Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Richmond West

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"As the name suggests the trail gives you a glimpse into the Mahogany trees in the park including the largest one in the US. The 0.5 mile round trip trail is a boardwalk trail traversing through a hammock of trees."

"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."

"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..."

"Spread across eight square blocks just off Washington Avenue, this breezy, open-air shopping street offers a high-low variety in a tropical sun-drenched setting. With over seventy-five shops ranging from national brands like H&M and Sephora to specialty boutiques, spend the day window-shopping with a friend or bring the entire family. After some serious retail therapy, sit down at your choice of sixty local restaurants including Havana 1957 for authentic Cuban cuisine or duck into SuViche for a tuna tartare and a glass of Peruvian macerados."

"Arguably Miami's most well-known shopping center, the Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach is full of stores, boutiques, art galleries, and museums. Nearly the entire area of this open-air mall is closed to automobile traffic, making it a great place to stroll and people watch. You'll find Urban Outfitters, Madewell, Steve Madden, Melissa Shoes, Scotch & Soda, Nike, Lacoste, Forever 21, Adidas by Stella McCartney, BCBG Max Azria, Anthropologie, Ted Baker, Zara, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Zadig & Voltaire, Lululemon Athletica, and more."

"Between 16th and 17th Street in South Beach lies Lincoln Road, a "shopping street" of sorts, lined with stores, restaurants, art galleries and cafes. From national chains to eclectic one-of-a-kind shops, there is something around every street corner of this pedestrian mall. When the hunt for a good buy has taken its toll, shoppers take a break and people watch at one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating on Lincoln Road."

"Little Havana's Agustin Gainza Arts and Tavern, located at 1652 S.W. Eighth St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the art gallery and wine bar five stars out of 19 reviews."

"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."

"We’re never one to turn down the fun flavor creations like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, birthday cake or pumpkin spice on Night Owl’s ever-changing menu. But the Ave Maria has our heart, made with guava, Maria cookies (crunchy tea biscuits), white chocolate chips and a cream cheese frosting drizzle. Order one of these delicious bites for home delivery ASAP."

"It’s a flavorful explosion of guava, Maria cookies (crunchy tea biscuits), white chocolate chips and a cream cheese frosting—and when we say it’ll keep you full for hours, we mean it. 10534 SW Eighth St.; 786-360-5011 or nightowlcookieco.com. Courtesy of My Ceviche"

"After quarantining for weeks on end, we all deserve a cookie—or five. Cue Night Owl, ready to service all your sweet cravings with curbside pickup and delivery options. Count us in for a gooey chocolate chip cookie stuffed with whole Oreos."

"This Miami art museum is a centerpiece of the University of Miami, and is home to a variety of Native American, ancient Egyptian, Renaissance and Baroque, Asian, and European originals. The Lowe is the oldest art museum in Miami, which originally opened in 1950 as an art display across the classrooms in the building. Originally established through a gift by Joe and Emily Lowe, this stunning 17,500-piece collection includes paintings from Claude Monet, African sculptures from 500 BCE, Asian costumes, medieval manuscripts, and The Samuel H. Kress collection."

"Situated inside the University of Miami, this long-standing museum is a favorite for UM students and the Coral Gables community. The Lowe is home to a well-rounded collection of art from the Italian Renaissance, Baroque, Greco-Roman, and Spanish Old Masters, among others. The museum also holds a sizeable assortment of Native American, African, and Asian art and antiquities."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 8ABL used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Formerly known as University of Miami Art Gallery, Lowe Art Museum is the first professional art exhibition spot in the city. It was established in 1950 and housed within Merrick Classroom Building of the institute."

"Arrive at the de la Cruz Collection ready to learn and explore the expanses of the visual arts. The museum, owned by Cuba natives Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz, is rife with thought-provoking exhibits like the current “Progressive Praxis,” which delves into the implications of technology on contemporary art. The de la Cruz Collection is pleasing to both visitors’ artistic curiosities and their wallets--admission is completely free of charge!"

"Housing one of Miami's finest private collections, this 30,000-sq-ft gallery has a treasure trove of contemporary works scattered across three floors, which you can roam freely. Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz, who..."