Greater Miami and the Beaches is home to two national parks and countless other attractions allowing visitors to go from cheering in the stands at a NASCAR race to hiking a mangrove trail in the Everglades. Snorkeling, playing with monkeys, hand-feeding alligators and conversing with parrots are only a small fraction of the attractions that the Magic City has to offer.

Ancient Spanish Monastery 16711 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, FL 33160 .................................................. 305/945-1461 www.spanishmonastery.com Built in Segovia, Spain in 1141, the Monastery Cloister is the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst brought the pieces to America, and in 1952 Miami developers reassembled the monastery on its current site.

Angels Cypress Airboat Tours 15 miles west of Florida’s Turnpike on Tamiami Trail (US 41), Miami, FL 33194........................ 305/280-4812 www.cypressairboats.com Offering private, fully custom airboat tours through the unique and beautiful Florida Everglades. Their private tours are led by an expert, certified captain with more than 35 years of Everglades guide experience — operating top-of-the-line airboats. See wildlife including birds, animals, alligators — even rare and endangered species up close in a natural, unspoiled setting. An unforgettable adventure with incredible photo opportunities, available year-round.

One, two, or three hours are available. Check their website for directions.

Art Deco Historic District c/o Miami Design Preservation League 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139............. 305/672-2014 www.mdpl.org The nation’s largest 20th Century National Register Historic District. The area features more than 800 historic buildings erected during the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, and contains a variety of architectural styles. Walking, bicycle and private group tours are available.

Biscayne National Park 9700 SW 328th St., Homestead, FL 33033................ 305/230-1100 www.nps.gov/bisc A 53-foot glass-bottom boat and a 45-foot diving and snorkeling catamaran take adventurers across southern Biscayne Bay, through wilderness, mangrove creeks, islands, and out to tropical coral reefs teeming with sea life.

Family snorkeling and scuba diving available from the boat. Canoe and kayak rentals, picnic area, walking trails, fishing, camping and shower facilities available. Reservations required.

Beautiful waterfront visitor center offers exhibits, films and information.

Biscayne Nature Center Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center 6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149 ................................... 305/361-6767, ext. 119 www.biscaynenaturecenter.org Offers hands-on marine exploration, coastal hammock hikes, fossil-rock reef walks, local history lectures and beach walks. Marine exploration trips scheduled at low tide only. All trips led by naturalist guide. Reservations required. Call for tour information and reservations.

Coopertown Airboat Rides and Restaurant 22700 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33194........................ 305/226-6048 www.coopertownairboats.com Offering airboat rides and alligator exhibitions since 1945. Professional guides lead tours through hardwood hammocks to see wildlife in its native Everglades environment. Just 11 miles west of Florida’s Turnpike. Gift shop and restaurant with a menu that includes frog legs and gator tail. Call ahead to book a private tour.

Coral Castle 28655 S. Dixie Highway, Homestead, FL 33033................ 305/248-6345 www.coralcastle.com This quirky monument is one of Greater Miami’s more unusual attractions. Giant pieces of coral rock were carved into a variety of objects by Edward Leedskalnin in the 1920s, as a tribute to unrequited love. The construction techniques behind this mystery garden of fantastic coral sculptures continue to baffle experts and visitors. This attraction has been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles.

Coral Gables Merrick House 907 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134.............. 305/460-5095 www.coralgables.com This is the boyhood home of George E. Merrick, founder and developer of the City of Coral Gables.

This historic landmark house originally began as an 1899 frame house, and was added onto in 1907.

The house has been restored to the 1920s period and filled with the Merrick family’s art, furniture and personal treasures.

Deering Estate at Cutler 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami, FL 33157........................ 305/235-1668 www.deeringestate.org This 444-acre environmental, archeological and historical preserve is located along the edge of Biscayne Bay. From canoe rides to butterfly hikes and guided nature tours, the estate has diverse activities for the whole family to enjoy. The estate offers daily tours of the historic houses — the Stone House and the Richmond Cottage — as well as tours of the lush natural areas where fossil bones have been found from as far back at 50,000 years.

The estate is part of the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department, which manages it on behalf of the State of Florida.

Everglades Alligator Farm 40351 SW 192nd Ave., Florida City, FL 33034................ 305/247-2628 www.everglades.com Explore the Everglades on a thrilling airboat tour and enjoy live shows every hour featuring alligators and snakes.

Everglades National Park 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034................ 305/242-7700 www.nps.gov/ever This is the third-largest national park in the continental United States and the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. The 1.5-million-acre park boasts rare and endangered species living in a variety of habitats. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, International Biosphere Reserve and Wetland of International Importance. There are four visitor centers, miles of nature trails for hiking and biking, and excellent flats fishing. Concession operators offer guided boat tours from the Gulf Coast and Flamingo areas of the park.

Other amenities located around the park include a fullservice marina, boat launching ramps, motorized and nonmotorized boat rentals, and camping facilities.

Everglades Safari Park 26700 Tamiami Trail (SW 8th Street), Miami, FL 33194........................ 305/226-6923 www.evsafaripark.com Features an alligator farm and show, guided airboat rides, a jungle trail, an interpretive center, a restaurant and a gift shop. Private tours available.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156.............. 305/667-1651 www.fairchildgarden.org This premier conservation and education-based garden and recognized international leader in conservation is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants.

It houses the National Palm Collection, has the world’s greatest living collection of palms and cycads; an education program reaching more than 30,000 school children per year; hosts popular events like the International Mango and Orchid Festivals, the Ramble, concerts, affiliated plant society shows and sales; and is a not-forprofit organization relying on the support of its 40,000 members and benefactors. It hosts major events such as Lichtenstein at Fairchild in 2008 and Chihuly at Fairchild in 2005 and 2006.

Fruit & Spice Park 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead, FL 33031................ 305/247-5727

Jungle Island 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132...................................................305/400-7000 www.jungleisland.com See spectacular shows: Winged Wonders, the world-famous bird show; Tale of the Tiger, with awesome tigers; and much more. The newest attraction, Gator X-treme, brings man face-to-face with alligators in a thrilling encounter both in the water and out. Encounter twin orangutans; and the liger, part lion and part tiger. Visit the new red kangaroos and see South African penguins. Welcome the new loveable lemurs from Madagascar. Visit the petting barn; feed the birds; and ask about VIP Safari Tours, Lemur Experience and Penguin Encounters. Retreat to La Playa, a private beach.

Relax beneath an umbrella and savor a tropical drink while the kids catch the thrill of La Playa’s water slides and swim area.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139........................................305/673-7256 www.mbgarden.org A botanical garden in the heart of Miami Beach.

Miami Children’s Museum 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132........................ 305/373-5437 www.miamichildrensmuseum.org Play, learn, imagine and create on Watson Island with the museum’s 14 interactive and bilingual exhibition galleries, as well as daily programming for the whole family. The museum also offers seasonal camps and classes, custom birthday party packages and more. Pick up a unique souvenir from the Kid Smart educational gift shop and lunch from Subway.

Miami Metrozoo 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177...................................................305/251-0400 www.miamimetrozoo.com Rated in 2008 as one of the top 10 zoos in the United States by TripAdvisor.

Com, this 327-acre zoo showcases more than 1,200 animals, including koalas, flamingos and elephants, in large open-air exhibitions. Things to do and see include the newly opened 27-acre Amazon & Beyond, American Banker’s Family Aviary, Dr. Wilde’s World, the Samburu giraffe-feeding station, Humpy’s camel rides, Nick Jr.’s favorite animal rescuer Diego and zookeeper talks throughout the day. Rent a safari cycle, ride the monorail or take a tram tour to see the zoo. Picnic and party facilities are available.

MIAMI SCIENCE MUSEUM 3280 S. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129...................................................305/646-4200 www.miamisci.org This Smithsonian Institute Affiliate features national traveling exhibitions, a Wildlife Center with rare birds of prey and reptiles, fascinating Planetarium shows, science demonstrations and live science theater shows. Museum store on-site. Centrally located via U.S. Highway 1 and Metrorail (Vizcaya Station). Laser shows the first Friday of every month.

Miami Seaquarium 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149...................................................305/361-5705 www.miamiseaquarium.com Enjoy 38 acres of entertainment, great shows and exhibits, in the home of Lolita the Killer Whale and TV superstar Flipper. Laugh with the island adventures of Salty the Sea Lion and thrill to the power, grace and beauty of the Pacific-white-sided dolphins performing with a killer whale. The new Dolphin Harbor facility allows visitors to slip into a wet suit for an up-close encounter with the dolphins. Rescued Florida manatees find a home here. See endangered sea turtles and Nile crocodiles at Discovery Bay. Salty’s Pirate Playground is a favorite stop for kids.

Monkey Jungle 14805 SW 216th St., Miami, FL 33170...................................................305/235-1611 www.monkeyjungle.com Escape on a jungle safari. Explore the wilds of South America, Asia and Africa. Witness crab-eating monkeys diving for treats.

Delve into the lush, tropical Amazonian rain forest filled with hundreds of exotic monkeys. Also contains one of the richest fossil deposits in Southern Florida, with more than 5,000 specimens.

New exhibit includes rare Amazon parrots, the Cameroon Jungle and the Mandrill Baboons. Offers continuous presentations, snack bar and gift shop.

Pinecrest Gardens 11000 SW 57th Ave., Pinecrest, FL 33156..............................................305/669-6942 www.pinecrestgardens.com This 22-acre site includes a historical botanical garden, petting zoo, Splash ’N’ Play water playground, butterfly exhibit, playground, amphitheaters and community rooms. It also hosts weddings and private parties.

Schnebly Redland’s Winery 30205 SW 217th Ave., Homestead, FL 33030...........................................305/242-1224 FL/U.S.................................................................. 888/717-WINE www.schneblywinery.com This winery in the Redland subtropical countryside offers tours and wine tastings around natural coral waterfalls surrounded by lush foliage. Visitors can compare the tastes of lychee, passion fruit, carambola, guava and mango wines, just to name a few. This is the southernmost winery in the continental U.S., handcrafting tropical wines without using grapes. The “Grand Tasting Room” has a Southern plantation agricultural style. The building is 5,000 square feet and has a view of the tropical courtyard, waterfalls, winery, Grand Tiki, Waterfall Tiki and more than 20,000 square feet of connecting Tikis. They host weddings and corporate retreats. Buses are welcome.

Venetian Pool 2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134.........................................305/460-5306 www.gablesrecreation.com This attraction just reopened after extensive renovations. A Venetian-style lagoon carved out of coral rock, this historic landmark and swimming pool features caves, stone bridges and waterfalls. Call for information on rates and hours of operation. Children must be at least 38 inches tall or show proof that they are at least 3 years old.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129...................................................305/250-9133 www.vizcayamuseum.org Vizcaya was built by agricultural industrialist James Deering, who wintered on the property from 1916 to 1925. Today, the extraordinary Europeaninspired estate and National Historic Landmark includes a house filled with art and furnishings, and 10 acres of gardens on Biscayne Bay.