Best Botanical Garden in El Portal

"The Miami Beach Botanical Gardens was originally a municipal park that opened in the early ’60s; it wasn’t until decades later when the area was redesigned and rejuvenated that it became the fantastic attraction that it is now. Designed by one of the state’s most renowned landscape architects, the gardens are an urban oasis filled with fountains, art, and an amazingly diverse array of plants, trees, and flowers, most of which are species native to Florida. The grounds include a Japanese garden, warden gardens, plenty of shaded seating areas, and well-marked pathways that lead to each distinct area."

"Tucked amongst the verdant foliage and gurgling fountains of the Wynwood’s serene Sacred Space, Plant’s soothing aesthetic and bright, beautiful dishes are a perfect match for its surroundings. Thoughtful takes on global dishes dominate the menu, like Thai coconut ceviche, adobo-rubbed mamey asado and cannelloni composed of kale pesto and almond herb cheese. The restaurant’s ethical ethos extends to its ingredients – most of its produce is sourced from Paradise Farms, Plant’s certified-organic sister property located a few miles south in Homestead."

"Plant is an eclectic plant-based concept temporarily located within The Sacred Space Miami. Heralded by executive chef Horacio Rivadero and pastry Chef Veronica Manolizi, the restaurant prides itself on being the most sustainable in the industry. The innovative dishes are inspired by the nature of South Florida, and indeed each plate is a true form of art featuring only locally harvested produce."

"Despite its name, DIRT offers clean eating and great taste on one plate. Their farm-to-counter policy is what attracts vegans all over Florida and makes it one of the best vegan restaurants in Miami Beach. The majority of their menu is vegan, but they also offer vegetarian and paleo options."

"If you need to escape Miami’s madness, consider a green day in one of the country’s largest tropical botanical gardens. A butterfly grove, tropical plant conservatory and gentle vistas of marsh and keys habitats, plus frequent art installations from artists like Roy Lichtenstein, are all stunning. In addition to easy-to-follow, self-guided walking tours, a free 45-minute tram tours the entire park on the hour from 10am to 3pm (till 4pm weekends)."

"Review: "It truly is one of Miami's best kept secrets. The point is so beautiful ...". Type: Tourist attraction. Near The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden:"

"This place has occupied its tiny little storefront on Sunset Drive for decades. Their milkshakes are so thick you can barely get them through a straw, and their chocolate malt shake is as classic as it gets. No fancy machines, no exotic flavors, just some of the best classic ice cream around, with generous scoops."

"Started in 1985, Whip ‘N Dip ranks as a long-time staple among the best Miami ice cream shops. Using locally sourced ingredients from partner suppliers, they make new flavors daily. Some must-trys include banana nut chip, heath bar brownie and chocolate-covered almond."

"This family owned ice cream shop is just off Sunset and has the best ice cream in Miami. Bold statement, I know, but I speak the truth. And, they don’t just stop at ice cream, their cookie cups happen to be the greatest of all time."

"There are good cookies and then there are cookies you would brave traffic for. Cindy Lou’s is the latter, offering a selection of gooey, delicious options (like butterscotch walnut and lemon cloud) that are guaranteed to be some of the tastiest you’ll ever try. But the best part has to be the passionate baker, Cindy Kruse, who can be found spreading her baked-goods gospel all over Miami."

"The ultimate sweet spot in Little River, Cindy Lou’s Cookies, guests can order individual cookies, cakes, brownies, bars, and more for a sugar rush that’s bound to last all day. Cindy Lou is also sending boxes of cookies to hospitals around the city and taking donation orders, and with each donation she will match cookie for cookie and handle delivery. View this post on Instagram"

"More of a cultural center than a museum, the space is both a comforting reminder for Haitian expats of their country’s art, history, music, movies, and literature and a fascinating look into a Caribbean nation that too few have been able to visit. Opened in 2004 to commemorate Haiti’s Bicentennial, the 60,000-square-foot museum is a one-of-a-kind experience just steps from Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, a location that makes it even more immersive ($10/adult). Find out more: http://www.haitianheritagemuseum.org/"

"Long-time Floridian gallerist Mindy Solomon decamped her St Petersburg gallery to Miami in 2013. Since then, she has brought a roster of contemporary ceramic artists into the fold, often exhibited in dialog with two-dimensional paintings and drawings. Sculptures, however, are the true stars of this location: a visit to the backroom reveals large, misshapen ceramic creations by Australian artist Virginia Leonard; vibrant ‘furries’ by Linda Lopez; and embroidered landscapes by Sophia Narrett."

"If you need to escape Miami’s madness, consider a green day in one of the country’s largest tropical botanical gardens. A butterfly grove, tropical plant conservatory and gentle vistas of marsh and keys habitats, plus frequent art installations from artists like Roy Lichtenstein, are all stunning. In addition to easy-to-follow, self-guided walking tours, a free 45-minute tram tours the entire park on the hour from 10am to 3pm (till 4pm weekends)."

"In the midst of downtown’s modern skyscrapers, this waterfront park offers plenty of green space for active folks to exercise. There’s an outdoor gym, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, and palm tree-lined sidewalks to jog along. Though a hotspot for young locals, parents can bring their kids for some fun in the covered kids’ playground and enjoy a barbecue by the grills and picnic tables."

"3150 Taft Street This facility offers eight lighted baseball fields, five batting cages, a clubhouse, shade-covered playground with artificial turf, boat ramp, pavilion and catwalk."