Urban energy and glittering cityscapes are obvious attractions in Greater Miami & Miami Beach. But if you slow down and look more closely, you’ll find a quieter side to this exciting destination. Here, you can enjoy endless outdoor adventures, glorious sunshine and fresh air. Natural attractions and nature-focused activities are as much a part of Miami as its modern, man-made diversions. No visit would be complete without taking the opportunity to experience Miami’s great outdoors.
To start, explore the shaded nature trails of Miami’s parks, which offer pockets of relaxation and renewal. At Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, staff at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center lead walking tours of the former coconut plantation’s diverse ecosystems, which include dunes, maritime hammocks, mangrove forests and seagrass beds. Get outside at Crandon Park for a chance to see a host of wildlife, too, such as sea turtles, manatees and more than 200 species of birds.
Visitors to Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach can commune with nature by running or mountain biking along 15 miles of multi-use trails, or kayaking through verdant mangrove wetlands so tranquil they feel far removed from bustling Downtown Miami, just 30 minutes away.
Taking a walking tour at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables reveals nature’s bounty, including world-class collections of rare palms, tropical fruit and flowering trees. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a lush, natural retreat located just steps from the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Nature exploration continues on the water, which teems with all types of marine life. There’s snorkeling off of South Beach, just opposite the Second Street lifeguard tower. You can swim out to the Jose Cuervo Reef, a shelter for corals, sponges and fish such as Spanish mackerel and snapper. Or you can book a half-day boat charter or rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore Biscayne Bay and its islets, where you just might encounter manatees and dolphins at play.
Outdoor adventurers will want to include a day or two at Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park – both within easy reach of the heart of Greater Miami & Miami Beach.
