Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
How do you plan an itinerary while vacationing in Miami, when there are just so many destination choices? Well, settle in for a big, hearty breakfast; you'll need it to get through the busy day. After breakfast, hurry over to the Parrot Jungle and Gardens on 57th Avenue. There, you'll find a bird sanctuary, botanical garden and wildlife habitat. Your kids will love the wildlife shows and ape exhibits. Maybe they'd rather attend one of three daily shows in the wildlife amphitheater at the Miami Metrozoo. There they have over 250 species and 60 animal exhibits. And be sure to schedule a visit to South Florida's largest marine aquarium at Miami Seaquarium, which more than 10,000 sea creatures call home, including a killer whale and Flipper, the performing dolphin.
After a day at the zoo, another cool place for you and the kids is the Miccousukee Indian Village where you can watch live alligator wrestling, visit the museum dedicated to the tribe's history, or take an airboat ride. There are also art and music celebrations held in July and December. For something a little more academic, make your way to the Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium on Miami Avenue for exhibits on the Everglades. A wildlife center, natural history collection of fossils and a planetarium add to this attraction.
And speaking of Everglades, The Everglades National park, with it's 1.4 million acres is a relaxing spot for any family after a busy day. The park houses many endangered species of birds and other animals. Ask about their boat tours for extra family excitement. And, what's a trip to Miami without frolicking on their famous beaches? Greater Miamis shorelines go on seemingly forever. Bal Harbour Beach has a palm-lined jogging path or, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area on Key Biscayne offers an historic lighthouse and fabulous beach area. Have a little lunch at Haulover Beach Park's picnic areas, complete with barbecue grills. Hobie Beach, at the south end of Key Biscayne, permits the family dog and lots of watersports. Nearby Virginia Key beach will also accomodate the family pet, leashed, of course. South Pointe Park is a great spot for viewing cruise ships as they head out to sea. If the family's the adventurous type, Virginia Key Beach North offers windsurfing and ultralight seaplane rentals.
A visit to Miami is not complete unless you've enjoyed the wonders of Biscayne National Park. A 53-foot glass-bottom boat takes enthusiasts across Biscayne Bay through the wilderness and out to the coral reefs. They also feature canoe and kayak rentals, walking trails, camping, and fishing, along with exhibits and films. To add a little mystery to the trip, stop by Coral Castle, where it is said that the creator of these stone-carved castles had supernatural powers.
Another historically interesting site for all is the 440 acre, Deering Estate at Cutler. View buildings dating from 1896 to 1922, archaeological sites dating humans back 10,000 years, and animals that date back 100,000 years. Also at Deering Estate is a Native American burial mound from around the year 1600. If you still have time, include a visit to the Everglades Alligator Farm, Everglades Safari Park, Fairchild Tropical Garden, the Fruit and Spice Park, Gold Coast Railroad Museum, Lowe Art Museum and the Monkey Jungle of 216th Street.
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