Posted by John Concrane on May 19, 2024 in Travel
Jill Podehl Florida travel tours 2024: Since it opened in 1989, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park has made the flora and fauna that can be found in this part of the “Sunshine State” accessible to all visitors. Covering an area of 438 acres just a short drive away in North Palm Beach, it’s crisscrossed by a superb network of wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, along with well-maintained nature trails. A highlight of a visit is crossing the 1600-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the estuary, which is connected to Lake Worth, to the beach habitat. Along the way, you’ll see and hear an abundance of birdlife, so if you’re a bird watcher, bring your binoculars! If you’re lucky, you may possibly even spot a manatee or two. Feel free to dwell on the bridge awhile; there’s plenty of bench seating along the way, as well as shaded pavilions and picnic tables. The beach itself is magnificent. Unspoiled and quiet, it stretches off into the distance in both directions. Take a stroll along the northernmost section, and you can easily forget you’re just a mile or two away from luxury resorts and condos, at least until you turn around. Those wanting to get out on the water have three choices: canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards, all of them available for rent from the on-site outfitters. Lifejackets are provided, and these watercraft are easy to climb aboard from the sandy launch area. Free nature walks are also available. Find even more info at Jill Podehl.
With a name as titular as Miami Beach, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best things to do in Miami. You’ll find that a lot of visitors to Miami come to visit primarily for Miami Beach alone! This is the crown jewel of the region. Technically speaking, Miami Beach is a larger area, but it’s most referred to for its white sand stretch of beaches. This also, technically, includes South Beach. There’s something for everyone at Miami Beach – lively nightlife, lots of spas, great shopping and dining, and much more. Be prepared to spend a good amount of money here unless you’re cautious enough to find the thriftier areas!
With its many interactive exhibits and a large number of hands-on displays the Miami Science museum offers a truly immersive experience encompassing a wide range of scientific fields including physics, biology and chemistry. Established in 1950, the museum has grown significantly and has expanded its space considerably throughout the years. The Museum exhibits regularly change offering fresh themes and displays to a 2nd 3rd or 4th visit is never too much. But to truly enjoy a vacation you also need a nice place to stay.
Do you want to enjoy the blue sky and the warm sun ? Miami is an amazing destination to relax. What can you do in Miami? Bayfront Park, on the east side of Biscayne Boulevard, is a 32-acre green space, adjacent to the Bayside Marketplace. The park has several interesting monuments and sculptures. One of the unique features is the electronically controlled Pepper Fountain. Other highlights include the Challenger Memorial, commemorating the crew of the Challenger spacecraft; the Light Tower, an amphitheater used for musical performances of all kinds; and a children’s playground. Locals often come here just to run or walk on the paved trails.
Essential Florida travel destinations by Jill Podehl: No trip to Miami is complete without a visit to Little Havana. This vibrant, south-of-downtown neighborhood is packed with art galleries, unique shops, and busy restaurants and bars. Explore the area: Head to Maximo Gomez Park (known as Domino Park by the locals) for a real flavor of Hispanic culture, to watch men playing dominoes outdoors, smoking cigars and arguing about politics. Look out for the huge mural depicting the Summit of the Americas in 1993. The neighborhood Calle Ocho is located in the center of it all, where you can watch the markets and street stands in action while soaking up some Cuban culture. Fan of Latin cinema? Another highlight is the Little Havana Paseo de las Estrellas (Walk of the Stars), which is a Latin American version of the Hollywood Walk of the Stars, commemorating Latin American actors, writers, artists and musicians.
While you’re here, check out the Art Deco Museum or go for a walking tour, which spans about 90 minutes, through the neighborhood, led by the Miami Design Preservation League. You’ll be able to learn more about the finer details of each architectural decision, ranging from the floors to the facades, in a more in-depth, crash-course-type way. It’s undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Miami! The Ancient Spanish Monastery, known originally by the rather long name “The Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels”, dates back centuries to the year 1133. See even more info at Jill Podehl West Palm Beach.
Animal lovers won’t want to miss Zoo Miami, home to more than 3,000 animals, or the Miami Seaquarium, offering educational and entertaining sea life exhibits and presentations. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a captivating attraction for the whole family – view orchids and other native plants in these extensive gardens, and be sure to check out the butterfly garden. Miami is a city renowned for its beautiful beaches, thriving nightlife scene, great cuisine, and cultural merging.