As a native South Floridian, I've heard of, and driven by signs for, Fruit & Spice Park for as long as I can remember, but today was the first time I ever actually went, and I'm sorry I waited so long! 37 acres of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and medicinal plants here for you to explore, and sample!! We started with a seasonal special event, the Mango Tasting Tour. Our guide, Madelyn was a font of knowledge about the park itself, the trees we were passing through, and the fruits we sampled. I think in the end it was about 8 different varieties and everyone on the tour had their own favorites. Then we went back to base for different tasting tour with Phillip, who showed us new areas of the park and we tasted another 6 fruits with him! Really cool fruits like longan and caviar limes, but also things I'd never heard of, like bael and bilimbi. Once our tours were done we went back to the gift shop / lobby for some cold drinks. They sell iced coffee, soda, energy drinks, Gatorade, and even beer, wine, and cider, so something for everyone. You can also simply walk the grounds on your own if you don't feel like riding around in a tram. Anything on the ground is up for grabs, so if you want to try something go ahead and taste it! They do have rules, no picking growing fruits, and you can't take fruit home, but they welcome you taking all the seeds you want. read more

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The plant version of a zoo, this park is amazing! Trees of all kinds, where patrons can see how all things tropical grow - from the ice cream bean to baobob trees, from dragon fruit to mangoes, this is the only place in the continental United States where one can see over 500 varieties of fruit, nut and spice trees (even poisonous ones!) all in one setting. The path will wind and walk you around the property, where you can not only see the trees, but also the ponds and invasive iguana population. Beautiful little waterfall features are also on the property. We took the tram tour, offered daily at 11:00 and 1:30. Andrew was very knowledgeable, excited and passionate about his work and interests in gardening, and since there were just four of us on the tour, he offered samples of some freshly picked produce. He also shared interesting facts and information - the bananas we eat today are overproduced and so prone to disease, that likely we will no longer have them in the next 8 years! Instead, we should diversify our farming practices and learn to enjoy things like the dwarf Brazilian bananas, and any of the plethora other varieties. read more

Fruit & Spice Park - Parks Near Me - Homestead, Florida

I've been here twice & I'm still blown away by this park. The Rare Plant & Orchid Festival is held here and I love it for multiple reasons: * great prices on plants * awesome vendors * the size of the park Normally parking is smooth but during the festival it can be a headache. read more

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Stopped by because of a coworkers recommendation. When we first arrived we were welcomed with a fruit sampling by the staff. The fruits that they gave out were exotic/tropical fruits that I've never encountered before. The staff gave us a walking tour map to explore the park. They said during our walking tour we can eat fruit that fell from the tree, but they ask that we don't pick Ferris from the tree. The park is large with an abundance of trees from all over the world. Prior to leaving we bought some vegetable seeds to plant at home in the gift shop. I would definitely recommend Fruit and Spice park for anyone we enjoys the outdoors, gardening, and plants. read more

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It was off season so most fruits were not growing. Plus it was cold so everyone was scrambling to cover plants. The store staff were very pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful. Nash enjoyed being carried through the farm. read more

Today was my first time in this pretty park we had a wonderful time in a family-friendly activity with bonfire and s'mores. Very good take care park, clean and spacious for the whole family. We didn't did the whole tour because was a nighttime event but was great I would love to come back. The workers are nice and the kids have a lot of space to play and have fun. Hopefully, they have more activities coming soon. They have a a food truck with Cuban food on this occasion, hot chocolate, and smores for sale. Also the entrance you can get drinks as well or just bring your own. read more

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You MUST visit this incredible park if you're into exploring, experimenting with your life, love seeing new things, love learning about nature, love experiencing nature (yes two different things), enjoy tasting new fruit, and most of all, love feeling grateful and resilient. Nature does that to me. Yes, this place does all that. You'll understand once you visit. There's over 500 varieties of fruits at this park. You can't pick the fruit but you can eat anything that you find on the ground. The hunting for fruit on the ground was so much fun. Exploring is my favorite thing to do. I might have to fly back for this: June 22 and 23rd they're having a huge fruit festival with music, games, and over 300 mango varieties. I'm writing this in March and a Blues festival is coming up with food trucks and lots of other fun offerings. The photos don't even come close to how incredible this place is and the tour guides are well educated, informative and entertaining. Our tour guide Brianna, made it so much fun with her funny jokes and amazing energy. Last tour was with an elderly wonderful woman who was also incredibly knowledgeable and really loved sharing all she knew about the plants and trees including lots of medicinal ways that nature offers us. Each tour you will learn new things as each tour guide has their own favorite things to share with you. This isn't like school. It's relaxing and entertaining and you can hop off and on the tram whenever it stops. The tour includes the tram and both are free. You just pay an entrance fee which is really well priced. Tip: You could either come early and walk some of the park before the scheduled tram or walk after you get off the tram. The tram is a must! Tip: Don't forget to walk through the banana trees and take lots of photos. They're gorgeous. If I lived in Miami again, I would buy their incredibly low priced membership and visit once a month...or more! I can't wait to visit again!!! read more

Fruit & Spice Park - Definitely bring your phone or camera. You'll want to take lots of photos and videos! - Parks Near Me - Homestead, Florida

Very interesting seeing and learning about both our native and imported plants and trees. Lots of iguanas running around as well. The staff qas very well informed also. read more

I guess my expectations were too high :) We drove almost two hours to get to this park. It is somewhat like a small botanical garden. The only reason I drove here is I though I would be able to try some fruits. We didn't see any at all. But it was a pleasant walk around the park. For just a walk, I could have gone to a closer and bigger botanical garden. Parking is provided. read more

Fruit & Spice Park - Parks Near Me - Homestead, Florida

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Rare plant festival was fun! Park is great you can come and check out lots of fruit trees and spices. Which you are allowed to eat ifffff they've fallen on ground. You can't pick them. The rare plant festival was a fun half day outing. Many expensive plants but the people are so knowledgeable and can help you thrive as a green thumb. Got myself a mosquito eating plant "pitcher plant" read more

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I was very disappointed with the condition of the park. It is hard to believe that the proper resources have not been allocated to maintain this gem and to make it a productive resource for visits. This park has some amazing potential, that should be addressed. read more

We came here for a orchid show and it was great.. But in addition, its a county owned park with lots of fruits and vegetables growing.. Small lakes and ponds and trails for walking read more

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Spring has sprung and to celebrate the start of my favorite season I visited this past weekend for the Sangria special they were having. The fee is $10 for adults and there is a cute little gift shop selling spices and honey. The park has numerous exotic fruit trees with info cards telling the region they are from and the fruit they bear. You can take a self guided walking tour or reserve a spot on the guided tasting tour. You are allowed to eat any of the fallen fruit but you are not allowed to pick fruit from trees and you cannot leave the park with any fruit. There was one food truck with decent food but a long wait. I just walked the park until my food was ready. I had a beautiful day strolling the park sipping sangria. This is something I would definitely do again because I love being in nature. Peaceful day read more

Fruit & Spice and everything nice! I love this park. Honestly surprised that I haven't reviewed it before! When my son was younger I would bring him here with my Bestie and her kids for the Hunter's Moon festivities. The park would host a huge bonfire. We brought our chairs and s'mores fixins. Then after that we would stargaze! Many members of the local stargazing group would bring their telescopes and we were able to see Jupiter, or Saturn, or the Moon-so amazing. During a daytime visit my son and I were in search of Miracle Fruit for a school project. Boy did we learn A-LOT!! I have also visited for the orchid festival. So many beautiful flowers! This past weekend I attended the Tropical Harvest Festival, and event that I had never attended. I sat for the presentation from UF about growing and harvesting calabaza or pumpkin (the edible type). I then walked around and sampled various items. This park is so beautiful and a hidden gem of Miami Dade County. read more

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Really wonderful place to visit, the only challenge is you want to make sure to come in the morning to be able to get the fruit that has fallen overnight as well as during a season where there are many fruit blooming. We came in February and there was nothing on the ground from the fruit, which was a major bummer. We did choose to take the tasting tour, where they give you different fruits to try during it, which was absolutely worth it since we couldn't pick anything. I highly recommend coming and bringing lunch, the grounds are wonderful and huge. read more

This was my second visit, and both times the people at the front were sarcastic and joking around while I was trying to ask a question. It's uncomfortable and unprofessional, especially since they're the first people customers interact with. It's weird to have that kind of energy at the front desk, it sets the wrong tone right away. read more

It is amazing park with very professional guide!!! You can taste variety of fruits!!! read more

5-19-23 2pm Visited this park many moons ago for an Orchid Show so surprised I didn't Yelp about it than. This park is a hidden oasis. I had brought my friend who is native to South Florida and was delighted that she had never been before. It is truly tucked away in the middle of all the agricultural farms of Homestead. Parking was free outside and always a bonus that deserves a star for that alone. Admission into the Event was $14.00 each since I paid on their website for the show they of course get you for additional service fees so pay cash for admission. In fact in coming here for a show bring lots of cash for everything. I first purchased a bromeliad the base wrapped in moss and had a hanger as a gift. The next was an unusual plant I have had my eye on for years. So I bought it. It also had an unusual planter must be a trend. Both merchants were locals to Miami so no offense but I prefer to support the locals. Also while there was a cute hat I picked up in blue. Who doesn't need another hat especially in sunny Florida. We were starving so it was a welcomed surprise that this event had so many food trucks and booths. My preference was Craig's famous Fish Sandwich from the Florida Keys. I got to meet Craig himself he told us his land based restaurant he sold before Covid which was very lucky. So glad to have fresh Mahi Mahi it was delicious. This orchid show is going on thru Sunday definitely an event you don't want to miss. read more

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Definitely a place to see when you're in Miami. Worth the drive! Admission is $10. You can eat the fruit you find on the floor you cannot pick them off the tree. We were here in December that was not too much fruit. But you do get a sample when you walk in there was three of us they gave us two to share. Andrew was Our tour guide definitely take the tour mini bus wanna come in the drivers pick fruit for you so you can try it! You can buy beer in the gift shop or a glass of wine. Definitely nice for a date or the family! read more

Fruit & Spice Park - Food around the area! - Parks Near Me - Homestead, Florida

Adorable place with REALLY FRIENDLY staff. I learned a lot about how fruit is grown and I ate a star fruit which was delicious. Come here around 3ish for the free fruit tasting. read more

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We had a chance to visit here and wish we had prepared little better. The park was huge and very peaceful. They allowed you to bring a knife in to cut all the fruits that you found on ground to eat and we didn't know about it till we got there. We enjoyed some of the fruits that were able eat without the knife. It's a great place to enjoy scenery, exercise and all the fruits trees. The $10 entrance fee for each was worth it. read more

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This is our go to spot to feel inspired and get creative on what we can plant in our garden. There are a few trolley tours that are free and highly recommended. It explains the areas of the park, interesting facts or varieties of fruits that you wouldn't think off, and BEST of all they usually show you what fruits to sample!!! It's the ideal place to bring a picnic and roam around nature and see what's in season. They have a little map that sort of shows you the park but there is much room for improvement there. Except for the world regions and a few clusters of plants, it's not very helpful. They have a beautiful water feature and our favorite spot is the walkway through the bamboos. The front office is very knowledgeable on nurseries or sellers in the area and where to get compost so make sure to speak to them! read more

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Such a wonderful place Andrew gave us a tour and explained all the fruits and spices. We got a list of local things to do and places to eat in the area. Thank you Andrew' for the amazing experience. All the staff was great! You get welcomed with a Sample fruit so amazing read more

Great venue to learn about plants and sample different fruits. We were able to take the tour in the tram at 11am on a Saturday. We arrived about 15 minutes prior and able to get the last 2 spots. The driver of the team was great. Very informative and informed us with fruit to sample while we were stopped discussing the origins. We also had lunch at the Café. The tuna wrap I had was delicious. Came with a side of chips. We also had a strawberry smoothie that was so delicious! read more

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I love this park so much! Invest in the membership if you like visiting year round like me :) every time I visit, I experience the park with a new set of eyes, w different blooms and fruits! There is always something special going on in nature. The park is expertly maintained w perfect landscaping (volunteer when possible!). Take advantage of the tram tours to learn on all the fruits, spices, trees that they have in their collection. read more

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Huge park with tons of fruit and spice variety from around the world! The staff offered us really delicious ripe fruit samples on the way in and they had a 50% off discount for admission. Unfortunately the only fruits we were really able to find/in season were star fruit but they were juicy and sweet. Would highly recommend bringing a knife for cutting fruits and peels!! read more

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We were staying in Miami and wanted to do a day trip where we could explore the tropical fruit the area has to offer. This is a unique park where you can eat fruit that's fallen on the ground! It's not a smorgasbord, but we saw so many varieties of tropical fruit. We went in mid September and there were a few varieties of star fruit and avocado we were able to eat. There were also tropical cherries that honestly were not that tasty lol. There were other things on the trees like giant jackfruit, bananas, custard apple, but they did not fall yet. It was definitely hot, but we were able to find refuge in the shade the trees provided. If you wanted more tropical fruit to buy and eat, there's a stand called "Robert is Here" about 12 minutes away. Overall, a neat area close to Miami to get out and be in nature! read more

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The park is fairly well maintained except for the restrooms. They needed some attention and tp. You're allowed to pick up the dropped fruits which was fun sampling! read more

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Fruit + Spice Park is located in Homestead, Florida on 37 acres. As of right now 4/5/22; Park entrance fee is $10 per adult. I enjoyed going around the park unfortunately I wouldn't suggest going during spring/summer as the temperature was 80's feeling like 90-ish. Barely any shade; we had to walk to the far end of the acre to find shade. I tried mulberry first tasted like grape. Then there was this one fruit it didn't have a name plaque on it to show us, but it reminded me of star fruit yet long & skinny tasted like sour patch kids. I had only found 6 different food items that were all on the ground, but I wished some of the ones I wanted to try were dropped. Downside to the trip is not being able to take the ones we do find home so family/friends could try it that couldn't come. (IMPORTANT) When entering the park; please do NOT take any fruit/herbs/veggies etc with you OR pick them it is against the parks law. You MUST eat it in the park, and ONLY take the fallen food off the ground. read more

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The Fruit and Spice Park is amazing. Please engage the community, including educators!!!! #beavermoon #Saturn #preservation #FruitSpicePark read more

Fruit & Spice Park - This is the beaver tail moon photo from Fruit & Spice Park. - Parks Near Me - Homestead, Florida

This park is so beautiful, unique and special. It's like a journey through paradise, with the most delicious varieties of fruits and other edibles , many of which we have never seen before. We garden a lot, visit gardens everywhere and I used to be a garden designer. We still learned so much and feel so inspired by this lovely garden. Can't wait to visit again when we are in Miami area! read more

Fruit & Spice Park - Jackfruit - Parks Near Me - Homestead, Florida

Small but many plants. They sell stuff and have a tour. Fun even with rain. Looks like a picnic type of park but not the Fairchild. Recommend on a Sunday read more

Fruit & Spice Park is located in Homestead and has limited parking in the front. If you are a Miami resident, they are also part of the Miami Dade County Library's Museum Pass program. They close at 5 PM, we got there a little before 4 PM and it was not busy. You walk in through the convenience shop to purchase tickets. Once you buy your tickets you are free to roam around. They have printed maps which layout the park and where/what each plants are along the way. The park itself isn't very large and can be easily done in 1.5/2 hours. We rushed a little at the end since we got there later than we wanted. There are restrooms onsite and the park is available to rent for events. While we were strolling around we saw a wedding which was really sweet. Also, if you see any fruits or veggies that have fallen off the trees you are free to pick it up and consume it! Since we visited in the winter there weren't a lot of blooming plants but one of the park attendants suggested to stop by in the summer when most plants are in full bloom! read more

This place is excellent for a family day adventure. Perfect for children and adults alike as there is something for everyone. Most importantly, you're able to taste the ripe fruit that the park has to offer. Perfect for picnics and educational references. Highly recommend visiting! read more

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This place is BEAUTIFUL, and why is it that all my fam who live here- have never been?!! So my life long friend came to visit me for her spring break (she had to get away from the cold in the Northwest) and we decided to venture here together. We went mid week, there was less than customers in the entire park while we were there. I think it cost $10 each to get in??? Well worth it. The staff were very friendly, they explained the rules of the park, mentioned that we could eat fruit that was already on the ground (thanks, but no thanks) and gave us some fresh fruit to try, that I've never seen before. Rach & I took a tour on the little trolley that goes yhrough the park once an hour I believe. It was informative, fun, the guide talked about all of the trees, fruits and plants from all around the world that are present on the grounds. Basically, it's a beautiful & educational place that you have to visit. Oh yeah, you can even bring your own food in and have a picnic at one of the tables. Just go check this place out!!! read more

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We were so excited to visit this park and try all of the different fruits. We drove an hour from Fort Lauderdale and were pretty disappointed as we hardly found any fruits that dropped. Many trees had nothing on the ground and the ones that did were either already cut open or the ants and animals had gotten to them. We found quite a few mangoes in good condition but they were hard and not yet edible and you cant take the fruit out of the park. Other than not being able to try any fruits the park appeared well maintained and staff at the front were helpful and knowledgeable. They provided us with some fruit samples as we entered. There is a cute little store at the register that sells things like honey and frozen fruit drink mix. There was a delicious Cuban food truck in the parking lot the day we visited. It was definitely nice seeing how different fruits grow and learning about new fruits even though we were not able to try many. read more

we drove down from broward to spend the day in homestead and this park made it totally worth it. gorgeous property with helpful staff and tons of trees and plants to learn about!! we did the tasting tour and David was FANTASTIC!! if you like fruits, plants, or history in general this is a great stop. read more

Went the first week in April and it was probably just not a great time to go? There was not a lot of fruit on trees. The walk around the whole park is not bad. It is very much do-able in less than 2 hours with kids too. Highlight was probably the giant iguana we saw sub bathing by the water- largest we saw in Florida. read more

This was an interesting stop today, but it was so hot here that it was a bit distracting. They offer guided tours, but as they were holding a special event, I don't think they were being offered. Also, because of the event, admission cost $2 more to enter the park today. A tour would have helped out a lot. As we just wandered around looking at the various plants -- most were marked but not all -- and walked by the various booths set up for the fair. There were educational tents about healthy eating as well as items for sale plus a country/bluegrass group playing music. It also would have been nice to have had some tastings to learn more about all the tropical fruits, spices, and vegetable planted there. There are supposedly about 500 varieties here. On the way out, you are guided to exit by going through the gift shop/garden store which has a variety of not that much merchandise for sale as well as a historical display about the founders and the parks development. This would be a decent stop on the way to/from the keys or if you were already in Homestead. And definitely would be much better to come during the winter when it's more comfortable to tour. read more

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Located in the agricultural community of the Redlands so named because of the red color of the soil, the Fruit and Spice Park is an agriculture treasure. It was a labor of love for Mary Calkins Heinlein who came from a family of pioneer tropical fruit farmers. At her urging county commissioners purchased the park land for the purpose of creating a garden collection of semi tropical fruits. William Lyman Philips who designed Fairchild Tropical Gardens was hired to design the garden and construction began in 1944. Mary Calkins Heinlein served as the superintendent of the park until her retirement in 1959. Today the 37 acre park is home to more than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts from all over the world. There are also many varieties of mangos, bamboo, bananas, and jackfruit trees. The landscaping is beautiful with a waterfall and lily pond. There are historic buildings on the property. The original one room Redland schoolhouse from 1906 is here and there is also a 1913 coral rock building that was used for citrus canker research. In 1982 the historic pioneer Bauer-Neill Mitchell House was moved from eight miles away to the park. It is now the Mango Cafe. On the day we visited they were holding the Grow Festival. They had live folk music, food, and education and merchandise tables. The normal admission was $8 but the festival was $10 although you could have bought your tickets earlier for a 2 dollar discount. In case I was happy to pay to help preserve such a wonderful and historic garden. I saw the many volunteers that day giving their time to raise money for a park they clearly love as they are carrying on Mary Heinleins legacy. On the day we visited it was extremely hot which happens frequently in South Florida. There is so much to see here that I would really want to take a guided tour on a cooler day. The first cool front is set to arrive in south Florida early next week and I can't wait. I think my mistake was trying to cram a visit into an already packed scorching hot day. read more

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