Best Outdoor Activities in Miami Lakes

"Shark Valley Tram Tours offers two-hour guided tours of the paved loop trail that runs 15 miles through the Everglades from the Shark Valley Visitors Center. This is a great way to spot some wildlife and get a high-level perspective of the park from the Observation Tower at the loop's most distant point. If you're planning on visiting during the park's busy season (December through April), be sure that you call ahead for a reservation."

"The two-hour tram tour is the best way to tour through the area. A naturalist is aboard the tram who educates about the ecosystem of the wetland, the animals found in the region and the diverse plants present. The tram takes along the Tram Road Trail."

"The great thing about Hollywood North Beach Park is that it’s right next to the West Lake South Trail and the beach!. This means, after completing the West Lake South Trail you can head straight over to chill in the park and get ready for a dip, too. With over 50+ acres to explore, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida to just chill out."

"Part vintage surf shack, part sultry outdoor club, Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach hotel is a prime spot to rub elbows with the young and fabulous of South Beach beneath string lighting and palm trees. Inside the bar, you’ll find VIP tables, a DJ booth and dance floor, while outdoors there’s a sprawling space to mix and mingle in the fresh air by the swimming pools. For a debauched weekend daytime pool party, this is one of the hottest scenes in town."

"Hyde Beach offers artful mixology and cuisine from Jose Andrés — all in an over 8,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor space with a gorgeous pool and beach access."

"For those of you who want a little more variety (or for those that don't like shopping), you can stop at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, where there is something for everyone. Guests have the option to enjoy the casino, horse racing, live entertainment and more."

"Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway on East Sunrise Boulevard, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a stunning tropical oasis in which to enjoy a range of activities and local wildlife watching. Once home to Hugh Taylor Birch, who donated the estate to Florida’s public, the park is now home to an array of wildlife, including turtles, marsh rabbits, and the gopher tortoise, as well as over 200 species of birds. A mile-long freshwater lagoon provides the perfect place for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching while other recreational activities include hiking, cycling, inline skating, and Segway Tours."

"The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which spans 80 acres (73 hectares) of land, is a ruggedly beautiful park in the middle of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There’s something for everyone here: paved paths for bicyclists, several nature trails for hikers, and more than 200 plant species. A freshwater lagoon is a great place for canoeing or kayaking, and you can fish here, too.More"

"Another great outdoor location is the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. This scenic location is the perfect thing to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids. With multiple playgrounds and pavilions, this destination will provide a full day of activities."

"Little Havana’s most evocative reminder of Old Cuba is Máximo Gómez Park, or ‘Domino Park,’ where the sound of elderly men trash-talking over games of chess is harmonized with the quick clack-clack of slapping dominoes. The jarring backtrack, plus the heavy smell of cigars and a sunrise-bright mural of the 1994 Summit of the Americas, combine to make Máximo Gómez one of the most sensory sites in Miami (although it is admittedly one of the most tourist-heavy ones as well)."

"For Little Havana’s most evocative reminder of Cuba, visit Máximo Gómez Park (known locally as Domino Park), where the sound of elderly men trash-talking over games of dominoes is harmonized with the quick clack-clack of slapping tiles. The heavy cigar smell and a sunrise-bright mural of the 1994 Summit of the Americas add to the atmosphere."

"Bunnie Cakes is a charming Wynwood Miami-based dessert shop with a triple threat—vegan, gluten-free and kosher sweets. Find mouth-watering cupcakes in an assortment of flavors including guava, vanilla chocolate chip, espresso, red velvet, banana chocolate chip and many more. These two-biters are among the best cupcakes in Miami."

"Cakes may be the namesake at Bunnie Cakes, but this Wynwood bakeshop also has a selection of adorable mini heart shaped doughnuts. Flavors may vary, but one can always guarantee that like all of the delicious creations at Bunnie Cakes, they are completely vegan treats. View this post on Instagram"

"Restaurants Cuban West Little Havana. Versailles—the famous Cuban bakery that needs no introduction—has a bakery next door to its buzzing restaurant, where a steady stream of Miamians buys pastelitos pretty much all day. Taking a break from the sugar?"

"Because honestly, where else would you get a guava pastelito that tastes this good?. 3555 SW Eighth St.; 305-444-0240 or versaillesrestaurant.com. Photo courtesy of True Loaf"

"1111 SW 1st Avenue, MiamiA former El Bulli employee, and recognized as one of the most talented chefs in the world, Diego Muñoz, has created one of the most interesting new restaurants in Miami, in the innovative 1111 Peruvian Bistro. Chef Muñoz travelled the world for work and for inspiration. This inspiration manifests itself food that hints of his global view, his mentors, and the places he has lived."

"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"

"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."

"If you want to see the vast beauty of the Everglades and more alligators than you can count, then Shark Valley should be your #1 stop. This small section of the park packs in everything you need to see to make your vacation epic!"