South Florida may be best known for its beaches and nightlife, but it also hides natural escapes that are unfamiliar to many.
From Japanese gardens in Delray Beach to a Buddhist temple in Homestead, these spots offer peace and beauty away from the city’s constant rush. Whether you want to spend an afternoon walking among orchids or you’d like to meditate in a quiet sanctuary, these gems are unioqe and for you.
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road,
Delray Beach
(561) 495-0233
Tuesday–Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Last admission at 4:30 p.m
Closed Mondays and holidays
With six distinct Japanese gardens, a bonsai collection and a museum honoring the Yamato Colony, the agricultural settlement in South Florida led by Japanese immigrants, Morikami feels like a slice of rural Japan tucked into South Florida. The winding walkways, koi ponds and surroundings full of nature create a sense of calm that will make you disconnect from the noise of big cities.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road,
Coral Gables
(305) 667-1651
Open daily: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Spanning 83 acres, Fairchild is home to one of the nation’s most celebrated tropical plant collections, from exotic orchids and palms to a tropical rainforest exhibit. Its butterfly conservatory, water gardens and walking trails offer peaceful spots to observe nature in full flourish. Be sure to catch a tram or guided tour to explore less-visited corners of the garden.
Patch of Heaven Sanctuary
21900 SW 157th Ave.
Miami
(786) 719-9903
Wednesday–Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This 20-acre sanctuary mixes koi ponds, butterfly gardens and restored historic houses. Guests can wander trails that weave through tropical greenery or sit quietly in the Zen gardens. The space is meant to feel more like a retreat than just another park, giving visitors a break from Miami’s busy streets.
Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple
15200 SW 240th St.
Homestead
(305) 245-2702
Open daily: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Set amid farmland, this Thai Buddhist temple is crowned by a golden spire that rises above the palm trees. Visitors can walk the grounds, admire statues of the Buddha and step inside the ornately decorated prayer hall. The temple offers a quiet refuge where nature and spirituality meet, and its design makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into another country.
Worth Avenue
Palm Beach
Shops typically open Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; hours vary by business
Lined with Mediterranean-style architecture and lush courtyards, Worth Avenue is more than a shopping street. The four-block stretch near the Atlantic Ocean includes hidden walkways known as “vias,” where fountains, greenery and tucked-away cafés create a surprisingly calm atmosphere. It’s a place where natural beauty softens the high-end retail experience.
