Top rated Florida destinations with Jill Podehl: Another first-rate animal attraction that’s sure to please is the Lion Country Safari. Set on 600-plus acres in Loxahatchee and just a short drive from Panther Ridge, this family-friendly attraction is really two experiences in one: a fun drive-through safari where you get to use your own car, as well as a theme park. Since its establishment in 1967, Lion Country Safari has welcomed countless visitors to view its collection of 1,000 animals, most of them in a cageless environment in which they can wander around relatively freely. Along the way, you’ll hear commentary on your audio guide and get a chance to view a wide variety of species close up, except the lions of course, who for safety reasons are behind a fence. The theme park area, Safari World, includes a number of fun rides, waterslides, a petting zoo, and giraffe feeding experiences. Themed guided tours are also available. See more details on Jill Podehl.
The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful Miami attractions. With 84 acres of land to its name, the garden is completely filled with all manner of tropical flowers, plants, trees, and more. There are different exhibits across the stretch, each themed and climate-managed to create realistic environments. The Wings of the Tropics exhibit is one of the most well-known in the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. An impressive 40 exotic butterfly species live here, flying around in a beautiful arc. If that’s not for you, there are 26 other exhibits to check out. You’re spoiled for choice! Wherever you choose to go, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is sure to amaze and awe. The lovely location also offers a great set of guided tours and tram tours if you want a guide on your journey. There are also a few stops for meals and snacks across the garden if you get peckish.
Encompassing mangrove forests, salt marshes, a coastal dune island, coastal tropical hardwood rockland hammocks and endangered pine habitats, this 440 acre Deering Estate at Cutler property has it all. Also home to the Richard cottages c1900 which served as a hotel, the Deering Estate hosts other historical buildings of importance dating from 1896 to 1922 and an Indian burial ground circa 1500. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the stunning grounds, explore the houses or simply relax and soak up the surroundings. But to truly enjoy a vacation you also need a nice place to stay.
Do you need to enjoy a blue sky on a perfect beach ? Miami is an amazing location to relax. What can you see in Miami? Jungle Island is a bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat, and botanical garden. Parrots and other exotic birds fly about in tropical forest settings, some of which take part in daily shows. Larger animals, including tigers, baboons, alligators, tortoises, monkeys, and orangutans are also a big part of the attraction. The gardens contain around 2,000 varieties of exotic plants, including heliconias, bananas, orchids, and bromeliads. Jungle Island was affected by Hurricane Irma in the fall of 2017 and is closed for improvements until mid-2018.
Best Florida attractions from Jill Podehl: The Metromover is a free, driverless sky train that links several of Miami’s downtown hotels with the Metrorail. Stop off at any of the 20 stops such as the decorative Freedom Tower or the Miami-Dade Cultural Center (home of Miami Art Museum). The cars arrive every 90 seconds during peak times and every three minutes off-peak. A digital display in the center of the platform tells you where each car is heading.
Zoo Miami is home to more than 500 different animal species, and over 3,000 individual animals of all kinds call this fun Florida spot their home. The zoo is popular for its extremely natural environments that allow the animals to be safely separated from visitors without using things like cages or closed compartments, so the animals are happier and you get to see them in a natural manner. Not far from the downtown area, the zoo hosts plenty of programs and events to keep people of all ages entertained. Certain animals can be ridden and children will tremendously enjoy events like the giraffe feeding. Since it’s such a big zoo, you’ll be able to stay occupied all day long, and that’s why it’s one of the top 10 definite must do things in the city. See more info on Jill Podehl West Palm Beach.
History and architecture buffs will want to explore Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a romantic Italianate villa overlooking Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. It was once the winter home of wealthy industrialist James Deering. In Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool is a one-of-a-kind natural swimming pool set in a coral rock quarry. As such, it’s hard to pick the best places in Miami for guests. There’s simply so much to do and enjoy! It’s a tough list, but we’ve put together a selection of some of the very greatest of the greatest that the city has to offer.