Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Golden Glades

"Around 50-minutes from Miami, Shark Valley is one of the best places in the Everglades that’s within easy reach of Miami. Once here, you can explore the trails and the iconic Bobcat Boardwalk that’s totally stunning on a gorgeous sunny day. Though, take lots of water and sunblock with you – that humidity and mosquitos can be tough."

"In the Western part of the Everglades National Park, lies the Shark Valley Visitor Center. The area is rich in wildlife – alligators, herons, egrets, Key deer, turtles and snail kites. There are three trails from the Visitor Center."

"At the heart of what many call the “true Everglades” is the gem that is Shark Valley, the center of the Everglades’ freshwater ecosystem and haven of wildlife."

"This is one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida if you’re a total nature lover. You see, the Anne Kolb Nature Center is more than 1,500 acres of coastal mangrove wetlands where you will get to see many unique, endangered plants and animals. Once here, you’ll come across the four separate trails including South Trail, Mud Flat Trail, Fishing Pier Trail, and Lake Trail which are all relatively easy."

"One of the most popular destinations at the park, the Anne Kolb Nature Center is an educational complex centered on an nature center focused on the mangrove forest that surrounds it. Don’t miss the views from the 68-foot observation tower, which you can climb or take an elevator up to the top."

"Last but certainly not least is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets: The Secret Woods Nature Center. Document your experience as you explore walking paths made from recycled materials. You’ll be able to observe a wide variety of Florida wildlife including reptiles,seabirds, and insects."

"If you decide to stay at one ofour pet-friendly properties, then bring your fluffy friend along toSnyder Park. Your dog will love this spot’s “bark park” that features a dog-only lake for swimming and playing. There are also some other great spaces for running, fetching, and overall fun!"

"Crandon Park Beach boasts some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks in part to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar — itself an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. If the sun becomes too much, head to the Family Amusement Center open on weekends and holidays only to check out its restored carousel, beachfront playground, and splash fountain."

"Just a short drive to northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is an island park equipped with volleyball nets, cabanas for rent and pristine turquoise waters that beckon for a dip. Aside from the stunning beaches and pearly white sands, the park is also home to mangroves, dunes and a nature center that houses exotic fish and other wildlife. Just five minutes away from Crandon Park is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is home to the Cape Florida Light – the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami."

"An abandoned zoo on a subtropical island, ever since Dade County's main zoological park decamped to way down south, the Crandon Park Gardens, or just Crandon Gardens (both derivations are used) has sat and grown into a hidden, mysterious botanical garden with otherworldly follies (the former animal enclosures) scattered here and there."

"Last but certainly not least is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets: The Secret Woods Nature Center. Document your experience as you explore walking paths made from recycled materials. You’ll be able to observe a wide variety of Florida wildlife including reptiles,seabirds, and insects."

"While grabbing a table at Stubborn Seed is usually hard to do, now that it offers takeout, guests can try out the cuisine anytime they’d like. Opt for the warm celery root, crunchy truffle potatoes, and the wagyu filet. And don’t miss the gooey snickerdoodle cookies for dessert."

"There were some pretty small portions, but some really great tastes. We didn't love everything we tried, but it was definite..."

"Phenomenal vegan food in a palm-filled courtyard Even if you’re one who finds the idea of plant-based meat to be sacrilege, well, what’s more romantic than testing your boundaries together?. Plant makes organic, vegan cuisine that even a carnivore will love, so grab a seat out in the palm-filled courtyard and broaden your horizons with ginger-carrot noodles, celery-root lasagna with walnut Bolognese, and almond falafel. The purple lighting and light food make dinner here feel like the start of a big night."

"Plant Miami heralds a modern plant-based approach with an emphasis on vibrant organic living foods, with a commitment to the art of conscious cuisine. Featuring vegan, kosher dishes naturally inspired by the South Florida landscape, they use the purest ingredients and highest sustainability practices in the industry. They invite you to nourish from the inside out with their enlightened plant-empowered cuisine."

"This is a plant based restaurant is nestled in the Sacred Space Miami. They serve locally sourced, organic dishes that are as clean and modern as the space. All dishes are vegan, but they also feature raw vegan dishes (see our guide to types of vegan eating)."

"Delicious food, great atmosphere, right in front of the beach, and very good waiters. Every appetizer and plate order was great!. Very well priced too!"

"Danny Kou is a graduated chef from the French Culinary School, “Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts” Los Angeles"