Whether you are a resident of Miami or on vacation, there is a multitude of activities to explore. Incorporated in 1896, Miami is known worldwide for its hot summers, warm winters, picturesque beaches and diverse culture. Miami is home to theaters, parks, professional sports teams and the second largest performing arts center in the United States. With so much to offer, it is obvious why Miami is such a popular international tourist destination.
Miami is home to 16 beaches, each with different character. Crandon Park Beach is a three miles long lagoon style beach. Perfect for families this beach has picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing, volleyball and 13 lifeguard towers. Haulover Beach Park is a clothing optional beach that has shady picnic areas, tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course and kite flying area. For a secluded option, Virginia Key Beach-South has nature trails and allows dogs who are on leashes.
The diversity of Miami shows in its available tours. The Miami Cultural Tour helps you discover the history and culture of the city. You will visit Little Haiti, Downtown Miami, Little Havana, Jewish Heritage, the Art Deco District and Coconut Grove. A scenic 35 mile drive will take you to the Florida Everglades where airboat tours are available. The Art Deco Tour will give you the chance to admire the famous architectural style of South Beach.
Take the family to the Children's Museum to enjoy galleries, classes, bilingual exhibits and resource center. The Gold Coast Railroad Museum has historic railroad rides and exhibits of railroad engines and cars to enjoy. The Bay of Pigs Museum documents the 1961 Invasion of Bahía de Cochinos, as well as Operation Mongoose, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the general Cold War Era.
Animals are central to Miami theme parks. Visitors to Parrot Jungle Island will see baby orangutans, parrots, tigers and crocodiles. Lion Country Safari lets visitors drive through the park to experience the first cageless zoo in the United States. Wannado City is a role-playing theme park where children can be chefs, pilots, reporters or any number of other professions. The Miami Metro Zoo and Miami Seaquarium offer visitors more traditional animal encounters to experience while enjoying the famous Miami weather.
Take a trip to one of Miami's parks to take a break from the crowds and enjoy the atmosphere. Flamingo Park offers visitors a variety of pursuits such as a water playground, swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, a gym and a dog park. Everglades National Park offers a more exotic excursion and allows visitors to encounter the West Indian Manatee, Florida Panther and American Crocodile as well as a myriad of other animals in this complex ecosystem. The Fruit and Spice Park offers 35 acres of exotic foods including 75 types of bananas and 125 types of mangoes.
