FLORIDA

Frommer's Favorite Experiences in

Florida
 Best Driving Route: A1A, a gorgeous oceanfront route that runs north up Miami Beach,
through Sunny Isles and Hollywood into Fort Lauderdale (starting at Ocean Dr. and 1st St. in
Miami, and merging onto Collins Ave. before running north), embodies the essence that is
Florida. From time-warped hotels steeped in Art Deco kitsch to multimillion-dollar modern high-
rises, A1A is one of the most scenic, albeit heavily trafficked, roads in all of Florida.
 Best Place for People-Watching: Lunchtime at News Cafe on Ocean Drive is the
quintessential South Beach experience -- lunching at News Cafe is more of a spectator sport than
a dining experience. What the Big Mac is to McDonald's, people-watching is to News Cafe, whose
Ocean Drive location is one of the best sidewalk spots from which to observe the wacky, colorful
mix of pedestrians on parade.
 Best Place to Hear a Moonlight Concert: The Barnacle State Historic Site hosts a once-
monthly, on or near the full moon (except July-Aug) concert in the backyard of its charming 1908
Coconut Grove bungalow, built on 5 acres of waterfront property. Listeners are welcome to picnic
and bask in this sublime setting for a mere $5.
 Best Place to Learn the Salsa: If the only salsa you're familiar with is the kind you put on
your tacos, get over to Bongo's Cuban Café, the hottest salsa club north of Havana, where Miami's
most talented salsa dancers will teach you how to move your two left feet in the right direction.
 Best Place to Discover Your Inner Flipper: The nonprofit Dolphin Research Center in
Marathon Key (home to approximately 15 dolphins) will teach you how to communicate with,
touch, swim, and play with the mammals.
 Best Cemetery: The Key West Cemetery is funky, picturesque, and the epitome of the quirky
Key West image, as irreverent as it is humorous. Headstones reflect residents' lighthearted
attitudes toward life and death. I TOLD YOU I WAS SICK is one of the more famous epitaphs, as
is the tongue-in-cheek widow's inscription AT LEAST I KNOW WHERE HE'S SLEEPING
TONIGHT.
 Best Way to See the Everglades Without Breaking a Sweat: Airboat rides through the
outskirts of the Everglades are particularly wonderful, as the area is unfettered by jet skis, cruise
ships, and neon bikinis. The Everglades is Florida's Outback, resplendent in its swampy nature. It
is best explored either by slow-moving canoes that really get you acquainted with your
surroundings or via an airboat that can quickly navigate its way through the most stubborn of
saw grass, providing you with an up-close-and-personal (as well as fun) view of the land's
inhabitants, from alligators and manatees to raccoons and Florida panthers.
 Best Place to Drive on a World Record: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge crosses Tampa Bay
and at 5 1/2 miles in length is the longest cable span bridge in the world.
 Best Place for a Family Vacation: With eight theme parks, 80 smaller attractions, and
virtually everything with a kid-friendly touch, it's hard to top Orlando and Lake Buena Vista.
  Best Blending of Old South with the Modern Era: There's as much Old South ambience
in the state's capital, Tallahassee, as anywhere else in Florida. Here you'll find 19th-century
homes nestled among towering pine trees and sprawling live oaks, historic plantations, ancient
Native American settlement sites and mounds, gorgeous gardens, quiet parks with picnic areas,
beautiful lakes and streams, and myriad outdoor activities. The state legislature is here, along
with two college football teams and all the modern conveniences you could want.
 Best Place for Sunsets: Florida's Panhandle is the Land of the Two-Way Sun. It has
spectacular sunrises to the east and equally gorgeous sunsets to the west. One of the best viewing
places is Bud & Alley's rooftop restaurant in Seaside.

The Best Beaches in Florida

 Virginia Key (Key Biscayne): The producers of Survivor or Lost could shoot their show on this
ultrasecluded, picturesque, and deserted key, where people purposely go to not be found.
 Lummus Park Beach (South Beach): This beach is world renowned, and better known as
South Beach, on which seeing, being seen, and, at times, the obscene, go hand-in-hand with the
sunscreen and beach towels. The 12th Street section is the beach of choice for gay residents and
travelers. This beach has had some of the liveliest parties South Beach has ever seen.
 Bahia Honda State Park (Bahia Honda Key): This is one of the nicest and most peaceful
beaches in Florida. It's located amid 635 acres of nature trails and a portion of Henry Flagler's
railroad.
 John U. Lloyd Beach State Park (Dania Beach): Unfettered by high-rise condominiums, T-
shirt shops, and hotels, this wonderful beach boasts an untouched shoreline surrounded by a
canopy of Australian pine to ensure complete seclusion.
 Lovers Key State Park (Fort Myers Beach): You'll have to walk or take a tram through a bird-
filled forest of mangroves to this gorgeous, unspoiled beach just a few miles south of busy Fort
Myers Beach. Although Sanibel Island gets the accolades, the shelling here is just as good, if not
better.
 Cayo Costa State Park (off Captiva Island): These days, deserted tropical islands with great
beaches are scarce in Florida, but this 2,132-acre barrier strip of sand, pine forest, mangrove
swamp, oak hammock, and grassland provides a genuine get-away-from-it-all experience. Access
is only by boat from nearby Gasparilla, Pine, and Captiva islands.
 Caladesi Island State Park (Clearwater Beach): Even though 3 1/2-mile-long Caladesi Island
is in the Tampa Bay area, it has a lovely, relatively secluded beach with soft sand edged in sea
grass and palmettos. In the park, there's a nature trail where you might see one of the
rattlesnakes, black racers, raccoons, armadillos, or rabbits that live here. The park is accessible
only by ferry from Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area, off Dunedin.
 Fort DeSoto Park (St. Petersburg): Where else can you get a good tan and a history lesson? At
Fort DeSoto Park, you have not only 1,136 acres of five interconnected islands and 3 miles of
beaches, but also a fort that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are also
 nature trails, fishing piers, a 2.25-mile canoe trail, and spectacular views of Tampa Bay and the
Gulf.
 Siesta Key Beach (Siesta Key, Sarasota): A public beach with fine white, quartz-crystal sand,
Siesta Key is just 3/4 mile long but has a huge reputation as one of the state's -- and country's --
best spots for sand and surf.
 Lighthouse Point Park (Daytona Beach): With 52 acres of pristine land on the north side of
Ponce de León Inlet, the park features fishing, nature trails, an observation deck and tower,
swimming, and picnicking. A variety of wildlife also calls the park home, including raccoons,
possums, skunks, armadillos, shorebirds, and birds of prey.
 Gulf Islands National Seashore (Pensacola): All of Northwest Florida's Gulf shore is one of
America's great beaches -- an almost uninterrupted stretch of white sand that runs the length of
the Panhandle, from Perdido Key to St. George Island. The Gulf Islands National Seashore
preserves much of this natural wonder in its undeveloped state. Countless terns, snowy plovers,
black skimmers, and other birds nest along the dunes topped with sea oats. East of the national
seashore and equally beautiful are Grayton Beach State Park, near Destin; and St. George
Island State Park, off Apalachicola.
 St. Andrews State Park (Panama City Beach): With more than 1,000 acres of dazzling white
sand and dunes, this preserved wilderness demonstrates what Panama City Beach looked like
before motels and condominiums lined its shore. Lacy, golden sea oats sway in Gulf breezes and
the area is home to foxes and a herd of deer.

The Best Family Attractions in Florida

 Jungle Island (Miami): Adults might think it's overrated and touristy, but kids love it. You'll
need to watch your head, however, because hundreds of parrots, macaws, peacocks, cockatoos,
and flamingos are flying above. Continuous suitable (but cheesy) shows star bicycle-riding
cockatoos, high-flying macaws, and stunt-happy parrots. There are also tortoises, iguanas, and a
rare albino alligator on exhibit. Star-struck folk may also want to keep their eyes on the crowds,
which tend to draw big-name celebs with toddlers in tow.
 Miami Children's Museum (Miami): This museum has hundreds of bilingual, interactive
exhibits, along with programs, classes, and learning materials related to arts, culture,
community, and communication. It also has a re-creation of the NBC 6 television studio and a
working music studio in which aspiring rock stars can lay down tracks and play instruments.
 Sea Grass Adventures (Miami): This is not your typical nature tour. With Sea Grass
Adventures, you will be able to wade in the water on Key Biscayne with your guide and catch an
assortment of sea life in the provided nets. At the end of the program, participants gather on the
beach while the guide explains what everyone has just caught, passing the creatures around in
miniature viewing tanks.
 Miami Science Museum (Miami): The Science Museum features more than 140 hands-on
exhibits that explore the mysteries of the universe. Live demonstrations and collections of rare
 natural-history specimens make a visit here fun and informative. Many of the demos involve
audience participation, which can be lots of fun for willing and able kids and adults alike.
 J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel Island): Consisting of more than
half of Sanibel Island, this 6,000-plus-acre area of mangrove swamps, winding waterways, and
uplands has a 2-mile boardwalk nature trail and a 5-mile, one-way safari-esque Wildlife Drive
on which you'll view a motley crew of species, including alligators, raccoons, birds, and other
wildlife.
 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa): Although the thrill rides, live entertainment, shops,
restaurants, and games get most of the ink at this 335-acre family theme park, Busch Gardens
also ranks among the top zoos in the country, with several thousand animals living in naturalistic
environments. If you can get them off the roller coasters, kids can find out what all those wild
beasts they've seen on the Discovery Channel look like in person.
 MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) (Tampa): The largest educational science center in the
Southeast, MOSI has more than 450 interactive exhibits in which the kids can experience
hurricane-force winds, defy the laws of gravity, cruise the mysterious world of microbes, explore
the human body, and more. The museum is one of very few in the world to feature the articulated
remains of a sauropod dinosaur. They can also watch stunning movies in MOSIMAX, Florida's
first IMAX dome theater.
 The Ringling Circus Museum (Sarasota): Located within the FSU Ringling Center for the
Cultural Arts, this museum isn't clowning around when it comes to telling the history of the
circus. Devoted to circus memorabilia, the museum features everything from parade wagons and
calliopes to costumes and colorful posters.
 Universal Studios Florida (Orlando): Universal Orlando's original theme park (and working
movie studio) is filled with rides based on blockbuster movies and hit TV shows. Woody
Woodpecker's Kid Zone, with its zippy pint-size coaster, water slide, and water play area (not to
mention the numerous attractions aimed at the toddler set), will keep the kids busy for hours.
 Universal's Islands of Adventure (Orlando): Hollywood hits, classic comics, and beloved
books spring to life here. Thrill seekers and coaster crazies won't want to miss the Hulk,
Spiderman, and the Dragon Challenge (at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter), while the Me
Ship Olive, Camp Jurassic, and all things Seussian will thrill the younger set -- and that's just a
sampling of what awaits you here.
 Disney's Magic Kingdom (Orlando): Opened some 40 years ago, this remains Disney's
premier park. Rides and attractions based on classic Disney characters (think princesses like
Cinderella, Ariel, and Snow White; adventurers like Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear -- and even
Captain Jack) have guests of all ages squealing with delight. Thrill seekers, fear not, as rides like
Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean will keep you coming back for
more.
 Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral): Despite the changes afoot in the space program, a
recent multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion has made this destination a must-see even if
the shuttle program is winding down. There is plenty to keep kids and parents busy for at least a
full day, including computer games, IMAX films, and dozens of informative displays on the space
program.
 Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach): Behind-the-scenes tours take speed fans
into the garages, the drivers meeting room, the press box, and even the victory lane. Or
experience a 200-mph ride on a simulator at The DAYTONA 500 Experience, a 60,000-
square-foot, state-of-the-art interactive motor-sports attraction where you can learn about the
history, color, and excitement of stock car, go-kart, and motorcycle racing in Daytona.

FLORIDA ITINERARIES

For Families in Florida

Florida is definitely a kid-friendly destination. Contrary to popular belief, not all diversions are
animatronic or even remotely animated. Sure, there are the theme parks, the roller coasters, the
talking mouse, and Cinderella Castle. We've got Flipper and orca and parrots that play poker.
Then there's the Playmobil FunPark. So check out this family-friendly itinerary you may not have
experienced yet.

Day 1: Key Biscayne

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne has fabulous children's programs, not to mention pretty cool
diversions for adults. If it's in your budget, spend a day checking out the resort (skip the Miami
Seaquarium unless the kids want to swim with the dolphins), and, if not, just spend the day at the
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, where the entire family can explore an
ancient fossil tidal pool. If there's time left, check out the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and
rent a hydrobike.

Days 2 & 3: Coral Gables & South Miami

Get an early start and head south to Homestead's legendary Coral Castle. When the kids have had
their fill, head south and either grab lunch at the family-friendly, family-run Mexican mainstay,
El Toro Taco. On your way to Coral Gables, make a stop at Zoo Miami or Monkey Jungle,
depending on your preference in animals, and then clean off that stinky animal scent with a
splash in Coral Gables's resplendent, refreshing Venetian Pool. If you're up for it, check out
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and/or the Miami Science Museum. After working up an appetite,
take the kids for burgers at Brickell's bustling Burger & Beer Joint, where no one goes hungry --
or thirsty.

Day 4: Miami & Port St. Lucie

Before leaving Miami, be sure to stop at the Miami Children's Museum, where the kids can spend
a few hours channeling their inner grown-up in a bona fide TV and recording studio. If the kids
are in the mood for animal antics instead, head across the causeway to Jungle Island. For a more
amphibious take on Miami, consider hopping on the Miami Duck Tours "vesicle," a hybrid that's
part vessel, part vehicle and looks like a duck. Quacky, to say the least. Then grab a TV dinner at
the G-rated Big Pink on South Beach, and let the kids nap en route to Vero Beach. You don't need
to stay overnight in Vero, though there is a satellite Disney resort there, Disney's Vero Beach
Resort, and the newly renovated family-friendly Club Med Sandpiper Bay on the St. Lucie River.
En route to Vero, you may want to take the kids to West Palm Beach's whimsical Playmobil
FunPark or on a safari through Lion Country Safari, and then grab lunch at Jupiter's legendary
Nick's Tomato Pie.

Day 5: Vero Beach

As if Club Med or Disney doesn't have enough for the family to do -- or not do -- if you decide to
spend the night in Vero, or even if you don't, you may want to take the kids to McLarty Treasure
Museum, where they will marvel at pirate's booty, or to one of the beautiful beaches nearby.

Day 6: Arrive in Lake Buena Vista

Okay, we lied. Sort of. We're sending you in the environs of Disney and friends, but only to check
into the coolest kid-friendly hotel possibly in the entire world. The Nickelodeon Suites Resort,
offers "Kid Suites," with different themes featuring the kids' favorite Nick characters. We know
many a family that has traveled here just so the kids could stay in the hotel. If you choose, you
can go to Disney World or one of the theme parks.

Day 7: Spacing Out at Cape Canaveral

Despite the fact that the shuttle program is in its final countdown, so to speak, the John F.
Kennedy Space Center is a must-see for everyone (for now), but especially kids. Not only will you
see where rockets and shuttles are launched, but you can also have lunch with an astronaut!
Either spend the night here and fly out of the Melbourne International Airport, or make the 3-
hour drive back to Miami International Airport.

In Two Weeks in Florida

Consider this tour to be a South Florida sampler. There's not enough time in 2 weeks to see and
do everything, but we've custom-built an itinerary that will provide you with a locals'-eye view of
some of the best diversions South Florida is known for. Whether you're a beach bum or a
beachcomber, a club hopper or someone who prefers to swing a club, a nature lover or a people-
watcher, there's something for everyone on this tour.

Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Key West

After arriving in the so-called Conch Republic (or Margaritaville, if you will), plan to spend a day
or two. A full day on the 4x2-mile island is plenty for exploring, but if you're into doing the Duval
Bar Crawl, you may want to leave yourself a day to recover from that inevitable hangover. Focus
most of your sightseeing energy on Old Town, where you'll see stunning, restored Victorian-style
homes; lush, tropical greenery; and the old Bahama Village. Be sure not to miss the sunset
celebration at Mallory Square, and, if possible, do dinner at Blue Heaven in Bahama Village.
Then hit the Duval Street bars if you're so inclined. Spend the next day either relaxing at your
hotel pool -- we recommend the Gardens Hotel and Simonton Court for a true Key West
experience -- or exploring the historic seaport and all its shops and Key West kitsch.

Day 3: Miami: Coral Gables, Little Havana & South Beach

Take the 3-hour drive on the Overseas Highway to Miami -- one of the most scenic drives you'll
ever take, albeit sometimes a boring one. If you've seen it before, consider booking a flight. If
you're driving, make a pit stop in Coral Gables about six miles southwest of Miami proper, where
you can get a bite to eat at the Latin American Cafeteria or on Miracle Mile, or cool off in the
Venetian Pool. If you like what you see, check into the historic Biltmore Hotel. If not, then at least
see the hotel and continue on to Southwest 8th Street, otherwise known as Calle Ocho, the heart
of Little Havana. Peruse the cigar stores and the old men playing dominoes in Domino Park.
Grab a Cuban coffee at Versailles, and then head north to South Beach to spend the night at one
of its trendy (or kitschy) hotels.

Day 4: South Beach

Wake up early and catch the sunrise on the beach. Have breakfast at the Front Porch Café. Stake
your claim on the sand and spend the morning by the water. Hit Lincoln Road for lunch, and
then shop there and along Collins Avenue before having a cocktail at the Rose Bar at the Delano,
Skybar at the Shore Club, or, for an ocean view with your martini, the Ritz-Carlton South Beach's
DiLido Beach Club. If you have the energy, continue north along Collins Avenue to its newest
crown jewel, the W South Beach. Marvel at its Miami-meets-Bali decor, have a drink, or just bask
in the beauty. Return to your own hotel for a disco nap; wake up around 9pm. If you can't sleep
that long, head south, stopping first to marvel at the bay views and unreal, surrealist decor of the
Mondrian, and then to Smith & Wollensky to toast the cruise ships leaving the port. Have dinner
at Prime 112 if you can snag a reservation, or, for a less pricey, yet still sceney dining experience,
the Café at Books and Books, and then hit the clubs and lounges: Wall, LIV, Mansion, Cameo,
and Set. Grab a late-night snack at La Sandwicherie, or the 11th Street Diner, and then crash at
your hotel.

Day 5: From South Beach to Fort Lauderdale

Have breakfast at the Big Pink or the 11th Street Diner and watch the club kids coming home
from the night before. Get in the car and take Fla. A1A north -- the scenic route. If you haven't
already, stop into the $500-million-plus behemoth known as the Fontainebleau and see if you
can feel the spirit of Sinatra and Co. amid all its modern-day glory. Continue north until you hit
the recently spruced-up Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, our version of Atlantic City, without the
casinos. If you're hungry, have the world's best burger at Le Tub. Continue along A1A until you
reach the famous Fort Lauderdale strip. Take a break at the world-famous Elbo Room and watch
the action on the beach, or swank it up a bit at the spanking-new W Fort Lauderdale, where views
of the ocean are almost as good as the people-watching. Spend the night there or, for a little old-
world charm, at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard.
Day 6: Sand, Seminoles & Santana

Hit famous Fort Lauderdale Beach, where Frankie and Annette used to play beach-blanket bingo.
Then you might head west to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, where you can catch a
concert by a Billboard-charting artist or even Jerry Seinfeld, hit the jackpot on the slots (the hotel
claims it pays out $13 million daily!), play a hand or 10 of blackjack and poker, or, for a cheaper
alternative, just relax by the pool. It's almost as nice as, if not nicer than, the one at the Hard
Rock Hotel in Vegas. Then head out to spot signs of real wildlife in the Everglades.

Days 7 & 8: Everglades National Park

Travel 45 minutes west on I-75 to the Seminole Indian Reservation, which encompasses more
than 69,000 acres of the Everglades' Big Cypress Swamp. Hop on a swamp buggy at the Billie
Swamp Safari to see hogs, bison, gators, and deer. Continue west to Everglades City, check into
the Ivey House B&B, and ask owners Sandee and David if they can hook you up with a special,
insiders' tour of the 'Glades.

Days 9 & 10: The Palm Beaches

After leaving charming and historic Everglades City, head east and north to charming, historic,
and bustling Delray Beach, where the only alligators you'll likely see are the purses of the ladies
who lunch and lounge there. Check into the Sundy House and peruse the hotel's Taru Gardens.
The next day, do not miss the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens before moving on to
West Palm Beach, where you should check into the Hotel Biba and do a little antiques shopping
in downtown West Palm. At night, check out the clubs and restaurants in downtown West Palm,
at City Place, or on Clematis Street. Be sure to have a beer and enjoy the view at Bradley's.

Day 11: From Mar-A-Lago to the Moon -- or Jupiter, at Least

Spend the morning driving around Palm Beach, making sure to stop and catch a glimpse of
Donald Trump's palatial Mar-A-Lago. Stop by Worth Avenue to see the ladies with little dogs who
lunch and shop. It's the Rodeo Drive of South Florida, truly, and you can't miss the people-
watching there. For a glimpse inside a Palm Beach manse, go to the Flagler Museum, where you
can explore Whitehall, Standard Oil tycoon Henry Flagler's wedding present to his third wife. Go
back to reality and head toward Jupiter (Florida, not the planet!). Check into the PGA National
Resort & Spa.

Days 12 & 13: The Treasure Coast

You may not find gold on the Treasure Coast, but you will find Jonathan Dickinson State Park on
Hutchinson Island, where you should rent a canoe and explore the many botanical treasures. If
you're into snorkeling and diving and feel like delving deeper, check out the USS Rankin, an old
World War II ship that was sunk in 1988, 7 miles east-northeast of the St. Lucie Inlet. Check into
the Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina, and consider taking the Loxahatchee
Queen for a 2-hour tour of the area. The next day, head to Vero Beach and Sebastian for a taste of
Old Florida. Check into the unique Driftwood Resort or Gloria Estefan's swanky new 94-room
boutique hotel, Costa D'Este Beach Resort, and have dinner at Oriente, a Cuban restaurant with
Spanish and Creole accents, if your budget allows. If not, just grab a slice of pizza at Nino's Cafe.

Day 14: Lake Okeechobee or Bust?

If you can't extend your trip to include a side trip to Lake Okeechobee, consider it for next time.
In the meantime, fly home out of either Palm Beach International Airport, 35 miles south of Vero
Beach, or the Melbourne International Airport, which is less than 35 miles north of Vero Beach.

In One Week in Florida

The beaches on the Gulf Coast are infinitely nicer than those in South Florida, with soft sand,
stunning sunsets, and a sense of calm that often evades the hustle and bustle of South Florida. A
week on the Gulf is akin to spending a month in a city spa. Refreshing and calming, the Gulf
Coast is an ideal spot for those looking to recharge their batteries.

Day 1: Arrive in Fort Myers Beach

Check into the Edison Beach House All Suites Hotel and take in the panoramic Gulf views. Waste
no time making a dinner reservation at the Gulf Shore Grill and The Cottage, where you must try
shrimp wrapped in bacon and coated with honey. After dinner, consider hitting the rooftop bar at
Beached Whale, a locals' favorite, or Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille for some live music.

Day 2: Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Just 14 miles west of Fort Myers are two of Florida's most beautiful islands. Before heading to the
wildly kitschy Bubble Room restaurant, be sure to stop at the J. N. "Ding" Darling National
Wildlife Refuge, home to alligators, raccoons, otters, and a dazzling array of bird life. Take your
car down the Wildlife Drive for a CliffsNotes version of the park. Then call Captiva Cruises and
see if there's room for y'all on the next shuttle out to Boca Grande, sort of the Martha's Vineyard
of Florida. After touring Boca Grande, return to Sanibel and check into the Casa Ybel Resort, if
your budget allows; if not, we highly recommend the Tarpon Tale Inn on Sanibel, or the 'Tween
Waters Inn on Captiva. Now you're ready for the Bubble Room, jazz at Ellington's, or our
personal fave, live reggae at Jacaranda!

Day 3: To Naples

Wake up early and do not miss breakfast and the biscuits at the Sanibel Cafe. If the line's too
long, try the delicious corn muffins at Island Cow. Drive south for 40 or so miles, and you'll be in
swanky, sleepy Naples. Take the Naples Trolley to get a feel for the place and then, without
hesitation, hit the beach before sunset. For a ritzy experience, we recommend the Ritz-Carlton,
Naples, one of the best in the entire chain. For a flip-flops-and-T-shirt experience with a hopping
bar scene at sunset, you'll love the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Both have fabulous beaches.
After the beach, stroll down 5th Avenue, the city's main drag, where you'll find the only real
semblance of nightlife, dining, and shopping. The next morning, head 70 miles north to Sarasota.

Days 4 & 5: Sarasota

Sarasota's Siesta Key Beach is one of Florida's best. But if culture is your thing, don't miss the
Ringling Museum of Art. If you can't stay at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, consider the Captiva
Beach Resort on Siesta Key. Do not miss dinner at Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key. Just don't.
Also don't miss at least a stop in funky, arty Siesta Key, whose name is quite the antithesis of
what it really is. For a fun diversion nearby in Bradenton, stop by the Gamble Plantation and the
weird, wacky Solomon's Castle. Before heading to Tampa, have breakfast at the Blue Dolphin
Cafe.

Days 6 & 7: Tampa Bay, St. Pete & Clearwater

Because this is the relaxing Gulf Coast itinerary, we won't recommend Busch Gardens Africa
unless you're craving roller coasters. The same goes for Ybor City, the hub of Tampa's nightlife.
It's rowdy, tacky, and fun, but hardly relaxing. Therefore, we'd like to send you directly to the
Saddlebrook Resort-Tampa, where the likes of Jennifer Capriati play tennis, and aspiring Tiger
Woods-types play golf. If you prefer to be on the beach, head over to St. Pete Beach and
Clearwater, where we recommend the historic Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa, the Clearwater
Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key, or the boutiquey new Postcard Inn on the Beach in St. Pete
Beach. For arty types, the Salvador Dalí Museum in downtown St. Pete is highly recommended.
Fly home from Tampa International Airport.

Exploring the Coast in Florida

The Panhandle may be known as the Redneck Riviera to some, but to those in the know, the area
has some of Florida's best beaches, with undeveloped stretches of powder-white sand that's a hot
commodity in the world these days.

Days 1 & 2: Gulf Islands National Seashore and Pensacola Beach

This is, hands down, Florida's best beach. Not only are there 150 miles of protected beach, but
there's also a 1,378-acre natural Live Oaks Area full of oaks, pines, and nature trails. Do not leave
without hitting the Flora-Bama Lounge, which prides itself on being the "Last Great American
Road House."

Day 3: Destin Beach

Grayton Beach State Park is a sublime white-sand paradise, with 356 acres of pine forests
surrounding a lake. You can camp here to get back to nature, or you can choose to explore
Destin's other beaches, such as Henderson Beach State Park and Fort Walton Beach's Okaloosa
Island. You can't really go wrong with any of them. The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is good
for a longer stay, a community unto itself with restaurants, shops, a private 5-mile beach, and,
according to the experts, unparalleled golf. Don't get too marooned because you will want to go
off property and check out AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar, the hottest spot on Destin Harbor, famous
for its rooftop bar and live music.

Days 4 & 5: Seaside & Rosemary Beach

Live The Truman Show in this stunning, Victorian-style planned community with old-fashioned
beach cottages set upon unfettered sand dunes. Just 8 miles east of Seaside is Rosemary Beach, a
swanky community of Caribbean-style cottages and old English carriage houses with a stunning
private beach and Kodak-worthy Gulf views. Rent a cottage and enjoy the views. Be sure to take a
drive up and down scenic 30A and stop for a photo op of the newest planned seaside community,
Alys Beach. Or just head to straight to the Red Bar for a cocktail and possible Sheryl Crow
sighting.

Day 6: Panama City Beach

St. Andrews State Park has 1,000 acres of white sand and dunes, a common theme in the
Panhandle. Shell Island is pristine, uninhabited, and known for possessing shells that aren't
available for purchase in those touristy souvenir shops. For a little lunch, shopping, or honky-
tonking, head to Panama City's brand-new Pier Park, where restaurants, shops, and a bangin'
branch of Nashville's Tootsies Orchid Lounge will keep you out of the sun for a few hours and
possibly into the night. Spend the night at Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa.

Day 7: Apalachicola

Florida's so-called Last Frontier happens to have one of the country's last amazing beaches, St.
George Island State Park. Enjoy the 9 miles of nature before having to go back to reality. Spend
your last night at the Apalachicola River Inn, the town's only waterfront stay, and home of the
popular Frog Level Oyster Bar and Boss Oyster, where you'll be treated to some of the best
bivalves you've ever had.
Expert guide to Florida (Telegraph)

Superficially, Florida's attractions are no secret. Blissful beaches, amazing theme parks, fabulous
shopping and nightlife make this a “no-brainer”, as the locals say, whether for families, couples,
seniors or solo travellers. But dig below the surface and what at first might seem a two-
dimensional destination bursts into vivid 3-D with an array of possibilities that keep people
coming back year after year.

Orlando, which lives up to its name as the theme park capital of the world, is the honeypot that
draws most of the state’s 90 million-plus annual visitors. It’s a captivating place of elaborate
fantasy, yet only the starting point on a journey that now encompasses eco-adventures and
wildlife expeditions as well as a growing trend in outdoor pursuits, from kayaking and cycling to
fishing and golf. And, while its core business remains the mass market, there is ever more luxury
in hotels, spas and dining.

Florida has a real ability to surprise: it has America’s oldest city (St Augustine), a rich Native
American heritage (with the Seminole tribe), a legacy of early 20th-century expansion (Henry
Flagler’s railroads) and the home of space exploration (at the Kennedy Space Center). It’s also
home to the Ringling circus business, which promises “the Greatest Show on Earth”.

There is one other reason why many return – value for money. When you’re splashing out on
your annual two-week trip, you want a good return on your investment. Florida delivers a
consistent, reliable and quality-conscious holiday that is the nearest thing to a guarantee you’ll
find in today’s travel world.

When to go to Florida
Not for nothing is this called the Sunshine State, but be aware that May to September can be
fiendishly hot and humid, with temperatures rising above 95F/35C. The ideal cooler-but-pleasant
weather runs from March to early May and mid-October to late November.

Southern Florida is still in the 70sF/20sC in winter but, further north, temperatures can dip
below freezing at night. Orlando and its theme parks are also extremely busy in March and early
April and from June to mid-August, and thoroughly packed at Christmas and New Year.

Where to go

Florida is larger than England and Wales combined and splits into five distinct areas in tourism
terms – north-east, central, south-east, Gulf Coast and the Keys. You can’t go wrong for great
beaches, with more than 1,200-miles of coastline, but the Gulf Coast tends to be calmer and
slightly warmer (better for families) while surfing and watersports are more abundant on the
Atlantic side.
Many visitors combine an Orlando stay with a week on the Gulf Coast or a trip down to the Keys,
the jewel-like string of islands that arc 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida down into the
Caribbean, finishing just 90 miles from Cuba.

Local laws & etiquette

Always carry your driver’s licence and your rental car contract in case you are stopped by police.

When driving, you can turn right at a red light, but come to a full stop first and check there is no
traffic coming and no sign that says “No turn on red”.

You must have your lights on in the rain. On motorways, either move over one lane or slow down
for an emergency vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder. On minor roads, you must pull over and
stop for an emergency vehicle going in either direction. You cannot overtake a school bus when it
is stopped and unloading.

Remember to tip porters and servers at hotels and restaurants. Porters would expect $1/bag,
while a 15 per cent tip for dining and taxi drivers is the norm. Oh, and locals really do mean it
when they say “Have a nice day!” This is one of the friendliest states in America.

Essential Information

Flight time: London to Orlando is around 9 hours; to Tampa is 9.5 and Miami around 10

Currency: US dollar

Foreign Office Advice: none at present (but check gov.uk)

Extra reading/apps: Brit Guide to Orlando & Walt Disney World (Simon & Susan Veness;
Foulsham £14.99); Lonely Planet Discover Florida (Karlin, Campbell, Denniston, Matchar;
Lonely
Planet£14.99) visitorlando.com; sunny.org; floridakeysapps.com; miamiandbeaches.com;
disneyworld.disney.go.com

Emergency numbers/contacts: dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance services (9-911 from most
hotels); 511 for traffic info

For UK visitors: visitflorida.com/en-uk

MIAMI Attractions

An insider's guide to the best things to do and attractions in Miami, including the Miami
Seaquarium, Zoo Miami, Freedom Tower and where to see Miami's best wildlife. By Shayne
Benowitz, Telegraph Travel's Miami expert.

£££

Little Havana Tours

Cuban culture is ingrained in Miami’s DNA and there’s no better place to get a taste of it than in
Little Havana. A district near downtown Miami, its heart and soul can be found along Calle Ocho
(8th Street). I first ventured out here on a private, fully customizable walking tour led by Corinna
J. Moebius, a cultural anthropologist and Little Havana resident who recently wrote a book on
the history of the neighbourhood. Corrina is a fount of knowledge about the Cuban people and
their cultural heritage in Miami. We visited a Cuban bakery for pastelitos (pastries) and
cortaditos (strong Cuban coffee), a music store blaring samba music, rum shops, cigar shops, art
galleries, fruit markets and handcraft stores in a few short blocks. The contexts that Corinna
provided – from street art to the men gathered at Domino Park – gave me a much greater
appreciation of the neighbourhood's culture than I'd have got without her insights. When the tour
is complete, Corinna will provide you with an information sheet that includes discounts at local
restaurants and shops. Take advantage of it and refuel on a traditional Cuban meal. You’ll know
exactly what to order after Corinna is done with you.

Cuban culture is ingrained in Miami’s DNA and there’s no better place to get a taste of it than in
Little Havana

Address: tours start at Maximo Gomez Park at 801 SW 15th Avenue or alternate specified
location in Little Havana
Getting there: bus 8 to SW 7th Street at SW 16th Avenue; or bus 12 to SW 12th Avenue at SW 8th
Street
Contact: 00 1 305 814 8884; littlehavanatours.com
Opening times: flexible – tours are by private arrangement
Admission: from $150 for a three-hour private tour for one or two people; additional costs with
more people
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations : essential

Jungle Island

Located on Watson Island, midway between South Beach and downtown, Jungle Island is a
wildlife park that offers fun for the whole family. Expect to see orangutans, reptiles, kangaroos,
giant tortoises, penguins, tigers, black panthers, leopards and cougars, and lots of tropical birds.
Don’t miss the Winged Wonders show at the Parrot Bowl for a colourful performance that
includes condors, macaws and the rare cassowary bird. You can also have a swim and muck
around on inflatable water toys at Parrot Cove Beach. While admission is quite steep, the park is
worth the visit if your little ones are fascinated by exotic animals. Allow half a day to fully
experience this attraction.

Jungle Island is a wildlife park that offers fun for the whole family

Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Downtown, 33132

Getting there: bus 120, C, M, S to Jungle Island
Contact: 00 1 305 400 7000; jungleisland.com
Opening times: normally daily, 10am-6pm
Admission: $38; over 65s, $36; 18 and under, $29
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary

££

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Miami’s landmark Frost Science museum opened in Spring 2017 next to the Perez Art Museum
Miami on Museum Park downtown. It’s one of the only science museums in the world to boast
both an aquarium and planetarium under one roof. The hands-on, interactive exhibits make for a
perfect family-friendly outing. I love the Gulf Stream Aquarium, which spans three floors
including an open tank at the rooftop. I could spend all afternoon watching hammerhead sharks,
stingrays and mahi-mahi circle the 500,000-gallon tank. Buy your tickets and reserve your

Miami’s landmark Frost Science museum opened in Spring 2017 and is one of the only science
museums in the world to boast both an aquarium and planetarium under one roof

Address: 1101 Biscayne Boulevard

Getting there: Metromover to Museum Park Station; Bus 3, 93, 103, 119 to Biscayne Boulevard at
NE 11th Street
Contact: 00 1 305 434 9600; frostscience.org
Opening times: Mon-Sun, 9am-6pm
Admission: $28; 3-11, $20; under 3s, free
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: recommended

Art Deco Walking Tour

Organized by the Miami Design Preservation League and departing daily from the Art Deco
Welcome Center on Ocean Drive in the heart of South Beach, Art Deco Walking Tours provide a
historical context to the architectural style that defines South Beach. The 90-minute tour covers
not only Art Deco, but also Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (MiMo) architecture.
You’ll view the hallmarks of the Art Deco movement in both the exterior and interior design of
landmark hotels and buildings throughout the historic district. When I took the tour, I found it
fascinating to see the history of my young city – it turned 100 in 2015 – come alive through its
architecture. Now, whenever I’m cruising through town, I enjoy guessing when different hotels
and apartments were built based on the prevailing architectural style. The Miami Design
Preservation League played a leading role in the preservation of these historic buildings, making
South Beach what it is today. During your tour, it's not a bad idea to wear sunscreen or a hat and
look for shade. South Beach's sun shines bright.

Art Deco Walking Tours provide a historical context to the architectural style that defines South
Beach

Address: tours start from the Art Deco Welcome Center at 1001 Ocean Drive, South Beach, 33139
Getting there: bus 103, 120, 123, 150 to Washington Avenue at 9th or 10th Street
Contact: 00 1 305 672 2014; mdpl.org
Opening times: Mon-Sun 10:30am; Thurs 6:30pm
Admission: $25; over 65s, students, $20
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary

Everglades National Park

Spanning 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands, the Everglades National Park is one of the
world’s unique ecosystems. It is made up of sawgrass prairies, hardwood hammocks and
saltwater marshes, and is in fact an enormous slow-moving river flowing south into the Florida
Bay – it is also called the “River of Grass". Wildlife includes bald eagles, white-tailed deer and, of
course, the Florida alligator. When I go with friends, we start early so there's time for an airboat
ride and to explore the park further. From downtown Miami, it's around an hour's drive to Gator
Park, which lays on animal shows and airboats tours; tickets are cheaper if you book ahead
online. The fast-paced ride on these boats, which are propelled by a giant fan, is always exciting
and seeing alligators up close and personal is a thrill. The Shark Valley Visitor Center, 12 miles
down the road, is the closest access point from Miami to the park proper. Here there are
naturalist-led two-hour tours on an open-air tram (advance bookings recommended in the peak
winter months), and you can rent bikes and make a 15-mile loop, and hike on shorter walking
trails. If you visit in summertime, be prepared for hot, muggy conditions, and pack sunscreen,

Everglades National Park is one of the world’s unique ecosystems

Address: The Shark Valley Visitor Center is at 36000 SW 8th Street, Everglades, 33194
Getting there: No public transport: drive
Contact: Gator Park: 00 1 305 559 2255. Shark Valley Visitor Center: 00 1 305 221 8776
Opening times: Gator Park: daily, 9am-5pm. Shark Valley: mid-December to mid-April, daily
8.30am-5pm; mid-April to mid-December daily 9am-4.30pm; last tram tour departs at 4pm
Admission: Gator Park (rates include shows and airboat ride): at the gate $22.99, children 6-12
$11.99; booked online $18, children 6-12 $10. Entrance to Everglades National Park: $10 per
vehicle. Shark Valley Visitor Center: tram tours $23, over 62s $19, children 3-12 $12.75, 2 and
under free; bicycle rentals $9 per hour
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: recommended

Millionaire's Row Cruise

On this 90-minute narrated boat trip with Island Queen Cruises through Biscayne Bay not only
you’ll spy the homes of the rich and famous such as Gloria Estefan, Don Johnson and Shaquille
O'Neill along Millionaire’s Row and Star Island, but also take in stunning views of Miami’s
downtown skyline, giant cruise ships lining the Port of Miami and the lavish condos of Fisher
Island, a private island favoured by some of Miami's wealthiest residents. My favourite views of
the city are from the water, and this is a great way to get the lay of the land from a unique
perspective. The vessels have an enclosed, air-conditioned lower deck, an open-air upper deck,
and room for 140 passengers; snacks and cocktails are available on board. If you purchase your

Spy the homes of the rich and famous and take in stunning views of Miami's downtown skyline
on this 90-minute boat trip through Biscayne Bay

Address: cruises depart from Bayside Marketplace next to Tradewinds Bar & Grill at 401
Biscayne Boulevard Downtown, 33132
Getting there: bus 3, 93, 103, 119 to Biscayne Boulevard at NE 4th Street; Metromover to College
Bayside Station
Contact: 00 1 305 379 5119; islandqueencruises.com
Opening times: daily, 10.30am-7pm; cruises depart every half hour or hour
Admission: $28 ($25 pre-purchased online); children 4-12, $19; 3 and under, free
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: recommended

South Beach Kayak

Experience Miami’s abundant natural beauty as the locals do by renting a kayak or stand-up
paddleboard from my friends at South Beach Kayak. This longtime family-run business is located
just across the street from Biscayne Bay in South Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighbourhood. No
matter what your experience level is, they’ll get you set up on the water and feeling confident.
Talk to the staff about the current and wind conditions when picking routes to take along the
tranquil bay. Paddleboarding is one of my favourite ways to spend a beautiful day on the water
with friends and get in a good core workout. I go south past Belle Isle underneath the Venetian
Causeway and towards the uninhabited Flagler Memorial Island to explore and go for a swim.
Just be aware of boat traffic and especially jet skis, and definitely lather up on the sunscreen.
No matter what your experience level is, the staff at South Beach Kayak will get you set up on the
water and feeling confident

Address: 1771 Purdy Avenue, South Beach, 33139

Getting there: bus 123 to Dade Boulevard at Purdy Avenue
Contact: 00 1 305 975 5087; southbeachkayak.com
Opening times: Mon-Fri, 10.30am-5.30pm; Sat, Sun; 9am-5.30pm
Admission: one-hour rates: single kayak $15; double kayak $25; paddleboard $30
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: recommended

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Occupying 83 lush acres in Coral Gables, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has a mission of
“exploring, explaining and conserving tropical plants.” You can visit the gardens on guided
walking tours, tram tours or on your own. Collections and exhibits include rare plants, Wings of
the Tropics with exotic butterflies, and various aquatic displays. It’s a beautiful place to escape
the hustle and bustle of the city and commune with nature, which I love to do any chance I have.
Special events – from art exhibitions to mango festivals – occur throughout the year, so check the
schedule ahead of your visit.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city
and commune with nature

Address: 1091 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, 33156

Getting there: no public transport: drive or take taxi
Contact: 00 1 305 667 1651; fairchildgarden.org
Opening times: daily, 7.30am-4.30pm
Admission: $25; over 65s, $18; children 6-17, $12; 5 and under, free
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

On my first visit to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, I was completely enchanted. Standing in the
elaborate, manicured gardens of this grand Mediterranean Revival villa, it felt like I was in
Versailles, and on the east terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay it was as if I was in a palazzo in
Venice. Vizcaya was built as the private waterfront estate for the millionaire industrialist James
Deering in the 1910s. The villa is filled with elaborate Renaissance tapestries, Rococo furniture,
Chinese objets d'art, Roman sculptures and early 20th-century paintings. Deering's artistic
director Paul Chalfin created individual rooms in the style of different Italian cities, with Milan
represented in the Music Room, Palermo at the reception and Venice in various bedrooms. The
lovely al fresco café overlooking the pool is ideal for lunch.

The lovely al fresco café overlooking the pool is ideal for lunch Credit: Bill Sumner

Address: 3251 S. Miami Avenue, Coconut Grove, 33129

Getting there: Metrorail to Vizcaya Station
Contact: 00 1 305 250 9133; vizcaya.org
Opening times: Wed-Mon, 9.30am-4.30pm
Admission: $18; over 62s, $12; students, $10; children 6-12, $6; 5 and under, free
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible

Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami is the most affordable animal attraction in town and well worth the 40 minutes' drive
south of downtown Miami for its 740-acre setting and the sheer breadth of animals you'll
encounter. There are over 3,000 animals on show – including mammals, reptiles, birds and
amphibians, arranged according to the continent and climate where they originally come from.
You can traverse the three miles of paths on foot, or explore by tram, on a monorail or peddle
yourselves around on a safari cycle ($28 for two hours; seats three adults and two children).
Children can feed giraffes and ride a camel. For an interactive guide and to help plan your visit,

There are over 3,000 animals on show – including mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians

Address: 12400 SW 152nd Street, South Miami, 33177

Getting there: no public transport: drive
Contact: 00 1 305 251 0400; zoomiami.org
Opening times: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, Sun, 9.30am-5.30pm
Admission: $19; children 3-12, $15; 2 and under, free; $1 cheaper booked ahead online
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary

Oleta River State Park

For a taste of South Florida’s rugged outdoors without the long drive to Everglades National
Park, I highly recommend an afternoon at Oleta River State Park in North Miami, a mere 20-
minute drive from South Beach. I love the fact that it's so convenient yet still feels far removed
from the city. Inside the park, manoeuvre through mangrove estuaries on stand-up paddleboards
or kayaks, hit the tranquil lagoon beach or go fishing. It’s also a prime destination for mountain
biking, with 15 miles of trails ranging from novice to expert across the 1,033-acre park. Kayaks,
canoes, stand-up paddleboards and bicycles are all available to rent from the park’s Blue Moon
Outdoor Center (bluemoonoutdoor.com). On my last visit, I enjoyed simply hiking around the
nature trail. For an experience that feels worlds away from Miami, don't leave without having a
bite to eat at Blue Marlin Fish House (bluemoonoutdoor.com), just outside the park’s
boundaries. Order a smoked marlin sandwich and a craft beer to savour on a wooden deck
overlooking the river.

Inside the park, manoeuvre through mangrove estuaries on stand-up paddleboards or kayaks, hit
the tranquil lagoon beach or go fishing Credit: Rebecca Connolly - Fotolia

Address: 3400 NE 163rd Street, North Miami, 33181

Getting there: no public transport: drive
Contact: 00 1 305 919 1846; floridastateparks.org
Opening times: daily, 8am-sundown
Admission: entrance: vehicle with one passenger, $4; vehicle with 2-8 passengers, $6;
pedestrians, cyclists, additional passengers, $2
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary

The Venetian Pool

An 820,000-gallon natural spring pool fed by an underground aquifer, the Venetian Pool was
created in a historic coral rock quarry in 1923. The magical swimming pool has waterfalls, cave-
like grottos, porticos and a picturesque bridge, all shaded by palm trees. It was part of the “grand
plan” that developer George Merrick had for Coral Gables, which is nicknamed the City Beautiful.
Anytime I drive through the lush, tree-lined residential streets of Coral Gables, I think of that.
Today, the Venetian Pool is a unique swimming destination and the only pool on the National
Register of Historic Places. The water temperature is maintained at a consistent 77 degrees,
which feels great in the summer and spring months, but can be quite chilly in the winter season.
Plan to arrive early as they adhere strictly to occupancy limits and will not admit more swimmers
once they've reached their maximum.

The magical swimming pool has waterfalls, cave-like grottos, porticos and a picturesque bridge,
all shaded by palm trees

Address: 2701 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, 33135

Getting there: bus 24 to SW 24th Street at Toledo Street; bus 42 to SW 42 Avenue at Almeria
Avenue
Contact: 00 1 305 460 5306; coralgables.com
Opening times: year round: hours vary by month – check the website for details
Admission: $12; children 3-12, $7; 3 and under, not permitted
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible

Pérez Art Museum Miami

A museum of both architectural and cultural significance, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
opened in December 2013, solidifying Miami’s reputation as a destination for art and culture.
Situated on a bayfront campus in downtown Miami known as Museum Park, the facility was
designed by prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, and mimics Miami’s iconic Stiltsville
homes in Biscayne Bay. The structure alone is worth the visit, but it would be silly to miss out on
the thought-provoking contemporary art inside. The museum’s permanent collection focuses on
international art of the 20th and 21st centuries from the perspective of the Americas. The
museum has extended hours on Thursdays until 9pm, with talks, performances and screenings,
and admission on the first Thursday and second Saturday of the month is free.

A museum of both architectural and cultural significance, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
solidified Miami’s reputation as a destination for art and culture

Address: 1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown, 33130

Getting there: Metromover to Museum Park Station; bus 3, 93 119 to Biscayne Boulevard at NE
9th Street; Biscayne Trolley to NE 10th Street
Contact: 00 1 305 375 3000; pamm.org
Opening times: Tue, Wed, Fri-Sun, 10am-6pm; Thu 10am-9pm
Admission: $16; over 62s, students and children 7-18, $12; 6 and under, free. First Thu and
second Sat of the month, free for all
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible

The Wolfsonian - Florida International University

Situated in an historic Mediterranean Revival building in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco
District, The Wolfsonian – Florida International University is a museum, library and research
centre with an intriguingly specific scope and mission. The collection of 120,000 artefacts,
photographs, design objects and artworks dating from 1885 to 1945 sheds light on “the
persuasive power of art and design, and explores what it means to be modern.” In recent
exhibitions such as “Prose and Propaganda: Political Posters from the Contemporary Middle East
and Afghanistan” and “At Ease: Miami Beach During the Second World War,” curators use
advertisements, posters, clothing, photographs and film to illustrate their theses. When I visited
the permanent collection with a friend, the museum definitely inspired interesting sociological
questions and conversations. Entry to the museum is free during extended hours on Friday from
6pm-9pm.
The Wolfsonian – Florida International University is a museum, library and research centre
which sheds light on “the persuasive power of art and design, and explores what it means to be
modern.”

Address: 1001 Washington Avenue, South Beach, 33139

Getting there: bus 103, 120, 123, 150 to Washington Avenue at 12th Street
Contact: 00 1 305 531 1001; wolfsonian.org
Opening times: Mon, Tue, Sat, 10am-6pm; Thu, Fri, 10am-9pm; Sun, midday-6pm
Admission: $7; over 65s, students, children 6-12, $5; 5 and under, free. Fri, 6-9pm, free for all
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible

Rubell Family Collection

Miami is home to a handful of impressive private art collections that are open to the public. One
of these is the Rubell Family Collection, in a striking space which used to house Drug
Enforcement Agency confiscated goods. My visit here in December 2013 during its “28 Chinese”
exhibition, a result of the family’s six research trips to China between 2001 and 2012, is still one
of the most memorable art experiences I’ve had in the city. The Rubells are committed to
championing emerging artists working at the forefront of contemporary art, and their captivating
collection of works ranges from 1980s neo-expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat to Jeff
Koons. To visit the collection and exhibitions, it’s necessary to arrange in advance for a guided
tour.

The Rubells are committed to championing emerging artists working at the forefront of
contemporary art

Address: 95 NW 29th Street, Wynwood, 33127

Getting there: bus 2 to NW 2nd Avenue at NW 29th Street; bus 6 to NW 29th Street at N. Miami
Avenue
Contact: 00 1 305 573 6090; rfc.museum
Opening times: in summer, Wed and Fri at 3pm. Otherwise, check the website as hours change
seasonally
Admission: $10; students, under 18s, $5
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: essential

HistoryMiami

Located on a beautiful plaza in downtown Miami, HistoryMiami is an intimate museum with

both a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions highlighting various historical moments of
interest in Miami. It sheds an interesting light on everything from Miami's Cuban diaspora and
pan-Caribbean communities to famous former residents like Muhammad Ali and artistic
movements like street art. I always learn something new every time I visit. Well-respected local
historian Dr. Paul George takes the experience beyond the walls of the museum by leading tours
on foot, and less frequently by boat and bicycle, around Miami. The walking tours might take you
on a tasting tour of Little Haiti, through the street art of Wynwood and offer insights on the
architecture of the downtown skyline.

HistoryMiami sheds an interesting light on everything from Miami's Cuban diaspora and pan-
Caribbean communities to famous former residents like Muhammad Ali and artistic movements
like street art

Address: 101 W. Flagler Street, Downtown, 33130

Getting there: Metromover to Government Center Station; bus 11, 77 to NW 1st Street at NW 1st
Avenue
Contact: 00 1 305 375 1492; historymiami.org
Opening times: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, midday-5pm
Admission: $8; over 65s, students, $7; children 6-12, $5; 5 and under, free. Walking tours usually
$30
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible