Have you been putting off your plans to go on a vacation to Miami because you think that the only thing to do is visit its beaches?
Though it’s true that the city has some of the world’s most splendid shorelines, those who take the time to explore Miami’s other sights are likely to have an unforgettable experience.
If you want to find out what makes Miami such a unique vacation destination, read on and we’ll tell you about Miami outdoor activities that don’t involve going to the beach.
Oleta River State Park
This park, located on North Miami Beach, is a great place to go for a peaceful encounter with a river estuary that’s filled with tidal mangroves. As the largest of Florida’s urban parks, this one-thousand-acre oasis is a great place for outdoor activities such as canoeing, bicycling, swimming, and hiking. It was once home to the Tequesta Indians and still retains its natural splendor, even though it’s not far from the city.
The Deering Estate
Located up the coast in South Dade, the Deering Estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for good reason. Not only does it attract visitors from around the world, but is popular with locals as well. The estate was originally owned by Charles Deering, who was an icon of the nineteen-twenties era who dedicated his life to preservation, environmentalism, and philanthropy.
The Deering Estate attracts visitors from around the world who want to take part in the many classes, events, and classes that take place on the property throughout the year. The estate is also near some of Miami’s top restaurants, which makes it a convenient place to visit while vacationing in Miami.
Crandon Park
This beautiful park is located on Key Biscayne and has a wonderful beach, a charming coastal ecosystem, and a fossilized mangrove reef, wetlands, and is home to numerous species of birds. The park is conveniently located near Crandon Golf Course Key Biscayne.
The land was originally bought back in 1908 by Commodore William John Matheson, who turned the seventeen hundred acres of land into a coconut plantation. A few decades later Commodore Matheson’s heirs donated the land to Miami-Dade County so that it could be turned into a public park.
Miami Outdoor Activities at the Fairchild Botanic Garden
This eighty-three-acre botanic garden is filled with rare tropical plants that include flowers, vines, and palms. The garden was founded back in 1938 and is home to more than three thousand species of plants.
It’s conveniently located in the city of Coral Gables, which is located a short distance from Miami. This means that it’s a great day to take a trip while you’re staying at one of South Beach’s most luxurious boutique hotels such as Kaskades South Beach.
Everglades National Park
This famous park is home to one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, yet is only a one-hour drive from Miami. It attracts many photographers because it is among Miami’s most photo-friendly locations.
Since the park stretches across more than one and a half million acres, it is filled with endless treasures that are among the most important Miami outdoor activities.
Big Cypress National Preserve
This preserve is bigger than the whole state of Rhode Island and it was the country’s first national preserve. Not only is it filled with natural wonders, but it’s also a place of great historic importance. It was inhabited by indigenous groups like the Miccosukee and Seminole for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the seventeenth century.
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center
This is a great place to visit if you are interested in exploring one of the most dynamic coastal ecosystems in North America. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in fun outdoor activities such as field trips to sights such as tidal pools and coastal seagrass habitat.
The nature center has various aquariums, mangrove habitats, and interactive exhibits that teach about the flora and fauna, as well as the history of original indigenous inhabitants. There is also a gift shop and art gallery for those who want to shop for souvenirs.
The Miami Zoo
The Miami Zoo, also known as the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, is one of the best adventures in Miami. It is the only subtropical zoo in the continental United States and has many open-air exhibits that mimic animals’ natural habitats. This means that visitors have the opportunity to see endangered animals up close.
Since the Zoo is located in Miami, it makes a great day trip while you’re staying in the city and taking advantage of the city’s many unique shopping opportunities.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
This enormous mansion and museum has thirty-four halls and is filled with important artifacts that date back to the fifteenth century. The mansion was originally built by James Deering, whose vision was to create a Renaissance-themed estate. He hired more than one thousand people to construct the building, which at the time amounted to about ten percent of Miami’s population.
Most people visit the mansion on self-guided tours by following along with the leaflet and map that’s available to all visitors. Several of the most important rooms to visit are The Vestibule, which is decorated with wallpaper colored by hand, and The Butler’s Storeroom, where you’ll find glassware that was used for important occasions during the first years of the twentieth century.
Since the museum is conveniently located a short drive away from South Beach, it attracts visitors who are staying at Miami’s most iconic hotels. It’s a great place to go if you feel like taking a short break from the sun and beaches while you’re vacationing in South Beach.
Take a Vacation and Explore All That Miami Has to Offer
There is no question that Miami is one of the world’s top vacation destinations. Even though most people think that it’s all about the city’s beaches, the truth is that there are Miami outdoor activities that don’t involve going to the ocean.
If you’re planning a vacation to visit Miami’s many attractions, consider staying at The Bentley South Beach. If you want to find out more about staying with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.