Unique Florida Adventures in Miami & Everglades National Park

There’s so much to do within the state of Florida, especially when it comes to adventure. The state is full of thrilling activities along both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast, in addition to plenty of action within the springs of Northern Florida, and even some surprises inland.

Miami
At the southern tip of Florida is Miami, surrounded by high-rise buildings and coastal access at every angle. The city has a ton of adventure and plenty of ocean access, along with great places to stay, an amazing culinary scene, and an impressive art scene.

Check into the Kimpton Surfcomber
1717 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

For a boutique accommodation option that’s extremely pet and family-friendly, check out Kimpton Surfcomber in Miami Beach. The location is ideal, right in the heart of Miami Beach with a spa, pools, and restaurants along with private beach access. The hotel offers special amenities for guests like salsa classes and happy hours, in addition to their comfortable, stylish rooms, some with incredible views of the beach and a terrace.

The Trump International Beach Resort
18001 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Let me start by clarifying that Trump does not actually own this hotel. The Trump International Beach Resort, located in Sunny Isle Beach, has incredible views of the ocean and easy beach access, along with water toys for guests to enjoy in addition to the pools on the property. Right on the beach, there’s a hut where guests can rent jet skis, standup paddle boards, and even electric surfboards. Azzurro, the in-house Italian restaurant with delicious calamari and lobster ravioli topped with caviar, is perfect for a convenient, but delicious dinner.

At Biscayne National Park Eco Adventures, the boat can bring snorkelers out to multiple different locations for underwater adventures. On the way out, expect to see playful dolphins, in addition to plenty of bright, colorful fish, turtles, and more on the reefs. It really depends on the day where the captain will bring guests out snorkeling, but ours went to two spots along Ball Buoy Reef and it was spectacular. The coral reef was absolutely stunning, brightly colored, and filled with fish of all kinds from barracudas to parrot fish. Even sharks! I observed and followed (from a distance to respect their space) a nurse shark for a while and it was so special to watch him swim peacefully through the reef.

Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center Snorkeling
300 Alton Rd Suite 110 Miami Beach Florida offers snorkel and diving trips to guests, where you can expect to observe plenty of fish and coral reefs, among some truly special sites like the Neptune Memorial Reef and Rainbow Reef. I will admit, this definitely seems geared towards divers. The group generally visits two different spots, and the action is happening well below the surface line.

If you’re looking for boat rides with a little adventure attached, try the Thriller inside the Bayside Marketplace at 401 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132. The speedboat will fly around Miami Beach with music blasting, wind and the mist from the waves blowing through your hair, while the captain also acts as a knowledgeable tour guide.

If you love immersive art, check out ARTECHOUSE Miami at 736 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. The new installation brings digital art to new levels through technological exhibitions.

Superblue Miami at 1101 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127 is another immersive option, where the light installations put you right into the art itself. Pay extra for the cloud room, where foam bounces and blows around, like real clouds. It’s truly incredible to see.

There are so many places in Miami Beach to experience authentic Cuban food, but Havana 1957 at 405 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139 is easily a favorite with a tasty menu full of options or samplers, giving customers the opportunity to try multiple things on one plate. Not to mention amazing mojitos. Marabú at 701 S Miami Ave Brickell City Center 4th Floor, Miami, FL 33131 is another local spot that truly celebrates traditional Cuban food and culture, serving dishes to try like their citrus steak and fried sweet plantains.

If you’re craving pizza, head to Harry’s Pizzeria Miami Beach at 1680 Meridian Ave Suite 102, Miami Beach, FL 33139 for some Neapolitan-style pizzas, salads, and appetizers like stretchy mozzarella sticks. Harry’s was opened by James Beard Award-winning Chef, Michael Schwartz, so customers know they’re in great hands when dining here.

For unbelievable Mediterranean food, try Motek Aventura – Mediterranean Cafe & Restaurant at 19565 Biscayne Blvd #938, Aventura, FL 33180. The pitas were to die for, especially when loaded up and dunked in their spreads like fresh hummus, eggplant salad, Israeli salad, and babaganoush. The halloumi salad was salty and flavorful and the lamb shawarma was full of flavor and spice.

Homestead
Not far from Miami is Everglades National Park where visitors can kayak and explore. Everglades National Park is a huge wetland spanning over 1,500,000 acres in Southern Florida and is home to some amazing creatures like manatees, turtles, Florida panthers, and of course, plenty of alligators. Just outside of the park, there are multiple adventures worth having in this small area.

Everglades Outpost Wildlife Rescue
35601 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, FL 33034

Known for his expert status and experience with these magnificent animals, Chris has been working with Casper (one of the gators on the property) for years. He started these tours where people can interact safely and ethically with the alligators in protected waters with his leadership. His mission is to show people that alligators are not terrifying, they’re actually calm creatures that are not very known for attacking humans and the issues that can come from people feeding them in the wild. Guests get in the water with Chris and watch as he interacts with Casper gently and calmly. This incredible experience has drawn in people from all over the world and gives individuals a chance to view alligators from below.

Everglades Alligator Farm – Airboat Ride
40351 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, FL 33034

At the Everglades Alligator Farm, observe different wildlife habitats before boarding one of their airboats. Rides go out every 20 minutes give or take a few and bring you whipping through wetlands to observe alligators and enjoy the ride. If it’s a hot day, sit in the front row, but protect your stuff. You definitely will get soaked as you glide over the water.

Robert is Here
40351 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, FL 33034

Swing into Robert Is Here for a snack. This family-owned stand has a ton of fresh produce and exotic fruits to taste including guanabana. They also are known for their Cuban sandwiches if you’re looking for something quick on the go.

Smokehouse 191
35601 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, FL, 33034

Smokehouse 191, in the lot right next to the Everglades Outpost where you can swim with gators, the smoke truck makes all kinds of delicious goodies like garlicky barbecue ribs and smoked wings, with homemade coleslaw on the side.