Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, Native botanical garden in Stock Island, Florida, United States.

The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden is a nature reserve on Stock Island surrounded by ocean and displaying rare plants and animals. Wide boardwalks and hiking trails connect multiple freshwater ponds throughout the grounds.

The site was established during the Great Depression in the 1930s as part of a work relief program. After World War II it was reduced in size but retained its purpose as a protected space.

The name reflects the tropical plants and wildlife that define island life here. You will see rare species throughout adapted to heat and proximity to the ocean.

The garden is at 5210 College Road on Stock Island and is open daily; locals enter free on the first Sunday of each month. The grounds cover 11 acres, so allow time to walk the whole loop of trees, shrubs and palms. The dry season runs from December to the end of May, when most trees keep their leaves.

Rare freshwater plants thrive here under favorable conditions that would not normally support them in this climate. This makes it a valuable research site for scientists.