Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Why it matters: Fairchild is a nonprofit dedicated to tropical plant conservation, education, and research, running efforts like the Million Orchid Project to reintroduce native orchids across South Florida and a plant-growing research partnership with NASA. Beyond the mission, it’s simply one of the most beautiful spots in Miami, with 83 acres of palms, rainforest, a butterfly conservatory, and lakes. Come in the morning before it gets hot, and check the calendar for seasonal exhibits. It’s about 25 minutes south of downtown.