Miami Florida 10 Great Places To Visit

Monkey Jungle

Anybody who has ever bemoaned the state of caged zoo animals should appreciate the concept pioneered at this wildlife habitat. Humans look on from caged observation areas as scores of monkeys roam freely. Shows are continuous, from both the humans' and monkeys' points of view.

South Beach

Welcome to everybody's favorite spot in Miami. Don't forget to bring your thongs, hats, towels and tan lotions for a fun day in the sun. Just lounge about, check out the hottest fashion or watch the spring-breakers' glee! And when you're sick of the sun and sand, there's several restaurants, boutiques and spas to choose from.

Deering Estate

From the Tequesta Indians to the pioneers of the 1890s to Deering himself, this area of Cutler was a prime location for settlement. Just off of Biscayne Bay, this unique natural setting is home to many rare plants, tropical hammocks and endangered land forests. Today, you can tour the historic Stone House and the Richmond Cottage or explore the areas at the Environmental Center museum.

Tropical Park

Whether you are looking for a good workout, a great place to relax in the fresh air, or the perfect spot for a picnic, Tropical Park is ideal. One of the largest parks in town, it features four lakes, separate football, soccer, and softball fields, plus racquetball, volleyball, and basketball courts. Other park activities include swimming, sunbathing, freshwater fishing and fishing contests, paddle boating, and bicycling, with boat and bicycle rentals available weekends and holidays.

Jungle Island, Miami

A delightful place for the kids as well as adults, Jungle Island is a great way to spend a day outdoors. Located just minutes away from downtown Miami, the park is full of birds and animals. It was started by Franz and Louise Scherr, who wanted a place for their birds to fly free. Today the park is also home to many animals such as penguins, orangutans, crocodiles and even tigers. There's also the Treetop Ballroom where nature fans can have their events, planned to the last detail by their in-house staff.

Santa's Enchanted Forest, Miami

Santa's Enchanted Forest, the largest Christmas theme park and carnival in the world, is a sheer delight for children of all ages. Open from November through early January, the park features a spectacular array of activities and points of interest, including nine shows nightly, a multitude of displays, forty game and food stands, kiddy rides, a 90-foot Christmas tree, and three million lights to illuminate Miami's tropical winter nights. It is a seasonal favorite not to be missed.

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

Tourists from around the world flock to the famous Hollywood Beach Boardwalk to enjoy five miles of pristine beaches, sun and surf. It is the ideal location for biking, walking, roller blading and people-watching. Featuring Florida's hottest attractions and nightlife, the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk offers a plethora of inexpensive restaurants, bars and cafes. Tourists and locals alike enjoy beach theater, such as the Theatre Under the The Stars concert series Monday nights. The perfect place for a fun-filled vacation, the Boardwalk has something for everyone.

Coral Gables

The Gables, as it is locally known, is a little town in its own right. Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean, find yourself strolling amidst beautiful trees in fairy tale avenues. Check out the various attractions such as the Venetian Pool, Dragonfly expeditions and Miracle Mile for starters.

Bayside Marketplace, Miami

To get the quintessential Miami experience, visit this lovely open-air market, where you can browse the artist's carts, sip an iced drink and stroll along the pier. More than 100 shops and 30 restaurants make this a wonderful place to shop. This is more than just a mallit is a sweet slice of south Florida life. Located next to the American Airlines Arena and the Port of Miami, this is a great place to spend a few hours.

Larry and Penny Thompson Campground, Miami

At the Larry and Penny Thompson Campground, comprising of 270 wooded acres, you can hike on paths, ride horses on trails, or camp in one of 240 campsites. Campground amenities include recreational vehicle (RV) space, electric and water hookups, restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities and a concession stand. The campground also features a freshwater lake with a beach, boat rentals, picnic shelters, a fitness course, jogging and bike trails and a tot lot. The popular campground fills up quickly in some seasons, so advanced reservations are recommended. The place is open daily from 7 am.