Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Palm Springs North

"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...."

"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."

"With no gate fees, this sprawling urban park and conservation center spans more than 1,500 acres and is the perfect way to spend a free day immersed in South Florida's unique natural landscape. Visit the exhibit hall, walk along the mangrove-lined trails, check out the aquarium, or enjoy the incredible views of West Lake and the surrounding scenery from the observation tower. There are also traditional park amenities, including playgrounds, athletic courts, and picnic areas, plus kayak rentals and boat tours at affordable rates."

"One of the most popular destinations at the park, the Anne Kolb Nature Center is an educational complex centered on an nature center focused on the mangrove forest that surrounds it. Don’t miss the views from the 68-foot observation tower, which you can climb or take an elevator up to the top."

"Last but certainly not least is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets: The Secret Woods Nature Center. Document your experience as you explore walking paths made from recycled materials. You’ll be able to observe a wide variety of Florida wildlife including reptiles,seabirds, and insects."

"Take I-95 south and grab the Rickenbacker Causeway until you hit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This beautiful state park is right at the end of Key Biscayne and gives you uninterrupted views of the ocean—a perfect sunset watching spot. The state park has a lighthouse, where guests can climb to the top and look out into the ocean and the beach below. Next to it is a cement lookout spot that serves as a bench to watch the sunset and enjoy your Zak the Baker treats (if you didn't eat them already on the car ride down)."

"Formerly known as the American Airlines Arena, the FTX Arena is home to the Miami Heat basketball team as well as serving as a venue for various shows and events. With almost 20,000 seats, this is a popular and fun spot to watch an NBA game while in Miami. Located along Biscayne Bay with easy access thanks to public transportation, everyone in the family will enjoy a visit to this famous spot."

"The 3,400 square-foot oceanfront basketball arena is the home court of the NBA’s Miami Heat. The 19,00 capacity arena has been awarded the Leed Green Building certification for being an energy-efficient building. When there isn’t an exciting basketball game, the American Airlines Arena hosts more than 80 music and other events, including WWE Smackdown."

"The shining beacon of historic buildings of Miami is located right in the middle of Downtown. The recently restored 1926 silent movie palace, complete with baroque balconies and red velvet curtains, exudes charisma. The Olympia Theater hosts film screenings, concerts, art exhibits, and other events under a simulated night sky ceiling graced by Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Luciano Pavarotti, and many others."

"Situated in the center of downtown Miami, Olympia has a 1920s vibe. The building makes for some great images. Tell your photography assistant to take the picture from across the street."

"Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts serves up first-rate theater and other live performances. Located in the center of the city and easily accessible through public transportation, you and your party are sure to be impressed with the quality of the shows at the state-of-the-art performance venue, which serves as home to The Florida Grand Opera and Miami City Ballet, as well as a home away from home to the Cleveland Orchestra and various touring Broadway productions. Check out their online calendar and book your group's tickets today!"

"The monolithic Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts was built by Cesar Pelli, the architect famous for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. It is not his loveliest building: In daylight, it resembles a collapsed layer cake with jutting angles. But when lit-up at night, the two main buildings look like glowing spaceships preparing for liftoff."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The Adrienne Arsht Center is a performing arts center in Miami, which ranks among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is undoubtedly one of the best romantic places in Miami owing to the number and quality of entertainment events that happen at the center."