Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Three Lakes

"Situated in heart of what many call the “true Everglades”—a river of grass that stretches 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico—Shark Valley is part of a freshwater ecosystem with incredible biodiversity. It’s one of the best places in Everglades National Park to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife.More"

"Shark Valley sounds like it should be the headquarters for the villain in a James Bond movie, but it is in fact a slice of National Park Service grounds heavy with informative signs and knowledgeable rangers...."

"Another gorgeous and self-guided trail, the Mahogany Hammock boardwalk is where you can find the largest living Mahogany tree in all the United States. Great for the whole family, this trail is relatively short (0.5-miles long) and totally easy and great for those that require a more accessible trail to follow. Read more: Fun things to do in Miami"

"As the name suggests the trail gives you a glimpse into the Mahogany trees in the park including the largest one in the US. The 0.5 mile round trip trail is a boardwalk trail traversing through a hammock of trees."

"The Mahogany Hammock Trail is a 0.5 mile loop on a boardwalk through one of the Everglades' unique ecosystems—the Mahogany Hammock. On this trail, you'll see the largest living mahogany tree in the United States."

"Everglades Alligator Farm is located next to Everglades National Park between Miami and Key Largo. South Florida’s oldest alligator farm is one cool place to visit. More than 2,000 of these unique reptiles – big and small – can be seen on the premises, from the baby alligators in the hatchery to the famous 14-foot “Grandpa” gator. Bonus: Admission includes an exciting airboat ride through the surrounding river of grass."

"Feel the thrill of the Everglades with an airboat ride and animal shows in South Florida's oldest gator farm. A Great Gator Adventure"

"The Everglades Outpost houses, feeds and cares for wild animals that have been seized from illegal traders, abused, neglected or donated by people who could not care for them. Residents of the outpost include a..."

"Appealing to both the health-conscious and the self-proclaimed foodie, Soul Tavern is the first plant-based gastropub in Miami. Located in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood, this spot serves vegetarian and vegan comfort food. Dine alfresco in the Zen patio or slide up to the bar and enjoy local brews."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Soul Tavern (@soul_tavern) on Apr 10, 2019 at 1:54pm PDT"

"HistoryMiami doesn't sound like the name of a historical museum, which is exactly what organizers and board members had in mind. The less-bulky name signified a new direction for what was previously called the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Today, the museum, which actually began as a historical association in 1940 (George Merrick and Marjory Stoneman Douglas were members) continues to offer the exhibits that were developed throughout the previous decades, along with new ones."

"Don’t let the museum’s rather plain Mediterranean-style building and courtyard fool you: Inside, HistoryMiami paints a colorful portrait of how the city transformed itself from a mosquito-filled swampland to one of the country’s most vibrant urban areas. Located in Miami’s downtown, the museum is not one you’ll likely stumble upon while wandering the city—which is a good thing if you prefer quieter spaces ($10/adult). Find out more: https://www.historymiami.org/"

"The Miami Selfie Museum, located in Wynwood has many colorful art installations for a variety of fun backdrops. It’s a super Instagrammable museum and one of the fun places to take pictures in Miami. From interactive rooms, donut walls, a bathtub with plastic bubbles, and much more it will make your Instagram feed super unique."

"This is a good bet for car campers, just west of Royal Palm Visitor Center. It has 108 sites, available on a first-come basis (no reservations)."

"Another Southwest Miami tradition is sitting on the picnic tables outside of Wall’s Ice Cream (simply Wall’s to locals), the Metrorail running overhead while you enjoy one of their famous bananas splits. It’s a family owned business in South Miami that has made an indelible mark on Miami, and makes every customer feel special and acknowledged. What they do: Ice creamWebsite: Visit HerePhone:305-740-9830Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 12 noon to 10 p.m.Friday to Saturday, 12 noon to 11 p.m.Address: 8075 SW 67th Ave."

"This family-owned and -operated shop strives to bring the old-time ice cream shop feel to customers. Wall’s red-and-white umbrellas and large flavor selection lure visitors to more traditional flavors including rocky road, butter pecan and fun flavors like Superman. A three-time winner as a Best Ice Cream Parlor by the Miami New Times, Wall’s ensures even your taste buds smile."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Dadeland. This old-timey Miami spot has been around since the 1950s. It’s vintage and charming, even if the flavor options are seemingly stuck in the past."