Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Belle Meade Island

"Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway on East Sunrise Boulevard, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a stunning tropical oasis in which to enjoy a range of activities and local wildlife watching. Once home to Hugh Taylor Birch, who donated the estate to Florida’s public, the park is now home to an array of wildlife, including turtles, marsh rabbits, and the gopher tortoise, as well as over 200 species of birds. A mile-long freshwater lagoon provides the perfect place for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching while other recreational activities include hiking, cycling, inline skating, and Segway Tours."

"This state park was a gift from Hugh Taylor Birch to residents of Florida. His former estate is a 180-acre park that sits between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. This green space is a welcome oasis, perfect for a quiet walk on the trails or an afternoon picnic."

"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."

"You can spend a full day strolling up and down this eclectic South Florida district, which is filled with art galleries, boutiques, and al fresco dining options. The 10 blocks that span all the way to the ocean are lined with palm trees and Mediterranean architecture, and set the stage for a relaxing day or night in Fort Lauderdale.More"

"It's the journey, not the destination,” they say, and they may well have been talking about South Pointe Park. The only access to the beach is through the stunningly landscaped green park, featuring wide walkways and an ocean-themed children's playground. Take a walk along the pier for views of the Atlantic Ocean, Government Cut, and Fisher Island."

"South Pointe Park is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable places in Miami. I highly recommend visiting if you’re looking to capture some amazing shots by the water. Here, you’ll find a beautiful walking promenade that runs along the channel, offering striking views."

"Located in the heart of Downtown Miami, the bayside marketplace allows you to experience the best of Miami with delicious international cuisine, live music, and fine shops. The two-level, open-air center overlooking Miami’s waterfront is home to more than 150 national and unique retailers and tourist shops. Overlooking the yacht-filled marina, the Biscayne Boulevard is the place to enjoy live exotic musical performances along with various specialty food shops of international cuisine."

"The mecca of dog parks, you can bring your pooch here to play in the fenced in green spaces where dogs can get some exercise with other canines. There’s even an outdoor space with fitness equipment, a walking path and a deck to stroll along and enjoy the Miami sights. Located in Coconut Grove just at the water’s edge, it offers a peaceful view of the open bay for a relaxing afternoon."

"Kennedy Park is located in Coconut Grove, right on the water with a view of the open bay, an outdoor gym including a green ladder you can climb up and down, a running path on an outdoor track, and a children’s play area."

"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."

"Just west of the ArtsPark at Young Circle, Downtown Hollywood Blvd is one epic place to go for little eateries, independent boutiques and a heap of thrift stores and cool galleries. When here, stop off at Ginger Bay Cafe for some of their Jamaican dishes that are so good. Alternatively, if you want to visit a retro boutique, pop into Vinyl Asylum Records or the other thrift stores you see along the street."

"If you decide to stay at one ofour pet-friendly properties, then bring your fluffy friend along toSnyder Park. Your dog will love this spot’s “bark park” that features a dog-only lake for swimming and playing. There are also some other great spaces for running, fetching, and overall fun!"

"NiDo believes that food must be made and served the same day to be enjoyed and serves some of the best authentic Italian cuisine in Miami. If eating at NiDo you must try one of the house made fresh mozzerella’s served in a variety of flavor profiles from burratta to Affumicata to Bufala. If wanting to try several of the fresh mozzerella’s order the Tagliere mistro with three cheeses and cold cuts with tomatoes and more."

"Caffé & Mozzarella Bar offers excellent authentic Italian cuisine in a casual setting with mismatched tables and chairs and outdoor seating. Renowned for being the first bar serving homemade fresh mozzarella in Miami, Ni.Do. Caffé serves brunch, lunch, and dinner as well as drinks and cocktails and catering services."

"Famous for its house made mozzarella bar, NiDo also serves up some beloved Italian fare. Sure the burrata is a must order, but it’s lasagna ni do made with beef ragut and a béchamel sauce is also worthy of praise. For those craving something a bit lighter, it also offers branzino, grilled salmon, and tuna tartare."

"This Northern Italian restaurant in Midtown offers its extensive menu for takeout. Appetizers include funghi in pastella di birra (beer-battered mushrooms), proscuitto di parma with fried gnocco, while main courses winners are tagliatelle with sausage, mushrooms, and cream sauce; and pumpkin cappellacci in Bolognese sauce. Outdoor dining is also available."

"Speaking of the best Italian restaurants in Miami, one cannot miss the beloved Via Emilia Garden. This is the place for you if you want to visit an exquisite Italian restaurant in South Miami. Via Emilia Garden is about only high-quality ingredients, handcrafted pasta, enjoying traditional Italian recipes in the great outdoors, and that’s not all."

"Full service day spa and salon, offering services for hair, nails, waxing, facials, massages, body treatments, hydrotherapy and spary tanning"

"Set on a 500ft private beach, the classic Lago Mar, with its homey rooms, has been run by the Banks family for sixty years. Families will love the large oceanside pool, children’s playground, live entertainment, and games such as tennis, basketball, foosball, and beach volleyball. Parents will appreciate the European-style spa; the Fiji Coconut Hot Oil Scalp Massage is a pleasant deep-conditioning treatment, while the Anti-Aging Caviar Facial will leave your skin revitalised."

"The lovely luxury Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club has the distinction of having been owned by the same family since 1959. And while most of the original buildings on the 10-acre property have since been replaced, the same high level of service and comfort established by its founders can still be experienced today. Guests are certainly spoiled for choice (and quality) when it comes to accommodations."

"Lago Mar sits close to where the Stranahan River meets the Atlantic at the barrier island’s southern tip – a quarter virtually surrounded by a knot of canals. This expansive family-owned property is a venerable Fort Lauderdale landmark with a clutch of accolades and awards. Wood and rattan furnishings suggest an elegant Old Florida style, and spacious suites dominate the rooms."

"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."

"Situated in heart of what many call the “true Everglades”—a river of grass that stretches 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico—Shark Valley is part of a freshwater ecosystem with incredible biodiversity. It’s one of the best places in Everglades National Park to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife.More"

"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."