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.