Pinecrest Gardens

Pinecrest Gardens encompasses some 14 acres of lush botanical gardens and family-friendly attractions with plenty of parking.

South Florida History

Set on what was once the site of Parrot Jungle, Pinecrest Gardens still preserves the area’s historical landscaping and remaining structures. As a testament to its efforts, the site was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S Department of Interior in 2011 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Parrot Jungle Historic District.

Today, in addition to its expanded botanical gardens and attractions, Pinecrest Gardens (also known as the South Florida Cultural Arts Center) hosts a diverse array of year-round cultural and community events, festivals and private events.

Natural Areas

Showcasing the area's natural attractions, the park's gardens and forested areas boast a native cypress slough, tropical hardwood hammock, riverine landscapes, various specialty gardens (including a desert garden) and more than 1,000 varieties of both native and non-native tropical flora.

Among many notable natural features are remnants of the Snapper Creek streambed, a 30,000-year-old solution hole, a piece of cypress hammock that was once connected to Big Cypress National Preserve, a 100-year-old Cocoplum and various other mature landmark trees.

For visitors wanting to connect and interact with nature, the park features tranquil paths that wind through the botanical garden, a meadowed lake viewing area (Swan Lake) with resident wildlife, plus fish-populated waterways.

Events & Venues

Time your visit to catch performances at the park's acclaimed Banyan Bowl, a 530-seat, an open-air, geodesic-domed amphitheater that hosts an array of music, dance, and theater acts from a jazz series and classical/pop performances to ballet, flamenco, Broadway musicals, opera and more. Prefer to catch a flick over a live performance? Garden Cinema features Family Movie Night film screenings from October through April. Check the park's online calendar for dates and times.

Don't miss the Garden Cinema's annual pre-Halloween screening of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” where costumes and audience participation are encouraged. Smaller events are hosted at the park's other venues, including the Hammock Pavilion, Pergola/Lakeview Terrace, Meadow, and Patio.

Kid-Friendly Attractions

For the youngest among us, there's a variety of attractions that provide entertainment for all tastes and abilities. Kids can choose from a Splash N' Play water playground, petting zoo, giant outdoor chess/checkers games, a large playground area, and family movies.

Near the playground and petting zoo, the park's Sensory Garden educational area engages children of all abilities. Among its features are a butterfly garden, raised vegetable/herb garden, watering cans, drop-in garden programs, and an Investigation Station that invites exploration.

Farmers Market

Looking to sample some of the local bounty? Find organic seasonal produce, prepared foods, artisan baked goods, fresh flowers, plants, local honey, and more at the weekly outdoor Pinecrest Gardens Farmers Market, featuring some 60 vendors on Sundays during the high season, rain or shine. Stop by the LNB Groves organic fruit stand and indulge in seasonal rainbow tropical fruit smoothies or restorative turmeric tonics.

Park Location

Pinecrest Gardens is located at the corner of Red Road and 110th Street, not far from South Miami. Visit the website for operating hours, costs, and information on specific events.