1. Miami Beach
The city of Miami Beach offers a bevy of activities whether your passion be dance, music, theater or visual arts. If a selection of free film screenings is on the schedule, check out the Miami Beach Soundscape. Complimentary cultural enterprises vary from string quartets, brass ensembles, and picnic with unique music. The visual art at the Botanical Gardens embraces graceful forms of dance including ballet. Tours of the city or the museum of art, library storytelling and bike excursions endeavor to please everyone.
2. Jungle Island
What would a jungle be without wild animals, exhibits and shows? Three different shows a day entertain, while a petting barn and various tours educate and beguile folks of all ages. Check out the penguins, kangaroos, birds of all species and orangutan. The island never closes and every hour of every day is filled with activities and exploration. Don’t miss the store before you leave, it is another point of excitement for contented recollections.
3. Art Deco Historic District
Located in the South Beach area of Miami, the 960 historic buildings comprise what is also known as the Architectural District. Take a walking tour through the lovely pastel structures. Curving, shining, sleek and whimsical with porthole windows and gleaming floors, the mansions, hotels, restaurants and welcome center enchant and absorb the visitor’s attention. Particularly stunning in the evening when the district is lit with neon, it is nonetheless a sight to undertake any time of the day.
4. Miami Seaquarium
This sultry, lush utopia expands over 38 acres with beautiful views of the horizon.
Dolphins and killer whales pose and perform for guests. See the sea turtles and manatees in their environment. Make reservations for a birthday party, a wedding or just bring your family to participate and observe. Eight distinctive shows a day deliver world class fun and games. Go below to see the reef or swim with a dolphin. All day amusement for a lifelong happy memory.
5. Zoo Miami
Siamangs swinging through the trees with their extra long arms often screech loudly, and after one begins the others sing along, vehemently. This type of ape with long, unkempt hair is just one of the unique animals at the zoo. Come see the Red-Eyed Tree Frog or the Panamanian Golden Frog, only two of the bountiful and amazing amphibians. Birds of every color, from ducks to toucans and hawks, the variety is awesome. Don’t forget the dromedary camels, antelope and the fascinating meercat. These are only a few of the mammals to experience at the zoo.
6. Little Havana
Havana, Cuba is the namesake of the Miami neighborhood, Little Havana. A proud cultural community, this home of landmarks and families is alive with hearty social and political activities. Festivals, the Walk of Fame (to honor Latin artists) and the many parks, churches and theaters keep this district alive and humming. Street performers entertain and food vendors serve delicious cuisine while artists display their work on the last Friday of the month, Viernes Culturales.
7. Miami Children’s Museum
There really is something new to do and see constantly at the Children’s Museum. Not for kids only, but for the family. Every generation can experience exhibits, programs and learning classes. One Saturday a month the museum offers a two hour time for families with special needs children. The museum is closed to all but those who have reservations for this exclusive event. Fourteen permanent exhibits allow children to explore a climbing wall, listen to music from around the world and learn to use the tools of art. More displays offer an opportunity to see other cultures, examine a 900 gallon marine tank as well as learn about handling pets. It truly is a wonderful gallery for visiting, camps and classes.
8. South Beach
Also known as SoBe, this section of Miami Beach is proud to have the Architectural District recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
For only a lonely quarter, one can ride the trolley to the many beautiful destinations from SoBe. Enjoy the shopping and cafes at the beach, then go kayaking, jet skiing, boating or swimming. If not water activities, slap on roller blades to arrive at your destination. Besides nightclubs and shopping, museums and globally shaped dining, the copious parks are a pleasant surprise. Haulover Beach is clothing optional, Lummus Park and Collins Park proffer nature and rent cabanas too. Native American Heritage Trail is only one of the Indian exhibits accompanied by hiking trails.
9. Everglades National Park
This National Park covers a stunning one and a half million acres over a three county area, presenting numerous entries by car or boat. Various Visitor Centers are posted throughout the entrances where one can obtain full information about the park. There is much to do and see, including airboat, boat and tram tours when guests are not sightseeing. An approved hired guide can escort families through Mangrove Forests and Cypress Domes, photography and eco tours. Camping and fishing are some of the ways to spot alligators and birds. Hiking, biking, sailing and boating are only a few of the exertions for those who like serious exercise. Come and discover a whole new world of possibilities.
10. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Among the options at the Vizcaya for adults and children of all ages are family and group tours, cooking and painting classes, as well as lectures of interest about the distinct collections and architecture. Artists are invited to develop site interests with the Contemporary Arts Program (CAP). It is an effort to continue interest in new and amazing ways to continue the museum. The interior of the main house is an astounding lesson in art and architecture. The gardens shine with magnificent sculptures, native flowers and a living horticultural compilation. Take time to visit the cafe and shop before you leave this fantastic museum and gardens.
