Mermaids help Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs State Park celebrate its 75th birthday

Florida was once known for its roadside attractions such as Six-Gun Territory in Ocala, which featured shootouts at high noon on its dusty main drag. Winter Haven also had Cypress Gardens, known for water-ski shows and young women dressed in floral-colored southern belle costumes. Many of them went by the wayside after Walt Disney World opened in the Orlando area in 1972. But this weekend, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Hernando County will celebrate 75 years. The park draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year for kayaking, to see manatees, and, of course, the live mermaid shows. “The park itself that the underwater theater that visitors when they go see the mermaid shows live is the only theater of its kind in the entire world,” said John Athanason, a tourism marketing specialist for Florida’s Adventure Coast. “It’s a 400-seat theater that was submerged. So the mermaids do not perform in a tank or an aquarium. They’re actually performing in a first-magnitude spring. And all the visitors able to see the magic they perform via this underwater theater.” Thursday at 10 a.m., the park will unveil 28 mermaid statues to celebrate its anniversary, in an exhibition called “Destination Mermaid: The Tail Trail.” The original anniversary observance was to be held on Oct. 13, 2022, but it was pushed back after Hurricane Ian ravaged the southwest Gulf Coast near the end of September. Athanason said the park will bring together mermaids from over the decades, including 92-year-old Diane Wyatt McDonald, one of Weeki Wachee’s first “Aquabelles.” McDonald was the co-creator of a certain pose that is depicted in “Adagio,” one of the statues that can be seen in front of the park. And there’s “legendary siren” Vicki Smith, now in her 80s and who, Athanason said, swam for Elvis Presley when he visited the park in 1961. Athanason said Weeki Wachee Springs is Hernando County’s biggest tourist draw. And after this weekend, most of the mermaid statues will be moved to different spots throughout the county. One of them will be moved to its permanent home at the Visit Florida Welcome Center at the Florida-Georgia line in Jennings, Florida. “We’re going to create a trail with a map where people can go and see these beautiful works of art, and maybe discover pieces of Hernando County that it didn’t know existed,” Athanason said. Later this month, Weeki Wachee will be holding auditions for new mermaids. Athanason said first and foremost, they are athletes. Those who wish to become a Weeki Wachee Springs mermaid have to be strong swimmers. “Someone who looks comfortable underwater or someone who doesn’t look panicky … when you’re underwater and you’re breathing compressed air, it can become dangerous,” Athanason said. Font: https://news.wfsu.org/

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After a record-breaking season, the Florida Renaissance Festival returns for its best year yet

In its thirty-season history, the Florida Renaissance Festival recently experienced its most incredible year. After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, ticket sales were better than ever, with organizers reporting over 100,000 attendees. Additionally, a record number of first-timers attended the festival, which is encouraging for the future of the medieval celebration. So why is this year’s Florida Renaissance Festival different from previous years? “We like to keep things fresh for the regulars, especially those season pass holders who come seven, eight or nine times [per season],” Bobby Rodriguez, the festival’s founder and producer, tells Miami New Times over Zoom. “We want to give them a reason to come back. The last thing we want to hear from the patrons that come to the Renaissance Festival is that it’s the same thing every year.” The festival’s expansion from seven to eight weeks is among the most noticeable changes. It will take place in Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach from February 4 through March 26, and week eight will have a theme, just like all the other weeks: a Mad Hatter’s Circus. The new Lewis Caroll-inspired event joins many others, including Steampunk & Time Travelers, Wizarding World’s Faire, Barbarians & Dragons, Pirate Invasion, and Highland Fling. “Our line is that the Florida Renaissance Festival is between myth and history,” Rodriguez says. “We’re not just trying to be historically correct. We also want to bring in myths like fairies and magic. We started doing that ten years ago, and people really bought into it. A lot of the themes have nothing to do with the renaissance, but that’s what people wanted.” This year’s makeover of the festival’s layout is another new addition. With the new stages, signs, and decorations the festival has been constructing throughout the summer, anticipate new walkways. Rodriguez is conscious of the potential for backlash when unveiling a brand-new layout because there was some opposition the previous time the festival underwent a significant revamp. “I thought it was awesome and would work great, but people just hated it,” Rodriguez says of the previous redesign. “Some people like to know that the music stage will be there when they turn the corner. I’m crossing my fingers that after 30 years of experience, I won’t make as many mistakes as I did years ago.” But don’t anticipate the festival getting a major makeover. Regulars will be pleased to hear that the event’s more well-liked features will not change. The festival’s most well-liked attraction, the jousting show, will still take place three times daily. With its adult-oriented comedy performances, including the brand-new “Filthy Irish Pub Stories,” the R-rated tent will once again draw large crowds. In the Tomato Torture game, you can still fire Captain’s Cannons and fling tomatoes at the insult-hurling opponents. As always, turkey legs will be available for purchase; otherwise, it wouldn’t be a true Renaissance Festival. Only crème brûlée will be sold at Chateau Hibbele if you’re seeking something sweet to eat. According to Rodriguez, the first-time vendor will burn the sugar on top of the traditional French delicacy using a dragon-head lighter to achieve the proper caramelized effect. Other noteworthy desserts include the ice cream and cereal puffs that Shawn Grissom (also known as Magical Desserts and Drinks) smokes with nitrogen and the booze-infused cakes that Spirited Slices make. While not required, costumes are usually recommended, not that attendance needs much persuading. To attend the festival, more individuals than ever are dressing up. “It got to the point seven or eight years ago when we had all our performers wear badges so that you’d know they were part of the show. But the badges didn’t help much,” Rodriguez says. “A big percentage of patrons dress up. They don’t need much of an excuse to wear a costume.” Florida Renaissance Festival: Saturday, February 4, through Sunday, March 26, at Quiet Waters Park, 401 S Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach; 954-776-1642; ren-fest.com. Daily tickets cost $14 to $32; children 5 and younger get in free. Font: https://floridainsider.com/

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Miami arts institutions plan added educational outreach

Cultural arts institutions are entering the new year with a diverse selection of artistic programming, experiences and educational outreach. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts has forged a partnership with the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs’ Culture Shock Miami to host free pop-up performances with the return of Family Fest. Family Fest is one of Arsht Center’s programs committed to community engagement and deepening the experience of the performing arts for all residents. Serving more than 105,000 people throughout 16 years, the programs have broadened community participation and opened the sights, sounds and possibilities of the world through the performing arts. The next free performance is “Rita Finds Home,” presented by Miami City Ballet at the Arsht Center at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in downtown Miami. The ballet showcase is about a young artist named Rita, who dreams of living in the big city despite the lush tropical island she calls home. “Rita Finds Home” is a co-commission with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and performed by the Miami City Ballet School. On March 12, The Miami Children’s Chorus, The Children’s Voices Chorus, The Miami Sound Space Choir and The Civic Chorale of Greater Miami will hit the stage at the Arsht Center for a community sing-along. The “Big Sing” concert works towards a vision of a community where people of all ages can explore the joy of singing and highlights Miami-Dade’s choral community. “The Ocean Lives There,” will feature the Greater Miami Youth Symphony at the Arsht Center. The April 15 performance celebrates Miami’s tropical culture as well as Florida-made music and literature, educating young musicians on the practice of new work, and providing an accessible and engaging musical experience for families. GableStage’s longstanding education initiative that presents 40 performances at upwards of 20 Miami-Dade public and private schools each season is bringing Shakespeare into the schools. Touring throughout March, all performances include a comprehensive, interactive study guide that is delivered in advance of the scheduled dates. The program is meant to expose high school students to classic text that is animated from the pages of Shakespeare and also provide recently graduated actors and stage managers with their first professional opportunities.On March 7, GableStage will have a special performance of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Twelfth Night,” at 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables.Directed by New World School of the Arts’ Eddie Brown, the play tells of a shipwrecked woman navigating love and life in a new land. In this adaption, the coast of Illyria is replaced with the vast beaches of Miami, while Haiti stands in the place of the protagonist’s homeland of Messaline.HistoryMiami Museum will be one of eight Smithsonian affiliates across the nation collaborating on Earth Optimism Youth Action and Leadership for Sustainable Communities (EOYAL), a two-year educational program designed to empower high school students to take environmental action on issues facing their community.The museum will work with two groups of high school students and their teachers from Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The program’s overarching goal is to empower students, specifically from schools in vulnerable neighborhoods, who suffer disproportionately from climate change. With the help of mentors, student teams will design an action plan for a specific issue that they will present to a jury of Smithsonian scientists and educators. Once completed, their work will be publicized on Smithsonian websites and social media platforms.“Students will take on leadership roles and explore current environmental issues facing their communities,” said Olgasabrina Rueda, HistoryMiami’s manager of education and school Initiatives, “and will engage with local and national stakeholders as they create solutions to support local communities.” Font: Miami Today News

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Incredible Year for Florida Tourism

TALLAHASSEE, FL—Today, VISIT FLORIDA highlighted an amazing year for Florida’s tourism industry driven by the efforts of the state’s official tourism marketing corporation. Throughout 2022, VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing initiatives – initiatives that are frequently done in collaborative partnership with local and regional tourism industry partners throughout Florida – have consistently yielded record-breaking visitation growth, and reinforced Florida’s position as one of the top vacation destinations in the world. “Florida tourism continues to reach new heights thanks to VISIT FLORIDA’s strategic marketing initiatives in tandem with the initiatives of our tourism partners throughout the state,” said VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Dana Young. “Quarter after quarter, our vacation message has clearly resonated with travelers far and wide, and delivered record-breaking results on behalf of all Floridians. We appreciate Governor Ron DeSantis’ support and leadership that have helped get us here today, and are looking forward to leading Florida’s No. 1 industry to even more success in 2023.” 2022 Highlights: Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, VISIT FLORIDA launched a multi-million-dollar marketing plan in partnership with communities throughout Florida to promote tourism to the state to ensure a full recovery from the storm. The multi-phased campaign includes an initial effort showing that Florida is open for business, as well as a comprehensive recovery package for the areas of the state that were most severely impacted by the storm. Conducted the annual Winter Sunseekers Campaign to reinforce Florida’s position as a top winter vacation destination. The campaign delivered over 1 billion impressions and those exposed to its advertising were nearly 3 times more likely to travel to Florida. Hosted Florida Huddle (serving the international travel trade industry) and Florida Encounter (serving the meetings and events industry) simultaneously for the first time ever in Tampa, FL. Together, the events were attended by more than 600 registrants, representing 24 countries and over 7,500 appointments. Partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to help promote Florida’s Rural Areas of Opportunity (RAOs). Efforts included a two-module, in-person adventure training program for local tourism suppliers, and a new Unexplored Florida webpage on VISITFLORIDA.com. Awarded the distinction of International Destination Guest of Honor at the ANATO Tourist Showcase in Bogota, Colombia—the first state to ever receive this designation in the event’s history. Led multi-city mission trips to Mexico and Brazil to further foster Florida’s presence among Latin American travelers – which encompassed eight of Florida’s top 10 international origin markets in 2021. Executed the annual Families campaign to further solidify Florida as the top destination for family travelers. Targeting a variety of markets across the U.S., the campaign resulted in over 970 million impressions among potential travelers. Attended the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW (International Pow Wow) in Orlando, participating in nearly 400 trade appointments and media interviews over three days. VISIT FLORIDA collaborated with Visit Orlando on several events spotlighting Florida as the host state for the event, and conducted 6 post-show Group Familiarization Trips (FAMs.) Executed a total of 15 domestic and international campaigns with Expedia. The campaigns resulted in 2.2 million air tickets, 2.4 million room nights, 1.3 million vacation rental nights, 5.3 million passengers, and nearly $517 million in total gross bookings. Created a culinary hub on VISITFLORIDA.com and produced 22 “You’ve Got To Try This: Chef’s Edition” videos. Highlighting the unique restaurants, cuisines, and chefs across the state, the programming showcased the wide spectrum of Florida’s culinary offerings to potential travelers. Florida grew its market share of overseas visitors by 21 percent, surpassing New York as the #1 destination in America for the first time since 2001. Partnered with Michelin, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa Bay and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau to announce the launch of the MICHELIN Guide in Florida. Hosted the 2022 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Boca Raton, FL. Over 800 tourism professionals and stakeholders attended the event, representing GC’s highest participation since 2016. From January through September, Florida welcomed 104.5 million travelers, an increase of 4.1 percent from the same period in 2019, and over 15.3 percent more than in 2021. Launched its 2022 Adventure Travel campaign to showcase Florida’s wealth of outdoor experiences and grow the state’s reputation as a leading adventure travel destination.  Debuted its 2nd annual Gift of Florida campaign, inspiring people to choose Florida vacation experiences over their material items in their gift-giving this holiday season. Font: https://www.visitflorida.org/

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Florida’s East Coast Beaches: The 10 Best to Include in Your Itinerary

When we think of Florida, the first thing that comes to mind is the Orlando theme parks, right? But did you know that there is much more to discover there? In this post I will take you to know the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast of Florida. You will be surprised by the beauty of the beaches in this region and all the structure they offer. So don’t waste time and read on to explore the best beaches in Florida! In addition to Orlando’s parks and Miami’s hustle and bustle, Florida’s East Coast beaches are beautiful. And I liked it so much that I already wanted to plan an itinerary just for the beaches. What do you think of the idea? With so many beautiful beaches to discover on the East Coast of Florida, one of the questions you might have is the best way to get around them. Therefore, write down our tip for your trip to be more practical and comfortable. Without a doubt, the best way to explore Florida’s East Coast beaches is by renting a car. Even if you go to Orlando or Miami, I recommend renting a car because you know the cities better. In addition, you have the freedom to arrive and leave whenever you want. There’s nothing better than exploring the beaches at your leisure and at your preferred time. Practical, right? So it’s time to find out which are the best beaches in Florida. The difficult thing is to choose the most beautiful one, since all of them have an unparalleled beauty. John D. McArthurThis beach is located between Miami and Orlando, very close to the trendy Palm Beach. John D. MacArthur beach is inside a State Park and is a plant and animal protection unit in the region. The water is super transparent and the temperature very pleasant. I could spend all day relaxing there. Dania BeachNext, Dania Beach is a very quiet beach and great for those who like to be away from the crowds. The beach is about a 30-minute drive from Miami and impresses with its clear water. The day I went the water temperature was perfect, so I have nothing to complain about. Las OlasLas Olas is one of the beaches in Fort Lauderdale, a city about 40 minutes from Miami. Its edge is great for a bike ride. We managed to rent an electric bike for 5 dollars every half hour. The tour is very pleasant and you can take a lot of pictures. Deerfield BeachBefore being a strip of sand, Deerfield Beach has a large lawn where Americans love to sit and sunbathe. The water is clear and the blue is impressive. There is also a pier that you can walk to, however, access is paid. It’s two dollars per person and you can stay in the pier area for up to 4 hours. Red Reef ParkThe beach is located in Boca Raton in a State Park of more than 270 thousand m2. The beach is beautiful and very well maintained. A very cool initiative that you can find there, are public drinking fountains for you to fill your water bottle. You can even find out how many fewer bottles have already been discarded in nature with the machine. Oh! And if you enjoy diving, Red Reef Park is great, as the water has great visibility and is very calm. You will get to see a multitude of marine life. Juno BeachIt is only 7 minutes from John D. McArthur and is very peaceful. The water is similar to other beaches in Florida and is very reminiscent of the Caribbean. And between May and October, Juno Beach is packed with distinguished visitors. Many turtles look for the region to breed. It really is a spectacle of nature. Jupiter BeachJupiter Beach is one of Florida’s most eclectic beaches. If you like to relax and swim in the sea, the water is calm and the temperature is very pleasant. However, if you like to play sports, it is great for SUP, surfing and diving. In other words, it appeals to all tastes. Palm BeachPalm Beach is one of Florida’s East Coast gems. The beach is beautiful and very well maintained, as are many other beaches in the area. Many celebrities and millionaires own property in the surrounding area, including former President Donald Trump. Delray BeachThe charm of Delray Beach lies in the fact that there you can still feel the air of old Florida. The sea is calm and transparent, but on weekends I recommend arriving earlier to get a parking space and on the sand. Cocoa BeachLastly, Cocoa Beach is one of Florida’s famous East Coast beaches. It’s close to Orlando and is a favorite with surfers, including world-renowned Kelly Slater. Cocoa Beach is quite large and has a pier where many people go fishing. The sand is harder, which provides a great space for sports, such as beach volleyball. To find out more about attractions in Miami, Orlando and the surrounding area, keep browsing our website! Font: https://www.maladeaventuras.com/

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Porsche Tower in Sunny Isles Beach

Did you know that in Sunny Isles Beach, a small town near Miami, there is a 60-story building, one of the most luxurious in the world? The Porsche Design Tower is a luxury residential skyscraper, designed by Sieger Suarez Architects and branded as Porsche Design. Other than that, the city offers an excellent quality of life, recognized not only by residents, but also by those who visit!

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Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami

Experience the sights and sounds of Miami’s vibrant Little Havana neighborhood on this guided walking food tour. Explore this lively Cuban district and learn about its fascinating history and culture, with stops at some of the best family-owned and operated Cuban restaurants in the area. Sample the local cuisine, like guava pastries, chicken plantain cups, and flan ice cream, to name just a few of the delicacies offered along the way. Also, meet some of the local artists, watch skilled Cuban cigar rollers and listen to traditional Cuban music. Food tour of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood Visit local eateries and sample authentic Cuban food and Miamian snacks. Try the famous, and best empanada in Miami, flan ice cream, croquetas, guava pastelitos and more Learn about the local history, culture and food scene from your knowledgeable guide All food and refreshments are included in the ticket price.

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15 top tips for visiting Miami on a budget (by a local!)

Settled in 1825, Miami is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States and the second most populated in the state of Florida. It is known as the ‘Magic City’ because it’s massive and seemingly overnight growth, and has a reputation around the world for its beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views, incredible nightlife, and a culture that differs from everywhere else in the country. This is a large part of the reason that the best areas to stay in Miami have become a playground for the rich and famous. Countless celebrities flock here on both a permanent and part-time basis, to make the most of the exclusive destinations in a luxurious tropical paradise. It is also a major contributing factor to why Miami is the second most visited city in America, behind only New York City, with around 80 million tourists making the trip each year. Unfortunately, this reputation has led to prices in many parts of the city skyrocketing, with everything from food and drink to accommodation and tourist attractions costing significantly more than they do elsewhere. That’s why, in today’s article, I am going to give you our 15 top tips to visit Miami on a budget, which should help make your dream holiday just that little bit more affordable – especially if you are backpacking Miami. (Psst. if this is your first visit to Maimi, take a peek at our top things to do in Miami – perfect for first-time visitors) Disclaimer: Almost all posts on this site contain affiliate links, and this one about 15+ Top Miami Travel Tips for Visiting Maimi on a Budget is no different. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) answer all your questions and recommendations are made where we believe they will improve your trip and help with your planning. As such we thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy. Read my full Disclosure here. In This Post [show]   GENERAL TRAVEL INFO FOR VISITORS TO THE USA Visa: Travelers from countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) do not require a visa when visiting the USA. However, it is recommended to check up-to-date visa entry requirements before your visit regardless of what country you are coming from to avoid issues and concerns on the date of your travel. Currency: The official currency in Miami Florida is the U.S. dollar or American dollar ($, USD, US$). You can withdraw currency from ATMs using your local bank card or a designated travel card. If you are visiting from another country, be sure to check any fees and charges from your bank prior to using it and carry a second source of payment/cash in case your primary card gets ‘eaten’ by an ATM. Language: English is the primary and most widely spoken language in the USA (although not the official one at the Federal level!) There are 350 other languages spoken, the main ones being Spanish, Chinese, French, and Vietnamese. WiFi/Internet Access: Depending on your length of stay, you can either purchase a local sim card (in advance or on arrival) – to swap out with the one in your own phone to avoid roaming charges. OR, grab a pay as you go portable Wifi Devices which means you can keep your sim active and connect wirelessly. Just remember to turn off data roaming so you don’t incur any hefty charges. OUR NO.1 TIP FOR VISITING MIAMI ON A BUDGET: AVOID MIAMI BEACH & SOUTH BEACH!  Most visitors to the city will have heard of both Miami Beach and South Beach and will probably have fond opinions of them. I’m sure we have all seen countless movies and tv shows set here over the years. With guests lazing in luxurious, beachfront hotels, sipping drinks in private cabanas and generally living the high life, it paints a picture that this is what Miami is all about. However, while this will surely seem like a dream getaway, the price that accompanies it will be more like a nightmare for most. While many people may think you get what you pay for, there is also an element of paying simply for name recognition of the area here. These, and many of the similar beachfront locations, know that people will pay exorbitant fees to stay here, so have no need to offer any deals. If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no need to blow everything on accommodation and then end up struggling for the rest of the trip. With plenty of great options further inland, as well as along less popular sections of the beaches, you will still be able to find a hotel that adds the finishing touches to your dream vacation, without breaking the bank. DON’T GO TOO CHEAP THOUGH While the desire to find great value accommodation will be immense for those on a budget, you need to be careful about what deal you decide to go for. If something looks too good to be true, chances are it probably is. While Miami is widely known for its beauty and exclusive resorts, it also has a darker side as well. Many of the cheapest options for accommodation in the city will be in areas like Overtown, Hialeah, or the Golden Triangle. Unfortunately, these are affordable for a reason, as many are among the most dangerous in all of America. That is why it’s always incredibly important to research the area you’re looking at, to make sure you don’t end up booking somewhere you regret. LEAVE THE CAR AT THE HOTEL While there are plenty of great places to see in Miami, exploring the city by car is often not the most cost-effective way to do it. Prices for parking in the more popular, built up districts is not only hard to find but also extremely expensive, with prices averaging around 7 dollars an hour. Luckily, Miami has plenty of great public transport options, such as the Metrobus,

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Miami tips? Yes, we have many!

Miami is a destination increasingly present in the plans of Brazilians. The city has a lively atmosphere, a variety of outdoor activities to do, good nightlife attractions, as well as a super-beautiful sea. With this attractive combination of factors, many people fall in love with the place, repeating the trip several times or even choosing Miami to spend a season studying or living. A trip to Miami calls for a stroll through Miami Beach, especially in the South Beach area, the art deco architecture district that still preserves some of the atmosphere in which Miami was founded. In South Beach, stroll along Ocean Drive, a tree-lined avenue that is ideal for having a coffee watching the movement of people and imported cars on the street, and relax in Lummus Park, with many coconut trees. Rent a bike to ride on the shore and, if you are looking for a quieter corner, head to the beach or to the park at South Pointe Park, at the very end of the island, which has a beautiful sunset. South Beach is a busy region day and night, suitable for partying, dancing and meeting people from all over the world. If you love nightlife, don’t miss the bars and clubs on Ocean Drive, Española Way and Lincoln Road (which is also a great mall for shopping and eating). If clubs aren’t your type and you don’t even like crowded beaches, try to get to know the stretch of beaches in the central and northern part of Miami Beach, where many hotels offer structure for their guests on the sand. Miami’s beaches have pale, almost white sand and an enchanting turquoise sea! When coconut trees are integrated into the landscape, the scenery is irresistible for a walk with your feet in the sand and a dip in the sea. Downtown Miami, connected to Miami Beach by bridges, is also worth a visit. Downtown is the area of ​​Miami that concentrates offices in tall and modern buildings, and the financial center of the city, which is located in Brickell. It is the region of wide and well-kept avenues, where the city’s public transport is more present – if you have the opportunity, ride the metromover, a suspended vehicle that works as a means of transport, but is worth a mini tourist tour. In Downtown are also: the AmericanAirlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat, the excellent Miami basketball team that is part of the NBA; the Pérez Art Museum (contemporary art museum); and the Bayside Marketplace, a shopping mall with a very pleasant view to grab a bite to eat. From Bayside depart boat tours of Biscayne Bay, where there are several islands with stunning houses! One of Miami’s most important tourist attractions is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a property that belonged to one of the millionaires who were part of the city’s founding. The place has ornate gardens, a beautiful view of the sea and a mansion in the best European style with a very beautiful interior decoration – for those who enjoy history and architecture, the place is very cool and stands out because it is a little different from what you would expect to find. in the city. Those who want to know more about this cultural side of the city should include in their itinerary a visit to Little Havana, the most Cuban neighborhood in Miami, with shops selling Cuban products, as well as restaurants with typical dishes. Another cool neighborhood is Wynwood, whose look has been revamped through graffiti-painted walls; there, it is worth visiting the Wynwood Walls, a kind of open-air museum, with walls painted by different artists in completely different styles. For outdoor walks, connected to nature, our tip is the Miami Beach Botanical Garden or the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, which has a guided tour and a very beautiful butterfly garden. To the north of Miami Beach is Haulover Park, ideal for enjoying a beach without many people – in this park there is even a part of the beach dedicated to nudism. A different option is to visit the Everglades, native vegetation of Florida, where you can take an air boat (propeller boat) amid lakes full of plants and see crocodiles in their natural habitat. Jungle Island, a zoo with interactive shows, and the Miami Seaquarium, are program options to see different species of animals. Both locations are popular with families with children – particularly the Miami Seaquarium, which is a popular point of interest on weekends for shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and whales. If you want to let your child play freely, head to the Miami Children’s Museum, a perfect playground for young children.

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6 Reasons to Visit Biscayne National Park in Florida

Many people know about The Everglades, but did you know there is another National Park not too far from there? Biscayne National Park in Florida is just south of Miami and has the unique distinction of being 95% water. That means to really experience this national park, you have to get wet! I highly recommend nature enthusiasts, especially those into marine life, check out this park. There are so many things to do here including snorkeling, paddling, fishing, boating, and even camping. However, there is more planning involved with visiting Biscayne National Park in Florida than in other parks where you simply drive to them. In this blog post, I will explain all the best ways to experience Biscayne National Park 1. Biscayne National Park Things to Do With 173,000 acres of sea and over 500 species of fish, there is so much to explore here! There is no entry fee and visitors are allowed to launch their own canoes, kayaks, or paddleboard from the park. If you have your own motorized boat, you can launch it from a nearby park. Subscribe to The Florida Travel Girl! Get updates on the latest posts and more from The Florida Travel Girl straight to your inbox.SUBSCRIBEI consent to receiving emails and personalized ads. However, for those without their own watercraft (like us), the Biscayne National Institute offers a variety of tours to experience the water of Biscayne National Park. Here are the best things to do in Biscayne National Park. Make sure to book these experiences far in advance! Snorkeling in Biscayne National Park This is one of the best places in Florida to snorkel, so most people opt to go for a snorkel tour. There is a variety of options including snorkeling ship wrecks, snorkel, paddle eco-adventures, and snorkel island trips. You can expect to see coral reefs, shipwrecks, fish, crustaceans, and maybe even dolphins and turtles! Snorkel tours tend to be six hours in total and prices start at $100 per person. Most include lunch, a shaded boat, and lots of information from the captain. Though it is expensive and takes up a day, it is worth it for such a unique experience. If you are scuba certified, a few scuba tours are offered here as well. Island Exploration If you don’t feel like getting fully submerged, the island tours are another exciting way to experience this park. There are multiple islands around the park and these tours offer the opportunity to take a boat and explore them or even try Biscayne National Park camping. Boca Chita Key is the most visited and is where you can find the iconic lighthouse. It only costs $56 per person to take a 3-hour boat tour to the island and see the lighthouse and hike the nature trails. Other activities stop at Elliot Key or Adams Key which are less developed, and quite secluded. These are ideal for camping and looking for wildlife. Paddle Adventures The most popular tours at Biscayne National Park are the paddling tours. This is a great way to see the variety of birds, fish, and sea life that inhabit the park and get a little workout! For just $39 per person, you can do a 1.5-hour mangrove and seagrass meadow tour. Beginners are welcome and guides will help you if needed. For those with more time, the paddleboard tour of Jones Lagoon is a blast. This is one of the best places to see sea turtles, roseate spoonbills, and even baby sharks! You have to take a power boat to the lagoon, so you get two experiences for $89 with this Biscayne National Park tour. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are not offered at the Biscayne National Park visitor center. You can find places around the park that offer rentals and bring them to the launch site or launch them around the bay. Biscayne National Park Boat Tours Though most of the tours at Biscayne National Park allow you to walk, swim or paddle around, a few are boat only. This includes the Heritage of Biscayne Cruise, the sunset cruise, and the Stiltsville guided tour. Stiltsville is another icon of Biscayne National Park. These historic houses built on stilts are not accessible to the public, but there are boat cruises that you can see them. A couple of tours offer this, including the Stiltsville Guided Tour from Coconut Grove. For $56 per person, you can take a two-hour cruise and learn all about the history of this park. We opted for the sunset cruise and I will explain more about it below. It’s one of the cheapest options at only $30 per person and usually the last to sell out. We took a sunset cruise for our Biscayne National Park boat tour in 2021 and I will share our experience below! 2. Our Sunset Cruise Experience at Biscayne National Park in Florida We really wanted to go snorkeling at Biscayne National Park in Florida, but unfortunately, we were visiting around Christmas, which is one of the busiest times. I had no idea how fast these snorkeling tours fill up and there were none left when we went to book! If you want to snorkel here, learn from our experience and book your tour in advance! The one tour that was available during our trip was a Sunset Boat Cruise. I am on a mission to visit all the national parks in Florida, so we figured it was worth checking out. The tour started at 5 PM and we got there at 4 PM and looked around the Biscayne National Park visitor center for a bit. There are some neat exhibits, but it is not worth visiting here if you do not have a tour planned or your own watercraft! There is no beach and mainly it is just mangroves and a few boat launches surrounding the Biscayne National Park Visitor Center The sunset boat tour was a ninety-minute long boat ride and was simply that. We had a super relaxing cruise at

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Sunny Isles Beach
33160, Miami, FL
contact@pellegrini-group.com
Phone: +1 (929) 867-1200

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