Top Rated Parks to Visit in Normandy Shores

"‘Instagram walls’ have become extremely popular on the ‘gram in recent years, so if you’re looking for some colorful wall content to keep you going for the next few months, Wynwood is the place to go. Situated in Miami’s Art District — renowned for its murals — Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum showcasing graffiti and street art from some of the world’s most talented artists. From cartoon artwork to multi-colored murals, it’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Miami!"

"Start your Wynwood adventure at the Wynwood Walls, home to dozens of murals by the world’s top street artists. The murals change regularly, so the next time you visit Miami, many of them will be different. It’s easy to spend an hour or more wandering through the murals and the galleries connected to the Walls."

"In the midst of rusted warehouses and concrete blah, there's a pastel-and-graffiti explosion of urban art. Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings laid out over an open courtyard that invariably..."

"Perfect for families with kids looking for some outdoor fun, Bayfront Park has plenty of activities for all ages. Originally built back in 1896 and known as Royal Palm Park, this park has grown from a small patch of grass to gather on to more than 32 acres of playgrounds, beaches, walkways, gardens, and a waterfall. With other attractions like a pirate ship playground and multiple performance venues, there is always something going on."

"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."

"Located in downtown Miami, parents flock to this park for its sunning beach, large sea creature-themed playground, and views of Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami. A good choice for a picnic when your kids need to run around. A post shared by Laura (@talais25) on Nov 4, 2014 at 2:38pm PST"

"Because South Beach is such a broad description, and the varying beaches here go on for miles, we thought we'd narrow it down. Lummus Park, the area of the beach located along Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th Street, is the all-encompassing South Beach experience. This is the strip of sand that is always the most crowded, which makes for excellent people watching."

"Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"Lummus Park Beach is a public park with over 74 acres of land. It can be found on the east of Ocean Drive and was created in 1985."

"Wander around Calle Ocho for some interesting street art, watch locals play dominos in Maximo Gomez Park, and pick up a hand-rolled cigar as a souvenir. Although it’s known for its Cuban heritage and influence, Calle Ocho isn’t just limited to Cuban food. Go for that Cuban sandwich or basket of croquetas from Versailles, or try some Nicaraguan food at Guayacan, Mexican food at Mi Rinconcito Mexicano, or, my personal favorite, the Thai cuisine at Lung Yai Thai Tapas. Yep, some of Miami’s best Thai food is found in Little Havana!"

"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)."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park offers an opportunity to relax in a serene atmosphere. Also, there are a few beautiful boutiques (The Showroom, First Flight Out, Nikki's Beachouse Boutique) on Commodore Plaza -beach style clothes, cosy decoration, design accessories. Fringed by trees and cafés with terraces, this district has a cool Caribbean vibe going on."

"At this 5-acre gem in Coconut Grove is the oldest home in its original location in Miami-Dade County (1891), which once housed Ralph Middleton Munroe, an American yacht designer. You'll also see plenty of mesmerizing Spanish moss. A post shared by @lizz_ax3 on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:42pm PST"

"3485 Main Hwy This historic Florida State Park is located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood and spans about 5 acres. Dade County’s oldest home resides on this five-acre site that overlooks the scenic Biscayne Bay. It was built by Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe in 1891."

"The Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium (broward.org), located in nearby Lauderhill, offers 110 acres of facilities for picnicking, outdoor recreation and sports events. From March through October, a tropical splash water playground offers children a place to swim and frolic in the water. The facility also rents paddleboats."

"The Little River's Manatee Bend Park, where you can spot actual manatees, (six of them are in that picture!) is a small, green space to relax, a communal outdoor living room for the surrounding neighborhood."

"If you are a history buff or culture buff, then you will love the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. Here you’ll find many contemporary visual art exhibitions, live stage performances, educational facilities for aspiring local artists, and much more. Just be sure to check their website for listings and seasonal exhibitions that are so good."

"The Center, which is southeast of Young Circle, has a great reputation for presenting übercool contemporary art exhibitions and providing…"

"Fort Lauderdale has a rich history which may be overshadowed by the more modern an sophisticated metro area that it has become. Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum chronicles the city's history from the early Seminole era to World War II. It also offers information about the city's historic district and a chronology of its development. Other exhibits feature scale models of historic structures, including a recreation of a Seminole village complete with arts and crafts."

"There are good cookies and then there are cookies you would brave traffic for. Cindy Lou’s is the latter, offering a selection of gooey, delicious options (like butterscotch walnut and lemon cloud) that are guaranteed to be some of the tastiest you’ll ever try. But the best part has to be the passionate baker, Cindy Kruse, who can be found spreading her baked-goods gospel all over Miami."

"Over in the Little Haiti, check out Cindy Lou’s Cookies, which has earned five stars out of 93 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bakery, which offers desserts, macarons and more, at 7320 N.E."

"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."

"Various LocationsAsk any ex-Floridian what they miss the most, and 90% of the time the answer will include an item from this beloved grocery store’s deli section. Here, you’ll find a bevy of hot items (you can smell the crispy-skinned chicken fresh out of the fryer all the way from the dairy aisle) plus a decked-out sub station. Choose from either Publix brand deli meats and cheeses or splurge for Boars’ Head and while the meats might be delicious, the order that reigns supreme will always be the chicken tender sub."

"This Southern supermarket chain is famous for its fried chicken. No matter where you are in Miami, you’ve got a Publix nearby. Snag a hefty chicken-stuffed sandwich or a combo with a side of mac and cheese and biscuits."