Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This 1200-acre park boasts Crandon Park Beach, a glorious but crowded beach that
stretches for 3 miles. Much of the park consists of a dense coastal hammock (hardwood
forest) and mangrove swamps. Pretty cabanas at the south end of the park can be rented by
the day ($37.45). The 2-mile-long beach here is clean, uncluttered with tourists, faces a
lovely sweep of teal goodness and is regularly named one of the best beaches in the USA.
Miami Seaquarium
AQUARIUM
way; adult/child $40/30; 9:30am-6pm, last entry 4:30pm; )
The Seaquarium was one of the country's first facilities dedicated to marine life, and its
mission remains one of protecting aquatic creatures and educating the public about its
charges. There are dozens of shows and exhibits, including a tropical reef; the Shark Chan-
nel, with feeding presentations; and Discovery Bay, a natural mangrove habitat that serves
as a refuge for rehabilitating rescued sea turtles. Check out the Pacific white-sided dol-
phins or West Indian manatees being nursed back to health; some are released into the
wild.
With that said, the big attraction at the Seaquarium is also its most controversial: dol-
phin and whale shows, including swim-with-the-dolphin programs. While the Seaquarium
say it is protecting cetaceans (sea mammals) and educating the public about them, animal-
welfare organizations claim any form of captivity and human interaction is debilitating to
dolphins and whales. If you decide you want to swim with dolphins, note that people un-
der 5ft 2in cannot participate and children under three cannot enter the observation area.
Last entry is at 4:30pm.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center
MUSEUM
don Blvd; 10am-4pm; )
Marjory Stoneman Douglas was a beloved environmental crusader and worthy namesake
of this child-friendly nature center. The structure is a perfect introduction and exploration
of the continental USA's own subtropical ecosystem: South Florida. There are weekend
hikes and nature lessons that let kids wade into the water in search of marine wildlife;
check the website for a full breakdown of the many activities on offer, most of which cost
$12 per person.
