1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was established in 1963 as the country’s first undersea park. This unique destination spans approximately 70 nautical square miles and includes a stunning array of coral reefs, mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks. It provides a sanctuary for an incredible diversity of marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat tours.
The park offers activities like canoeing, kayaking and fishing in designated areas. Visitors can also enjoy walking trails, picnicking and swimming at the park’s beach. The Visitor Center features a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and a theater showcasing nature videos, enhancing the educational experience for guests of all ages.
2. Hemingway Home & Museum
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West celebrates the storied history of one of America’s greatest writers and also houses nearly 60 distinctive polydactyl (six-toed) cats. These felines, some of which are descendants of Hemingway’s original cat, Snow White, carry a unique genetic marker that allows them to produce six-toed offspring.
Ernest Hemingway first came to Key West in 1928, and he wrote some of his most famous works here. The house itself, built in 1851 and restored by Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline, is an architectural treasure. The home’s tropical setting gave Hemingway solace and inspiration. One of the property’s most striking features is its pool — built in 1938 for $20,000, it was Key West’s first in-ground pool and the only one within 100 miles at the time.
Visitors to the Hemingway Home are treated to stories of Hemingway’s life and the rich history within the estate’s walls. From the penny pressed into the pool’s wet cement declaring, “You might as well have my last penny,” to Hemingway’s personal writing studio where classics like “A Farewell to Arms” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls” were penned, the museum offers a vivid peek into the past.
3. Everglades National Park
Recognized as the United States’ largest subtropical wilderness, Everglades National Park is a critical sanctuary for many rare and endangered species, including the manatee, American crocodile and elusive Florida panther. This vast and unique landscape, often referred to as the River of Grass, offers a window into an ecosystem where wildlife thrives in its natural habitat.
Guided tours led by rangers or park partners provide insightful journeys through the park’s diverse environments. Bird watchers can explore over 360 species that find refuge in the Everglades, and appreciate why restoration efforts are vital for these avian populations. Boating enthusiasts can navigate the park’s intricate waterways by taking a free boater education course that will familiarize them with the park’s unique marine features.
4. Wynwood Walls
Miami’s Wynwood Walls have redefined modern art since 2009. This iconic urban canvas has elevated the careers of numerous artists and transformed Wynwood into a cornerstone of global urban renewal. Here, the walls tell stories — each mural a chapter penned by world-class graffiti artists, muralists and fine artists, all orchestrated under the discerning eye of Goldman Global Arts. As you wander through this open-air gallery, you’ll witness a living history of art’s evolution firsthand and see how a once-ordinary neighborhood has morphed into a cultural landmark.
5. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Guests of Hollywood’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino enjoy a multitude of activities well beyond the typical casino experience. The venue is famed for its striking Guitar Hotel, which transforms the South Florida skyline and dazzles visitors with nightly light shows. These spectacular displays feature music and vibrant LEDs, creating an extraordinary sight visible for miles.
Those interested in leisure and relaxation can unwind with treatments designed to rejuvenate and restore at the resort’s top-tier spa. The property’s pool area provides an escape with cabanas and poolside service, perfect for an afternoon dip or a chill sunbathing session.
Food enthusiasts have multiple dining options, from upscale eateries offering gourmet dishes to casual spots with comfort food. The resort also regularly hosts live music and performances, providing entertainment that complements its lively atmosphere.
6. Museum of Ice Cream
Fantasy and flavor meet at the Museum of Ice Cream, a magical realm featuring over 14 whimsical landscapes designed to celebrate the universal joy of ice cream.
Don’t miss the chance to sample exclusive sweet treats, such as the quirky ice cream hot dog only available here. For splashy fun, dive into the world-famous Sprinkle Pool — a playful and Instagram-worthy experience that celebrates the museum’s joyous spirit. There’s also a café with craft cocktails and extra sweet treats, and a retail shop stocked with unique MOIC merch.
7. Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Faena Hotel Miami Beach epitomizes luxury and elegance, beginning with its diverse dining establishments. Indulge in the art of open-fire cooking at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, enjoy innovative Filipino-inspired cuisine at Pao by Paul Qui or relax in the tropical ambiance of the Veranda under Miami’s shining sun.
The Faena Theater, inspired by Europe’s opulent opera houses and the glamorous allure of Old Hollywood, offers an intimate venue for spectacular and unforgettable artistic productions.
Faena Park, designed by renowned architecture firm OMA, redefines the concept of a parking space.
8. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Established to honor the legacy of Dr. David Fairchild, a pioneering plant explorer, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden continues his mission of exploring and introducing rare and valuable plants to the world. Since opening in 1938, the garden has blossomed on an 83-acre site in Coral Gables just south of Miami, where tropical plants flourish outdoors year-round.
Together with other visionaries, Col. Robert H. Montgomery and landscape architect William Lyman Phillips transformed their passion for plant collecting into a living museum, blending the natural beauty of the tropics with educational and conservation efforts.
The garden hosts an array of exhibits such as the Wings of the Tropics butterfly conservatory, the Tropical Plant Conservatory and Rare Plant House and a vast collection of palms and cycads.
9. Miami Design District
The Miami Design District is a vibrant hub of creativity and sophistication showcasing the finest in fashion, art, design and dining. This top shopping destination features a remarkable lineup of luxury boutiques, including renowned brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci.
Dining in the Design District matches the elegance of its retail offerings, with establishments like the Baccarat Boutique B Bar and Lounge and Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink.
Art is a constant presence throughout the district, with public artworks and installations transforming the area into an open-air gallery. Museums, galleries and private collections display works by international and local artists, establishing a dynamic environment for art enthusiasts.
10. Riverfront Gondola Tours
Glide silently through the city’s world-renowned waterways with a 90-minute gondola ride through the Venice of America aboard Riverfront Gondola Tours.
Perfect for romantic evenings, birthdays or a unique outing with friends, the gondolas accommodate up to six passengers, ensuring private and intimate settings. An optional tour highlight is a gourmet dining experience provided by the acclaimed Casa Sensei, which allows guests to savor delicious meals onboard amidst the changing backdrop of yachts and waterfront mansions.
11. Water Taxi
Discover the charm of a scenic transit with Fort Lauderdale’s Water Taxi. With over 30 stops and all-day service, this is the perfect way to explore the city, with the bonus of easy on-off access at your leisure. Narrated tours add insights about the mega yachts and grand mansions lining the waterways. Whether you’re seeking a sunset cruise or a lively day out, the Water Taxi ensures your travel is comfortable with refreshments, cocktails and onboard restrooms.
12. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Often referred to as Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park,” Hugh Taylor Birch State Park sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. This urban refuge was bequeathed to the city by philanthropist and nature lover Hugh Taylor Birch so that future generations could forever enjoy this slice of natural wilderness amid the bustling metro area.
Residents and visitors can engage in a variety of activities. Whether it’s inline skating, hiking, paddling, biking, fishing, snorkeling or simply reading under the shade of lush palms and gigantic oaks, the park offers an escape from urban life. The Terramar Visitor Center enriches visitor experiences with displays of the area’s natural and cultural history, inviting guests to deepen their understanding of the region.
13. Miami Marlins
LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, will host a series of baseball games this summer featuring high-profile teams, including the current World Series champion LA Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees.
LoanDepot Park features a state-of-the-art retractable roof that spans 560 feet and can open or close in 13–15 minutes, ensuring games can be enjoyed regardless of weather conditions.
14. Zoological Wildlife Foundation
Miami’s Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF) is a five-acre, conservation-focused zoo dedicated to educating the public about rare and endangered animal species in captivity and the wild. The ZWF allows visitors to engage closely with a variety of animals through intimate guided wildlife tours and hands-on encounters.
Visitors can tour the facility with knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information on the conservation status of each animal. There are also opportunities to interact directly with many of the animals, such as feeding camels, lemurs and toucans, making the experience educational and memorable.
Among the animals at ZWF are the American alligator, Amur leopard, capuchin monkey, Celebes macaque, flamingo, golden tabby tiger, jaguar, lemur, liger, lion, royal white Bengal tiger, white African lion and two-toed sloth. Each of these species is part of the foundation’s mission to raise public awareness about the urgent need for conservation efforts due to these creatures’ rapid global disappearance.
15. Coral Castle Museum & Sculpture Garden
Homestead’s Coral Castle is one of the country’s most mysterious and awe-inspiring attractions. Known originally as “Ed’s Place,” Coral Castle was created by Latvian immigrant and self-taught engineer Edward Leedskalnin. From the 1920s to his death in 1951, Ed single-handedly carved over 1,000 tons of oolitic limestone, forming walls, furniture and sculptures that defy explanation given the primitive tools he used.
Visitors to Coral Castle are greeted by massive stone gates, a nine-ton swinging gate so perfectly balanced it can be pushed open with the touch of a finger and intricate sculptures that reveal Ed’s unique blend of artistic vision and engineering talent. He claimed to know the secrets of the ancient pyramid builders — secrets he took to his grave. Ed worked mostly at night by lantern, keeping his methods mysterious. The highlight for many is the Polaris telescope accurately aligned with the North Star, despite being constructed from stone.
