McKee Botanical Garden Vero Beach

The 80 acres McKee Botanical Garden Vero Beach was the creation of two of the most prominent developers in the area. Waldo Sexton and Arthur G. McKee initially purchased the land for citrus cultivation. McKee was an engineer who had an interest in tropical plants. The natural beauty of the vegetation prompted McKee and Sexton to utilize the land for another purpose. They did not want to disturb the natural habitat.

The McKee Garden Jungle came to life with the collaboration of renowned landscaping engineer, William Lyman Philips, 

100 Varieties Of Water Lilies At McKee Botanical Garden

McKee Botanical Garden is conveniently located in the southern section at 350 US-1 Vero Beach, FL  32962. I can sincerely say as a Floridian who has traveled to many interesting areas of the state that no one should miss a visit to this incredible jungle-like garden. Firstly, the collection of over 100 varieties of water lilies is worth the visit to McKee Botanical Garden. Secondly, there are over 10,000 species of tropical trees and other vegetation. As a testimonial to Waldo Sexton’s original vision, two of the original structures the Hall of Giants and Spanish Kitchen have been diligently restored.

The Community Rescued This Tourist Destination

During the 1950’s McKee Botanical Garden Vero Beach was the most popular tourist destination. This was primarily due to the massive traffic flow by tourists passing the garden en route to Miami and Miami Beach. Eventually, by the early 1990s air travel became more common replacing auto travel. The reduction in southbound travel had an adverse effect on the number of visitors to McKee Botanical Garden. The reduction in the number of visitors almost resulted in the destruction of the garden by developers planning to build a shopping mall in its place. Fortunately, the community outreach came to the rescue by raising enough funds to purchase the land and preserve this slice of heaven.

Get A McKee Botanical Garden Membership

McKee Botanical Garden operation is made possible through ticket sales and the membership support program. The membership program offers many perks in appreciation of all members who make the success of the programs in the garden possible.

Some of the great advantages of membership include:
  • An unlimited year-round entry to McKee Botanical Garden and McKee Children’s Garden
  • Reciprocal Admission Program RAP, allows members to have free of charge access to over 330 Botanical Gardens as well as the other Arboreta locations in North America
  • Members will receive a 10% discount on all purchases made in the Garden Cafe, Garden Gift Shops, and Garden Book Stores
  • McKee Botanical Garden will notify all members in advance about all special events and exhibitions
  • Please note that all Botanical Gardens and Arboreta locations depend on ticket sales and donations for their success. Alongside your membership support please donate when possible.