|
It seems difficult
to believe that just over 100 years ago, 1896 to be precise when Flagler brought
his East Coast Railway here, Miami was a swampy, sub tropical villages made
up of a handful of frame houses and not much more. The now world-renowned Miami
Beach we know today was in fact created from a mangrove swamp.
A huge sprawling city of over 2,000 square miles Miami is one of America’s
great cultural melting pots. European, Cuban, Hispanic and Caribbean settlers
have, within the space of a century created Miami's glittery reputation, its
unique architecture and its relaxed attitude to life.
But this is not only a great place to live, each yearthousands of visitors
pour into the area with the hopes of getting a little sun and a lot of relaxation.
Greater Miami's list of attractions is long, varied and big on quality, the
city really does have something for everyone! Some of the most popular attractions
include, Viscaya Museum and Gardens, Little Havana, Museum of Science and Space
Transit Planetarium, and the Miami Metro Zoo. Biscayne Boulevard is a prime
spot for shopping; it features the Bayside Marketplace- a truly tropical shopping
experience. Shopping is also excellent at the Cocowalk shopping and entertainment
complex.
If that wasn’t
enough throw in the world capital of hedonism - South Beach. Located on the
southernmost end of Miami Beach, South Beach attracts a colourful mix of visitors
from all over the world to its fantastically preserved Art Deco surroundings
and wild, “anything goes” beaches. Celebrities, artists, International supermodels
and an eclectic mix of wannabee’s all frequent the trendy boutiques, risqué
stores, pavement restaurants and art galleries which make-up South Beach.
Then there are
the Everglades, to where the city’s western suburbs are rapidly extending. A trip into Everglades
National Park is an un-missable and unique sightseeing experience for any visitor
to Miami. Sturdy boardwalks lead out over the watery areas, signs and displays
identify and describe the flora and fauna that you may encounter, and that includes
alligators. At Flamingo naturalists conduct nature walks along the shore or
whisk you through the swamplands on one of their specially constructed boats.
Great Places
to visit in and around Miami.
Parrot Jungle and Gardens
11000 SW 57 Avenue, Miami.
Tel:305-666-7834
Adults $12.95; children $8.95.
An exotic bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat and botanical garden. Here you will
find 100's of varieties of birds and plants. Also, ape exhibits, wildlife shows,
and alligators.
Metro zoo
12400 SW 152 Street, Miami.
Tel: 305-638-6700
Adults $8; children $4.
A giant zoo with more than 250 species and 60 major animal exhibits. The zoo
also has a wildlife amphitheatre with three shows daily.
Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium
3280 S. Miami Ave
Tel: 305-854-4247
The exhibits on coral reefs and the Everglades here are especially enlightening.
There is also a participatory science arcade, a wildlife centre housing more
than 150 live animals, and a natural history collection with cases of fossils
and butterflies. Kids love the hands on exhibits and mini-shows. The Planetarium
has several daily shows, explaining what's new in the heavens.
Fairchild Tropical Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami.
Tel: 305-667-1651
Admission $8, children under 13 free.
An extensive botanical garden with a vast collection of rare tropical plants,
a rain forest display, and sunken garden.
Monkey Jungle
4805 SW 216 Street, Miami.
Adults $11.50; Children 4-12 $6.
See a colony of monkeys living in a topical jungle. Shows are held throughout
the day. Shows include Wild Monkey Swimming Pool, Ape Encounter, and Hangin'
Wild Orangs.
Historical Museum of South Florida
Tel: 305-375-1492
The excellent exhibits here chronicle the histories of the various groups that
have settled in the region. Numerous displays including a chickee hut, depict
Native American Life, while the Spanish exploration period comes alive through
the 17th-century maps and a mock fort that kids can climb.
Coral Castle
28655 South Dixie Highway, Homestead.
Tel: 305-248-6344
Adults $7.75; children $5.
A coral wonder built by a single man over 30 years. Open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne.
Tel: 305-361-3705
Adults $19.95. Children 3-9 $14.95.
Home to more than 10,000 sea creatures, a killer whale, and dolphin superstar
Flipper. South Florida's largest marine aquarium.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami.
Tel: 305-250-9133
An Italian Renaissance style villa built in 1916 by James Deering. Over 10 acres
of formal gardens and fountains. The house contains 34 rooms with antique furnishing.
Everglades National Park
25 miles west of Miami on the Tamiami Trail.
Tel: 305-242-7700.
Admission is $10 per car.
A 1.4 million acre park complete with endangered species and many species of
birds and animals. Boats tours are available.
Jungle Queen
Bahia Mar Yacht Basin in Fort Lauderdale on A1A, north of 17th Street Causeway.
Sails to a tropical island for an all-you-can-eat dinner of ribs, shrimp and
chicken. The dinner is followed by a variety show and sing-along. Daily sightseeing
cruises are also available.
Art Deco District
New and restored buildings, cafes, hotels, carry the facades of bright pink,
turquoise, and peach gleam in the sun. Take a walk through the Revival-style
buildings, many containing electric boutiques and art galleries.
Have you been to Miami and know about some more great highlights worth a mention? Add details for other visitors to read about.
Add a Miami highlight > >.
|
|
