Attractions

Ancient Spanish Monastery
16711 W. Dixie Hwy.
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
(305) 945-1461
Built in Segovia, Spain in 1141, the Monastery Cloister is the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere. Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst brought the pieces to America, and in 1952 Miami developers reassembled the monastery on its current site. Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1:30-5 p.m. Adults $5, children (under 12) $2, seniors (55 and older) $2.50, students with valid I.D. $2.50.

Art Deco Historic District
1001 Ocean Dr.
Miami Beach, FL 33119
(305) 672-2014
The nation's largest 20th Century National Register Historic District. The area features more than 800 historic buildings erected during the 1920s and 1930s, and contains a variety of architectural styles. Walking tours of the district depart Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. from the MDPL Center, $15. Self-guided audio-tour available daily, $10 cassette rental. Bike, rollerblade, and private group tours are also available.

Biscayne National Park
9700 SW 328th St.
Homestead, FL 33033
(305) 230-1100
A 53-foot glass-bottom boat and a 45-foot diving and snorkeling catamaran takes adventurers across southern Biscayne Bay, through wilderness, mangrove creeks, islands, and out to tropical coral reefs teeming with sea life. Family snorkeling and scuba diving available from the boat. Canoe and kayak rentals, picnic area, walking trails, fishing, camping and shower facilities available. Reservations required. Beautiful waterfront visitor center offers exhibits, films and information. Open daily 8 a.m.-5:30p.m. Visitor Center open daily 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Glass-bottom boat tour: adults $24.45, children (12 and under) $16.45, seniors (62 and over) $19.45. Scuba diving $54, snorkeling: adults $35, children (12 and under) $29.95. Glass-bottom boat departs at 10 a.m., scuba/family snorkel departs at 1:30 p.m. Scuba diving departs at 8:30 p.m.

Cauley Square Historic Village
22400 Old Dixie Hwy. (US 1)
Miami, FL 33170
(305) 258-3543
This nostalgic village offers a glimpse of Old South Florida at its best. Its quaint cottages have been restored into a labyrinth of antiques, boutiques and specialty shops, featuring unique items to delight the discerning shopper. The garden paths invite guests to casually stroll in the shade, making this a perfect setting for a private gathering or an unforgettable wedding. The famous Tea Room Restaurant and The Latin Corner & Notes on Vine offer a delicious menu. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday noon - 5 p.m.

Coopertown Airboat Rides and Restaurants
22700 SW 8th St.
Miami, FL 33194
(305) 226-6048
Offering airboat rides and alligator exhibitions since 1945. Professional guides lead tours through Hardwood Hammock to see national wildlife in its native Everglades environment. Just 11 miles west of Florida' s Turnpike. Gift shop and restaurant with a menu that includes frog legs and gator tail. Open daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Coral Castle Inc.
28655 S. Dixie Hwy.
Homestead, FL 33033
This quirky monument is one of Greater Miami’s more unusual attractions. Giant pieces of coral rock were carved into a variety of objects by Edward Leedskalnin in the 1920s, as a tribute to unrequited love. The construction techniques behind this mystery garden of fantastic coral sculptures continue to baffle experts and visitors. This attraction has been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles.

Coral Gables Merrick House
907 Coral Way
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 460-5095
This is the boyhood home of George E. Merrick, founder and developer of the City of Coral Gables. This historic landmark house originally began as an 1899 frame house which was added onto in 1907. The house has been restored to the 1920s period and filled with the Merrick family's art, furniture and personal treasures. The park is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays for guided tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Suggested admission, which includes the guided tour, is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/students/group tours, $1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 5 years old.

Deering Estate at Cutler
16701 SW 72nd Ave
Miami, FL 33157
(305) 235-1668
One of the most beautiful and unique parks in South Florida. More than 420 acres, offering tours of endangered natural areas, historic and archeological sites, recreational facilities and a breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay. The park also contains the historical remnants of the Richmond Cottage, portions of which date back to 1896, and the Mediterranean Revival winter home of Charles Deering, completed in 1923. Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 4 p.m. Adults $7, children $5.

Everglades Alligator Farm
40351 SW 192nd Ave.
Homstead, FL 33034
(305) 247-2628
Explore the Everglades on a thrilling airboat tour and enjoy live shows every hour featuring alligators and snakes. Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $17 for airboat ride, farm and shows; children (4-10) $10; children (under 4) free.

Everglades National Park
40001 State Rd. 9336
Homestead, FL 33034
(305) 242-7700
The third largest national park in the Continental U.S., encompassing 1.5 million acres of rare and beautiful ecosystems. The park contains a visitor center, nature trails, a full-service marina, boat launching ramps, boat rentals and camping facilities.

Everglades Safari Park
26700 Tamiami Trail
Miami, FL 33144
(305) 226-6923
Features an alligator farm and show, guided airboat rides, a jungle trail, an interpretive center, a restaurant and a gift shop. Private tours available. Open daily 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $15, children (5-11) $5, children (5-11) $5, children (under 5) free.

Fairchild Garden
10901 Old Cutler Rd.
Coral Gables, FL 33156
(305) 667-1651
This 83-acre garden, established in 1938, is one of the world's preeminent botanic gardens, with extensive collections of rare tropical plants, including palms, cycads, flowering trees and vines. Features a new 13,000-square-foot Visitor Center, a conservatory, a tropical fruit pavilion, vine pergola, sunken garden, winding paths, 11 lakes, lily ponds, overlooks vistas and an outdoor tropical rainforest. Offers narrated tram tours, self-guided tours and programs in environmental education, conservation and horticulture. The Shop at Fairchild sells tropical gardening books and unique gifts. Garden café. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed December 25. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 senior citizens 65 and older, $10 for children 6-17 and free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under.

Fruit & Spice Park
24801 SW 187th Ave.
Homestead, FL 33031
(305) 247-5727
Established in 1944, this tropical paradise is nestled in the heart of the Redland District, just 35 miles south of Downtown Miami. More than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts from throughout the world are found in this lush 35-acre park. Open daily except Christmas Day 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Guided tours conducted daily on a tour tram at 11, 1:30 and 3, and are included in the price of admission. Adults $5, children (6-12) $1.50, under 6 free. Gift shop on site. Picnic facilities available.

Miami Metrozoo
12400 SW 152nd St.
Miami, FL 33177
(305) 251-0400
Rated one of the top 10 zoos in the U.S., this 300-acre cageless zoo showcases more than 1,300 animals, representing more than 400 species. It features Wings of Asia Aviary, Dr. Wilde's World, Children's Zoo, Wildlife Carousel, Guided Tram Tours, and Zookeeper Talks. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ticket booth closes at 4 p.m. Adults (ages 13 & older): $11.50 plus tax, Seniors: $10.50 plus tax, Children (ages 3-12): $6.75 plus tax, Children ages 2 & under: FREE, ZSF Members: FREE. Prices are subject to change.

Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Cswy.
Miami, FL 33149
(305) 361-5705
Enjoy 38 acres of entertainment, great shows and exhibits. Home of Lolita, the Killer Whale and TV superstar Flipper. Laugh with the island adventures of Salty, the Sea Lion, and thrill to the power, grace and beauty of dolphins performing with Lolita. An exciting two-hour program lets you slip into a wet suit and enter the world-famous Flipper Lagoon for an up-close encounter with dolphins. See Nile Crocodiles at Discovery Bay, and the new Salty's Pirate Playground. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $27.95, children (3-9) $21.95. Taxes not included.

Monkey Jungle
14805 SW 216th St.
Miami, FL 33170
(305) 235-1611
Escape on a jungle safari. Explore the wilds of South America, Asia and Africa. Witness crab-eating monkeys diving for treats. Delve into the lush, tropical Amazonian rain forest filled with hundreds of exotic monkeys. Also contains one of the richest fossil deposits in Southern Florida, with more than 5,000 specimens. New exhibit includes rare Amazon parrots, the Cameroon Jungle and the Mandrill Baboons. Offers continuous presentations, snack bar and gift shop. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $19.95 plus tax, children (3-9) $13.95 plus tax, seniors (65 and older) $16.95 plus tax.

Parrot Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 400-7000
It’s Miami’s newest attraction. Take a walk through the wilds of the park while surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Encounter exotic animals, like a 20-foot-long, 2000-pound crocosauras, a Liger – part lion, part tiger, and birds from all over the world. Plus, guests will enjoy three spectacular animal shows: Jungle Encounters, Reptile Giants, and Winged Wonders. The park also has a ballroom, amphitheaters, picnic grounds and spacious pavilions that can accommodate groups of almost any size. Group rates available.

Schnebly Redland's Winery
30205 SW 217th Ave.
Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 242-1224
This winery in the Redland tropical countryside offers tours and wine tastings around natural coral waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Visitors can compare the taste of lychee, passion fruit, carambola, guava and mango wines, just to name a few. This is the southernmost winery in the Continental U.S., handcrafting tropical wines without using grapes.

Venetian Pool
2701 DeSoto Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 460-5357
A Venetian-style lagoon carved out of coral rock, this historic landmark and swimming pool features caves, stone bridges and waterfalls. Operates year-round. Call for information on rates and hours of operation. Closed Mondays. Children must be 38 inches tall show proof that they are 3 years old. Open 7 days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
3251 S. Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
(305) 250-9133
Vizcaya is a National Historic Landmark; we're also a museum owned by Miami-Dade County and accredited by the American Association of Museums. Vizcaya is open to the public 364 days each year, and we invite you to visit this serene and stunningly beautiful retreat in the heart of Miami. Vizcaya was built by agricultural industrialist James Deering, who wintered on the property from 1916–1925. Today, the extraordinary European-inspired estate includes a Main House filled with art and furnishings, ten acres of gardens on Biscayne Bay, a hardwood hammock (native forest), and an historic village that we’re restoring for public enjoyment.

Beaches

Miami Beach — Central
Collins Ave. - 21st St. to 46th St.
Raised boardwalk over the dunes popular for strolling and jogging. Proximity to sidewalk cafes along Collins Ave. Lifeguard towers, food/drink concessions, beach chair/umbrella rentals. Parking fee.

Miami Beach — North
Collins Ave. - 46th St. to 78th St.
Community center and old-fashioned bandshell in adjoining park at north end. Palm-shaded grassy area. Proximity to sidewalk cafes and fast-food restaurants. Lifeguard towers, food/drink concessions, beach chair/umbrella rentals, shower facilities. Parking fee.

Miami Beach/South Beach
Ocean Dr. & 5th St. to Collins Ave. & 21st St.
Entrance through the park at 1 Washington Ave. Beach located at the southern tip of South Beach. Great place to watch cruise ships sailing out to sea. Parking fee.