With a climate that is warm and sunny all year round, Miami, as well as being known for its art fairs, musicians and culinary scene, is a top destination for all things botanical. From lush tropical gardens to sprawling public parks, it’s a haven for flower lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike. As you explore, look for yellow jessamine, a fragrant vine native to the area, the ornamental, flowering tree, Simpson’s Stopper, and of course the state flower, the orange blossom. Cuban plants also do well here, such as Mariposa (also known as white ginger) whose fragrant white flowers resemble butterflies, and Crinum Lily, a large and showy lily with pink, trumpet-shaped flowers that can grow up to six feet tall. Here’s what we recommend for your floral itinerary in Bal Harbour.

HOTELS AND SHOPPING 

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Bal Harbour Shops

Our annual springtime Fleurs de Villes show (March 3-12, 2023) takes place at the all-luxury open-air Bal Harbour Shops and Bal Harbour Village. This year, guests are invited to enjoy Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE – a fresh floral journey of discovery. This 10-day floral exhibition will celebrate destinations around the world, their cultures, traditions, and heritage, while also telling the stories of remarkable women voyagers with 28 different installations. This worldwide launch coincides with Women’s History Month, as well as International Women’s Day on March 8. The show will include brands such as ZIMMERMANN, De Beers, Brunello Cucinelli and Alexandre Birman who offer up the season’s top fashion and jewellery from ready-to-wear to couture. Check the calendar for other special events such as galas and our flower market (Sunday March 12, 2023). Make sure to refuel at buzzy Stephen Starr restaurants Makoto and Le Zoo (and coming soon,  a Miami outpost of his famous New York restaurant in the Meatpacking district, Pastis).

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The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour

A stunning five-star beach-front resort, it’s close to the energetic center of Miami, yet tranquil enough for leisurely rides up the coastline on the hotel’s beach cruisers. The casual yet modern waterfront Artisan Beach House restaurant serves fresh local seafood such as grilled Atlantic octopus. A fresh floral mannequin inspired by the film Casablanca will be displayed in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton during the Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE show.

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The St. Regis Bal Harbour

Panoramic views of the beach from your wraparound balcony in the luxury suites are just one of the draws of this five-star hotel. The St. Regis Bar will be serving a special menu of botanical cocktails during the Fleurs de Villes show. Book an afternoon at their famous spa, or enjoy complimentary poolside services such as refreshing cold towels, smoothie tastings, and even foot reflexology. During the Fleurs de Villes show, St. Regis Bal Harbour hosts a floral mannequin of socialite Caroline Astor, matriarch of the richest family about HMS Titanic.

TOP FLORAL ATTRACTIONS

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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: This is an 83-acre garden located in Coral Gables and is considered one of the world's finest tropical botanic gardens. Popular as a wedding venue, it features a diverse collection of rare and exotic plants from around the world, including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. The garden also features a lush rainforest and a butterfly garden for memorable photo-ops.

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Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This is a showstopper of an Italian Renaissance-style villa located in the heart of Miami built for the industrialist James Deering in 1916. The estate features 10 acres of formal gardens, including an Italian Renaissance Garden, a Fountain Garden, and a Rock Garden. Manicured par-terres and ponds make the experience even more magical. It is also known for its orchids, brought to the grounds in the 1920s by Deering himself, and now filling a dedicated orchidarium. Free yoga, a weekly farmer’s market and a contemporary art program round out the experience.

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The Kampong: This is a unique botanical garden located in Coconut Grove, Miami. It was once the home of Dr. David Fairchild, a world-renowned botanist, and is now a National Historic Landmark. The Kampong features a wide variety of exotic tropical plants, including a collection of palm trees and a mango grove. You can book a tour, or listen to a lecture from a roster if visiting botanists.

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Pinecrest Gardens: This is a 20-acre park and botanical garden located in Pinecrest, Miami. The gardens feature a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk through the gardens, or enjoy musical entertainment, such as the annual free concert by Orchestra Miami.