Pediatrician12

At Christmas-time, our family is going to Miami-South Beach and staying in a huge tower hotel. Problem is, we're sort of an outdoorsy group -- we love hiking, fields, trees, mountains, nature. But we also like art, music, etc. People keep telling us that Miami is great for shopping, but I like to be outside, perhaps in the ocean or having an adventure. Any ideas on some activities that allow me to enjoy the sun and water, while staying away from malls and food courts? We have a lot of that back home, and I'd love for a change of pace. Thanks

mlgb

Okay, I grew up in Miami and having the same interests as you do, it's a bit boring.

But if the following are still in existence, we liked them.

Vizcaya

"The Barnacle" in Coconut Grove

Venetian Pool in Coral Gables

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens

Cape Florida

Parrot Jungle

Seaquarium

Everglades

Snorkeling off John Pennekamp Coral Reef

Just going to the beach, usually Crandon Park but it was just the most convenient.

TwoFatFeet

The Everglades is the obvious one.

re: "food courts"...Miami/South Beach is a good eating city. Many very good restaurants there. And Cuban food.

Pediatrician12

Those are TERRIFIC ideas -- enjoying the great, oceanic outdoors, and then feasting afterwards on Cuban food. Now that sounds like a vacation! Thanks so much.

TwoFatFeet

Pediatrician, search for Miami - South Beach restaurants here on this forum. Many threads about Miami eating. My fiancee and I ate very well in Miami last year. Also had a great time driving to the Everglades.

mlgb

Just a comment on the Everglades..unless you get out and take one of the boardwalks, it's a river of grass...dead flat with small "hammock" tree islands

http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisi...and-trails.htm

There is also Matheson Hammock but the swimming was pretty icky..we used to complain when we had to go here instead of Key Biscayne.
However I stumbled across this bike trip guide from Coconut Grove that might be interesting.

http://www.dirk-wyle.com/bike-mh.htm