Southeast Florida Overview

Southeast Florida and the Keys move to a beat of their own. From the abundant Latin flare of Miami to the Jimmy Buffett themes of the Keys, party goers will feel welcome to this part of the state. Not to worry though – history seekers and outdoors adventurers will have plenty to explore here too! Parks such as the Bahia Honda State Park offer the traditional Florida outings, such as fishing and snorkeling. Trails and Refuges can be found here for the nature enthusiasts.

Boca Raton

Addison Mizner left a beautiful mark here with his 20th-century architecture. Lake Boca and the Atlantic Ocean both offer stunning views of the water. In 2009, the Luxury Boca Raton Resort received a $220 million renovation. Tour the Boca Raton Museum of Art, shop in mega malls and feast in a number of fine dining restaurants.

Boynton Beach

To the west, discover the green with plenty of golf offerings. To the east, visitors will be able to explore the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean. In the middle, discover public arts and the 1913 schoolhouse re-purposed as the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and Learning Center, where visitors can get a hands-on experience with interactive exhibits showcasing Florida’s history. Make sure you pay a visit to the Renaissance Commons, the new dining and entertainment area along Congress Avenue.

Coconut Grove

Entertainment. Arts. Boutiques. Dining. Coconut Grove has a fantastic offering of landmarks to enjoy. The trendy CocoWalk and Mayfair in the Grove are home to some of the best of these establishments. Nature enthusiasts will be able to explore the hidden 1891 Barnacle Historic State Park on Biscayne Bay. The European-inspired manse, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, offers 34 rooms of art and antiques spreading across five centuries of history.

Coral Gables

At first glance, Coral Gables just looks like another pretty Florida destination, but there is so much more here under the surface. Look into the town’s history, such as founder George Merrick, who incorporated the city in 1925. Witness the Biltmore Hotel, as well as the visual and performing arts events at the University of Miami. Off campus, set yours eyes on preserved plants at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden.

Deerfield Beach

Surf, pier fish or play volleyball at Deerfield Beach. These stunningly blue waters alone make it worth the visit, but be sure to check out the Quiet Waters Park and the Deerfield Beach Arboretum and butterfly gardens as well.

Delray Beach

Two aging schools were saved from demolition here from locals in the 1980s which were resurrected as the Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture and the Crest Theatre. Delray pays its respects to the arts, and preserves the galleries of Pineapple Grove Arts District as well as cultural offerings such as the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Be sure to check out local events such as Art and Jazz on the Avenue during your stay.

Greater Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is now synonymous with luxury – yachts, ream homes and resorts are sprawled across the town. These are here for great reason though – Fort Lauderdale is the perfect escape with the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway by its side. A Venetian style canal system can be explore via water taxi, and fishing, diving and water sports dominate these blue beaches. Shopping, dining, and booming nightlife all exist here and be sure to make a trip to the Village at Gulfstream Park as well.

Hallandale

Just to give you an idea of the lifestyle here: the water tower is painted like a beach ball. Vegas-style slots and casino offerings can be found at Gulfstream and Casino, and be sure to check out shopping and dining opportunities at the Village of Gulfstream Park.

Hollywood

Boardwalks can be found at most of the beaches here, which makes them fishing and people-watching friendly. Walk miles along the beach or explore historic downtown here. Sidewalk cafes, art pavilions and galleries can all be found downtown, and just a half-mile from here, check out mangroves and canoe or kayak at Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park.

Miami

Miami is the ultimate melting pot – with arts, party culture and glorious beaches, this city is easily accessible for anyone. Check out the Design District for furniture, antiques and collectible art. Hand-rolled cigars can be found along Little Havana’s Calle Ocho, or Eighth Street. Memorable dining, nightlife and shopping can be had at the Biscayne Bay, and the Miami Seaquarium and the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park are found at Key Biscayne.

Miami Beach

Here, the landscape is as pretty as the people residing on the beach. The Atlantic Ocean and palms can all be found here, as well as Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami modern structures. Be sure to check out the most influential art show in the Americas, Art Basel. Shoppers will feel delight when they lay their eyes on the shopping plazas here, such as Bal Harbour. Explore Ocean Drive and partake in shopping, partying, beach-going and lounging late into the night.

Palm Beach

In 1896, the West Palm Beach Inn was built by Henry Flagler as a grand “home away from home”. In 1902, Whitehall was built for his wife. He then decided to double the size of the Palm Beach Inn and it was renamed as The Breakers. Unfortunately, the inn has been burnt down twice, but was reconstructed both times. Today, it still stands as luxurious as ever, and Whitehall lives on as the Flagler Museum. Although it is true that Palm Beach is true to its reputation as a playground for the rich, there are still plenty of activities to new-comers to gander upon. Fine arts, Mediterranean storefronts and exceptional courtyards can all be found here.

Plantation

Plantation resides just to the east of Fort Lauderdale. Here, lush inlands mimic oasis with golf greens and parks. Plantation Preserve offers the best of both worlds. Be sure to walk through the wetlands via the Tequesta Indian Burial Mound.

Pompano Beach

The heart of this city belongs to fishing. The 1907 Hillsborn Lighthouse occasionally offers tours. Its black and white hull are as impressive as the golden sand below.

West Palm Beach

Sitting inland from Palm Beach, West echoes some of the same offerings as its mainland. The Norton Museum of Art is an attractive destination, as well as the plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. By day, soak up the history and arts, and by night, live it up in the social scene with lounges and live performances. For the younger crowd, the West Palm Beach Zoo, Lion Country Safari and South Florida Science Museum are the hosts to a lot of fun activities.