Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Miami Gardens

"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."

"With no gate fees, this sprawling urban park and conservation center spans more than 1,500 acres and is the perfect way to spend a free day immersed in South Florida's unique natural landscape. Visit the exhibit hall, walk along the mangrove-lined trails, check out the aquarium, or enjoy the incredible views of West Lake and the surrounding scenery from the observation tower. There are also traditional park amenities, including playgrounds, athletic courts, and picnic areas, plus kayak rentals and boat tours at affordable rates."

"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 are in Miami and want to catch a baseball game, head over to the brand new loanDepot park in Little Havana. Home to MLB’s Miami Marlins, this relatively small and new park features a retractable roof and one of the most modern designs in all of Major League Baseball. The park can hold over 36,000 fans, has great views of downtown Miami, and even has massive fish tanks along the backstop that remind you exactly what city you are in."

"Spanish missionaries and treasure seekers first explored the Florida coast as far back as the 17th century, and the Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach is a fascinating bit of local and international history that dates back centuries before that when it was originally constructed in Spain. Inhabited by monks for nearly seven centuries, in the early 1920s, it was bought by American newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, disassembled, shipped to Florida, and reassembled on its current site. It has been open to the public since the mid-’60s, and for those who don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, the best way to experience it is by guided tour."

"Take I-95 south and grab the Rickenbacker Causeway until you hit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This beautiful state park is right at the end of Key Biscayne and gives you uninterrupted views of the ocean—a perfect sunset watching spot. The state park has a lighthouse, where guests can climb to the top and look out into the ocean and the beach below. Next to it is a cement lookout spot that serves as a bench to watch the sunset and enjoy your Zak the Baker treats (if you didn't eat them already on the car ride down)."

"The husband-and-wife duo behind Frice spent years working in pastry kitchens in the Pacific Northwest before bringing their chef-driven ice cream business to Miami. And, man, were we missing out. Theirs starts with a traditional French custard base that’s flavored with locally sourced ingredients, including fruit and dairy products from South Florida farmers."

"Frice, maker of some of the best ice cream in Miami, finally got its first scoop shop inside The Citadel. It’s now open Wed-Sun from noon to 9pm in the Little Haiti food hall."

"A post shared by LT Steak & Seafood (@ltsteakandseafood) on Jun 15, 2019 at 10:37am PDT. Whether you’re dropping by for lunch or dinner, this Miami Beach restaurant at The Betsy Hotel delivers on delicious. Dinner is probably the most popular time to dine; the house bread is mouthwateringly good and the entrees never fail to hit the spot."

"These sister restaurants located inside the Betsy Hotel boast a comfort food menu that will satisfy an array of cravings. From Cuban sandwiches, to hearty pastas, a variety of pizzas, and wines and cocktails to rinse them back with."

"Chef Laurent Tourondel’s LT Steak & Seafood, located inside the historic Betsy Hotel on Ocean Drive, is popular not just with hotel guests but locals as well, who stop in for an afterwork cocktail or a nice night out."

"We changed into dry clothes and headed to breakfast at Terra Mare, which was located at our hotel. The service was awesome and we were happy that it had stopped raining so that we could enjoy breakfast out on the patio. The Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes were excellent, but the omelet we ordered was pretty average. Definitely order pancakes instead of the omelet!"

"You can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale Beach at Terra Mare. The Conrad’s beautiful hotel restaurant has an expansive tiered patio that’s perfect for enjoying one of their signature cocktails or shared plates. Their food is fresh and locally sourced, with a mix of popular tastes from around the world."

"If you are craving an enjoyable experience with excellent seafood and service, you must make Terra Mare your spot for seafood. Indulge in a delicious cocktail or wine option from the extensive listings. Enjoy Happy Hour from 1-7 PM every day!"

"Following the wild success of the New York City restaurant, which was just honored last week with its fourth consecutive Michelin Guide recognition, buzzy Korean steakhouse Cote has brought its award-winning cuisine and luxurious atmosphere to Miami. The restaurant’s spacious interiors were designed by celebrated architecture studio MNDPC and features a private dining room, a signature oval-shaped bar and bespoke, state-of-the-art charcoal grills at each of the many tables. Owner Simon Kim wanted the new iteration to reflect the bold spirit of the New York flagship while infusing a distinct Miami flair throughout the space."

"It was very hard to decide what I liked most about Cote, a Korean steakhouse in the Design District. There was the fact that the entire staff seemed to be sharing a single consciousness like a beehive, as they effortlessly tended to the beef sizzling away on the grill located in the center of the table. There was the restaurant’s design, which made me feel like I was eating 1,000 years in the future."

"Restaurants Korean Design District"