ANNUAL EVENTS
JANUARY
Art Deco Weekend, Miami Beach
Key Largo Sailfish Challenge
Las Olas Art Fair Part I, Fort Lauderdale South Florida Fair, West Palm Beach Uncorked, the Key Largo and Islamorada
Food & Wine Festival
FEBRUARY
ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, Jupiter
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach
Wine & Food Festival
Honda Classic, Palm Beach Gardens
Lake Worth Street Painting Festival
Miami International Boat Show
Miami International Jazz Fest
South Florida Garlic Fest, Lake Worth Beach
MARCH
Boca Bacchanal, Boca Raton
Calle Ocho Music Festival, Miami
Dania Beach Arts & Seafood Celebration
Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival,
Miami Gardens
Las Olas Art Fair Part II, Fort Lauderdale
Major League Baseball Spring Training, Jupiter Miami International Film Festival
Original Marathon Seafood Festival
ULTRA musicfestival and the Winter Music Conference, Miami
MARCH–APRIL
Miami Beach Pride
Miami Open Tennis presented by Itaú Palm Beach International Film Festival
APRIL
Delray Affair
Miami Beach Polo World Cup
OUTshine Film Festival
Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival,
Fort Lauderdale
MAY
Sunfest, West Palm Beach
JULY
Hemingway Days, Key West
Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival
JULY–AUGUST
International Ballet Festival of Miami Miami Spa Month
AUGUST
Dine Out Downtown Delray
AUGUST–SEPTEMBER
Greater Fort Lauderdale Restaurant Months Miami Spice Month
SEPTEMBER
Brazilian Film Festival of Miami
OCTOBER
Fantasy Fest, Key West
Key West Goombay Festival South Beach Seafood Festival
NOVEMBER
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Key West Film Festival
Key West World Championship -
Super Boat International Races
Miami Book Fair International
Miami International Auto Show
Miami Short Film Festival
NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend, Miami Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest
DECEMBER
Art Basel Miami Beach
Capital One Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens Design Miami
Holiday Boat Parades
King Mango Strut Parade, Coconut Grove
ATTRACTIONS
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 shark 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-squarefoot 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 drivethrough 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, theatre, one-of-akind 18-hole Conservation Miniature Golf Course designed by Gary Nicklaus and Jim Fazio, the recently completed quarter-mile science trail along with many educational programs.
At the Palm Beach Zoo Flamingo Experience, visitors ages five and up are welcome to mix and mingle with pink Chilean flamingos.
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. An on-site playground and a series of educational programs can keep guests entertained for hours, or families can hop across the street to picturesque Juno Beach.
ROAD TRIPS
Probably the most iconic, convertible, windin-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 new 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. Expect railcars with plush seating, on-board amenities such as Wi-Fi, and competitive pricing compared with other travel options.
Dubbed “MiamiCentral,” the Miami station is located at NW 1st Avenue, between NW 3rd Street and NW 8th Street. From here, you can walk to AmericanAirlines Arena, Adrienne Arsht Center, PortMiami and Bayfront Park. Take the train up to the Fort Lauderdale station located at NW 2nd Avenue, between Broward Blvd. and NW 4th Street 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 situated at Evernia Street, between S. Rosemary Avenue and S. Quadrille Blvd., take a stroll to the Clematis District, CityPlace and Centennial Park.
With promises of saving 25 percent on travel time compared to existing transportation options, it’s no wonder travelers enjoy riding the passenger train.
BEACHES AND OUTDOOR GEMS
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 Beach 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 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 laidback vibe and access to a waterfront walking path. Or check out 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 John U. Lloyd Beach 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.
ENTERTAINMENT
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. Passengers can help raise the vessel’s red sails, participate in a “firing” of the cannons, and view the Key West Historic Seaport, Sunset Key, Christmas Tree Island and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
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 celebrityhelmed 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 a 1,000plus-seat bingo hall. Catch year-round horse racing at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, home of the Florida Derby. Check out some 800 Vegas-style slot machines, poker tables, international restaurants, an open air mall, bowling alley and art galleries. There’s
even a children’s entertainment center called Cool Corner Family Bistro, which keeps kids hopping. 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. A new 1.5 billion dollar expansion opened last fall with the iconic Guitar Hotel, a new state-ofthe-art entertainment venue and a 13.5-acre pool resort featuring a beach, tropical lagoon and water activities which include canoeing and paddleboarding. 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 1,500 slots, poker tables, restaurants, harness racing and entertainment.
For a unique gaming experience, let the San Gwann, a 400-passenger high-speed ferry, transport you from the Port of Miami to Resorts World Bimini to enjoy non-stop action in a 10,000-square-foot casino featuring popular table games, slot machines, a high-limit gaming salon and fine dining venues.
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.
SHOPPING
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 luxury, premium and contemporary retailers, including Sephora, Tommy Bahama, lululemon, Armani and others, and numerous dining establishments. Nearby, the super-luxe Miami Design District showcases the crème de la crème of high-end fashion, including Burberry, Cartier, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Gucci, Hermès, 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.
In 2018, Aventura Mall, Miami’s premier fashion destination and one of America’s most visited shopping centers, debuted
a new three-level, 315,000-square-foot expansion wing, featuring dynamic shopping and dining experiences blended with experiential, artistic elements, including a nearly 93-foot-tall sculpture by Belgian artist Carsten Höller, down which visitors can slide. Highlighting the new wing is the much-anticipated return of Zara to the mall and an array of inviting restaurants and cafés. Perched atop the expansion, a 7,000-plus-square-foot VIP Lounge provides a private ambience and a stylish VIP escape. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Macy’s, Aventura Mall features more than 300 iconic retailers, including Givenchy, Gucci, Fendi, Burberry, Apple, 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 350-plus 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 240 value-priced and outlet stores, including H&M, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and more. Shuttle service to the mall is available from Miami International Airport, Miami Beach and select 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, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, J Crew Factory, Tommy Hilfiger 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, 1.4-million-squarefoot shopping center with more than 150 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. While you’re in town, check out the Delray Marketplace.
Don’t overlook Southeast Florida’s popular flea markets. The gigantic flea market at the Swap Shop in Fort Lauderdale features some 2,000 vendors selling brandname items at bargain prices. Florida shoppers in-the-know also head to the Festival Market Mall, a veritable shopper’s paradise in Pompano Beach.