Miami Attractions

jescapes on 04 25, 2009

Sightseeing Miami should not be all about enjoying the beautiful sunshine in Miami beach as this place has more than that to offer. The attractions in Miami are varied sure to fit everyone’s appetite whether it be shopping, dining and entertainment.

There are numerous attractions in Miami, but don’t get too overwhelmed. Pick the right ones for you and your kids, enjoy and have lots of fun.

1. Ancient Spanish Monastery. Built in Spain in 1133 and completed in 1141, it was moved to Miami in 1952. It is now one of Miami’s favored tourist destination. It is available to host weddings and receptions both indoor and outdoor. For more info, visit www.spanishmonastery.com.

2. Art Deco District Tour. The Art Deco District Tour is a 90-minute walking tour that will introduce to Miami Beach’s architectural history. The tour starts or departs from the Art Deco Gift Shop located at 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. No reservation is necessary. They also have a self-guided audio tour wherein you can hear about Miami’s architectural history in English, Spanish, German or French. Audio tours are available at the Art Deco Gift Shop located on 12 Street between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.

3. Coral Castle. This 1,100 tons of coral rock carved using only homade tools by a man only 5-feet tall and 100 pounds called Ed Leedskalnin exist today through 20 years of pure labor. The coral castle offers a 30-minute state-of-the-art audio tour, which is available in several languages. You’ll find the castle at 28655  South Dixie Highway in Homestead, Florida. For more information, visit www.coralcastle.com.

4. Billie Swamp Safari. If you like to explore, you’ll like it here. You get to explore 2,200 acres of untamed Everglades on the Seminole Tribe’s Big Cypress Reservations via swamp buggy eco-tour and airboat ride. Snake and alligator show, swamp critter show, boardwalk nature trail, animal and reptile exhibits and the Swamp Water Cafe are all here.

Airboat rides are a cool and fun way to explore the Everglades. The Florida Seminole Indians will graciously share their heritage and history with you. The Billie Swamp Safari site is approximately 45 miles from the nearest city so it is best to come prepared. It is recommended to bring clothing suitable for hiking or camping, a hat, boots or sturdy shoes. For your comfort and convenience, it is also recommended to bring insect repellant, special medicine, food, sunscreen and, of course, your videos and cameras. Towels are provided.

5. Dolphin Harbor at Miami Seaquarium. Interact one-on-one with a pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in both shallow and deep areas of the pool. Capture each moment because they’re fast, fun and love to make friends. Touch them, feed them, play with them and just get up-close and personal. Both adult and kids love them. For more information, visit www.miamiseaquarium.com.

6. Everglades Safari Park. See alligators, birds, crocodiles, and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. Airboat tours are available that will take you to a journey into nature’s secretly preserved wilderness made up of 1.5 million acres of grasslands and hardwood hammocks. Visit www.evergladessafaripark.com for more info.

7. Gold Coast Railroad Museum. The museum exhibits include the display of the Ferdinand Magellan, the private railroad car built for President Franklin Roosevelt and other historic trains. If you like train collections, you’ll love it here. They also offer real train rides. Located at 12450 SW 152nd Street, Miami, it is next to the Miami MetroZoo.

8. Jungle Island. The Jungle Island is a labor of love of an Austrian immigrant who came to the United States in 1911.  They offer two amazing shows, Winged Wonders and Tale of the Tiger. Don’t  miss the penguin exhibit; the 2000 pound crocosaurus; the Liger-part Lion, part tiger; and a six-foot tall Cassowary bird. Visit www.jungleisland.com for more info.

9.  Miami Ballon Rides. Take a ride in one of Miami’s ballon and enjoy breathtaking views of Miami, Biscayne Bay, the Miami Redlands and the Everglades from a majestic hot air ballon. You can visit them at www.miamiballonrides.com. Going for a long drive? Find them just off the Florida Turnpike at Exit 13.

10. Miami MetroZoo. Visiting here will overwhelm you with more than 1,000 animals from around the world including the rare and exotic ones. It is open daily including holidays. The zoo just added 100 new species of animals. Here, you’ll be amazed with jaguars, giant river otters, harpy eagles, anacondas, toucans, giant anteaters, red eyed free frogs, vipers and so much more. Wildlife show is open daily starting at 12PM then 2PM and 4:30PM. Advance reservation is required if you or your kids want to experience a close encounter with the animals.

11. Miami Beach Visitors Center Tours. If you want to explore Miami Beach you can do so with a variety of sightseeing tours available. Explore Miami Beach by land, sea or air. The visitor center offers over quite a number of daily sightseeing tours.

12. Miami Seaquarium. A fun place for both adults and kids, this 38-acre tropical paradise with spectacular skyline views is a place where dolphins walk on water and killer whales fly through the air. Delight yourself and your kids with sea lions, endangered turtles and manatees. The place is open daily starting at 9:30AM and closes at 6:00PM. Give your kids a fun filled day!

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