Pinecrest Gardens

Pinecrest, Florida, United States

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Pinecrest Gardens in Pinecrest, Florida, is a 14-acre botanical garden that dates back to 1936 as the original site of Parrot Jungle, one of Miami's earliest and most famous tourist attractions founded by Franz and Louise Scherr.

Known for pioneering the "bird free-flight" concept, Parrot Jungle quickly grew into an internationally renowned attraction featuring exotic birds and lush tropical landscapes, including many rare plant species. The property was purchased by the Village of Pinecrest in 2002 after Parrot Jungle relocated to a new site, and it was transformed into a municipal garden and cultural arts center.

The gardens preserve many original features including mosaic walkways, birdcages, and tropical flora, and were officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011 as the Parrot Jungle Historic District. Today, Pinecrest Gardens offers a variety of attractions including native woodland areas, themed gardens, cultural events, and a geodesic dome amphitheater, making it a cherished landmark that blends natural beauty, history, and community engagement.​