Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in West Park

"Swim, sunbathe, snorkel or do fun activities in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Enjoy the view of the sand and ocean as you grab a drink and relax under a shade of the tree and listen to live music. If you want to snorkel, you might swim with tortoises and manatees."

"To see how the other half lives, take a stroll through SoFi, the enclave South of Fifth Street and South Pointe Park, known for its hip, elite residents and multi-million-dollar penthouse suites. Eyeball the most vibrant Miami Beach houses and condos, or get a yummy taste of luxury at any number of high-end restaurants along the way. If you’re going to run into a celebrity in Miami Beach, it will probably happen here."

"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."

"Photo courtesy of Greater Miami Conventions and Visitors Bureau. At the most southern point of SoBe, you'll find South Pointe Park. This tranquil stretch of land has something for everyone."

"Few American parks can claim to front such a lovely stretch of turquoise as Biscayne Bay, but this fantastic green space is packed full of freebies too, including a great playground for the kids. The Tina Hills Pavilion has free concerts and yoga sessions, but Bayfront Park has some interesting public art worth discovering as well. The JFK Torch of Friendship recognizes the accomplishments of US congressman Claude Pepper, while Isamu Noguchi, who redesigned much of Bayfront Park in the 1980s, has three great sculptures: the Challenger Memorial, The Light Tower, and our favorite, the Slide Mantra."

"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."

"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"

"In the Western part of the Everglades National Park, lies the Shark Valley Visitor Center. The area is rich in wildlife – alligators, herons, egrets, Key deer, turtles and snail kites. There are three trails from the Visitor Center."

"If you want to see the vast beauty of the Everglades and more alligators than you can count, then Shark Valley should be your #1 stop. This small section of the park packs in everything you need to see to make your vacation epic!"

"Shark Valley sounds like it should be the headquarters for the villain in a James Bond movie, but it is in fact a slice of National Park Service grounds heavy with informative signs and knowledgeable rangers...."

"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."

"A fun and totally FREE activity to do while visiting Miami Beach is the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Here you’ll find all the lush tropical vibes that will make you feel like you stepped right into a jungle. And of course you’ll find all sorts of instagrammable corners!"

"2000 Convention Center Dr, The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a 2.6-acre urban green space in Miami Beach and was founded in 1962.* The Garden offers free admission and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m."

"A beachfront park on the historic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Shaded seating area, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and an splash fountain for kids. It also has 6 fully restored, historic paddleball courts that have been a popular feature on Hollywood Beach since the 1930s."

"If you decide to stay at one ofour pet-friendly properties, then bring your fluffy friend along toSnyder Park. Your dog will love this spot’s “bark park” that features a dog-only lake for swimming and playing. There are also some other great spaces for running, fetching, and overall fun!"

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Coral Gables. This South Miami neighborhood spot is a mainstay for traditional, no-fuss ice cream. Servings are cheap, cookies are freshly baked and the staff—made up of mostly teens and kids from the area—are cheery and eager to let you try whatever is in the freezer."

"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."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Design District. Pastry chef Soraya Caraccioli-Kilgore’s playful dessert spot sells vibrant unicorn cakes, rich chocolate bark and soft-serve in unexpected flavors. Her ice cream, in varieties such as matcha and berry rhubarb, is already pretty special yet she always finds a way to kick it up a notch with add-ons like edible glitter, gold leaf, gold dust, cotton candy and fancy sprinkles—and we’re all the more grateful for it."

"Soraya Kilgore — best known as the pastry chef at restaurants like Brava and Alter — is the woman behind this palace of sweets in Miami's Design District. MadLab Creamery isn't just about the ice cream, however. This spot also entices young and old to create their own sweet-treat work of art via more than 30 toppings, including edible glitter, tufts of pink cotton candy, golden-sheet sprinkles, even a macaroon or two."

"Midtown Creamery has some pretty intense ice cream creations, like a “giant” ice cream sandwich, brownie sundaes, and milkshakes that could last you three days. The Edgewater spot is currently delivering on most major delivery apps. You can also call (786) 536-2281 to order."

"3 out of 5 stars Restaurants Mexican Ludlam / Tropical Park. The whole family can get into #TacoTuesday at the Downtown Dadeland outpost of this fast-casual Mexican joint. On Tuesday nights, not only do kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée, but you’ll also find face painting, balloons and the occasional clown to entertain the younger crowd."

"It’s back, Lime, which has some of the freshest and tastiest tacos on the beach, is again a local favorite, yes the line is usually out the door, but that should tell you something, IT’S GOOD!!!"

"For breakfast or lunch (or dinner until 9 pm, November–April), this roadside cafeteria a quarter mile from the Miccosukee Indian Village provides...Read More"

"At the very northerly points of The Everglades, Sawgrass Recreation Park is perched right within the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Area. Not only that, it’s one of the easiest places to visit if you’re based in Fort Lauderdale (around 25-minutes from the city centre). Yeah, it might be close to the city but it actually feels like a million miles away – you’re in total wilderness when you’re here."

"Fly through the Everglades on an exhilarating airboat tour and get up close to some of Florida's famous wildlife on a swamp adventure."

"Little Havana’s most evocative reminder of Old Cuba is Máximo Gómez Park, or ‘Domino Park,’ where the sound of elderly men trash-talking over games of chess is harmonized with the quick clack-clack of slapping dominoes. The jarring backtrack, plus the heavy smell of cigars and a sunrise-bright mural of the 1994 Summit of the Americas, combine to make Máximo Gómez one of the most sensory sites in Miami (although it is admittedly one of the most tourist-heavy ones as well)."

"It’s neither polished nor particularly pretty, but it’s a glimpse into real life in Spanish-speaking Miami and a place to watch Cuba’s old guard face off over dominos in Maximo Gomez Park; grab a 50 cent cortadito (a shot of Cuban coffee with steamed milk) from a walk-up window; and watch cigar rollers hand roll stogies at family-run factories. End your jaunt in Little Havana with a scoop (or two or three) of homemade Abuela Maria® ice cream at"