Zoo Miami (Miami-Dade Zoological Park)
Distance: 25 miles from downtown, about a 30-minute drive
Though Zoo Miami is not the largest zoo, it is the oldest zoo in Florida and the only tropical zoo in the United States. Rumor has it that Simba from The Lion King was modeled after a young lion from this zoo. The park is designed in such a way that it never feels overcrowded, and the animals are carefully enclosed in their natural habitats. You can take a monorail to get an overview of the zoo, or opt for a guided jeep tour.
Entry Fee: $22.77 for adults (Online booking can save about 10%)
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Biscayne National Park
Distance: 40 miles from downtown, about a 1-hour drive
Located about an hour and a half from downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park offers a drastically different landscape: gem-blue seas, emerald-green islands, pearl-like coral reefs, and endangered species. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can kayak through the mangroves with a biologist, explore unique marine habitats by snorkeling, or take a scenic boat tour to Fisher Island, enjoying the view of the sparkling beaches and the fascinating stories of Biscayne Bay.
Popular Activities:
• Kayaking: 1.5 hours
• Snorkeling: 3.5 hours
• Boat Tour: 3.5 hours
Starting Location: Dante Fascell Visitor Center
Entry Fee: Kayak $39, Snorkeling $109, Boat Tour $79
Timing: Kayak 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM; Snorkel 9:15 AM, 1:30 PM; Boat Tour 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM
Note: Age restrictions may apply for some activities. Refer to the official website for more details.
Everglades National Park
Covering 8 million acres, Everglades National Park is the third-largest national park in the U.S. and the largest subtropical wildlife reserve in the country, home to the world’s most diverse ecosystems. You can hike, bike, drive, or boat through the park, encountering wildlife like snakes, turtles, panthers, and alligators.
The park has several visitor centers, and its vast landscape is divided into three main areas:
• Area 1 (Ernest Coe & Flamingo Centers): Famous for self-driving and hiking trails.
• Area 2 (Shark Valley Center): Known for guided tours by tram and airboats.
• Area 3 (Gulf Coast Visitor Center): A haven for kayaking and exploring the numerous islands and mangroves.
Shark Valley Area
This area offers a scenic route to the Shark Valley Observation Tower, providing a 360-degree view of the Everglades. The majority of visitors opt for a tram ride, though adventurous types can bike the 24 km round trip or even hike.
Tram Tour: 2 hours, $31
Biking: 3 hours, $25 (24 km round trip)
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Bike Rental 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
The airboat rides are another popular option, allowing you to zoom through the waters of the Everglades, offering a thrilling glimpse into the swamp life.
Key West - The Southernmost Point of the U.S.
Situated at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, Key West is the closest point in the U.S. to Cuba and is also the starting point of U.S. Route 1. Famous for its sunsets, the island offers a relaxed atmosphere combined with rich history, including Ernest Hemingway’s former home.
Key West’s Mallory Square is known for its Sunset Celebration, a lively street performance and food market that attracts both locals and tourists. The iconic Southernmost Point Buoy, marking the furthest point south of the continental U.S., is a popular photo stop.
Other Must-See Spots in Key West:
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: The place where Hemingway lived and wrote many of his famous works. Entrance Fee: $18 for adults, $7 for children.
• Duval Street: The vibrant heart of Old Town, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants.
• Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory: A tropical paradise featuring over 50 species of butterflies. Entrance Fee: $15 for adults, $11 for children.