Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Normandy Shores

"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."

"The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park sits next to the Atlantic Ocean and if you love wildlife then you mustn’t miss the chance to visit. The park is home to a huge number of local species such as the gopher tortoise, turtles, and marsh rabbits and you can also find over 200 kinds of birds here. As well as hiking trails that are perfect for walking or cycling, there is a beach area as well as a lagoon that stretches for over a mile and is filled with fresh water."

"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."

"In addition to 30 acres of green space, Bayfront Park has an amphitheater that has hosted a variety of concerts, from Elton John to Rob Zombie. The park features several memorials, including one to the crew of the Challenger space shuttle. It's also a great place for a stroll or a picnic, so don't forget to bring your camera for the outstanding views of Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami."

"Located in downtown Miami, parents flock to this park for its sunning beach, large sea creature-themed playground, and views of Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami. A good choice for a picnic when your kids need to run around. A post shared by Laura (@talais25) on Nov 4, 2014 at 2:38pm PST"

"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."

"Because South Beach is such a broad description, and the varying beaches here go on for miles, we thought we'd narrow it down. Lummus Park, the area of the beach located along Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th Street, is the all-encompassing South Beach experience. This is the strip of sand that is always the most crowded, which makes for excellent people watching."

"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."

"Lummus Park Beach is a public park with over 74 acres of land. It can be found on the east of Ocean Drive and was created in 1985."

"Soundscape Park is a modern landscaped park that offers outdoor movie events supported by high-tech audio and visual effects. The venue presents a wonderful mix of nature and arts, which gives an atmosphere of lasting calmness. Breathe in the fresh air and watch the swaying branches of the elegant palms in the park."

"Outside of the New World Center, this park is one of the best places for open-air screenings in Miami Beach. During some New World Symphony performances, the outside wall of the Frank Gehry–designed concert hall..."

"You may be able to view a free Wallcast concert or a movie outside in the adjacent SoundScape Park, depending on the symphony’s schedule. Option # 2 - Nightlife"

"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)."

"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."

"801 Johnson Street A delightful Intracoastal-front park with boat ramps, two pavilions, bicycle path, nature trails restrooms and a waterfront observation tower."

"The domino park is located in Máximo Gómez Park on SW 15th ave. As you walk along Calle Ocho, you should be able to spot it. This is the perfect place to visit if you love traditional and authentic vibes!"

"#GoNative tip:Before you leave the ’hood, at least stroll by “Domino Park,” where old-timers join to play frequently and the clatter of dominoes can be heard down the street."

"Head to Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) to watch the heated competition at Domino Park or shop for a quality stogie. Plan to stay:2-3 hours"

"‘Instagram walls’ have become extremely popular on the ‘gram in recent years, so if you’re looking for some colorful wall content to keep you going for the next few months, Wynwood is the place to go. Situated in Miami’s Art District — renowned for its murals — Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum showcasing graffiti and street art from some of the world’s most talented artists. From cartoon artwork to multi-colored murals, it’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Miami!"

"Start your Wynwood adventure at the Wynwood Walls, home to dozens of murals by the world’s top street artists. The murals change regularly, so the next time you visit Miami, many of them will be different. It’s easy to spend an hour or more wandering through the murals and the galleries connected to the Walls."

"In the midst of rusted warehouses and concrete blah, there's a pastel-and-graffiti explosion of urban art. Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings laid out over an open courtyard that invariably..."

"Here we have a bar in Fort Lauderdale that is located right in the beautiful Marina Bay. You can get to this bar and grill by car or boat. You can choose to enjoy the relaxing waterfront while drinking or dining, or you can enjoy your time here in their comfortable dining room."

"Rendezvous is truly one of Fort Lauderdale’s best kept secrets. The food is excellent  and reasonably priced. The drinks are cold, arrive fast and are served at an indoor/outdoor bar."

"Family-friendly grill on the water featuring classic American eats, plus live music & a big patio. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 954-797-0054"

"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."