In or planning a visit to South Florida? Here are some attractions not to miss, and some places to dine.
 

Attractions

MIAMI SEAQUARIUM - With eight different marine animal shows, astonishing daily presentations, and a variety of educational tidbits along the way, Miami Seaquarium is a place of inspiration, education and fun.
Where: Miami
Web: miamiseaquarium.com/

JUNGLE ISLAND - A unique Miami attraction that has been enlightening the South Florida community for 75 years with special shows and events. This venue is a wild safari adventure that is home to several exotic animals.
Where: Miami
Web: jungleisland.com/
 

Get friendly with dolphins at Miami Seaquarium

Get friendly with dolphins at Miami Seaquarium
- Miami Seaquarium

Rainforest Riptide, at Jungle Island.

Rainforest Riptide, at Jungle Island.
- Jungle Island


ZOO MIAMI - Zoo Miami occupies almost 750 acres, and is home to more than 3,000 animals and more than 1,000 species of trees, palms and other plants, plus more than 100 special exhibits showcasing a broad number of species and scientific topics.
Where: Miami
Web: zoomiami.org/

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK - Visiting the Everglades, which spans 1.5 million acres of southern Florida, allows you to explore a vast diversity of flora and fauna in different eco-systems: freshwater sloughs, marl prairies, tropical hammocks, pineland, cypress, mangrove, coastal lowlands, marine, and estuarine.
Where: South Florida
Web: nps.gov/everglades
 

Presenting - Kwasi

Presenting - Kwasi
- Zoo Miami

An alligator slowly slips below the surface as the tram approaches. Hop aboard the Shark Valley Tram for a two hour naturalist led tour and get the experience of being deep in the wilds of the Everglades while sitting comfortable and feeling the breeze in your face in this 15 mile loop.

Get the experience of being deep in the Everglades.
- James Branaman


PEREZ ART MUSEUM - Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Where: Miami
Web: pamm.org/

FORT LAUDERDALE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY & SCIENCE - Learning experiences through interactive exhibits, programs, and films, for adults and children of all ages. See sharks and the largest living Atlantic coral reef in captivity, hang out with bats, be charmed by a 12-foot snake, plus pet alligators, turtles and iguanas.
Where: Fort Lauderdale
Web: mods.org
 

A museum patron walks through the ‘Ai Weiwei: According to What?’ exhibit at the Perez Art Museum Miami. In February, a Dominican-born artist smashed one of the 16 ‘Colored Vases’ in the exhibit, purportedly to protest what he perceived as the museum’s bias in favor of international artists over local artists. He later apologized publicly to Ai Weiwei and to his fellow Miami artists.

A museum patron walks through the 'Ai Weiwei' exhibit at the Perez Art Museum Miami..
- Patrick Farrell for VISIT FLORIDA

Bring the family for a day of exploration at the Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale.

Bring the family for a day of exploration at the Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale.
- Peter W. Cross for VISIT FLORIDA


SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s ultimate destination for fun and entertainment. They’re ready to customize your rock star experience.
Where: Hollywood
Web: seminolehardrockhollywood.com/

LION COUNTRY SAFARI - Two parks, one price. More than 1,000 animals in this four-mile drive-through safari and the walk-through park. Animal Theater, petting zoo, giraffe feeding, boat tour, paddle boats, feeding aviary, splash sprayground and more
Where: Loxahatchee
Web: lioncountrysafari.com/
 

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa

Welcome to the Lion Country Safari

Welcome to the Lion Country Safari
- Carrie McLaren


MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN - The garden is a small green gem tucked between the bustling downtown of South Beach. Discover a koi and turtle pond, extensive palm and bromeliad collections, and a lush lawn to bring a picnic lunch. Free admission.
Where: South Beach
Web: mbgarden.org


BAYSIDE MARKET PLACE - Located on Biscayne Bay in the heart of downtown Miami, visitors of Bayside Marketplace can experience the real Miami - home to impeccable international cuisine, fine shops and exotic music in a beautiful, waterfront setting.
Where: Miami
Web: baysidemarketplace.com/
 

Miami Beach Botanical Gardens

Miami Beach Botanical Garden
- VISIT FLORIDA files

Bayside Marketplace, a great place to shop, dine or take a water tour of Miami.

Bayside Marketplace, a great place to shop or dine.
 Greater Miami CVB

 

Dining

SUVICHE - A combination of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines like you’ve never seen before. With freshness and flavor as the focus, Suviche offers a variety beautifully crafted and flavorful sushi rolls, ceviches and sautéed Peruvian specialties.
Where: Wynwood, Brickell, Miami Beach, Las Olas
Web: suviche.com

YOLO - One of Fort Lauderdale’s most popular restaurants since 2008, YOLO serves thoughtfully prepared Contemporary American cuisine, with inventive cocktails, an extensive wine list and indoor/outdoor seating to complement
Where: Fort Lauderdale
Web: yolorestaurant.com


S3 - This seaside endeavor on Fort Lauderdale beach features a menu centered on coastal cuisine and a sharable concept, serves up fresh daily catches and premium cuts of meat, with an expansive sushi bar to complement.
Where: Fort Lauderdale
Web: s3restaurant.com


AMERICAN SOCIAL –  Come enjoy a selection of local and regional craft beers, frozen “pour-it-yourself” beer taps, fresh fruit spirits, traditional cocktails and all-American cuisine. Satisfying cravings around the clock, classic American dishes are available for lunch, dinner and late-night snacking at two locations.
Where: Brickell, Las Olas
Web: americansocialbar.com/
 

SuViche-1_miami-gardens

Suviche is a combination of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines.
- VISIT FLORIDA

american-social-kara-franker copy

Classic American dishes are available for lunch.
- VISIT FLORIDA


BULLDOG BARBEQUE & BURGER - Bulldog Barbecue and Burger is a no-frills neighborhood joint boasting treats cooked up by celebrity chef/owner Howie “Bulldog” Kleinberg. Now alongside some of the best brisket in Miami, diners can also enjoy over-the-top burgers.
Where: North Miami Beach
Web: bulldog-bbq.com/

JOE’S STONE CRAB - For more than 100 years, no visit to Miami has been complete without stopping in at Joe's Stone Crab. From the beginning, it has always been the love of food, family, and friends that has brought in customers and kept them coming.
Where: Miami Beach
Web: joesstonecrab.com/


FOGO DE CHAO - South Beach’s newest landmark is the Miami Beach location of Fogo de Chão. A blazing fire visible to passersby welcomes guests, and an interior of dark woods, custom-blown glass chandeliers and intricate murals sets the stage for an elegant and memorable dining experience.
Where: Miami Beach
Web: fogodechao.com

SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE - At one of Florida’s most celebrated steakhouses, you’ll enjoy the best in steaks, seafood and much more. Located on a serene golf course, Shula’s Steak House is the perfect place for an intimate occasion or special celebration.
Where: Miami Lakes
Web: donshulahotel.com/miami
 

PLACES TO REMEMBER

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