Things To Do In Miami

22 09 2008

Special discounts for the carloadYear-round mild climates and unrivaled ocean access make Miami, Florida the perfect hot spot for active travelers. Whether you are traveling as a family or on a romantic getaway, this diverse city is filled with attractions for visitors of all ages.

Rent a passenger van and you’ll have plenty of leg room, not to mention space in the back for a cooler and all of your beach necessities. Of course, beaches aren’t the only attractions you’ll want to check out. Be sure to make time for the many other sites and activities in and around the city.

Below is a list of some of the top attractions in Miami and the surrounding areas with links to more details, if you’d like more information.

Beaches

For those interested in a relaxing vacation, Miami offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches, all within driving distance. Some are fun for relaxing in the sand, and others offer watersports and recreation.The first beach that comes to mind is the ever-popular South Beach. Located on Ocean Drive, you can enjoy the crystal blue waters, walk along the concrete promenade or stop to check out some of the sidewalk cafes.While South Beach is a fun tourist destination, don’t forget to drive to other beaches in the area and explore the beautiful Miami scenery.

Miami MetroZoo

Quickly becoming one of the best zoos in the nation, Miami MetroZoo is unique because the mild climate allows it to house a wide variety of animals from all parts of the world. This zoo was one of the first free-range zoos in the country and the exhibits are entirely cageless. With over 80 exhibits and more than 1,000 animals, this is an attraction you won’t want to miss. 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, (305) 251-0400.

Miami Seaquarium

Drive to the Miami Seaquarium, located located on the Rickenbacker Causeway between Downtown Miami and Key Biscayne, and you’ll be able to experience an attraction like no other. The Seaquarium offers an entertaining and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Thanks to the tropical climate, outdoor marine shows, featuring trained dolphins and Killer Whales, are offered year-round. Exhibits include sea turtles, seals, sea lions and manatees. 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, (305) 361-5705.

Everglades

The Everglades National Park is one of the most unusual public parks in the country. With 1.5 million acres of swamps, saw-grass prairies and sub-tropical jungles, the park is home to many rare and endangered species. Located on the southern tip of Florida, much of the park is only visited by researchers and adventurists, but there are plenty of areas for visitors to walk, camp and canoe through the flat and watery portion of the park. 40001 State Road 9336, (305) 242-7700.

Parrot Jungle Island

If you’re driving between downtown and South Beach, it might be worthwhile to check out Parrot Jungle Island. Located on over 18 acres, the Jungle is home to more than 3,000 exotic animals. This family-friendly attraction offers a theme park, stage shows, aviaries, jungle trails and multiple educational exhibits. 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, (305) 400-7000.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

A visit to Miami isn’t complete without stopping to see this lavish villa. The extremely popular European-style mansion was originally built by James Deering in 1916 as a winter residence. The museum consists of the main house and it’s formal gardens and contains much of the original furnishings and artwork. 3251 South Miami Avenue, 3251 South Miami Avenue.