A year-round subtropical climate and a proximity to miles of white-sand beaches gives Miami plenty of parks, including nature parks, recreation parks and beaches, public gardens and animal parks.

Nature Parks
If you like nature, then you must visit Everglades National Park. Sure, it's a two-hour' drive from Miami, but this is the only place in the United States to see the rare and delicate ecosystem of the subtropical wilderness. There are many different habitats to see, such as the 10,000 islands along Wilderness Waterway, mangrove and cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, saw grass flats and the Dade Country pinelands. The Everglades are teeming with wildlife, like alligators and crocodiles, bottle-nosed dolphins, manatees, egrets, bald eagles and ospreys. There are two Visitors Centers that provide maps, park information and free overnight camping permits. Another park dedicated to Miami's nature is the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area, just five miles southeast of Miami, at the south end of Key Biscayne. This state-protected area has lots of exotic plants, nature trails and white-sand beaches, and is also home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse built in 1845.

Recreation
Miami also has plenty of parks dedicated to sports and recreation of all types. Most visitors who visit Miami just want a great place to engage in beach activities, from swimming to beach sports to relaxing and people-watching. The city beach at Miami Beach is a great place to do all of these things, and also to visit The Promenade, a paved pathway along the beach's western edge, created just for inline skaters, bicyclists, dog-walkers and other outdoor activities. Another great locale for recreation is Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah, just 30 minutes northwest of Miami. With five fishing lakes, playgrounds, picnic areas and an entire public farm to visit, this park has something for all ages. The red barn at the farm features a petting zoo and pony rides, while there is also a country store and farm activities like sugarcane processing and horseshoe pits.

Public gardens
With its lush, tropical climate, Miami is home to many parks that focus just on the unique, colorful and fascinating plants that thrive here. Visit the 83-acre Fairchild Tropical Garden to see an amazing rain forest park with 11 lakes, countless meadows, palm glades and a 2-acre rain forest exhibit called Windows to the Tropics. This park offers 2-hour tram rides and has a museum, caf', picnic area and gift shop. Another equally intriguing plant park is The Kampong, the former residence of plant collector and world explorer David Fairchild, who chose the Malaysian word for 'garden' to name his estate. This 7-acre botanical garden features flowering trees and tropical fruit trees like mango, avocado and pommelo and is available for tours by appointment.

Animal Parks
While many people like the quiet beauty and amazing diversity of plants, visitors who prefer to view some active and equally fascinating specimens of the natural world may prefer to visit an animal park or two. There is the Miami Metrozoo, a 290-acre, completely cage-free animal park that relies on a system of moats to confine its animals. The Miami Seaquarium is a 35-acre park dedicated to ocean-dwellers, and has 4 daily shows including the Flipper Show and The Killer Whale Show. If you like birds, then the Parrot Jungle & Gardens is the place for you to visit! Recently re-located to Watson Island, this huge 18.6-acre park is entirely dedicated to birds, and includes an Everglades exhibit, a petting zoo, theaters, jungle trails, and bird exhibits and aviaries with parrots, macaws, peacocks, cockatoos, flamingos and more! You'll also see tortoises, iguanas and a rare albino alligator. One last park offering insight into Miami's native animal population is Sea Grass Adventures program at Bear Cut Nature Preserve on Key Biscayne. Visitors have the opportunity to wade in the water, scoop up animals from the tide, and then gather on the beach to discuss the day's catch with a knowledgeable naturalist.

Whether your perfect park offers recreation activities or opportunities for quiet reflection on nature, and whether you are an animal aficionado or are fascinated by flora, Miami has a park for you! So be sure to pack your camera, some comfortable walking shoes and an open mind ' and prepare to make some memories when you visit Miami's parks!

Miami Beach

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