Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    McKee Botanical Garden

    4.2 (113 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    McKee Botanical Garden Botanical Gardens Photos

    Recommended Reviews - McKee Botanical Garden

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    bromeliads and poinsettias tress
    Tammy W.

    I visited during the christmas holiday for a special evening lights event called Jungle lights-it's only open 6-8/9 at night and it's a perfect addition to the garden with a few dates available to see Santa and Mrs Claus and the model train set up in one of the buildings near the coffee/snack shop. It is nice to walk through and view the plants and lights and it also has a great gift shop with unique items that are not too pricey ! I did feel the cost per person for this event is high for how quickly you pass through $35 a person is steep but otherwise i'm a plant nerd so I enjoyed it so much. I will return for the daytime botanicals visit!

    Brenda N.

    Absolutely beautiful! Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. With the freeze that Florida suffered this winter I thought for sure the Botanical Garden would not look very good. Much to my surprise it was beautiful as ever and their origami exhibit was beautiful as well

    Origami buck family sculpture
    Mandi A.

    Beautiful gardens, friendly staff. It was a perfect day, slightly breezy and not too hot yet to walk around the acres of trails. Definitely recommend the kaleidoscope plant viewing piece. We were here during the Florigami event. Great picture opportunities. Happy we made this a stop on our trip through Vero Beach. And stop by the cafe, worth the wait if there is one, strawberry dragonfruit refresher was a cool treat.

    The waterlily pond outside of the entrance of McKee Botanical Gardens.
    Jan-Michael T.

    **INITIAL REVIEW** In Vero Beach, one of the most-popular places to visit is McKee Botanical Gardens. Established back in 1929 by Waldo E. Sexton, the gardens was supposed to be a kind of garden nursery that would house unique and exotic plants on more than 100 acres of land. Today, McKee Botanical Gardens is only a mere 10 acres (or less or something like that), as it is part plant and garden nursery and part tourist attraction. Nevertheless, it is one of the best places to visit during a visit to Vero Beach. Not to mention, many of the locals like to go multiple times to enjoy the gardens themselves. Though an address is provided, McKee Botanical Gardens (which I will shorthand simply to McKee for the remainder of this review), is located on US-1, about a five minute drive south of 20th Street, or the major street that passes through Downtown Vero Beach (where Ay Jalisco, American Icon Brewery, Indian River Citrus Museum, Indian River Chamber of Commerce, Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce, etc. are located). The single-person admission can be a bit steep depending on one's financial situation, but if you happen to want to come back to McKee more than once, especially during special events and showings, a membership is actually worth the price. Just visit three times in a year and you will have paid off the price of the membership. McKee is set up for patrons to enjoy everything the garden has to offer via a loop. It is up to you to go clockwise or counter-clockwise. There is the Hall of Giants, Spanish Kitchen, large mushroom, bamboo pavilion, numerous bridges - including the iconic stone bridge - a waterfall, and many other things to see. The upper-left area of the garden is a dedicated education and play area for children. Besides the special showing events, McKee also hosts an array of activitives especially for youngins'. As a matter of fact, McKee is one of the locations you must visit and complete an adventurous task as part of the Indian River County leg of the Treasure Coast Kids Quest. I must also stress that the eatery in McKee, the Garden Cafe, serves an excellent selection of food, which includes burgers, sandwiches, soups, pastries, and drinks. I had an iced coffee and a sandwich and it was delicious. For me, I have been to McKee twice, once with my good friend Heather, and the second time with my family, celebrating mother's day with my mom. Both times were a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend anyone to come to these gardens if you can. Ultimately, both visits were everything I can ask for, ergo I am giving McKee a five-out-of-five rating. Does that mean they are perfect? Nope, but when it comes to ratings, the five-out-of-five means that despite any understandable conditions showing that we are all human, McKee Botanical Gardens is worth the money and the experience.

    Avenue of Queen Palms with Christmas lights
    Keith H.

    18 acres of attractive woods. Originally one of Floridas largest attractions before I 95 was built, now a shadow of its size but what is there is well done. Pretty unique children's jungle area. Plenty of flowing water setting off many local plants and trees. They have historic kitchen area and old barn which explains rich history. Closed for a number of years before being renovated by local volunteers. Work still ongoing but pretty much all done and now just adding touches. Not that much else to do except the beaches in Vero so 5 stars because of no competition but in itself worth a visit to anyone who likes ornamental forests, old Florida history and about 1-1 1/2 hours of entertainment. They have a reasonable cafe and lots of free parking.

    Christine J.

    This place is definitely a hidden gem I never knew existed. Beautiful gardens with winding pathways , ponds full of Koi fish and lily pads and gorgeous butterfly gardens. Right now they have an exhibit of life-size Lego sculptures which are amazing to look at. There's a children's area with a splash pad, a café, which we could not eat in because there was a garden club having a meeting but it smelled amazing when we walked by, and a cute little gift shop where we made pressed pennies to keep for souvenirs. On top of that they have knowledgeable, friendly tour guides. We definitely will come back.

    Analisa J.

    When you come here make sure you grab a map because there is a lot to see! Great place to come with a significant other, family, and or kids. There is an even a kid section which is nice for the parents to relax and the kids to have fun. Lots of different plants, flowers, and nature to see! One of my favorite sections was the musical area. Very relaxing and cool. It is very large so you will spend quite some time here. There is a souvenir shop and a place to eat here too.

    Water lily
    Diane R.

    Most beautiful place ever!! Kate our tour leader did an incredible job, thank you!! So happy I did the tour, great place will definitely go again!!

    Kelly T.

    We attended the Jungle Lights tonight and really loved it. There were so many beautiful light displays of animals as well as holiday themed pieces. Highly recommend paying this place a visit while the Lights are up through the holidays. Everyone working there was so nice and helpful and friendly.

    Taylor C.

    out of this world stunning. really incredible kids adventure area, so the garden is fantastic for the entire family. so rich in history and so many amazing tropical plants.

    Sherry K.

    Six months ago, long-term great friends moved to Vero Beach. What do you get, as a new home gift, for someone who has just about everything? We bought them a membership to their new, local botanical gardens, McKee Botanical Gardens. After their first visit, they said they loved the gift and the lovely gardens. So, when we visited this past weekend, we decided to go together and see for ourselves. We were not disappointed. The garden is separated into various areas, including bamboo, live oak, lily ponds with waterfalls, butterfly and children's garden and more. In general it is a rustic garden, with many dirt paths interwoven with paved paths. One of the more interesting things, that I had never seen in a garden before, was a circular display of plants built into a turntable, that was labeled, "Turn Me." There were taleidoscopes mounted above. Very cool! *See my photos! When we were ready to leave, we opted to convert our admission into an annual membership, especially since the McKee gardens has member discounts and reciprocity with many other botanical gardens, including ones closer to our home, i.e. Mounts Botanical Gardens and Flamingo Gardens. We will be back...

    Catherine D.

    This place was absolutely amazing. 15$ a person to get in and there is plenty to see!! They have a splash park inside for the kids. Must come visit was packed the parking lot but it's so big inside that we were alone on all the paths. It's so freaking beautiful. I would for sure come back. Plenty of parking. Don't have to pay to park.

    Closed sign.... ;(
    Julie F.

    I've wanted to go here for years -- since it was reopened. Knowing we would be in Vero for the holidays, I made online reservations. We came on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but they were closed due to flooding. Luckily, we were able to come back again on Friday. Some background-- The original 80 acres were bought in 1922 to be a citrus farm, but instead was developed into a tropical garden as a tourist attraction. It closed in 1976 and was sold for condo development. The remaining undeveloped 18 acres was bought to be preserved in 1994. And only started to be restored about 20 years ago. This 18 acres are now the current garden. We were only able to walk and see one side or about half on the garden paths in the time we had. After watching a short film, passing by the "bells", we entered the "hall of giants". A huge table, exhibits, and written history displays. Walking over the "stone bridge", we went past the "fan palm" path looking at all the trees and plants on the way. Even without kids, we wanted to see the "new" (2020) "children's garden" area. Kids were really enjoying the splash area and fountain. (Bring towels!). Plus climbing all over and through the pirate ship and village. We returned via the middle "main jungle trail" past the date palms and waterfall. We ended our visit at the gift shop, of course. Bought the obligatory post card to say, "wish you were here" to northern friends. We will definitely have to come back when next in the area -- to see the rest of the Garden we missed. They have periodic exhibits too -- like the glass one coming in January 2023.

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brenda C.
    10
    40
    60

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of ja y.
    0
    110
    8

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    A beautiful stuff along the way. Christmas displays are even cool during the day. Gift shop

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 1
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of PJ N.
    0
    341
    267

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Worst experience, very small place, head of security harassment. Not worth it, there is so many other places in Florida, stay away.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob S.
    93
    11
    0

    1 year ago

    awesome time with my plant loving family, we have been going for years and always enjoy our visit ! highly reccommend

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa W.
    424
    210
    3334

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Try visiting during week days, there are a couple things that were removed but still a good place for pictures and the kids will love it.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lin H.
    219
    1468
    577

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - McKee Botanical Garden

    Are leashed dogs allowed to accompany?

    Hi Sara, sorry, we only allowed service animals. Thank you.

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - McKee Botanical Garden

    They also have a wonderful café with lots of healthy dining options as well as a gift shop with interesting items to buy.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Botanical Gardens 300 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Rock City Gardens - Garden grounds

    Rock City Gardens

    4.1(30 reviews)
    11.0 mi
    $$

    Gorgeous stunning tranquil full of life, yes please to at least stopping for a stroll…read more The time, energy and planning I can only assume went in to this place is staggering. Working here would seem more a labor of love, surrounded by constant flora and fauna. Turtles, ducks, dragonflies, spiders and lizards joined us in our experience. Bought a hand tool with lifetime warranty plus supported local business. :)) Pricing is fair for the niche market. Happiness! :D You can trust me, this is universal energy. ;D

    I could not have asked for a more perfect day! My husband…read moreand I decided to get married quickly after being engaged. We only had 6 weeks from when we wanted it to be. We knew we wanted a beautiful place, intimate and where we could just show up. We researched top places for a small wedding and Rock city popped up in a top 20. After seeing the photos and being the only place with prices online, we called and they were able to meet us and show us the grounds the same day. First thing is first; not only does Vicki Green have a perfect name for her job but she also a perfect personality and love for what she does. Just walking around the garden with her and listening to her, we knew that she would be the perfect person to help us. Vicki helped us from start till literally the moment we got into our car, married. She helped with color ideas, made all the bouquets, boutonnières and corsages. She was there for the rehearsal and the day of. Helped with the music, escorting people to the bathroom and making sure people weren't walking into the bridal suite before I was ready. After the wedding she helped with making sure we had the best locations for photos. My day was stress free because of her. I honestly would not change a thing about that day. If you're on the fence, go and ask for Vicki! It was an hour away from our home, and I would have driven 2 hours.

    Photos
    Rock City Gardens - Beautiful background

    Beautiful background

    Rock City Gardens - Wedding ceremony

    Wedding ceremony

    Rock City Gardens - Large wild iris

    See all

    Large wild iris

    Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

    Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

    4.1(15 reviews)
    13.7 mi

    The trails to view the island are beautiful! There are binoculars located at some stations to see…read morethe wild life from afar. I am so greatful to have found this place. There are real restrooms near the entrance not just which is great because there are a lot of trails.

    A very nice hike and view inside Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge…read morePelican Island National WIldlife Refuge is located south of Sebastian inlet on the river, not ocean, side of the island. It has the distinction of being America's first National Wildlife Refuge. It may be a little island in the Indian River Lagoon but it is 5400+ acres of protected waters and lands. There is no fee. The roads to drive to the various places are hard dirt. There are several trails located within the refuge. One of the is Pete's trail. Joe's Overlook is off of that trail and is accessed by a short drive off Jungle trail and parking in the Viewing area and then hiking about 0.8 miles to the overlook. Bicycles are not allowed on Pete's trail but the hike is level and flat and typical Florida grass path through the mangroves until you come to the overlook. It is a very nice walk but I would suggest bringing a hat, water and possible bug spray depending on the time of year. Joe's overlook is a wooden walkway to a shaded viewing platform overlooking a pretty wetland area. It is a very pleasant trail, walk and view that I would recommend for the nature lovers in the crowd.

    Photos
    Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge - Too many birds to shoot

    Too many birds to shoot

    Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge - From RI ....yay!!

    From RI ....yay!!

    Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge - Lake along trail

    See all

    Lake along trail

    In the Son Lawn Maintenance - After pic/ General clean up June 2017

    In the Son Lawn Maintenance

    5.0(3 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    This company is a phenomenal find. Brian, Joseph, and their crew are beyond awesome!…read more Brian and Joe came out to do an estimate which came in much lower than I was expecting to completely clean up my overgrown beds, shrubs, palm trees and other areas around the house, as well as removing the terrible Brazilian Pepper trees that have invaded my property. They also gave me a VERY reasonable estimate to brush hog the empty lot next to my house that I have purchased. Accepting the offer, I scheduled with the company to do my house first, and later had to ask them to change the date as I would not be in the area on the original date. Brian offered an earlier date which was perfect for me. They showed up on time, and with the proper equipment...and long story short, I was absolutely thrilled by the job they completed....all in one day. A fantastic job at a more than reasonable cost. Stunning! I simply could NOT have asked for a better job, and will rely on In The Son not only for the upcoming brush hogging of my empty lot, but also for recommending new plants for open beds, and semi-annual maintenance of my existing landscape. I cannot recommend In The Son highly enough. The BEST I have ever had work on my landscape in the many places we have lived. Check out their Angie's list reviews, and RUN to your phone to get them to your project! And to top it off, they support our troops and military retirees with a discount. Thank you Brian! SUPERB!

    Just found Brian and his Crew on Angie's List after calling multiple companies from a google search…read morewith no avail or not returned phone calls... I had to share with the rest of the world. He came out same day, gave me an estimate to clean up my overgrown yard. He gave ideas for landscaping and scheduled a day to come clean it up within the week. He was very reasonably priced and was careful to keep the cost down since I am just fixing up to sell. He came out on a day that I wasn't even home and did everything exactly like we had discussed. The house looks so good I almost don't want to sell it! He also called immediately after I got home to be sure I was happy with the work. Will continue to use him for maintenance. If you need lawn care- give them a call!

    Photos
    In the Son Lawn Maintenance - Afte pic / General clean up June 2017

    Afte pic / General clean up June 2017

    In the Son Lawn Maintenance - After picture/ 2016

    After picture/ 2016

    In the Son Lawn Maintenance - Project in December 2016 with river rock and plant/ flower assortment/ Bef. Pic

    See all

    Project in December 2016 with river rock and plant/ flower assortment/ Bef. Pic

    McKee Botanical Garden - gardens - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...