Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Belle Meade Island

"Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway on East Sunrise Boulevard, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a stunning tropical oasis in which to enjoy a range of activities and local wildlife watching. Once home to Hugh Taylor Birch, who donated the estate to Florida’s public, the park is now home to an array of wildlife, including turtles, marsh rabbits, and the gopher tortoise, as well as over 200 species of birds. A mile-long freshwater lagoon provides the perfect place for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching while other recreational activities include hiking, cycling, inline skating, and Segway Tours."

"This state park was a gift from Hugh Taylor Birch to residents of Florida. His former estate is a 180-acre park that sits between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. This green space is a welcome oasis, perfect for a quiet walk on the trails or an afternoon picnic."

"It's the journey, not the destination,” they say, and they may well have been talking about South Pointe Park. The only access to the beach is through the stunningly landscaped green park, featuring wide walkways and an ocean-themed children's playground. Take a walk along the pier for views of the Atlantic Ocean, Government Cut, and Fisher Island."

"South Pointe Park is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable places in Miami. I highly recommend visiting if you’re looking to capture some amazing shots by the water. Here, you’ll find a beautiful walking promenade that runs along the channel, offering striking views."

"Perfect for families with kids looking for some outdoor fun, Bayfront Park has plenty of activities for all ages. Originally built back in 1896 and known as Royal Palm Park, this park has grown from a small patch of grass to gather on to more than 32 acres of playgrounds, beaches, walkways, gardens, and a waterfall. With other attractions like a pirate ship playground and multiple performance venues, there is always something going on."

"Few American parks can claim to front such a lovely stretch of turquoise as Biscayne Bay, but Miamians are lucky like that. Noted artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi redesigned much of Bayfront Park in... Top ChoiceMuseum in Downtown Miami"

"Situated in heart of what many call the “true Everglades”—a river of grass that stretches 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico—Shark Valley is part of a freshwater ecosystem with incredible biodiversity. It’s one of the best places in Everglades National Park to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife.More"

"At the heart of what many call the “true Everglades” is the gem that is Shark Valley, the center of the Everglades’ freshwater ecosystem and haven of wildlife."

"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."

"Option #2 – Miami Beach Botanical Garden This lovely oasis in the heart of South Beach showcases a variety of tropical blooms. Special events such as concerts, art exhibits and a green market take place at Miami Beach Botanical Garden throughout the year. Come see collections of orchids, palms, bromeliads, flowering trees and the lovely Japanese Garden."

"2000 Convention Center DriveMiami Beach, FL 3319(305) 673-7256. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is 2.6 acres of greens. It was founded in 1962."

"Crandon Park Beach boasts some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks in part to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar — itself an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. If the sun becomes too much, head to the Family Amusement Center open on weekends and holidays only to check out its restored carousel, beachfront playground, and splash fountain."

"An abandoned zoo on a subtropical island, ever since Dade County's main zoological park decamped to way down south, the Crandon Park Gardens, or just Crandon Gardens (both derivations are used) has sat and grown into a hidden, mysterious botanical garden with otherworldly follies (the former animal enclosures) scattered here and there."

"Parents love Candon Park for its gorgeous 2-mile beach, lifeguards, and picnic areas. But kids keep coming back for the vintage carousel, paved roller rink, and a seahorse fountain. Throw in the pretty arboretum and gardens and you've got one of the best spots in Miami for kids of all ages."

"For a more chilled beach day option, head to North Beach Oceanside Park, a serene destination, out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach’s hotels and restaurants. Pack your cooler to the brim, bring a Pub sub, and take in the blissful scene of the Atlantic Ocean. The park also features shaded walking trails, a bike path, and a dog park and playground to entertain the kids and fur babies."

"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"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."

"Option #2 – Miami Beach Botanical Garden This lovely oasis in the heart of South Beach showcases a variety of tropical blooms. Special events such as concerts, art exhibits and a green market take place at Miami Beach Botanical Garden throughout the year. Come see collections of orchids, palms, bromeliads, flowering trees and the lovely Japanese Garden."

"2000 Convention Center DriveMiami Beach, FL 3319(305) 673-7256. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is 2.6 acres of greens. It was founded in 1962."

"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)."

"Orange Blossom is a chic eatery spot located on 2000 Collins Ave that serves American cuisine made using local ingredients along with handcrafted cocktails in a rustic setting. The warm and inviting environment makes for a great place to enjoy delicious breakfast in South Beach that is prepared using fresh ingredients that are sourced locally from farmers and vendors. The farm to table menu includes American fares like Egg White Frittata, Steak & Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Nutella French Toast, Original Buttermilk Pancakes, and more."

"From Business: Orange Blossom pays homage to our Miami roots and celebrates the city's growth into the thriving, vibrant cultural destination it is today."

"Andrew’s Diner is a much-loved eatery with 20 years of history in South Florida and an unshakeable reputation for excellent food. For those who love breakfast, the most popular dishes include eggs Benedict, pancakes, and biscuits. For those who prefer lunch or dinner options, the most popular dishes include the turkey club and beef stew special."

"Before donuts became hip and pastry chefs got their hands on them, they were the everyman’s breakfast pastry. Dandee Donuts is one of the few independent places where you can still grab an old-school, traditional donut. You can also sit down and have an omelet, a patty melt, or even a pizza here."

"The Young at Art Museum (youngatartmuseum.org) in nearby Davie offers a wealth of fun for kids of all ages, including changing exhibits, special shows and entertainment. Permanent exhibits include a global village that features various cultures and activities, including participating in an archeological dig, learning origami and discovering a Mayan pyramid. Another exhibit features a black light environment where kids create works of art that come to life under the special lights."

"A former Drug Enforcement Agency warehouse, the Rubell Family Collection located in Wynwood proves to be anything but conventional. Spanning 40,000-square-feet, the museum tailors the whole first floor as the “New Shamans” exhibit, which features the work of artists who hail from South America. While the downstairs transports you into an enriching world that addresses environmental, social and political concerns, the museum’s “High Anxiety: New Acquisitions” is more therapeutic: the exhibit uses art to channel and understand everyday nerves and stresses."

"Originally established in New York City in 1964, this Miami art museum was moved to a former DEA confiscation center by Jason and Jennifer Rubell in 1993. One of the world’s largest privation collections, the Rubell Family Collection features works from Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Kara Walker, and Jean-Michel Basquiat."

"Long before Wynwood became an international art-hub, before places like the PAMM opened its doors, the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami was doing its part to bring contemporary art into the lives of all Miamians. Opened in 1996, the museum in its current state is now entering its 24th year and puts on 8 to 10 exhibitions annually. Notable artists like Anna Gaskell, Louise Bourgeois, Roy Lichtenstein, Annette Messager, and Frank Stella have all enjoyed either exhibitions or solo shows of their work in the halls of the MoCA NoMi."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has come a long way since its inception as a single gallery space in 1981. Now one of Miami’s most beloved cultural institutions, the MOCA hosts around eight to 10 special exhibits a year alongside its stellar permanent collections. Among those showcased in the MOCA permanent collection are Keith Haring, Gabriel Orozco and José Bedia, with the collection boasting a whopping 500 works of art."