lay, dine, shop and stay. From Key West to Miami and Fort Lauderdale up through The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Southeast coast offers an abundance of entertainment.
BY KARA FRANKER
Begin your day with breakfast in the outdoor courtyard of Blue Heaven. Then wander the Old Town district enjoying colorful Victorian architecture. Snap a “mandatory selfie” at the Southernmost Point in the continental USA. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Grab lunch in the Historic Seaport before embarking on a reef snorkeling excursion. Catch a beautiful sunset and the action at Mallory Square. Dine at an Old Town restaurant and sample the nightlife on Duval Street.
Start your morning with a tour of the beautiful historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens or snorkel or dive to explore 69 miles of natural coral reef just offshore. Board a water taxi and cruise through some 300 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway while viewing some of the most incredible mansions and homes. Revel in a unique dock-and-dine experience at one of many waterfront restaurants before taking in a show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. End with a stroll along picturesque Las Olas Boulevard.
Relax poolside at one of many chic hotels and hit the waters of South Beach. Stroll down Lincoln Road for shopping al fresco and enjoy a world-class meal while people-watching at an outdoor restaurant. Visit the art collection at the Pérez Art Museum Miami next to beautiful Biscayne Bay, and take an afternoon walk through Maurice A. Ferré Park. Head over to Wynwood to take in the vibrant street art. Spend the evening at one of the Miami Design District’s unique restaurants.
Start your day at the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum and cruise south down to Loggerhead Marinelife Center to check on the sea turtles. Take lunch in West Palm Beach. Ride the trolley trough CityPlace and down Clematis Street; with so many local hot spots to choose from, the decision is guaranteed to be difficult, but delicious! Head to Boca Raton for the afternoon, renting bikes to experience the Ocean Boulevard Path, or stroll around Mizner Park. End the day dancing and dining along Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.
Discover The Palm Beaches: ThePalmBeaches.com
Downtown Development Authority of Delray Beach: downtowndelraybeach.com/dda
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau: sunny.org
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau: miamiandbeaches.com
Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency: floridashollywood.org
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Chamber of Commerce: lbts.com
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council: fla-keys.com
Sunny Isles Beach Tourism & Marketing Council: sunnyislesmiami.com
Cultural and art institutions dot the coast of Southeast Florida and brim with one-of-a-kind features, combining eco beauty, rich history and unique works of art.
Worth a visit every time you explore Key West, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Harry S. Truman Little White House and Audubon House & Tropical Gardens are cultural mainstays. Tour the Key West Art & Historical Society’s permanent exhibit at Fort East Martello Museum to view sculptures created by the late Key Largo folk artist, Stanley Papio, whose works are acclaimed for their inventiveness and humor. In Islamorada, the Third Thursday Artwalk features artists, vendors and entertainment. Sails to Rails at Flagler Station is the newest Key West museum. Follow an interactive timeline of Key West history when tall ships plied the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters in the early 1900s to the era of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway.
As the home of Art Basel Miami Beach, the world’s most prominent annual art fair held in December, Miami-Dade County boasts a variety of opportunities to experience local and international art. For highly acclaimed performing arts and Broadway-style shows, head to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Stroll down the street-art-clad avenues in the Wynwood Arts District, home to an abundant collection of local galleries as well as Tony Goldman’s popular Wynwood Walls. In downtown Miami, waterfront Museum Park boasts the Pérez Art Museum Miami, a highly regarded institution offering a taste of modern architecture and intellectually stimulating exhibits. There’s also the Bass Museum in Miami Beach, which houses contemporary art. For a different, but memorable experience, visit the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach or the Holocaust Documentation & Education Center in Dania Beach.
Fort Lauderdale has plenty of museums, galleries and performing arts institutions to visit. Located on bustling Las Olas Boulevard, where shopping and dining abound, the NSU Art Museum of Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to view more than 7,000 works by artists like William J. Glackens, George Bellows and Diego Rivera. Children and adults alike love the Young At Art Museum in nearby Davie. The Gold LEED-certified facility inspires, educates and entertains all ages with interactive exhibits, as well as fun art classes and camps.
The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County promotes a wide range of theater, dance, art, music and history in what’s known as Florida’s Cultural Capital. Located in the popular Mizner Park, the Boca Raton Museum of Art houses an array of contemporary and modern art collections. For a unique taste of Japanese arts with the picture-perfect Florida backdrop, visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach.
West Palm Beach is home to the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, located at Norton’s former residence where she spent the last 30 years of her life creating pieces for the garden she helped design. Other gardens worthy of exploration include the Four Arts Botanical Gardens and the Mounts Botanical Garden.
The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach is one of the most renowned art museums in Florida, featuring acclaimed exhibitions, programs and a permanent collection. And, dating back to 1902, Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age estate in Palm Beach, is a National Historic Landmark and open to the public as the Flagler Museum. Visit the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the Wick Theatre & Costume Playhouse and Palm Beach Dramaworks for shows from elegant ballets to Broadway musicals.
Southeast Florida offers an abundance of family-friendly attractions, many showcasing the Sunshine State’s unique ecosystem and wildlife.
In the Florida Keys, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West displays gold, silver and treasures recovered from sunken wrecks, while Dolphin Research Center and The Turtle Hospital in Marathon invite the whole family to get up close and personal with sea life. Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, a conservation center also located in Marathon, conducts guided park tours as well as tarpon and stingray feedings. At the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada, enjoy an interactive historical experience through a permanent model of Indian Key, once the Florida Keys’ second largest community outside of Key West only accessible by private boat or kayak.
The Florida Everglades is where naturalists and adventurers can spot alligators on airboat tours and learn about the Miccosukee Native American Tribe’s unique way of life at the Miccosukee Village.
For more exciting animal encounters, visit Zoo Miami just north of Homestead, Monkey Jungle south of the zoo, Jungle Island in downtown Miami and the Miami Seaquarium in Key Biscayne. At the Seaquarium, visitors enjoy the Penguin Isle, a habitat for African penguins, which can be viewed above and below water in a 9,000-gallon pool. Boasting an impressive collection of rare plants and flowers, as well as a sprawling tropical oasis, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden hosts special events like the International Mango Festival and International Orchid Festival.
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is located in Downtown Miami’s Maurice A. Ferré Park. The 250,000-square-foot facility includes a planetarium, aquarium and science museum.
Head to ArtsPark at Young Circle in downtown Hollywood to enjoy a 10-acre interactive park complete with a children’s play area. Flamingo Gardens Botanical Gardens and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary offers 60 acres of diverse native plants and trees, a Bird of Prey Center with a free-flight aviary, and the chance to view alligators, flamingos, bobcats and Florida panthers. For a mix of ecology, history and architecture, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale is a 36-acre estate preserving a piece of Old Florida charm. While in Fort Lauderdale, hop on board the Jungle Queen for a sightseeing cruise. Then, check out more than 20,000 butterflies from around the globe at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, one of the world’s largest butterfly parks.
Visit the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach for guided marsh tours, bird walks, canoe trips and more. Become part of the herd at Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, a drive-through adventure where you can check out more than 1,000 animals including giraffes, lions, zebras and monkeys. Nearby, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium includes a planetarium, a one-of-a-kind 18-hole Conservation Miniature Golf Course, a quarter-mile science trail and the recently-added open-air amphitheater which features daily live science shows, trivia sessions and concerts, along with many other educational programs.
See the three young Malayan tiger cubs born at the Palm Beach Zoo last spring. The zoo houses some 190 species, including at risk and endangered types.
Providing the opportunity to see endangered sea turtles and other marine life up close, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach is a hospital for injured sea turtles where visitors learn about Florida’s marine life and the ecosystem.
Probably the most iconic, convertible, wind-in-your-hair drive in Southeast Florida is the one along Route 1, a.k.a. the Overseas Highway, from Miami to Key West.
But who says a road trip means you have to drive a car? Why not let someone else do the driving and hop aboard Brightline, Florida’s city-to-city passenger train that uses nearly 200 miles of Henry Flagler’s existing Florida East Coast Railroad? And since trains hit speeds of 125 miles per hour, you can expect to reach your destination faster than if you drove. Stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are designed to connect with current public transportation options in each city, making it simple to explore those locations.
From the Miami station, walk to AmericanAirlines Arena, Adrienne Arsht Center, PortMiami and Bayfront Park. Take the train up to the Fort Lauderdale station and walk to the Historic District, Museum of Discovery and Science, Riverwalk A&E District and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. From the West Palm Beach station, take a stroll to the Clematis District, CityPlace and Centennial Park.
A trip to Florida isn’t complete without some much-needed beach time.
Spend the day swimming, kayaking and snorkeling in crystal-clear water at Bahia Honda State Park, located between the historic Seven Mile Bridge and Big Pine Key in the lower Florida Keys. This stretch of sand has been listed many times among the best beaches in the USA.
Home to two sprawling beach parks, Key Biscayne is perfect for oceanfront family picnics. Visit either Crandon Park at the entrance to the island, or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the island’s end. At Bill Baggs, climb the steps of the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse (c. 1825) or kayak along the water’s edge. Or fish on the seawall of Biscayne Bay where you can spot the remnants of Stiltsville, a collection of historical structures on stilts hovering over the water that dates back to the Prohibition-era rumrunner days.
Of course, in Miami, you’ll not want to miss the sparkling sands of South Beach. Families love the kid-friendly facilities and mini splash and play area at the South Pointe Park beach, while those who want to be in the “scene” head to the beach along Ocean Drive. Farther north, the beach in Surfside is a favorite among locals because of its laid-back vibe and access to a waterfront walking path. Or check out the Oleta River State Park beach, ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
Famous for its bustling beachfront district and an entertainment destination in its own right, Hollywood beach features a variety of sidewalk cafés, boutiques and ice cream parlors—so go for a dip and then cruise the Broadwalk. Spend the day boating or canoeing at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach, a popular turtle nesting spot.
Drawing spring break crowds for years, Fort Lauderdale Beach runs the length of North Atlantic Boulevard and makes the perfect beach day easy because of its proximity to a variety of restaurants and amusing attractions. Seeking a quiet respite? Enjoy serenity in the shaded picnic areas at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which also features monthly mangrove habitat walks.
In Boca Raton, the Daggerwing Nature Center features a 3,000-square-foot exhibit hall surrounded by 40 acres of natural area to explore.
Check out the panoramic views from the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum at Jupiter Beach Park.
In Juno Beach, venture out on a wildlife turtle walk then navigate through the rare coastal hammock and natural dune systems, part of Florida’s most precious habitat.
For hot days and sultry nights, these neighborhoods and hot spots will keep you entertained around the clock, seven days a week.
Fans of fine beers, ales, rums and more can enjoy local libations throughout the Keys. For the ultimate bar-hopping adventure, complete with plenty of local music, Duval Street is party central in Key West. At the end of the stretch, Mallory Square is the perfect place to sip a tropical cocktail and watch street performers during the nightly sunset celebration. Tour the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, located in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant and on the site of a former pre-Prohibition-era bar named Jack’s Saloon, and sample free rum. The Jolly II Rover Land and Sea Combo Tour blends food, libations, strolling and sailing. The pirate-themed tour introduces visitors to the history as well as the present-day beauty and charm of Key West. It features a variety of food and rum tastings on land as well as two hours on board an 80-foot pirate ship replica.
Miami has so many popular entertainment districts you could spend weeks here and still not hit every hot spot. Two of the most famous areas are Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road on South Beach. Home of the Art Deco Historic District, renowned nightlife, luxurious hotels and tons of local eateries, both locations offer the ultimate South Beach experience. The Time Out Market on Drexel Avenue just off Lincoln Road in Miami Beach features a curated mix of 17 kitchens, three bars, a video installation wall and a demonstration kitchen. Clubs like LIV at the Fontainebleau and Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach draw the hottest DJs and late-night revelers. Back on Miami’s mainland, the Mary Brickell Village near downtown is a popular spot for locals to live, work and play, thanks to a bevy of skyscraper residences, rooftop bars and posh eateries. Both the Wynwood Arts District and Miami Design District have been drawing the cultural elite to hobnob over sophisticated cocktails, luxurious shopping and celebrity-helmed restaurants. Joining other trendy neighborhoods, there’s a resurgence of the MiMo Biscayne Boulevard Historic District, where you’ll find hip restored hotels and bars from the 1950s. MiMo, short for Miami Modern, describes a design aesthetic unique to Miami that was influenced by American fascination with futurism, jets and space exploration. Lush and tropical Coconut Grove is experiencing a resurgence with new restaurants and boutiques opening up on a regular basis. And, in Little Havana, stroll down Calle Ocho to savor a taste of nostalgic Cuban culture where eateries serve authentic pastelitos and Cuban coffee that packs an impressive punch. Not to be overlooked, CityPlace Doral near the Miami International Airport is a recent development with dining options, shopping venues and residences.
For casino fun, head west toward the Everglades and the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, which includes non-stop thrills like high-stakes poker, jackpot games and bingo hall. Catch year-round horse racing at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, home of the Curlin Florida Derby. Check out the Vegas-style slot machines, poker tables, restaurants, open air mall, bowling alley and art galleries. Also, in Hallandale Beach, the Big Easy Casino features slots, virtual table games, poker and casual dining venues. For more round-the-clock casino action and nightlife, head to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in nearby Hollywood. The new expansion boasts the iconic Guitar Hotel, a state-of-the-art entertainment venue and a pool resort featuring a man-made lake with paddleboarding and a lazy river. Check out the Casino @ Dania Beach which, for over 60 years, has been the site of Dania Jai Alai. Or challenge Lady Luck at the nearby Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, featuring slots, poker tables, restaurants, harness racing and entertainment.
In Southeast Florida, dining and entertainment collide on a variety of popular main drags.
Stretching more than two miles along the ocean, Hollywood’s Broadwalk features panoramic beach views, a variety of outdoor restaurants and the very popular Margaritaville Beach Resort. Las Olas Boulevard offers plenty of dining options, plus many live entertainment and local music performances every weekend. Mizner Park in Boca Raton is the place to go for shopping, dining and fun.
The West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District (A&E) unites a fast-growing number of the area’s top cultural institutions and burgeoning art scene. This cultural corridor covers a one-mile city radius and encompasses more than 20 distinct and distinguished cultural venues including Palm Beach Dramaworks on Clematis Street and the Society of the Four Arts on the island of Palm Beach. Downtown West Palm Beach is also known for its eclectic mix of restaurants along Clematis Street and in CityPlace, a popular West Palm Beach destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Florida is a shopping mecca and features tons of opportunities to shop till you drop.
The Brickell City Centre is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and features a variety of dining establishments as well as luxury, premium and contemporary retailers, including Sephora, Tommy Bahama, and others. Nearby, the super-luxe Miami Design District showcases the crème de la crème of high-end fashion, including Burberry, Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Versace.
To the south in Wynwood Arts District you’ll find more art galleries, retail stores, antique shops and hip bars as well as one of the largest open-air street-art installations in the world. The recently updated Aventura Mall is one of America’s most visited shopping centers. It features dynamic shopping and dining experiences blended with experiential, artistic elements. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Macy’s, Aventura Mall features iconic retailers, including Givenchy, Fendi, Michael Kors and other shopper favorites. Additional Miami malls you might want to include on your list are Dadeland, The Falls, Shops at Merrick Park and Bal Harbour Shops.
Considered among the most fashionable venues in the Sunshine State, Fort Lauderdale’s Galleria Mall features brand-name retailers from Apple to Neiman Marcus, dining and a currency exchange kiosk.
And don’t overlook Las Olas Boulevard with all its trendy boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
To score some impressive deals, head to Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, where you’ll find over 300 stores and the largest outlet shopping destination in the USA.
Dolphin Mall is Miami-Dade County’s largest outlet shopping center where you’ll find over 200 value-priced and outlet stores. Shuttle service to the mall is available from Miami International Airport and select airport hotels.
Another great spot for outlet shopping, Palm Beach Outlets features more than 100 stores including brand favorites Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store and Vera Bradley.
Be sure to add Mizner Park Boca Raton, anchored by Lord + Taylor, to your bucket list of shopping malls. Town Center at Boca Raton is another high-end shopping destination anchored by Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s, while The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens is a spacious shopping center with more than 125 world-class brand names. Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue is lined with trendy boutiques and popular restaurants—it’s not uncommon to see all ages walking along this main-street-style neighborhood hot spot.
Don’t overlook Southeast Florida’s popular flea markets. The gigantic flea market at the Swap Shop in Fort Lauderdale features vendors selling brand-name items at bargain prices. Florida shoppers in-the-know also head to the Festival Market Mall, a veritable shopper’s paradise in Pompano Beach.
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