Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Miami-Dade County

"Around 50-minutes from Miami, Shark Valley is one of the best places in the Everglades that’s within easy reach of Miami. Once here, you can explore the trails and the iconic Bobcat Boardwalk that’s totally stunning on a gorgeous sunny day. Though, take lots of water and sunblock with you – that humidity and mosquitos can be tough."

"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."

"Another gorgeous and self-guided trail, the Mahogany Hammock boardwalk is where you can find the largest living Mahogany tree in all the United States. Great for the whole family, this trail is relatively short (0.5-miles long) and totally easy and great for those that require a more accessible trail to follow. Read more: Fun things to do in Miami"

"This is a short 0.4-mile (0.64 km) easy rated loop trail that is flat and boarded. The elevated boardwalk trail goes directly over waterways of the national park while also giving chances to see wildlife. This is just one more quick trip into a better understanding of what is known as the Everglades."

"The Mahogany Hammock Trail is a 0.5 mile loop on a boardwalk through one of the Everglades' unique ecosystems—the Mahogany Hammock. On this trail, you'll see the largest living mahogany tree in the United States."

"The American alligator is one of Florida’s most iconic symbols, and the state’s swamps, rivers, and lakes are full of these impressive creatures that can grow to over 15 feet and weight more than 1,000 pounds. Located on SW 192nd Avenue in nearby Florida City, Everglades Alligator Farm gives guests a fascinating, up-close look into the lives of these toothy reptiles. The farm is home to thousands of gators, and though it’s not the cheapest attraction you’ll visit on your trip, it’s well worth it, especially for those traveling with kids who are into animals."

"Everglades Alligator Farm is located next to Everglades National Park between Miami and Key Largo. South Florida’s oldest alligator farm is one cool place to visit. More than 2,000 of these unique reptiles – big and small – can be seen on the premises, from the baby alligators in the hatchery to the famous 14-foot “Grandpa” gator. Bonus: Admission includes an exciting airboat ride through the surrounding river of grass."

"Feel the thrill of the Everglades with an airboat ride and animal shows in South Florida's oldest gator farm. A Great Gator Adventure"

"The Everglades Outpost houses, feeds and cares for wild animals that have been seized from illegal traders, abused, neglected or donated by people who could not care for them. Residents of the outpost include a..."

"The chocolate brigadeiro cake at Sagrado Cafe is an indulgent combination of moist layers of chocolate cake and brigadeiros, Brazil's signature truffle. Thanks to sweetened condensed milk in the truffle mixture, the cake remains moist despite the absence of frosting. To add to the richness, mini brigadeiros top the whole thing ($8 to $69 depending upon the size)."

"With an enchanted garden atmosphere, this Brazilian café in downtown Miami is a great place for family bonding time. Kids' meals ($14) start with a sharable warm basket of gluten-free cheese bread and a choice of soda or juice. Then it's on to their own plate of chicken Milanese, served with a side of rice, fries, or mac 'n' cheese."

"Congelatte is famous for its delicious strawberry walnut pavlova dessert; a crispy walnut meringue-based dessert, topped with dulce de leche, whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It comes in sizes that can serve up to 32 people."

"The scene inside Pubbelly Sushi’s brick-walled dining room in Sunset Harbour is hip and casual, and there's outdoor sidewalk seating as well. Here, the perfect order might include the bigeye tuna roll on a crispy, sticky rice cake with truffle oil; the snow crab roll with clarified butter; the Wagyu beef tartare roll; rock shrimp tempura; and Shishito peppers. Keep an open mind, too, because these “deconstructed” sushi rolls don't resemble anything you’ve seen before."

"Pubbelly is an essential South Beach spot and a great place to sit outside with some cocktails and small plates while you judge the neon paint jobs on passing Ferraris. Sushi takes up the bulk of the menu - just don’t forget to put in an order for the butter krab roll, which is really just an efficient delivery system for warm clarified butter."

"The ideal place to hang out with friends, Pubbelly is known for its rustic pub scene, generous beer list and an Asian-fusion menu loaded with small and large plates designed to share."

"Paperfish is a Nikkei restaurant in Brickell with indoor and outdoor seating. They have a long menu with ceviche, tiradito, nigiri, maki, and sashimi."

"Given the lack of Indian food options in Miami in general, Raja’s is a spice-filled oasis in Downtown Miami. They close pretty early, so this is mostly a lunch spot when you’re craving that mid-day chicken tikka masala. With a lunch special for $8 that gives you a smattering of dishes, from samosas to sesame rice, you can’t go wrong."

"What started as a love for delicious baked goods turned into a mission to bake the world’s best vegan desserts. Their journey inspired them to eat sweet while eliminating ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or spark food intolerances—all of their products and vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free. From cookies to cupcakes, you’ll fall in love with vegan at The Chocolate Chip Bakery."

"This plant-based ice cream specialty shop offers pints of vegan ice cream ($15) for curbside pick up from 2 p.m."