If You Like - Miami and the Keys - page 37

Conch fritter stand, Mallory Square, Key West
MATT MUNRO / LONELY PLANET ©
Outdoor Activities
South Florida's tropical landscape is unique in the continental USA. From the mangrove
islands of the Keys to gentle grasslands, beaches and palm hammock (forest), to the great
wetland wilderness that is the Everglades, there is plenty of distinctive beauty here.
Everglades The 'River of Grass' is a uniquely beautiful ecosystem that can easily be the
highlight of a visit to South Florida.
Crane Point Museum On the island of Marathon, this outdoor museum is a great introduc-
tion to the ecology of the Florida Keys.
Oleta River State Park Drive past the condos of North Miami Beach and slip into wilderness
serenity on a canoe or kayak.
Hell's Bay (Royal Palm Visitor Center) Canoe into the bracken heart of the marsh in this attract-
ive series of small streams.
10,000 Islands To truly appreciate the Zen of South Florida, camp in this lovely barrier ar-
chipelago.
Music
Miami is arguably the greatest entrepôt in Latin America, a region that - forgive us the ste-
reotype - likes its music. From samba to salsa to reggaeton, the rhythms of the Caribbean
and Central and South America resound here, alongside Euro techno, indie rock, Haitian
pop and local hip-hop. Needless to say, the beat is infectious.
Bardot Live acts occasionally grace this hip Midtown joint.
Green Parrot Local live bands regularly rock the scene at Key West's oldest, funkiest bar.
Churchill's If you think Miami can't rock, check out the Mohawks at this hard-bitten British
pub.
The Stage Live music and performance art takes, well, the stage here on a regular basis.