Heathcote Botanical Gardens: A Treasure Coast Oasis

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Discover a serene subtropical oasis in Fort Pierce, Florida, with themed gardens and the nation's largest public bonsai display.

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Heathcote Botanical Gardens

Escape to Heathcote Botanical Gardens, a serene five-acre subtropical paradise in Fort Pierce, Florida, showcasing diverse themed gardens and the nation's largest public display of tropical bonsai. Founded on the legacy of a local nursery, Heathcote offers a tranquil retreat into nature's beauty.

A brief summary to Heathcote Botanical Gardens

210 Savannah Rd, Fort Pierce, Florida, 34982, US
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Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the garden paths.
Bring sunscreen, as shade can be limited in some garden areas.
Check the Heathcote Botanical Gardens website for special events and blooming updates.
Pets are welcome for a small fee, but must be leashed.

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Getting There

Walking

From downtown Fort Pierce, head east on Orange Avenue toward Indian River Drive. Turn left onto Indian River Drive and continue north until you reach Savannah Road. Turn right onto Savannah Road and walk approximately 0.5 miles. Heathcote Botanical Gardens will be on your right, at 210 Savannah Rd. There is no cost for walking.
Public Transport

Take the Route 1 bus heading north. Disembark at the stop near the intersection of Indian River Drive and Savannah Road. Walk east along Savannah Road for approximately 0.2 miles. The gardens will be on your left, at 210 Savannah Rd. Bus fare is approximately $1.75 - $2.00.
Driving

From I-95, take SR 70 east to Fort Pierce. Turn south on US 1 and continue past Gardenia Ave. Turn left onto Savannah Road. The entrance will be on the left. Parking is free.

Discover more about Heathcote Botanical Gardens

Heathcote Botanical Gardens, known as the "Green Heart of the Treasure Coast," offers a tranquil escape into a world of botanical diversity. This five-acre garden in Fort Pierce began as a commercial nursery in the 1930s and was transformed into a public garden in 1986. The gardens feature a variety of themed areas, each with its unique charm. Explore the serene Japanese Garden, the vibrant Butterfly Garden, and the fragrant Herb Garden. Don't miss the Rainforest Display, the Native Plants Garden, and the Palm & Cycad Walk. Heathcote is particularly renowned for its James J. Smith Bonsai Collection, the largest public display of tropical bonsai in the United States. The collection features over 100 specimens, including a 200-year-old buttonwood and a Jaboticaba styled by John Naka.Heathcote House, a Frame Vernacular style home built in 1922, serves as the gardens' administrative center. The house was moved to the property in 1967 by Mollie and Jim Crimmins, who previously owned the nursery. The house was designated a Historically Significant Site in 2001.Throughout the year, Heathcote hosts events and educational programs. The annual Garden of Lights, a holiday display with thousands of lights, draws over 10,000 visitors each December.Currently (July 2025), visitors can explore "Held in Balance", an exhibit of gravity-defying stone sculptures by ZOTO (Adam Conard).