MUSEUMS

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an incredible and famous collection museum. The MoCA offers its guests both special temporary exhibits as well as exhibits showcasing its wide collection of contemporary art. The MoCA is dedicated to making contemporary arts accessible to diverse audiences, especially under-served populations, according to its mission statement. This museum, through collection and preservation, has built one of the finest art exhibitions in the country.

Miami Children’s Museum

The Miami Children’s Museum is a non- profit educational institution located on Watson Island, Miami. This museum sets out to build community, character, imagination and education among the children of the community. This museum is dedicated to serving young children and their families in order to enrich the lives of children through fostering the love of learning and enabling children to reach their highest potential.

Jewish Museum of Florida

The Jewish Museum of Florida at FIU is located in two separate restored buildings that were previously synagogues. Their mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the material evidence of the Florida Jewish experience. In exploring this specific theme, this community is able to learn about their roots and share their experiences with the larger Miami community.

Bass Museum of Art

The Bass Museum of Art specializes in exhibits of contemporary art and offers volunteer opportunities, a calendar of events pertaining to their various exhibits, and is conveniently and beautifully located on Miami Beach. Their mission is to present contemporary art to excite, challenge, and educate the community.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a landmark that preserves the estate of agricultural industrialist James Deering to engage the community and its guests in learning through the arts, history, and the environment. This museum is a great place to learn about the community in the a unique and historical way. They work to create an inclusive environment, and preserve at the center of all endeavors.

MARKETS

Joanna’s Marketplace

Joanna’s is a chic marketplace/café/bakery located in the heart of Miami. Their motto ‘eat dessert first’ is appealing to those with a sweet tooth and those who just enjoy the little things in life. Joanna’s Marketplace sports a chalk wall with wall art presented by staff and patrons alike. This market place is best for fresh breads and pastries as well as coffee and morning goodies. Be sure to stop in for a great weekend treat.

The Fresh Market

The Fresh Market sets out to inspire fresh home cooked meals with their natural ingredients and recipe tips. They take their customers from cook to chef with their innovative food options and pairings. As one of the leading specialty markets in the country, The Fresh Markets is dedicated to creating a sustainable industry and supporting the local community as well as local businesses and farms.

Coconut Grove Saturday Organic Market

This classic farmers market open Saturdays offers an extensive assortment of organic fruit, vegetables, grains, seeds, and raw vegan options. It sports a salad bar, homemade sauces with fresh farm grown ingredients, and the customers choice of sweet treats that are sure to satisfy. This farmers market is proud to say that their food is food that loves you back.

Kendall Village Farmers Market

This marketplace is open Sundays and offers everything from fresh fruit and veggies to Grumpy Greg’s barbecue. This farmers market is perfect to scope out local vendors as well as awesome live music with family, friends, and the Kendall Village community. The farmers market celebrates each holiday differently, offering holiday flavors and seasonal options so be sure to stop by this thanksgiving season.

Southwest Community Farmers Market

Open Saturdays, the Southwest Community Farmers Market is a non-profit organization. This market’s mission is to bring fresh and seasonal produce made by local farms and vendors to the community. In this way, they help to educate their consumers about the incredible produce in their own backyard and kick start their economy. Visit this market for fresh, seasonal and local goods – you will not be disappointed.

PARKS

Everglades National Park

This is a 1.5-million-acre U.S. National Park created to protect the fragile ecosystems in the southern section of the Lake Okeechobee watershed. The interconnected network of wetlands provides valuable habitat for native, imperiled species of plants and animals, and is critical to the health of the environment in South Florida. The park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is the largest marine park in the U.S. National Park System and is recognized for its abundance of underwater resources, including southern Biscayne Bay and its outer coral reefs. The park is ideal for visitors looking for a unique snorkeling or diving adventure. The park’s marine ecosystems can also be explored by kayak, canoe, or boat, all of which are available to rent at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.

Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is located just 45 miles west of Miami, while Dry Tortugas National Park is a few hundred miles to the southwest. It is only accessible by ferry boat or seaplane service from Key West.

Biscayne Nature Center

Biscayne Nature Center at Crandon Park is an educational facility and exhibition space dedicated to providing environmental education and promoting environmental stewardship. The center is nestled in the north end of Crandon Park on Key Biscayne surrounded by coastal dunes, beaches, and tropical hammocks. Its proximity to these habitats makes Biscayne Nature Center the perfect place for hands-on learning. The center offers field trips and family outings guided by a naturalist and features exhibits, workshops, and events.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens is named after plant pioneer Dr. David Fairchild, who introduced species like mangos, dates, nectarine and cotton to the United States. Dr. Fairchild continued his life’s work well into retirement by successfully curating the one-of-a-kind botanic garden that exists today. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens or seek out the displays and exhibits around the park. Their International, Mango, and Orchid Festivals draw crowds annually.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Located in Miami Beach’s city center, Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a welcome oasis in the midst of a concrete jungle. The recently renovated garden is comprised of native plant species and water features that create a serene ambiance. Its beauty and central location makes the garden a popular destination for events, such as public workshops, seminars, and other educational programming. It’s also the perfect place to take a break during Art Basel and enjoy lunch outside at the pop-up café.

Pinecrest Gardens

Pinecrest Gardens is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places as a botanical garden in the suburban village of Pinecrest. Since its inception, it has grown beyond its botanical gardens, butterfly exhibit, and petting zoo to include a Splash ‘N’ Play water playground and a 500-seat outdoor amphitheater that regularly hosts artistic performances. The gardens are also regularly used to host workshops and meetings for local gardening and horticulture organizations.

Barnacle Historic State Park

The Barnacle Historic State Park is situated in the heart of Coconut Grove. The property, which was once the former home of Coconut Grove pioneer and renowned yacht designer, Ralph Munroe, features lush tropical vegetation and incomparable views of Biscayne Bay. Stop by for a tour of the Barnacle House and Boathouse or take a self-guided walk around the property.

Fruit and Spice Park

While in Miami’s Redland District, don’t forget to stop at Fruit and Spice Park and take a guided tour of the property. There are over 500 species of fruits, herbs, vegetables, nuts, and spices growing throughout its 39 acres, including 150 varieties of mango. During the tour and in the park store, visitors are given the opportunity to taste a small selection of these species.