Attractions
Seminole Reservation
An hour west of Fort Lauderdale on the road to Naples the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation boasts the Ah-Tah-Thi-Khi Museum, giving visitors an insight into the history and culture of Florida’s so-called ‘unconquered’ Indian tribe. The museum features exhibits and a living village where visitors can watch artisans at work. There is also a nature trail to explore, and a film on Seminole history is shown regularly.
Address: Big Cypress Seminole Reservation
Telephone: (863) 902 1113
E-mail:museum@semtribe.com
Web site:www.seminoletribe.com/museum
Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm
Admission: $6 (adults), $4 (children 4-12 and seniors)
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Everglades National Park
The vast Everglades National Park that spans the tip of the Florida peninsula, 35 miles southwest of Miami, has been described as a 40-mile-wide slow-moving river of grass, interspersed with shallow wetlands. It is the only subtropical preserve in North America, containing temperate and tropical plants. It also boasts dozens of endangered species that find a home in this natural habitat, like the swallowtail butterfly, American crocodile, leatherback turtle, southern bald eagle and West Indian manatee. The best way to explore the Park is by canoe; private operators however run rapid air-boat tours, which are popular with thrill-seeking visitors. The Park has been accorded several honours including its designation as a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance. A few sections of the park still remain closed due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina and Wilma; visitors are advised to check on the latest situation before visiting.
Telephone: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: (305) 242 7700
Web site:www.nps.gov/ever
Transport: Greyhound buses service Homestead, but no public transport is available from there to the park entrance. There is no public transportation within the park, but canoes and kayaks can be rented in the park
Opening time: Open year round; the main park entrance (near Homestead and Florida City) is open 24 hours a day
Admission: $10 per vehicle, or $5 per pedestrian or cyclist, valid for seven days
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Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit
Nothing is staid or boring in Miami, least of all its museums. The Museum of Science north of Coconut Grove, contains more than 140 exhibits, all designed to be hands-on and interactive, coupled with live demonstrations and collections of rare natural history specimens that make discovering and learning a great deal of fun. The Wildlife Center boasts more than 175 live reptiles and birds of prey, and the adjacent Space Transit Planetarium provides more thrills with projected astronomy and laser light shows.
Address: 3280 South Miami Avenue
Telephone: (305) 646 4200
Web site:www.miamisci.org
Opening time: Daily from 10am to 6pm; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission: $17 (adults), $11 (children 3-12), free for under 3's. Other concessions available. Prices include museum galleries, planetarium shows and wildlife center
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Miami Seaquarium
At least a half a day is required to fully enjoy south Florida's premier attraction. The Seaquarium is world-renowned for its marine life shows and attractions, including performing killer whales and television aquatic star and dolphin, Flipper. Another favourite star is the sea lion Salty and his colleagues, who amuse and amaze with their antics.
Address: 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Telephone: (305) 361 5705
Web site:www.miamiseaquarium.com
Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 6pm
Admission: $27.95 (adults), $21.95 (children 3-9)
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Sea World
Spread out between the Disney parks at Lake Buena Vista and the downtown Orlando area is the renowned Sea World attraction, which has been making a major splash in central Florida for more than a quarter of a century. The park, owned and operated by Annheuser-Busch, is designed to give an interactive look at the sea and all its facets, featuring themed animal habitats from tidal pools to iceberg lakes. In addition visitors can hug a dolphin or kiss a killer whale, and watch the famous aquatic Sea World stars go through their paces in various shows. The park also features fun rides like the very popular water roller coaster thrill ride called Journey to Atlantis. Neighbouring Discovery Cove (part of the Sea World group) offers visitors a chance to swim with dolphins, view wildlife, sunbathe on gorgeous beaches and snorkel amongst the coral. See www.discoverycove.com for details.
Telephone: (407) 351 3600
Web site:www.seaworld.com
Opening time: Daily from 9am, but closing hours vary according to the month, closing earlier in winter
Admission: $64.95 (adults), $53.95(children 3-9). Packages and combination tickets are available
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The Marine Life Center of Juno Beach
Some years ago Juno Beach resident Eleanor Fletcher, affectionately known locally as ‘the Turtle Lady’, began assembling a collection of turtle artefacts and information that has grown to become the Marine Life Center on the oceanfront at Loggerhead Park, which monitors turtles along the Gold Coast. The Center is essentially a turtle hospital, and visitors can see ill and injured creatures being rehabilitated. The Center has numerous exhibits, including tropical fish and shells, and a gift shop. Evening guided ‘turtle walks’ are offered during June and July, but bookings must be made in advance.
Address: 14200 US Hwy One, Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach
Telephone: (561) 627 8280
