You may have flown into Miami or are en route to other parts of Florida and have a day to stay in Miami and enjoy it.
If you want to just relax and enjoy the sun there are several beaches where you can do this.
Virginia Key Beach is located right off the Rickenbacker Causeway (on both the north and south sides) near the Miami Seaquarium. It is easy to get on the beach and therefore it gets crowded however if you search there are plenty of secluded spots. This is the only beach that dogs are allowed off their lead on.
Whist there you might want to visit the Seaquarium which is not only educational but also entertaining. The region’s tropical climate allows for all year round outdoor marine shows featuring dolphins, killer whales and other sea creatures. You can also see exhibits of sea turtles, seals and sea lions. However be sure to check their website first if you intend to go as show schedule varies from day to day.
Haulover Beach is located on Miami Beach between Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbour, is known around the world as Miami’s only legal ' clothing optional' nude beach. Do not worry if you do not want to sunbathe nude the beach also has traditional sunbathing and both beaches are clearly marked! This beach is also a well known surfing place.
You will find Bill Bagg’s State Park on the south end of Key Biscayne and it is home to the famous Cape Florida lighthouse. You can spend some time on the beach and sunbathe but also have a guided tour of the lighthouse. If you like fishing you can do this from the seawall. Guests who have stayed at our villa recommended Boater’s Grill restaurant which is situated here.
If you want to get away form the tourist spots go to Homestead Bayfront Park which is located at SW North Canal Drive in the southern portion of Miami Dade County. This Park offers swimming and boating options with a full-service marina.
Children (and also adults! ) will enjoy Miami MetroZoo which is fast becoming one of the best zoos in the US. Because of its climate it can keep a wide variety of animals from Asia, Australia and Africa. This might sound scary but apparently the animals are not kept in cages instead they are grouped according to their geographic territory and animals that live together peacefully in the wild are placed together. Other animals in the area are separated by moats. If you look across the African plains you see the animals apparently mingling together just as they would in the wild. The trees, foliage and even soil try to portray how it would be in their natural habitat.
These are just a few of the things you can do if you spend a day in Miami.