CORAL GABLES. Lush and meticulously maintained, this garden showcases a wide range of tropical plants. Within its 83 acres, palms and cycads flourish, and a 16,000-square-foot conservatory shelters rare specimens. The Fairchild also offers an arboretum and rainforest, and it houses a world-renowned research facility. Leisurely strolls through the grounds are sure to provoke plenty of "oohs and aahs," and you may gain inspiration for your own little patch of paradise back home. A small museum, gift shop and café take care of practical needs. Free tram tours run on the hour.

SOUTH BEACH. These beautiful, peaceful gardens offer a tranquil break from glitzy South Beach. Few people know about this undiscovered gem, which features 4.5 acres of gardens cloistered from the rest of the city ­ even though the convention center is just across the street. The flora and fauna are some of the nicest you'll find in Miami Beach. The members of the New World Symphony, who come here to perform or to practice, often treat guests to musical interludes.

CORAL GABLES/COCO GROVE/BISCAYNE. Kampong is the Malaysian word for "home in a garden" ­ an apt description of this stunning attraction. This is one of only eight properties in the US owned by the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, and it offers a magnificent array of tropical fruit trees and flowering trees that are not found anywhere else. The facility, located on the site of the former home of plant researcher David Fairchild, also hosts current plant researchers, so plenty of information is provided about the wildlife that grows there. Don't miss the Indonesian-inspired house on the premises, complete with tropical lagoon, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.