Must See Sights and Landmarks in El Portal Area

"Las Olas Boulevard is one of the best known spots in Fort Lauderdale and you need to come here to check out the atmosphere for yourself. You will find a range of quirky shops in the area that seem to sell anything and everything, or there are more upscale boutiques if you prefer. The area is also known for art galleries that you can visit during the day, and at night you will find a buzzing nightlife scene that includes a range of clubs and live music venues."

"Las Olas Boulevard is one of the most popular streets in Fort Lauderdale and an amazing spot for shopping. Here you’ll find an impressive selection of stores for art, jewelry, apparel, shoes, books, gifts, and more. Once you’re done shopping, be sure to check out some of the special events the city hosts on Las Olas Boulevard throughout the year."

"You can’t tick Fort Lauderdale off your bucket list without a stroll down the famous Las Olas. The long strip offers an excellent dining scene, bars, shops and a several art galleries. A stroll down Las Olas, which means The Waves in Spanish, is sure to put a smile on your face."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park is home to the oldest house in Miami|© William Silver / Shutterstock. Also in Coconut Grove, this fairly small park tops our list for having the oldest house in its original location in Miami. Visitors can tour the 1891 home, The Barnacle, to learn about the frontier life during the “Era of the Bay” at a time when all travel to the city was done by boat."

"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."

"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."

"A mere 21 years after Miami was officially incorporated as a city, the mission-style "coral rock" building of the Plymouth Congregational Church was constructed in Miami's oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove."

"Saint Francis de sales Catholic Church is a small white church located 3 miles away from Miami beach towards its North End. Built in 1940, Saint Francis de sales Catholic Church is made with mission chapel and serves the Parish community in the region. Structured beautifully with Parish architecture, the church welcomes every visitor for a spiritual tour."

"I was so inspired by the jellyfish at Gulf Stream Brewing & Pizzeria, I wanted to find another spot to fulfill my underwater fantasies. We spotted some street art from the car as we were driving and let me tell you, it was so worth it!. FATVillage Art District is a vibrant art community that hosts a monthly art walk, open galleries, artisan goods, and of course all the street art!"

"Despite the slightly obscure name, the local artists, cool hangout spots, bars and coffee shops at FATVillage make it definitely worth visiting. Lots of artists rent studio and gallery space here, giving it a bohemian, interesting vibe. There are also lots of experimental events and exhibits going on at any one time, and any doorway or hidden bookshelf might lead to a pop-up bar."

"Spanish missionaries and treasure seekers first explored the Florida coast as far back as the 17th century, and the Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach is a fascinating bit of local and international history that dates back centuries before that when it was originally constructed in Spain. Inhabited by monks for nearly seven centuries, in the early 1920s, it was bought by American newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, disassembled, shipped to Florida, and reassembled on its current site. It has been open to the public since the mid-’60s, and for those who don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, the best way to experience it is by guided tour."

"I got married here a year after I had spent a summer in Europe. I came home, got engaged, and thought to… read more ». Rating: 5 based on 6 reviews"

"Or you can experience the pulse of a multi-dimensional metropolis, exploring 1930s to 1950s Art Deco glamour in South Beach and Mid-Beach, big city sophistication in Downtown, avant-garde art installations in Wynwood, shopping in the Design District, and a melting pot of Latin heritage in Little Havana. Given short driving distances between these eclectic neighborhoods, it’s possible to explore Miami’s multiple identities in a weekend without feeling rushed."

"After seeing your fill of water views and tropical plants, make your way to Calle Ocho, in the heart of Little Havana. Stop by Versailles, a favorite Cuban restaurant, for a syrupy Cuban coffee, a guava-filled pastelito, or, if you’re already hungry, a meaty Cuban sandwich. 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."

"Put some miles on your car; Little Havana calls. Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is another world, and you’ll know it immediately by the language of the street signs. Salsa music pours out from storefronts onto the streets. The scent of fresh guava pastries is never far."

"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 BEST and most beautiful church I’ve ever been to in my entire life. It’s in a hidden part of Coconut Grove near Mercy Hospital. This place is right by… read more »"

"I actually found this parish when I google searched on Miami Perpetual Adoration. It came up as the closest parish to Coconut Grove. The masses are mostly… read more »"

"No. 3 Social is the perfect gathering space for friends, locals, and tourists alike. Located in the heart of Wynwood, up the cascading step of the Wynwood Arcade, No.3 Social is an open-air restaurant and lounge. Here you’ll find vibrant homespun cocktails (and pitchers) inspired by local ingredients, a carefully selected wine list, and craft beers."

"Situated on top of Wynwood’s Three restaurant, No. 3 Social incorporates the best of the restaurant’s food and drink with killer views of the Arts District and a robust calendar of events. We love Wednesday’s rooftop cinema, which pairs a classic flick with dining specials. 50 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-748-4540 or no3social.com"

"At Rhythm and Vine, you will definitely have a memorable time with this fresh backyard party experience with the local #justchill vibe. It also provides positive and fun energy in Casual Gardens, which is a great place to chill with friends. You will find yourself in a sunshine state of mind with all of the handcrafted cocktails, and craft beer."