Miami, Florida is no longer a haven only for grandparents, but a very kid-friendly place, rich in cultural diversity and just plain fun. Perhaps it’s the pervasive influence of the Latin culture with its multi-generational families, maybe it’s the warm climate that encourages relaxation, or the fact that most of Miami’s family attractions are built around the great outdoors, incorporating palm trees, water and open sky. Whatever the reason, Miami is a fun and affordable place for a long weekend, or even a full week.
Most of the really good, large, beachfront hotels have smart and well-designed Kids Clubs of one sort or another, and almost all can arrange for evening childcare with a day’s notice.
For our pick of the most fun things to do in and around Miami, with any age in every season, check out this comprehensive Miami attractions for kids and family guide. For general information on the Miami area, contact the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (800/933-8448; 305/539-3000).
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddler to Age 8)
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, Florida 33132
305/400-7000
Home to over 2,000 exotic birds, alligators, a petting zoo, and a children’s playground, this nature park is a great choice for little ones. The staff makes low feeding stations available for some “hands-on” action and special photo opportunities. There are also wildlife shows and interactive exhibits scheduled frequently. Beautiful botanical gardens stretching over 12 acres (the gardens are wheelchair accessible) serve as a gorgeous backdrop for a half-day visit.
Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
305/361-5705
Whales and sharks and seals – oh my! Without a doubt, the main attraction here is Lolita, the resident killer whale who performs in a highly orchestrated, highly drenching (if you’re sitting near the tank) show twice daily. (Make sure to call ahead for specific times). It may not be up to the calibre of other marine parks, but the aquarium has an impressive sea lion show and shark presentation making it a fun afternoon for little ones. Many sea movies have been film here and their Swim with Dolphins Program is one of the best, done in a nurturing and educational atmosphere.
Butterfly World
3600 W. Sample Road, in Tradewinds Park
Coconut Creek, Florida 33073
954/977-4400
Butterfly World opened its doors in 1988, making it the first butterfly house in the United States. A mammoth 8,000-square-foot, screened enclosure houses thousands of butterflies in a natural rain forest environment complete with flowers, trees, a waterfall, a cave, and cooling tropical mist. Extensive outdoor gardens surrounding the enclosure round out the grounds. Young kids will no doubt love being in the midst of these beautiful creatures.
Fun for Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Miami Science Museum
3280 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
305/646-4200
Currently a low-slung Spanish style building surrounded by palm trees and bright bougainvillea, this simple one-story affair is quite unlike any museum. With some exhibits indoors, but mostly outdoors, the museum has a full-scale learning center with free-access computers for after school programs, a state-of-the-art Planetarium, and a variety of rotating exhibits. One of two big attractions is the Wildlife Center, a rehabilitation haven for injured wildlife, specializing in Florida-native raptors. The brand new museum to be known as the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a totally modern take on the original, set to open in 2016. The palm trees and bright bougainvillea will still be there, but the new museum will rise vertically in Museum Park near the water and the new Perez Art Museum.
The Museum Of History Miami
101 W. Flagler Street
Miami, Florida 33130
305/375-1492
Covering 10,000 years of Florida’s history, this museum holds a wide range of exhibits and features a collection of 37,000 artifacts primarily from the 20th century, sure to entertain and inform older children and adults for a few hours. In addition to their permanent collection and visiting exhibitions, the museum also runs frequent walking tours of Miami neighborhoods, a great way to get to know the city.
Wolfsonian Museum
1001 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305/531-1001
This renovated Art Deco warehouse at the corner of 10th Street houses one of the world’s most intriguing design collections (sculpture, posters, household items, really an enormous variety) from the modern era between 1885 and 1945. The permanent collection is a design buff’s dream, and there are often temporary shows which may be of interest to your family. Since it’s a stroller-friendly place that charges no admission on Fridays from 6pm-9pm, we think it’s a worthwhile stop for every age group before dining at one of the hip South Beach cafes.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, Florida 33156
305/667-1651
Named after the world famous plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild, Fairchild Topical Botanic Garden includes 83 acres dedicated to the conservation and research of an unrivaled collection of tropical plants. With a two-acre rainforest, open-air butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, and ever-rotating selection of art exhibits, Fairchild is sure to offer an educationally and culturally stimulating afternoon of botanical beauty. Don’t miss their beautiful collection of glass works by artist Dale Chihuly, whose organic glowing shapes fit it with the lush, tropical landscaping. Open daily from 9:30-4:30, admission includes tram tours, walking tours, and shuttle service. Generous discounts are available for those who choose an eco-friendly mode of transportation to Fairchild. Watch this video tour for a first-hand look at what the garden has to offer:
Fun for the Whole Family
Miami Zoo
12400 S.W. 152 Street
1 Zoo Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33177
305/251-0400
Rated by experts as one of the best zoos in the world, this is a place where you don’t feel bad for the animals. It is totally cage-less and the preservation of natural habitats, the imaginative use of coral rock, grassy areas and shady plains creates a positive environment. Gaily colored and wrapped packages filled with fruits, food and clothing are even placed in the fields for the chimps to open on Christmas morning. Far beyond the 500 species of lions, tigers, bears, reptiles and birds, don’t miss the exotic creatures in The Amazon and Beyond. To get the most out of your visit, we suggest you take the (air-conditioned!) monorail for a good overview, attend one of the classes or shows, then see some of the scheduled keeper talks and animal feedings. Also offered are tram tours that take guests behind the scenes to see such things as the zoo hospital. Florida: Mission Everglades highlights native Florida ecosystems and educate the public about conservation and preservation of the state’s wildlife habitats. The best time to visit is morning or late afternoon when the sun gets lower.
South Beach
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
A 15-block area at the southern tip of Miami Beach, this ‘tropicool’ stretch along the Atlantic Oceanfront has a style all its own. As one of the hippest, trendiest spots on the East Coast, South Beach is a great area for people-watching. You may spot a model being photographed on the sand, a rock star out for a stroll, or an enormous cruise ship leaving the Port of Miami. This busy stretch of gold sand (and the wild roller rink in MacArthur Park) may not be the best spot for a relaxing afternoon, but it’s sure worth a visit to check out “the scene.”
Art Deco District – Welcome Center
1001 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305/672-2014
The Art Deco District of Miami is a world-renowned area that covers about one square-mile of the heart of South Beach. A whole neighborhood comprised of wild and colorful 1920s and ’30s architecture, the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. No visit to Miami would be complete without a guided walking tour of the Art Deco District and its celebrity residents. A good place to start is the Miami Design Preservation League headquarters, where maps, guided tours, self-guided audio tours and Art Deco souvenirs are available. If you don’t have time to take a whole tour, you can learn about this design movement at the new Art Deco Museum on the premises. Since 2015 marks the centennial of Miami Beach, there are many events scheduled throughout the year. Closed Monday.
Lincoln Road Mall
Between Alton Road and Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
This fun outdoor mall is a long pedestrian zone packed with high end boutiques like skin care guru Kiehl’s, clothing shops like Anthropologie, Quiksilver, and Banana Republic, a movie theatre, and lots of street musicians and mimes. The scene is always kid-friendly, as many shops are tucked into restored, two-story Deco landmarks and the walkway itself has fountains and public art on display. On Sunday, every two weeks from October to May, the Lincoln Road Antiques & Collectibles Market has booths which take up the walkway and provide lots of vintage and Deco memorabilia and collectibles. Don’t miss the sunset and late-night people and pet watching, when Lincoln Road’s many outdoor cafes and cafe creatures really come to life. Metered parking is available in municipal lots both north and south of the mall.
Wynwood Art District
561 NW 32nd Street (location of Bakehouse Arts Complex)
Miami FL 33127
Since graffiti artists began using the long walls of warehouses and abandoned factories as their canvas more than a decade ago, Miami’s Wynwood Art District has become a fast-gentrifying area of restaurants, public art works, and high design shops. With more than 70 galleries, a few small museums and workshop collections in a rambling neighborhood that is bounded by North 36th Street, I-95 on the west and N.E. First Avenue on the east, it’s a must-see for visitors interested in the new. Start at the Wynwood Kitchen & Bar (2550 N.W. 2nd Avenue) with its famous interior murals and art garden, then stroll from there, or do a driving tour before you decide which area you want to walk in. Frequent weekend events, green markets and street fairs.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 S. Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
305/250-9133
Built in 1916 by the Chicago industrialist James Deering, this 34-room Italian Renaissance-style villa is loaded with period furniture, textiles, sculptures, and paintings from the 15th century on. Highlights inside the house include a rug that Christopher Columbus walked on and a restored historic village. Outside the house, 10 acres of manicured gardens and ornate fountains overlooking Biscayne Bay are really quite impressive and fun to stroll. Check their website for many seasonal festivals and performances on the grounds.
Venetian Pool
2701 de Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
305/460-5306
The only pool on the National Register of Historic Places, this 820,000-gallon pool was formed from a rock quarry in 1923. With two waterfalls, coral caves, grottos and stone bridges, the Venetian Pool, which is fed with cool spring water, sees nearly 100,000 visitors every year. Open seven days a week during the summer season (limited days during off season), the pool also offers courses in children’s swimming, adult swimming, and water safety. Coolers are not permitted on the premises, but the Venetian Poolside Cafe has a variety of family-friendly menu options. It is fun for the whole family; the only catch is that for safety reasons, children under the age of 3 are not granted entrance.
Bayside Marketplace
401 Biscayne Blvd., R106
Miami, Florida 33132
305/577-3344
This marketplace consists of 16 beautiful waterfront acres along Biscayne Bay, with many shops, restaurants and a large marina. Street performers and musicians frequent the area, and the harbor view makes for a great shopping/eating atmosphere characteristic to many popular waterfront markets. Allow a few extra hours to join a coastal cruise such as the Biscayne Lady past the lovely villas of many film and music celebrities whose estates line the Intracoastal Waterway — a touristy treat.
Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, Florida 33034
305/242-7700
An ideal daytrip from the Miami area, Everglades National Park is home to the largest remaining sub-tropical wilderness in the continental United States. Found within the winding fresh and saltwater streams and everglade prairies are crocodiles, alligators, armadillos, and a number of endangered bird species. Get the most out of your visit by joining up with a ranger-led hike or discussion.
Savings During Miami Attractions Month
If you’re visiting Miami during the month of October you’re in luck! The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts Miami Attractions Month, offering printable coupons for discounted admission to many of these attractions. Check their site for other seasonal savings.
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For summer vacation St John in USVI is an excellent place to visit. St. John is a true gem in the Caribbean with crystal clear waters, lush green mountains and gorgeous white sand beaches. Though it is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John’s unspoiled beauty is perhaps the greatest found anywhere in the Caribbean. Sixty percent of the island is national park land, creating the illusion that you are as far from civilization as possible. However, fine shopping such as upscale jewelry stores and boutiques are just a short distance away. Boating is also a popular activity for visitors of the islands. Rent a boat and island hop to neighboring islands and cays or enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, picnicking and relaxing aboard one of many day sail charter boats.
Helpful Post
I would suggest a car seat cover it helped me and my wife a lot from our last trip to Hawaii with my baby daughter here it is
Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and through the termites’ nests of Virgin Islands National Park. These are some beautiful places which are really attracts travelers to visit the islands.
Yes! Go to the Dominican Republic at least one time in your life.
Travel Forum are always helpful
Hello Clary, we are not attorneys but we do not see a need to have a power of attorney over your cousin for your trip. A permission to travel letter from the guardians, as well as a medical authorization letter — in case your cousin needs medical treatment — should be fine for your trip. This letter should come from the guardians, not you, so they should do it now rather than wait till your arrival to finish the paperwork. When they fill it out does not matter, since the letter will have the travel dates that your cousin will be with you. Have a safe trip and enjoy!
Hello
I’m traveling with my cousin who is a minor to South Korea in July 2018 its less than 20 days away along with the travel to consent letter should I get a temporary power of attorney. Also should I set a specific time frame to do these things or can I do it the day before we leave. I ask because I have to travel to where she lives and we are flying out of her city two days after I get there.
Its a lovely place. My experience was very excellent. I enjoyed such an amazing camel ride. Staff was well-trained & well-dressed up. Very helpfull staff ,I am very impressed. I suggest to all to go there & have some fun.
Royal Desert Camp is one of the best tent camps in Sam, Jaisalmer. We had visited on 31st Dec and stayed here for the night. There was an extra charge for the Gala Dinner, but it was worth the money spent. We were 3 girls on a road trip and it was a safe and good place to be at.
Being in the city of Royal Tents in Jaisalmer of moving sand ridges, you can’t get away from the seat travel. A rough ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the energizing things to do in Jaisalmer Royal Camps. It enables you to investigate the remote and segregated spots tucked amidst the abandon. Absolutely, the additional time you give on your safari, the more remote spots you are probably going to see and the more you may acclimate to and appreciate the abandon serenity.
Jaisalmer luxury camp in Sam Sand Dunes is an unquestionable requirement visit in the province of Rajasthan in the environs of the city of Jaisalmer. It is likely that you are going for a Desert Safari when wanting to visit Thar Desert or the consequences will be severe, the purpose of going there is pointless, making the Sam Sand Dunes an expanding significant vacation spot of the city.
Visit Us : http://www.desertdreamroyalcamp.com/rooms.php
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There is a reason why Iceland is a favourite travel destination. It’s natural beauty of mountains, volcanoes, and bodies of water make this country seem surreal … https://www.merrchant.com/daily/2/travel-blogs/
Indeed Caribbean islands are popular with families in the summer because of less rates than in winter, and the beaches and cultural attractions are just as appealing.
If you are interested in visiting Cusco, getting in touch with its people, volunteering in our Nutrition and education projects, then visit http://www.takemeinyourheart.org
My wife and I (US citizens) want to to take my 16 year old niece (who is a FIlipino citizen) to Korea for a graduation gift. We plan to pick her up in Philippines and fly together to Korea. We have all parental permissions and have proof of ability to support her trip. Is it possible for my niece to obtain the visa? A travel agent in the Philippines is telling us no.
What a wonderful graduation present! We cannot speak on behalf of the government of Korea, as they determine their visa policy for citizens of all countries who want to visit. What we suggest is that you contact the Korea Embassy in the US – 202-939-5600 – as you are U.S.citizens, and ask them for their advice.
Regardless of the visas, it is important that when you travel with your minor niece you have the Permission Letters, so that is a great first step.
Have a safe trip, please let us know if we can be of help.
I want to know how much cost the whole trip can be required to visit this destination. I would like to specific answer on thanks in advance.
The Montcalm Club is a reward program offering free membership for all 5-star MontCalm hotels in London. Each of The MontCalm Luxury Hotels is uniquely and elegantly designed to enhance your stay whether you are in London for business, shopping, theatre or sight-seeing. We extend a diverse range of benefits for our valued guests. Become a member by registering online or at reception at any of MontCalm properties and earn 100 points straightaway & 10 points on every pound you spend on your room booking at any of our hotels. Collect the requisite points and redeem them for a free night stay at the Mont Calm Hotels in London. So, what you are waiting for? Join, Earn & Redeem at the montcalmclub. This time montcalmclub offering the loyalty rewarding in that people can save up to 15% on membership.
This is such a piece of paradise.
Love the pictures, outstanding post! You absolutely re-fueled my wish to visit Morocco. It’s been on my bucket incline for fairly some time. Sounds like you had a blast!
Indeed! Agra is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit. Taj Mahal is one of my favourites. Seeing Agra Fort in Person is quite mesmerizing too. Thank for the trip planning details. I will bookmark this for my future India travels.
A very nice information about Agra and its related places. People usually think a lot about making their trip well-organised. This will gonna help them.
Hurricanes strike without intimation, we need to take some preventive measures to reduce the impact of hurricanes. The information given here is really useful. I would like to add some of the tips that help to survive a hurricane like, create a plan for the family, secure your home with hurricane resistant products, always have a survival kit with you. Take some helpful hints from the professionals and secure your home and make sure you have an escape route ready with you.
Of course! Christmas is a magical time for children – and equally unusual for moms and dads who love nothing more than to see their little ones’ faces smiley with festive joy.
There are so many countries and their cities where people can enjoy these festivals, but I think London is the most popular place to enjoy the lightning of the festivals like Christmas.
Christmas is magical especially for kids. We were lucky enough to take our kids to Lapland when they were younger. Meeting the real Santa and his elves was wonderful.
Great article with good information
thanks for it
If anyone is looking for anything else to do in London, there is a Christmas market in Hyde Park that lasts through New Years. There are several other seasonal events that you can enjoy.
https://londonconnection.com/upcoming-events-london/
Great products!
Volunteer vacations, or voluntourism, is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. By taking a volunteer vacation, you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people. One of my friends is a working as a volunteer for voyage humanitaire, these trips offer a great charity experience, Where you can offer your support to the needful people.
Nothing is more beautiful than Europe. Would definitely travel to Europe one day.
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is known for its vibrant street life and ornate shrines. It is a city which is exquisitely decorated with Buddhist temples all around along with various natural beauties. The city of Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and is known as a hot and chaotic city.
How did Halloween get to be so big? The most fun we ever had was at the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, but I see now that in the US, it’s gone to a whole new level of madness.
A road trip through New England is beautiful at any time of year, but when the leaves begin to turn (anywhere from early September to late October) it can be spectacular.
The common wisdom is that the leaves get their signal to change color when night time temperatures drop below 40 F degrees. The farther north you go towards Canada, and the higher the elevation, the sooner this occurs. By mid-September you may see a whole range of colors in northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
In New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, those colors could reach their peak around early October. In Manhattan, New York City where my family lives, we always count on Columbus Day as being the height of leaf color around us, but a big storm or early frost can change all that.
The safest bet is to ask the source — tourism offices in the states you are interested in — as they monitor the climate and moisture in the leaves very closely. Here is a round up of resources for leaf peepers:
Leaf Peekers Guide Americas Fall Foliage
What a great list this is — I just got back from Norway and have to say that the Raumer railway, from Alesund up to Bergen, is another gorgeous ride. The Norway fjords are very beautiful.
I never knew South Dakota was an ice-cream hotspot, sounds like a great place for foodie familes. The local dishes–I need to try chislic–are making my mouth-water. Thanks for such an informative peice on a part of the country I know so little about.
We’ve just heard the good news that Finnair is increasing airlift to five airports in Lapland for the winter 2017-2018 season. Between Jan 1- March 24, 2018, Finnair will add four weekly frequencies to Rovaniemi, three to Kuusamo, and extra flights between Helsinki and Ivalo and Helsinki and Kittilä.
During the winter 2017-2018 season, Finnair will also operate new non-stop flights to Lapland airports from London Gatwick, Paris and Zurich.
we love this idea, to add actual storybooks to the amazing storytelling that goes on at Disneyland. Imagine you can follow up on the excitement of a thrill ride with the moral tale that influenced it, how much more meaningful that would become for our kids. thanks for sharing it!
My 16 yr old is planning to go to Costa Rica with an 18yr old and a 19 yr old. What papers do I need to fill out and have him bring?
Submitted by D.A. to moderator
This article explains the forms that we recommend and why they are needed for the 16-year-old: https://myfamilytravels.com/content/14513-permission-travel-letters-and-why-you-need-them
There is a field within the article where you can input your email address to request that blank forms are sent to you. Please check your Inbox and spam filter for a confirmation email that will ‘confirm’ your request, and once you have clicked on it, you should get a second email with the forms themselves.
My family has been in the wholesale end of the souvenir supply business dating back to 1952 when my Grandfather came out of retirement at age 51 and bought a local wholesale jobber distributor that sold some small wooden novelties made in the Ozarks.
Along with my father’s youth, energy and drive they built a small regional business into a national Importer/Distributor with regional warehouses serving the souvenir needs of Tourist attractions throughout the US. It’s an interesting story and one that started with cheap trinkets Made in Japan that transformed Asia into the powerful Manufacturing Revolution that feeds thousands of Big box Retailers today.
One of our oldest and most popular local attractions here in the midwest that is still operating under the original Family is Meramec Caverns. The attraction has been largely shut down early this spring due to some troubling environmental problems which I believe developed after a regional Flood of the Meramec washed out the visitor center. I believe its set to reopen soon. This is the type of “Attraction” that has kept families on the road and vintage souvenirs making a comeback.
Fairway Mfg. Company
Mark Sobelman, President
2424 Schuetz Rd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Thanks for the feedback, that travel stroller you got looks like a great solution with 2 kids, but it’s pricey! Let us know how you like using it on your trip.
Congratulations!
Traveler Carla K asks:
My eleven year old son will be traveling with his grandmother to Vietnam and Cambodia. They will have a plane change in Korea (which will be a port of entry, so I assume they will go through immigration and customs here as well).
This is my question: Do I need to sign and notarize three separate forms (one per country)?
Our answer:
We are not attorneys but we recommend that you have several copies of the same form, and that the form include the travel information about the whole itinerary. In terms of changing planes, there may not be a need to go through Immigration in Korea. However, if you have an original form that mentions all the flights/countries within a broad range of travel dates, and have photocopies that grandparents can leave behind if requested by an Immigration official, they should be fine.
We wish your son and his grandmother a safe and fun trip — it certainly sounds like a fascinating journey to us.Thank you and please get in touch with other questions.
The CPB has some useful advice on this topic on their web page: http://ow.ly/Q2WEY
Well the 1st of June started out soggy. I, along with most all the captains had to cancel due to the fact that it rained and lightened most of the day. The rest of the week was beautiful. None of my clients this week wanted to Tarpon fish, so I stayed inshore most of the week, but the reports I’m getting are still saying that the tarpon bite is remaining strong at Bean Point and along the beach. All my clients this week wanted to stay inshore to take home some fish for the dinner table. The bite this week was slow in the morning but picked up at the tale end of the high tide and was good through the outgoing tide. Most days we were able to catch 20 or so trout with about half being in the keeper range. The big trout of the week was 23″ with most of the trout being caught in 3′-4′ of water on small grass patches. The Redfish bite has been slow but we are managing to catch a couple each trip during the higher water along the mangroves. The Snook bite has been good as long as the tide is moving. Most trips we were able to catch around 15-20 with most being in the 25″ range. If you are looking to book at fishing charter or fishing trip and are near Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa areas book with Anna Maria Inshore Fishing, LCC call Fishing Guide Capt. Kyle (941) 345-7182 http://www.annamariainshorefishing.com or check out my brother Fishing Guide Capt. Ryan (941) 812-7435 http://www.bradentoninshorefishing.com
I just wanted to inquire how much a cruise is how long it is what the fees and baggage charges etc are there accommodation for children that are autistic _ is there a discount for people that are Disneyland annual pass holders
By Deb L, moved by Forums moderator
Disney cruises are really fun, and their staff is so well trained to work with all kids, that I think you will find them able to include a child with autism in the regular children’s programming. (Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line I know — see story — that has specific accommodations and loaner toy kits, for example, for guests on the spectrum.)
DCL Cruises run 4 to 7 days typically, pricing varies because some have theme park tickets bundled in, some leave from Florida, others from California and a ship will be in Europe this summer.
You can find out more about Disney Cruise Lines at their site: vhttp://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ – that would be the place to inquire if pass holders get any type of discount. One good cruise travel specialist we know is Magic For Less — http://www.themagicforless.com/ – and they can help you sort through the many choices.
Have a great trip, we don’t think you’ll go wrong!
From a quirky retail store, to a nature park with over 380 live animals, the Shell Factory is “must see” for families visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida. Located in Fort Myers, this iconic, offbeat roadside attraction offers a variety of activities, souvenirs and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
You can shop for Christmas decorations in the Christmas store (which is open year-round!), try out a hurricane simulator, watch hermit crab races, stroll through aisles filled with taxidermy, indulge in homemade fudge, channel your inner pirate in the Pirate room and more.
Thanks to Julianna Bryan for her fun suggestion.
Hello, my name is Joshua. You have a great site. I have a few questions that has branched off from reading your article by Kyle McCarthy about the road trip from Jacksonville Florida to Key West using A1A and also Route 1. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am in the navy and live in Jacksonville. I recently decided that I am going to take a long (month or longer) backpacking trip from Jacksonville to Miami (or Key west if I can make it). I am having trouble decideing which route to take A1A or Route 1. It seems as if you took both on your road trip. Maybe you can suggest which I take. If you can make any suggestions maybe you could consider I will be backpacking and looking for a decent sized shoulder on the side to walk on. I would like easier access to motels and food. I also wonder if I could plop a tent down anywhere in my travels? Also, I picture myself stopping for a cold beer here and there along my travels somewhere that a dirty backpacker would be welcomed. The problem is I am currently on deployment overseas so my research is limited and I am not very familiar with Florida at all yet. Any help for my backpacking trip would be greatly appreciated so I can start to plan it as much as I can at sea for now. The descriptions of your trip are very well detailed, I am just not sure which route to concentrate on or would be easier, more scenic and fun for a backpacker. I will continue to read your site as I love to travel and you have very detailed and relevant information. Thanks so much.
ubud would be super for a mother-daughter getaway. The Yoga Barn is terrific: it cascades down a hillside, first with welcome bungalow, then a really good restaurant, then a yoga building (photo below), then gardens and what I think are either cottages for accom or treatment rooms. And meanwhile you’re in ubud!
Some people stay at the yoga barn but it’s pretty expensive by ubud standards. I had a beautiful guest house– traditional compound with statuary and pool and ornate platforms — for $25 cDN and I left it for a better one. Plus today I went to beautiful spa, garden setting, 5 mins from yoga barn, and had massage , papaya scrub, and soak in a flower-filled tub — $27 cDN , so that’s maybe $20?
< The patio of my guesthouse.
Ubud is so very beautiful, my room is like a private bungalow by a ravine, beautiful greenery, sounds of cicadas and rushing water, and this little temple where the lady of the house does a ceremony every morning.
Ubud also has Balinese dance performances every night ($6), exquisite meals ($5)…
Contributed by user Teresa Plowright.