Being an aspiring biologist, when my family and I take a vacation somewhere we usually end up visiting all the zoos, aquariums, and anything that has to do with wildlife in the area. When I visited Miami, Florida in 2008, this was no exception. Before we arrived we made a plan of attack of what we wanted to do in the week we were going to be in town. After the week ended the venues listed below were the highlights of my trip.
1. Miami Zoo
One of the first stops we made was to Miami Zoo, which is located a little south of Miami. Miami Zoo is very visitor friendly, and the animals are in exceptional habitats. This was a very large zoo, which we expected before we arrived, and made an entire day trip out of it. Some of the animals that I observed here that I haven’t seen in many other places were the Spotted Hyena, Sloth Bear, Malayan Sun Bear, and Black Rhinos, which are critically endangered. They also have Bactrian Camels, which is estimated to have less than 900 individuals left in the wild.
2. Miami Seaquarium
This place was simply amazing, and one of the main highlights of our trip. I think my kids would have lived there if they could. The Seaquarium was a bit pricier than some of the other destinations, but well worth it. I am not that big of a fan of Killer Whales in captivity, but was very excited to see manatees up close and personal, which I had not yet had the opportunity to see in real life up to that point. They also have Dolphin Interaction Programs where you can hug, kiss, and dance with bottlenose dolphins.
3. South Beach
How could you not go to one of the best beach destinations, and not spend a day at the beach. The waters are crystal clear and eye candy as far as your eyes can see. One of the most popular beaches in Miami is South Beach, which is where we spent the day, but other beaches are Virginia Key Beach, and clothing optional Haulover Beach, which isn’t exactly a family destination beach.
4. The Everglades
One of the most rare ecosystems in the country was a real treat for me to visit. Especially, since it might not be there by the time I am actually able to visit again. Released pet snakes and snakeheads in the region are destroying the ecosystem at an alarming rate, not to mention other human factors.
5. Major Sports teams
Depending on what time of year you visit there is always a team sport that is playing to win. We went to a Miami Heat game, which they lost, but it was still tons of fun. Other major sports teams in the area are the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, and Florida Marlins. This city has major sports teams in basketball, football, hockey, and baseball, respectively.
