OUTSIDE THE BOX DAY TRIPS AND GETAWAYS (FROM MIAMI):
PART 2

Off the beaten path places in Florida you probably haven’t been to

Are any of the places you visit ever failures? Absolutely, and, I can totally relate; but why share those with you? In reality, I have encountered increasingly pleasant surprises; more often than not, I’m surprised at the diversity of fun, beautiful, exciting things to do and places to see we have within a close radius of Miami. Those surprises are what truly inspire me to look even further, dig a little deeper, drive a bit further, and then share with my clients and readers. (If you missed the first part of my Day Trips and Getaways series, check it out here)

Biscayne National Park

We are lucky in Southern Florida to have direct access to 3 national parks. The Everglades get all the fame, Dry Tortugas gets all the glory, which leaves Biscayne National Park. Just an hour outside of Miami, this park is one of Florida’s best kept secrets.

Pick from all the wonderful activities they offer including kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and the boat ride to Boca Chita Key is a must. With a beautiful beach, clear waters, and dried coral pieces which look like seashells, this island is one not to be missed- and the lighthouse is just the icing on the cake. 50 percent (or more) of Miami locals don’t even know this park exists, but now you’re in the know so don’t miss it!

As we approach the warmer months here in Miami, don’t forget to pack your favorite bug repellent.

Theater of the Sea located in Islamorada, is a great place to get up close and personal with marine animals, especially dolphins. This place really makes you feel like you are stepping into the animals’ habitat rather than an aquarium or zoo. There is a spectacular dolphin show, dolphin encounters, parrots, sea lions, and reptiles to see and interact with. They can even do experiences for children as young as 4 years old!

Little ones can get excited about their days with the dolphins and other sea friends with this super cute lift the flap book.

Solomon’s Castle is a real life castle in the last place you’d ever think to find a castle! 

Howard Solomon, the castle’s creator, was well known for making beautiful things from once discarded items. He built the whole structure, standing 3 stories tall, and entirely covered in shiny aluminum (printing plates), without blueprints. He then completed the look with stained glass windows. There’s even a kitschy restaurant--The Boat in the Moat-- that tops the whole thing off. Visit this quirky, centrally located stop for a little whimsy and adventure into the imagination.

Now that you’re inspired, build your own castle with this wooden set or this glow in the dark kit!

West Coast Beaches- The beach on the west coast-yes, any beach on the west coast-is different than what we have here in Miami. The sand is whiter and softer, and the seashells are surprisingly abundant and diverse. As a kid, I spent a countless number of weekends enjoying the west coast’s beaches. I remember being mesmerized by playing in the sand for hours with my sisters just collecting seashells, finding mussels, and floating in the clear Gulf of Mexico water. Two of my personal west coast favorites are Saint Petersburg Beach and Anna Maria Island. Make sure you stick around for at least one of the sunsets (On the east coast, we have stunning sunrises but the west Coast is all about sunsets)--it will transport you to a tropical island. 

If you’re like me, you want to be ready for anything but don’t want to pack too much, especially when you’re going to the beach. This sandproof beach blanket is big enough for the whole crew, but folds up tiny!

Devil’s Den

About 30 minutes outside of the University of Florida lies Devil’s Den, a prehistoric sinkhole where you can scuba dive or snorkel into crystal clear, shark and gator-free, blue waters. It is definitely one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. It is one of Florida’s 700 springs (yes, Florida has that many natural springs). Devil’s Den was named by
original settlers to the area that saw steam rising from the ground (the waters below were warmer than the winter air). Right now, due to social distancing policies, Devil’s Den is limiting the number of people they allow in at one time, so you get to enjoy it without overcrowding.

With this awesome snorkel mask your kids will be ready for ANY snorkel adventure!

How far are you willing to drive before it becomes an overnight destination? At what point does it become a road trip? I love road trips, because we stop at places we would have never visited before and once in the car, driving a bit out of the way is no big deal. I hope these fun spots inspire you to pack your favorite snacks, gather the people you like most and hit the road!!! 

Have you been somewhere in Florida that is totally out of the ordinary?

I’d love to hear from you! Let me know if there are any specific topics you’d like to explore even further.

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