The Kampong

The Kampong is a tranquil tropical oasis in Miami, rich in botanical history and scientific discovery.

This exquisite 9-acre botanical garden, nestled in the historic Coconut Grove neighborhood, is one of the five gardens managed by the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), and the only one located outside of Hawaii. Its name, derived from the Javanese word for "village," evokes the intimate and natural setting that awaits visitors. Once the personal winter retreat and experimental garden of renowned plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild, The Kampong stands today as a living testament to his monumental contributions to horticulture and plant introduction in the United States.

The Kampong's diverse living collections boast over 1200 species of tropical fruits, palms, and ethnobotanical plants from around the globe. Visitors can wander among 23 cultivars of avocado and an impressive 65 varieties of mango, alongside unique specimens like pomelo, jackfruit, and canistel. The garden is also home to towering baobab trees, including an 80-year-old specimen from Tanzania, captivating ficus trees, and rare flowering species such as the cannonball tree and fragrant ylang-ylang. The historic Fairchild-Sweeney House, with its distinctive blend of Southeast Asian and Mediterranean architectural styles, adds a cultural dimension to the botanical wonders.

More than just a beautiful garden, The Kampong serves as an active research and education center, continuing Fairchild's legacy as a "living laboratory." Its serene setting on the shores of Biscayne Bay offers stunning waterfront views, particularly from "The Point," where visitors can gaze across the water to Key Biscayne and catch glimpses of the distant Miami skyline. Exploring the oolitic limestone paths and admiring the unique plant life provides a peaceful escape and a deeper appreciation for tropical biodiversity, making it a memorable experience for any nature enthusiast or history buff. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.