What to do in Miami

Miami is a great place to go if you are looking to have a relax and unwind in the sun. It has amazing white-sand beaches and a multitude of restaurants to soothe even the workaholic.

As always, before we get started I have some fun facts to share about Miami. Why? I guess it’s the Nerd me. LOL!

1.First, how did Miami get its name, well its name comes from the Mayaimi tribe that lived there in the 16-17th centuries. Ok, which one of you knew that?

2.Ladies, this one is for you. Did you know that Miami is the only city in the US that was founded by a woman?  Julia Tuttle, a local businesswoman, convinced the developer to extend the Florida East Coast Railroad to Miami. This led the way to the modern city we now know as Miami.

3.Tons of cruise ships dock in Miami. It is also known as the cruise capital of the world, mainly because it has the largest cruise ship port in the world. All aboard!

4.Miami is home to the world’s largest collection of art deco architecture.

5.In 1944, a pharmacist who lived in Miami named Benjamin Green invented what is now known as suntan lotion. The sunscreen was invented for the united states military.

6.Miami is the only city in the united states that is surrounded by two national parks. Biscayne National Park and the Everglades National Park.

Jungle Island

This is an exciting place to take the kids. Jungle Island is one of the most popular attractions in Miami. The park was originally named the parrot jungle. In 1946, the island was visited by Winston Churchill.

Bayside Market

When visiting Miami, you have to make time to see the Bayside market which hosts 150 specialty and tourist shops, cafes, and restaurants. You will be able to pick up all the souvenirs you want. Be aware that your pockets may be a little bit lighter at the end!

Everglades National Park

The park is a short drive from Miami and covers 1.5 million acres of swamp lands. The park is home to alligators, snakes, crocodiles, and various species of tropical birds. I took a high-speed airboat tour through Everglades which allowed me to see more of the park. By the way, keep your hands in the boat, you never know where an alligator is, learn from my experience…ouch!

Miami Sea Aquarium

If you are looking for a day out, the aquarium is the place to go. It has daily shows displaying dolphins, killer whales, and other ocean mammals that will keep the most rambunctious child entertained.

Ok, not enough check out the large observation tanks containing tropical fish, sharks, and even alligators.

Miami Children’s Museum

The museum is 56,000 square feet of exhibits that appeal to every child’s imagination. The museum was founded in 1983, this attraction is for those travelers with small children.

Crandon Park

This park is located south of Miami Beach and across the Rickenbacker Causeway. Crandon Park is probably the most visited park in the area, why do you ask? The reef creates swimming conditions that are breathtaking. I am not a great swimmer so it is nice to know that there are lifeguards keeping a lookout all year round. There is also an Amusement and Nature Center adding even more to the family appeal of Crandon Park.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

This museum is humongous! It is a massive 250,000 square feet. Frost Science occupies four buildings: the Aquarium, the Frost Planetarium, and the North and West Wings.

Why go? Well let me tell you why. It features interactive opportunities, a 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream aquarium that houses all sorts of sea creatures, and there is a planetarium that hosts biweekly stunning laser light shows.

Murals at the Wynwood Walls

The murals were launched by Art Basel a for-profit, privately-owned and managed international art fair staged annually in Basel, Switzerland, Miami Beach, Florida and Hong Kong. What began originally as a few commissioned murals to help beautify the area. This park has transformed into the city’s only outdoor street art park. The mural features more than 40 murals from world-renowned artists. What is also cool is that the wall changes every year during Basel. During this time artists from around the world are welcome to create a one-of-a-kind piece.  Wynwood Walls is open to the public all year round and admission is free. I like that price tag!

The Best cinnamon rolls of your life at Knaus Berry Farm

If you are looking for a tranquil attraction then you must visit the family-run Knaus Berry Farm.  Ok, I have a confession, I have a bad sweet tooth. So, the bakery on the farm was a draw for me. I usually try to go sometime during the months of November through April, mainly because, this is the time of year you are able to get the highly addictive cinnamon rolls, pineapple upside-down cake and fruit milkshakes. Taste buds meet heaven!

Ride the entire Metromover

We definitely recommend you take this free ride so that you are able to see the city from a different vantage point. Now let me give you a hint, because it is free it can be crowded! Also, the train can stop for no reason. Seriously, it does it every once in a while! Don’t worry just get off and start walking. Hey, it’s free!