Where to go?

[wimmie]

Dear palmfriends; I plan to spend my holidays in Florida this spring. What are the places you have to see from a palmy-perspective? I have never been there before, but I expect the Caribien coast to be the most interesting?

Wim.

[nitsua0895]

On January 14, 2016 at 3:31:34 PM, wimmie said:

Dear palmfriends; I plan to spend my holidays in Florida this spring. What are the places you have to see from a palmy-perspective? I have never been there before, but I expect the Caribien coast to be the most interesting?

Wim.

Since you're wanting to see palm trees then I imagine the Keys can't be beat. But if you can I recommend to also visit the cities of Destin and Ft. Walton Beach in the northern part of the state. I've been on vacation there many times and the beaches are awesome. Plus you'll still be able to see a lot of nice Sabal, Butia, and Phoenix palms.

[Jeff Searle]

You should get many recommendations here. And it will all determine on how much time you'll have to move around. Of course in the Miami area, it's a must see to go visit Fairchild Tropical Gardens. With more time, maybe you could get in to Montgomery which is down the street basically. I highly recommend if time permits to drive down to Key West. This is a beautiful drive and once in KW, you can feel the party atmosphere. Tim O. who lives there would be more than helpful with any questions and could possibly take you to a private garden or two.

And then there are a few palm collectors up our way that would be more than happy to show off their gardens/nurseries. How long will you be in the area?

Jeff

[Mandrew968]

If you are checking out South Beach, Miami Beach Botanical Gardens is free to the public and we have a decent collection of very rare palms, among other exotic plants.

[wimmie]

Thanks, guys! And Jeff, I think my wife and I would spent about three weeks in Florida, travelling on our own in a rented car, so we are free to do whatever we want to do. We are not interested in Disneyland/-world and the like and maybe you are able to advice on where to stay the nights? We don't know yet whether we will come to Florida this spring or in 2017, because California is also in the race for a visit.

 

Regards,

Wim. 

[PalmatierMeg]

If you drive the Keys keep an eye out on some of the smaller islands for stands of native Coccothrinax argentata and Thrinax radiata. You can't beat palms in habitat.

[Cocoa Beach Jason]

Ft Lauderdale to Key West. Miami of course is in the heart of palm country in my state. Most diversity of palm species will be found there in zones 10B and 11.