Welcome
A visit to McKee offers moments of serenity, inspiration, and wonder.
Step into a lush, 18-acre historic jungle landscape home to more than 10,000 plants and one of Florida’s most remarkable botanical collections. Recipient of The Garden Conservancy’s Jean and John Greene Prize for Excellence in American Gardening, McKee is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a Florida Heritage Landmark and is recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top 20 places of surprise and sanctuary in North America.
The Children’s Garden
Embark on a whimsical adventure in the Children’s Garden at McKee—a magical, accessible space where imagination takes flight! Climb across the Monkey Bridge, cool off in the handcrafted Water Lily Fountain and Karst Splash Pad, and explore playful spots like the Blue Crab Reading Circle, Music Maze, Fairy Forest, and the Grand Discovery Tree leading to the Scorpion Pirate Shipwreck. From giant mushrooms to musical moments, every twist and turn sparks wonder and discovery.
Garden Café
Savor a fresh, flavorful lunch at the Garden Café—no Garden admission required! Enjoy salads, wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads, and seasonal specials, plus house-made Sweet Sangria and tempting desserts. Dine inside or on the patio with stunning Garden views. Menus change seasonally, so there’s always something new to enjoy. Come see what everyone’s talking about!
Garden Gift & Book Shop
The Garden Gift & Book Shop features a thoughtfully curated selection of items inspired by McKee’s lush, jungle landscape. Discover bamboo goods, handcrafted wooden bowls and boxes, woven baskets, orchid pots, and a wide array of gardening books that celebrate the joys of nature.
Take home a memory of your visit with postcards, puzzles, commemorative tote bags, and unique McKee memorabilia. And whether as a bribe or a reward, few can resist a YAMI’s ice cream popsicle — a sweet ending to time well spent.
Tour Guidelines
McKee Botanical Garden is the perfect setting for group outings and educational field trips. Enhance your visit with one of our expert guides, who bring the Garden to life with engaging insights and fascinating facts.
To review our policies or schedule your visit, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 772.794.0601, ext. 113.
Accessibility Information
Service Animals
McKee Botanical Garden welcomes service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service animals are dogs individually trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. Please note that emotional support, comfort, or companionship animals do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
All service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless such devices interfere with the animal’s work or the handler’s disability prevents their use.
Walkers
Visitors are welcome to use walkers throughout the Garden. Our paths accommodate mobility aids.
Wheelchairs
Garden pathways are wheelchair-accessible. We offer three (3) complimentary wheelchairs for guest use. Please call the Garden Gift Shop ahead to reserve, as availability is limited. 772.794.0601 Ext 108
Accessible Parking
Designated accessible parking spaces are available in the central parking area.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are conveniently located between the Garden Gift & Book Shop and the Garden Café as well as in the Children’s Garden.
Photography Guidelines
Photography at McKee Botanical Garden
Guests are welcome to take casual photos for personal use and enjoyment. However, any photography sessions that are promotional, commercial, or intended for publication (including galleries) require prior approval and a $250 photo shoot fee.
Personal Photo Shoots
- Fee: $250 for up to 2 hours, includes photographer/assistant and up to 8 people. General admission applies for additional guests (maximum 10, not including photographer/assistant).
- Availability: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–4:00 p.m. No after-hours shoots.
- Reservations: Specific areas of the Garden cannot be reserved.
- Membership does not waive the photo shoot fee.
Guidelines
- Stay on pathways or grass—do not enter garden beds or disturb plants or signage.
- Do not block paths, entrances, or guest areas.
- No picking flowers or altering plant displays.
- Tripods are allowed if they don’t block access or disrupt guests.
- No signs or Garden identifiers may be photographed without written permission. Please credit location as McKee Botanical Garden when sharing images.
- No dressing rooms are available. Bathrooms may not be used for changing.
- Proper attire is required. No swimwear, lingerie, or nudity allowed.
- No wedding photography permitted.
- Children must be supervised at all times.
- Drones are not allowed.
- Photo shoots are not permitted in the Children’s Garden. Personal snapshots are fine, but tripods and professional equipment are prohibited.