133.
Website: www.vizcayamuseum.com
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1700; gardens until 1730 (last entry at 1630).
Admission charge.