Location: Miami
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7 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Miami That You Shouldn't Miss
Miami is hot hot hot! And it’s not just the sultry weather. Here, the nightlife is scorching, thanks to a strong Latin influence and spicy salsa culture. Dance the noche away in a nightclub, or indulge in a fancy meal at one of the city’s celebrity-owned restaurants. By day, hit the beach of course, or have yourself a walkabout, taking in Miami’s colorful art deco architecture. Grab a Cuban sandwich in Little Havana, then ride the vintage carousel at Virginia Key Beach Park.
Restaurants in Miami
1. FIU Nature Preserve
2. Deering Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
The Deering Estate is a 21st Century house museum and an environmental preserve listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. The Estate offers daily tours of our historic houses -the Stone House and Richmond Cottage, as well as seasonal tours of the lush natural areas where fossil bones have been found, dating back as far as 50,000 years. From canoe tours to butterfly walks and guided nature hikes, the Deering Estate has diverse activities for the whole family to enjoy. General admission is $15 for adults and $7 children (ages 4-14) between the hours of 10AM and 4PM. The last ticket is sold at 4PM and the Estate closes at 5PM. We are open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving. *Mangrove Boardwalk closed until further notice*
Reviewed By mommy057 - Washington DC, United States
This is a great stop - staff was very helpful (alerted us to possible manatee sighting in the tidal basin, which turned out to be true!). Unlike Vizcaya up the road (the estate of the other Deering brother), on a weekday we could wander here without any crowding. Do go upstairs in the house - the bedrooms and baths are very authentic to the time, and many items owned by the family are still onsite (or have been returned to the house). Gardens aren't as extensive as Vizcaya, and mangrove boardwalk was still broken when we visited. Do walk to the Chinese bridge about a mile from the house. All in all, a lovely stop with very nice and helpful people. One constructive suggestion - the explanatory postings on the art could be more helpful about dates and sources of the work.
3. Monkey Jungle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 590 reviews
COVID-19 safety policies: Advance reservations required and masks must be worn by all visitors. Monkey Jungle is a one of a kind wildlife park and discovery center established in 1935. It is on a natural subtropical forest in southern Miami Dade County. The Jungle wildlife live here much as they would in their native habitats. Visitors, students and scientists experience unique up close encounters with these amazing creatures in Miami's natural 30-acre Jungle park. Over 400 primates run free throughout this reserve.
Reviewed By Melby121 - Dyer, United States
I just found a t shirt from Monkey Jungle which I bought on my visit there in 2000. Decided to look it up to see if it was still open. To my delight, it is! I remember my visit like it was yesterday due to the uniqueness of the park. I loved the water and the ropes the monkeys could use to get from place to place. I loved how we were in the cage and they seemed like the free ones. The concept was so innovative that I’m surprised the park was opened in the 30s. Very memorable, awe-inspiring and fun time there. A highlight of my trip in 2000, still a must-see.
4. Jungle Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,116 reviews
Jungle Island, a favorite South Florida landmark, is an intimate eco-adventure park and events destination located in the heart of Miami, across from the cruise ports between Downtown Miami and South Beach. Building upon a rich tradition that began in 1936, Jungle Island is home to thrilling new attractions designed to take guests to new heights and some of the world's most rare exotic animals. Visitors enjoy immersive, real-life jungle experiences including treetop adventures, engaging animal shows and informative exhibits while strolling by streams and waterfalls under a lush canopy of tropical trees. Book unforgettable hands-on encounters with fascinating animals or go on privately guided behind-the-scenes VIP tours - just like the many A-list celebrities who frequent Jungle Island. With its newly renovated Bloom Ballroom and picturesque outdoor spaces including a private beach, the 18-acre park also serves as Miami’s destination for extraordinary events.
5. Castellow Hammock Preserve and Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By MrMiamiExplorer - Miami, United States
It has been years since I have been to this location, but on the way back from the Everglades, I decided to stop in. The beautiful nature trails go through a peaceful hammock forest. I would not however recommend the trails for those who have trouble walking, no sense of balance , or are clumsy, as the ground is extremely rocky and uneven with exposed limestone and twisted tree roots. It is very good that it has been left natural and not paved over and destroyed. If you are hiking the nature trails, I recommend allowing at least 2 hrs. to be on the safe side, as it can be confusing to navigate when trails branch off, and the paint markings on the trees are unclear as to which direction you should go. I am in good shape, but I was on the trail over an hour. I hope that the park staff do a sweep of the trails before leaving, as I saw people first entering the trail 15 minutes before closing. If you look closely there is a variety of colorful fungi and snails to be observed along the trail. I also observed a hawk. Admission is free. I will definitely return.
6. Simpson Park
7. Modello Wayside Park
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