Bayfront Park features artwork, a fountain, an amphitheater, and Bayside Marketplace, Miami; (c) Joy Pan/iS
Miami General Attractions
Bayfront Park
DESCRIPTION: To its west and south, this 32-acre park is framed by modern skyscrapers in downtown Miami. At the northern end of the park lies Bayside Marketplace, a landmark waterfront shopping & dining center. Bayfront Park hosts many festivals and concerts at the 6,500-seat amphitheater throughout the year, so parking can be a challenge. Note, however, that some Bayside Marketplace establishments validate parking. This is an excellent place to people-watch, interact with residents, and watch seabirds. Stroll paths along the bayfront to see modern art installations and the spectacular Kaseya Center where the Miami Heat play basketball.
ADDRESS: 301 North Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL MAP
PHONE: 305-358-7550
WEBSITE: http://www.bayfrontparkmiami.com
Bayside Marketplace
DESCRIPTION: Located in Bayfront Park, it’s a revolving collection of restaurants, shops, and bars on a waterfront setting; one of Miami’s most popular destinations, it includes a Skyview Ferris Wheel, Bubba Gumps, Hard Rock Café, a pizza parlor, and several children’s attractions. Speedboats, ferries, and cruise ships for celebrity islands on Biscayne Bay dock at its waterfront. A hop-on-hop-off double-decker tour bus departs here too. This must-visit is great for people-watching and relaxing with a cocktail. Savvy travelers also stay at hotels north and south of the park, then catch a free ride on the Metromover to Bayfront Park Station.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 10a-10p, Sat 10a-11p, Sun 11a-9p
ADDRESS: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL MAP
TRANSIT: Bayfront Park Metromover Station
PARKING: garage on premises
PHONE: 305-577-3344
WEBSITE: http://www.baysidemarketplace.com
Ocean Drive
DESCRIPTION: A world-famous South Beach entertainment district that faces a beachfront park and features 22 hotels; from 5th Street to 15th Street, check out the stunning collection of nightclubs and restaurants. It’s a great place to practice your Salsa skills. In the daytime, skaters, cyclists, and scooters zoom by. Celebrities and fashion models can often be spotted at breakfast to enjoy the azure skies, ocean views, and gently waving palm trees.
ADDRESS: Biscayne Street to 15th Street, Miami Beach, FL MAP
Washington Avenue
DESCRIPTION: This South Beach destination has a well-deserved reputation for its dazzling range of nightclubs. They stay open late, sometimes very late. Even a US Attorney General had a bash here in 2002. Stroll from 15th Street to 4th Street to see the widest range of restaurants and nightclubs. If you can’t find a party nightclub on Washington Avenue or Ocean Drive that interests you, the problem might be you.
ADDRESS: Lincoln Road to 5th Avenue, Miami Beach, FL MAP
Lincoln Road
DESCRIPTION: A pedestrian-only street mall that stretches eight blocks; features more than 150 shops, 50 restaurants, and several art galleries. It is also home to the Lincoln Theatre and Colony Theatre; rollerbladers and artists spice up the atmosphere; another great place for people watching during the daytime
ADDRESS: Lincoln Road Mall from Collins Avenue to Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL MAP
CocoWalk
DESCRIPTION: Mediterranean-style shopping, dining& entertainment complex with many upscale restaurants that include Fat Tuesday, Bice Bistro, Cheesecake Factory, Los Ranchos Steakhouse, and Café Med. The abundance of nightlife, shops, restaurants, and a cineplex near yachts in Biscayne Bay often attracts the wealthy. Although it succeeds as a visitor destination, it does not integrate elements of historic Coconut Grove that would make it special.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Thu 10a-10p, Fri-Sat 10-11p, restaurants and bars stay open later
ADDRESS: 3015 Grand Avenue, Coral Gables, FL MAP
PARKING: on-premises and streets
PHONE: 305-854-4247
WEBSITE: http://www.cocowalk.net
Fairchild Tropical Garden
DESCRIPTION: This 83-acre oasis can justly claim to be one of the world’s best botanical gardens, with extensive collections of rare tropical plants; features a 16,000-square foot conservatory, a museum of plant exploration, vine pergola, sunken garden, winding paths, lakes, lily ponds, and tropical rainforest. Narrated tram tours, self-guided tours, a garden gift shop, and a café round things out nicely.
ADMISSION: adults $8, for ages 3-12 $4, ages 3 and under enter FREE
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9:30a-4:30p
ADDRESS: 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL MAP
PHONE: 305-667-1651
WEBSITE: http://www.fairchildgarden.org
A thrilling Coopertown Airboat ride on the Everglades; (c) Greater Miami CVB
Spanish Monastery
DESCRIPTION: An incredible contrast to what you’d expect to see in Art Deco and post-modern Miami Beach; built in Segovia, Spain in 1141 AD, William Randolph Hearst brought this structure; it was rebuilt on its present site in 1952; a favorite venue for weddings and receptions, so make an appointment two weeks in advance
ADMISSION: $6 adults, $4 students and seniors w/ID
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 10a-4p, Sun noon-4p
ADDRESS: 16711 West Dixie Highway, Miami Beach, FL MAP
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 305-945-1462
WEBSITE: http://www.spanishmonastery.com
Coopertown Airboat Rides
Exciting airboat rides and alligator exhibitions in the Everglades. Professional guides lead tours through Hardwood Hammock to see national wildlife in its native Everglades environment. Located 11 miles west of Florida’s Turnpike, it includes a gift shop and restaurant — particularly welcome on hot days.
DAYS & HOURS: daily 8a-7p
ADDRESS: 22700 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL MAP
PHONE: 305-226-6048
WEBSITE: http://www.coopertownairboats.com
Miccosukee Indian Village & Airboat Tours
Authentic Indian village with a culture that has survived for hundreds of years in the Everglades; guided tours give you a comprehensive summary of their past, present, and future. See craft demonstrations, a museum, and alligator wrestling, and enjoy airboat rides. The gift shop has an interesting collection of trinkets.
DAYS & HOURS: shows daily 9a-5p
PRICES: see website
ADDRESS: Tamiami Station near the Everglades MAP
PHONE: 305-223-8380
WEBSITE: http://www.miccosukeetribe.com