Best Outdoor Activities in Highland Lakes

"Shark Valley Tram Tours offers two-hour guided tours of the paved loop trail that runs 15 miles through the Everglades from the Shark Valley Visitors Center. This is a great way to spot some wildlife and get a high-level perspective of the park from the Observation Tower at the loop's most distant point. If you're planning on visiting during the park's busy season (December through April), be sure that you call ahead for a reservation."

"The two-hour tram tour is the best way to tour through the area. A naturalist is aboard the tram who educates about the ecosystem of the wetland, the animals found in the region and the diverse plants present. The tram takes along the Tram Road Trail."

"The great thing about Hollywood North Beach Park is that it’s right next to the West Lake South Trail and the beach!. This means, after completing the West Lake South Trail you can head straight over to chill in the park and get ready for a dip, too. With over 50+ acres to explore, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida to just chill out."

"Part vintage surf shack, part sultry outdoor club, Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach hotel is a prime spot to rub elbows with the young and fabulous of South Beach beneath string lighting and palm trees. Inside the bar, you’ll find VIP tables, a DJ booth and dance floor, while outdoors there’s a sprawling space to mix and mingle in the fresh air by the swimming pools. For a debauched weekend daytime pool party, this is one of the hottest scenes in town."

"Hyde Beach offers artful mixology and cuisine from Jose Andrés — all in an over 8,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor space with a gorgeous pool and beach access."

"For those of you who want a little more variety (or for those that don't like shopping), you can stop at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, where there is something for everyone. Guests have the option to enjoy the casino, horse racing, live entertainment and more."

"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."

"This is one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida if you’re a total nature lover. You see, the Anne Kolb Nature Center is more than 1,500 acres of coastal mangrove wetlands where you will get to see many unique, endangered plants and animals. Once here, you’ll come across the four separate trails including South Trail, Mud Flat Trail, Fishing Pier Trail, and Lake Trail which are all relatively easy."

"Louie Bossi’s Eggs al Forno with Pancetta and San Marzano Sauce on their oven-roasted Polenta, for a hearty yet wholesome brunch. Photo from Louie Bossi’s via Facebook. Walk by Louie Bossi’s famed restaurant any day of the week, and you’ll be greeted by a snaking queue down Las Olas Boulevard."

"Louie Bossi's is in Las Olas and makes their bread, pasta, gelato, cookies, and pastries in house daily. They bake homemade pizzas in an oven imported from Italy and have prosciutto and salami made in house with various Italian cheeses on the menu."

"Italian food can get very expensive to eat in Miami Beach, but Macchialina’s is one place to get your pasta fix for less than $30 per person. They have staples like Lasagna, Caccio e Pepe and Spaghetti, that are of course handmade pasta. However, you can even get Branzino and Veal here if you are cutting down on carbs."

"A restaurant that can only be described as “the best Italian restaurant in Miami”. Despite the very small selection of pasta (only 6 types), the taste of these pastes is simply amazing. The unforgettable delicious dishes of this restaurant keep visitors coming back again and again."

"Or, if a wine and pasta meal sounds absolutely perfect, make your way to Macchialina, known for authentic Italian cuisine and a cozy vibe."

"Probably one of the very best Vietnamese food I’ve ever had. Portions are decent, price is reasonable and the owner is very polite and accommodating."

"Restaurants Vietnamese Little River. The classic Vietnamese sandwich is executed to perfection at Tran An, but you won’t get charged extra for the gourmet quality. At $9, it’s a pretty massive sandwich stuffed with two kinds of house-made pork (pork roll and roasted), pâté, maggi butter, cucumbers and pickled slaw."

"Vietnamese food is hard to find in the 305, and Tran An is helping fill that gap. On the menu of this Little River sensation, you’ll find staples like green papaya salad, pork, and shrimp imperial rolls, and an array of banh mis, bowls, and pho. The OG classic banh mi is a must, with its tasty chili-rubbed pork and country pate; the braised beef one is also a solid sandwich."

"Soup, and pho in particular, is almost indistinguishable in its delivery format from when you eat it in the restaurant. And though you may not have hit up this Vietnamese stand at Politan row, now’s the time to try it with a hot bowl of steaming chicken pho, and maybe some shrimp chips to throw in there.Cost: $15; order online or through DoorDash"