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Beaches & Adventure Insider

Lauren Tjaden

Hang gliding is my passion, and in 2006, I helped the U.S. Women's Hang Gliding Team win silver in the World Championships. An author, ultimate adventure lover, beach bunny and sand snob, I've visited almost every beach in Florida and can't wait to explore more. Join me as I flip-flop across the Sunshine State, sharing the softest sand, sweetest shores and a boatload of adventure.

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May 27, 2012

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Marvelous Miami Adventures

May 23, 2008

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This is my friend Rich kayaking near Miami. Credit: My friend Jen

If you’re planning to be in the Miami area, I’ve put together a list of possible things to do. It includes not only famous, well-known attractions and adventures, but also a few that are off-the-beaten-path.

Paddle into paradise at South Beach Kayak. They offer guides, or you can just opt to row around the islands. I think their coolest experience is the "Fool Moon Kayak.” A full moon kayak begins with a guided kayak tour through the islands at sunset with a final destination of Monument Island. Once on the island, you will enjoy a bonfire and weenie roast.

Go for a dip with Flipper’s cousins. Yes, you can swim with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium! (In reality, I have no idea whether any of the dolphins there are related to “Flipper,” though if I had to guess I would say they are not. It was just a weak attempt on my part to come up with a decent title.)This world-class marine-life entertainment park is also home to killer whales, sea lions, endangered sea turtles and manatees, and features eight different marine animal shows.

Swing out to South Beach. Don’t miss a trip to this legendary area. The water is turquoise, the beach is generous, and the bodies are hot. Tip: Bring dollar bills to feed the parking meters. They are supposed to take credit cards but we didn’t have any luck with them.

If that’s not wild enough for you, visit clothing optional Haulover Beach.

Escape to Fairchild Botanical Garden, voted the ‘top Florida wonder’ by readers of the Miami Herald. I attended a wedding there a couple of weeks ago; its lushness, diversity and color are stunning.

Discover scuba with Miami Scuba Ventures. Already hooked on diving? Join them down under for a wreck or a reef dive. If you're interested, you should check out this cool VISIT FLORIDA article for more information.

Catch some air with Ultralight Adventures, based in Miami. They provide ultralight aircraft instruction leading to an ultralight seaplane rating. I recommend that you snag an introductory flight for a view of the city like no other; you may end up addicted.

Bicycle through Shark Valley in the Everglades. This is an inexpensive, healthy way for the whole family to get a glimpse at the “river of grass” (as the Everglades are sometimes called). Click here for more information.

Jump into an afternoon of swimming at the beautiful Venetian Pools in Coral Gables.

Catch the wind at Sailboards Miami. The steady breeze their site features makes learning to windsurf safe and easy. Their staff guarantees anyone (including children) can learn to windsurf in only two hours!

Bet on having a good time with jai alai in Dania Beach.

For old-fashioned fun, try bingo night at the Standard Hotel in Miami Beach. It’s free to play, and you get to use the pool, too.

Climb aboard the Bayside Blaster. On this thrilling speedboat ride you’ll zoom past the Port of Miami. Near Fisher Island the boat will slow, and your narrated sightseeing cruise of Miami's spectacular coastal sites (including “Millionaire's Row,” the homes of the rich and famous) will begin.

Mosey over to the Miami Metrozoo. Paul and I tried their “Zookeeper for a Day” experience. From dawn until dusk, we worked alongside zookeepers as they cared for their animals, assisting them with feeding and exhibit maintenance. Our adventures included checking the eye of a Red River Hog, hand-feeding sweet potatoes to a rhino, warding off the advances of an amorous parrot and accepting kisses from New Guinea Singing Dog puppies.